New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-20

icy TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.]
Washington Feb 19-New-Jersey and Newly rK
people who were present to-day in the Military
AYars Committee room Of the House were pleased
at the manner In which Representative fairchiiu
Palisades bill presented by the JOINT con'n'9
sion Of the two States and members or congress
Governor Hull. chairman Of the COMMITTED pre-
sided and there were present H. W. Wintoh' Yen
eral L. p Meaney. W. G. Morse and j. James H.
Croes OF the Joint commission Representatives
Howell, MeEwan. Parker and Stewart, OF New
Jersey and several other members or Congress
Judge Stewart introduced the joint commissioners
in a few well-chosen remarks, directing atteh'oh
TO the picturesque. patriotic and strategic adVah-
tages to accrue from the improvement. General
Meaney referred TO the necessity Of some action TO
prevent the destruction of the Palisades and SUB
mitted that the matter was one or Natoha inter-
and Importance. and one in regard 10 WHICH o''
the general Government could take effective action
He referred to the law just approved by Governor
Morton, cedins the United States that portion OF
the Palisades within the limits Of the State OF New
York and said that like action would be taken Win
in a short time by the Legislature and Governor Oh
New-Jersey regarding that portion OF the con'em-
plated park which lies within the limits OF that
State. The two States together proposed 10 cede 10
the general Government jurisdiction over six miles
o! the west bank OF the Hudson including all RI
parian rights. The TO be covered by the pro-
posed park about 2c0 acres. 800 OF which includes
the Palisades and the remainder land below and
above thea. The cos; of their acquisition by the
general Government would not be more than s5p.oV
All the speakers dwelt at length on the historical
features and associations the strategic advan,
tages IN military sense, the educational value ana
the scenic beauties of the site. Some OF the MEM
bcrs OF the Military Committee subsequently re-,
marked that too much stress, in their opinion, had
been laid the strategic and other military ad-
Vantascs of the place in OF war with foreign
nation Mr. Mcclellan OF New York. VINO - a men,
Der OF the committee said that he would support the
bili because the people of his district wanted IL
passed, but he was by no means impressed with
the military arguments advanced In favor OF it.
Ex-senator Winton, Of Bergen County y. j.. In
which Of the seven miles OF area Included In the
proposed undertaking lie, spoke for seven or eight
minutes, covering briefly the entire subject.
Mr.. Morse, the secretary Of the Commission,
treated the historical aspects of the matter. and
the adaptabinty OF the place for fertilization II
save the northeastern part Of the Nation from be-
ing of from the rest OF the country. It's nat
ura advantages for military defence we're pointed
out by OF maps and photographs.
j. James r. CrOes, OF the NewYork Commission.
followed Mr. Morse with an interesting description
Of the geological formation OF the Palisades. lie
also considered the topic of defence consulting the
in the event of war If the appropriation should be
made. MIR. CrOcs, an engineering expert, was
listened closely. and MS replies to questions We're
satisfactory. Representative Fairchilds argument
appeared TO produce favorable impression upon
the members of the committee.
The bill is still In the hand of ubcommttee. OF
which Mr.. Bishop. of Michigan. Is chairman; 1t
proposes to appropriate $4,000 for the establish
ment of National military and naval park on
the Palisades.