The daily morning journal and courier., 1900-02-24

DOCUMENT SUBMITTED s TO MA TOR { Imperative Need of Laws-ETorts to Save Some Part of the Annual Appro- priattOm Were Not Successful as the cessitated Larger Expenditures. l Following is the annual report of the Park Commission, submitted to Mayor Driscoll.
 To His Honor the Mayor, and the Hon.
 orable Court of Common Csuncil.
 Gentlemen--The Commissioners of Public Works submit herewith their annual report, for the year ending De- cember 31 1S99 An account of the work accomplished is the several will be found appended hereto; also a state 1aent in detail of all receipts during that period. Since it's inception under the present commission in 1889, substantial progress has been made in the definite policy of gradual development, always Keeping well in mind that the early &C., ouirement of such territory as shall be hi~NNe1NS'N With sufficient funds at command, which might well be provided by mod crate issue of park bonds, this acquisi- ton of land would speedily be consum- mated. Again, the levy annually of half-mill tax on the grand list should for many years to come provide suffi- \ cient income for the proper expansion of our ten parks This problem should 1>o e,o,,ioaJxy oopcidarpd eSppciallV in view of the steadily increasing cost of maintenance.
 Apart from the protection and bet terment of the chain of drives and foot paths, all of which are now in excellent condition, the small fund available was mainly applied to the further improve ment of the open meadow at the north end of the park. This broad stretch has been ploughed over, a great quanti- ty of boulders and loose stones re- moved, it's surface levelled off and rolled, and, finally, grass seed sown; so that now, with the old division boun- daries obliterated, the plot will provide pleasant expanse of lawn, comprising some eighteen acres and extending from the Farnam drive to the parks northerly limits This section will pSNt'C''' I further treatment in the way of rolling, weeding and seeding down, while lit tie judicious planting would add ma terially to it's attractiveness.
 The foregoing is practically the only new work done during the year, as it has been the policy of the commission CTS to reserve part of their income for the prospective purchase of certain small tracts of land on the north and east. It is expected that title to these may shortly be acquired, which would complete the park layout on the north east and also provide additional terri tory beyond the Trowbridge estate.
 Encouraging progress has also been effected in the scheme of thinning out the superf1uous timber and underbrush along the drives; also in opening up some much needed vistas at points commanding extended views
 Notwithstanding the efforts made to reserve funds applicable to the pur- a1GNase of land, the expenditures for the yeSr amounted to $55S5.59, or within a little more than $400 of the annual ap- propriation, almost all of this having been Srequired for maintenance, while the amount needed to care for the drives and rambles the lawns and flower gardens, the repairs to buildings and plant, is not likely to be less, but rather more as time goes on and a higher standard of condition is called for. From now on, therefore, the com mission cannot hope to do much new work unless the city appropriation is increased or sufficient funds provided by private donations.
 WEST ROCK PARK.
 The first work of the season consist nd in completing the drive leading from The main road out on the face of the rock. This occupied about a month, the entire roadway being now in good condition and much patronized by req son of the magnificent views afforded. Immediately thereafter, the old drive to .Judges Cave, which had become much broken up by use, was entirely recon structed for nearly half mile nearest +ne cave. and covered with fine braken stone three inches in thickness this be- inp top-dressed with loom. The rest of this drive was also repaired and inn nroyed throughout it's whole length, tc fhe Springside road; these two opera lions consuming the greater part of the available appropriation. In addition tc Z +his the footpaths have been some what improved, and progress made IT clearing up underbrush and objection able trees on the east slope For all those various improvements including superintendence, there was expended $1,753S6
 During the month of October the city hv contract, constructed highway aiong the western edge of the park, ex' tending from Mechanic street to within about 600 feet of it's northerly boun' dary: this work being in fulfilment Of condition stipulated by John w. All1ng Eso.. in 1884, in his deed of land fol mark purposes The cost of this roac was limited to $1,000, and although not as satisfactory in grade and finish as inc park driveways, it is nevertheless ouite passabe as well as susceptible ol being greatly improved at slight cost If seems likely to become favorlte drive. and as the commencement or thoroughfare through the Second Gap +o connect with the system of roads or fhe east slope of West Rock, IS stel of great importance and future value
 FORT HALE PARK.
 While there is little to report Ill the Tine of valuable additions, the presen condition of this territory clearly dem