New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-04-26
SIGNBOARD NUISANCES.

The approval by Mayor Strong Of the bill CIV
Ing the Park Commissioners power to remove
sgnboards in the neishborhood Of the parks
makes it reasonably certain that the measure
will become Il law and that the beauty OF our
pleasure grounds will cease to be married by
these unsightly structures. This step marks the
beginning OF n movement which should extend
over the whole country. and put check to ad-
vcrtising vandalism which. In its craze TO at
tract attention, Is robbing the citizen OF his
rights 10 the reasonable enjoyment OF his sur
roundings 1t is rs much an outrage 10 assault
the eyes Of person with disgusting and incon-
gruous sights to make him aware Of the exist
ence of some soap or stove polish as II would
be to assault his ears with steam whistles or
his olfactory nerves with powerful smells TO
fix his mind upon the same things.
This city has suffered much from fhc abuse
by owners Of private property overlooking pub
lie places Of their power 10 annoy others for
their own profit Perhaps the beauty Of River
side has been most injured by the signboards
along It's borders but Central Park has not been
exempt from intrusion by the sign painter. the
small parks and squares have been made the
theatre of torturng displays and the visitor
10 the new uptown parks in search Of rural
scenery has had his vision spoiled by the ubiqui-
tOus high fences. Even Elore than New-Iork
Boston Is suffering from this evil. Much Of its
park system consists Of boulcvards bortlcrcd
with narrow strips II woodland and lawn. Thus
the .:-eit promcnadcs and drveways, instead
II being protected by considerable tracts OF land.
give all along plain view OF private property.
This has been utilized by the advertiser until
the driv"ways from the Fcns To Franklin Park
brSte with monstrOstlcs. which suggest crude
and vulgar suburbs rather than pleasure
grounds. on the Palisades 1t Is still possible
10 erect great screens Of lumber covered with
horrors In paint which ARE visible across the
Hudson at the same time that two States are
taking measures 10 preserve this tract for the
delight ~ future generations.
II is true we have laws 10 prevent the de-
facing Of rocks and scenery with paint. but
they do no; prevent the erection Of exrancouS
structures which are quite "a Objectionable. The
natural tendency TO restrict the uses OF private
property ~ little as possible has hitherto pre-
vented any serious check being given 10 this
evil. hut there IL growing realization Of tho
fact that people may be wrongcd in other ways
than 10y physical injury OF the destruction of
their property. and there is every year greater
willingness 10 extend the legal definition ~ a
nuisance A police court In this city has com
PEELED an advertiser 10 cease annoying a neigh
bor by throwing lights on his building. and in
England the law goes SO FAR To forbid the
erection Of sky signs or advertising boards
placed on the top Of buildings or swinging over
streets. We shall have To come 10 that here
finally and place rigid restrictions on tn lecation
and character Of advertisements. No better be-
ginning can be made in this good work than 10
free our parks Of their defacing presence.