New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-08-06
NEW-YORK'S WATERFRONT.

This port Is still scantly provided with great
docks in which vessels Of the largest size can
be properly repaired. The needs Of this harbOr
in respect TO the enormous locks Of the class
which can be found in the chief ports OF Great
Britain and the Continent are of an extensive
and serious nature. When the Greater New
York takes its place as the second city OF the
world all loyal citizens must hope that capital
lists will come to the front and will provide the
huge docks which are required for the swift and
ample development Of It's commerce Even I'M
friendly critics, however, cannot deny that a
great deal has been done in the last twenty-five
years for the Improvement of the waterfront
Of Manhattan Island, especially on the West
Side The piers that have been constructed are
in many cases sound, substantial and we'll built
The Dock Department has in hand far-reachlng
extensions Of the existing pier system. and has
entered upon the work OF equlpping the North
River front with a sufficient number Of wharves
to provide for the increase of New York's com
merce. Many millions of dollars are involved
in the proposed expenditure, and the work is
Of such dimensions that many years will be
requisite in order TO carry it ont. If the whole
gigantic task is put through under vigilant
supervision. and with strict regard to public
interests. all NewYOrkers will have reason TO
be proud Of it and to exult over it, The Greater
New-York must be equal to It's opportunities
The second city in the world must provide for
commerce on broad and generous scale The
twentieth century will not be far advanced be-
fore the West Side of Manhattan Island. from
the Battery TO Seventy -secOnd-st.. will be COW
cred with system Of piers that will be credit
able TO the metropolis and 1t is practically GER
tain that within the next quarter of century
II not earlier. transportation lines will connect
the piers in such manner that the handling
Of freight VIII be FASTENED 10 a marvellous ex-
tent. The Hudson River front along the Dor
der Of Riverside Drive should be embeshed
and arranged so as 10 make that part of Man
haitian Island even more attractive than II now
Is. In due time the tracks Of the Hudson River
Railroad should be masked that they will
present no unpleasant contrast 10 the beautiful
features of the Riverside Drive itself and 10 the
distinctive characteristics Of the waterfront as
1t will then he made a qualification 10 artistic
eyes.
Impressive and extensive changes are sure TO
be made and ought to be made on the banks
OF the Harlem River. The Federal Government
has already expended large sums for the ship
canal connected with the Harlem. bat millions
OF dollars. both OF private and public funds
must he laid out in tie course OF time for the
purpose Of making the region along The Harlem
what 1t should be. Al present there are long
stretches Of wild, unkemp; bog land and swamp
land adjoining the Harlem al various places.
In several instances these stretches Of repilsive-
looking territory are owned by NEWCOMERS %
large wealth. 1t Is their duty as philosophical
citizens ~ improve this property n: an elriv
day. The NewYork OF to-day extends far above
the Harlem River and he snip canal 10 the
spacious area OF the Greater New-Yors the Har-
lem and the nelghboring lands will be Of even
greater importance and value than AT present
This river and Its shores should be so improved
that every part Of the stream, from Long Island