New-York tribune., 1902-12-28

To the Editor Of The New-York Tribune
Sir: The city Of Hoboken has history closei!
identified with the settlement of the New-Nether
lands the territory of which it was a part In los
Michael Paw of Holland, purchased from the Ne"
Netherlands Company tract OF land OF wflch ln
present city of Hoboken a considerable portion
As the city of New-Amsterdam increased IN iTnpor
tance so did the special advantages OF Hoookef
come 10 public notice. Its fertile lands were useo
for many years a vegetable garden, and later
its proximity TO NewYork and rural charm made II
2 favorite pleasure grounds. In fact the ElysiaI
Fields of Hoboken well remembered as pelle
one of the most available resorts of the early
part Of the last century. Hoboken was at first a
portion of the Of North Bergen, ano
only became incorporated city on March %
1s55 Its extent is about one square mile bounded
on the north and west by the Palisades. on the
east by the Hudson River and on the south 10y
the city OF Jersey City The population is to-day
approximately Is 900 inhabitants and the increase
has been most remarkable. In 1870 there were 800
Inhabitants; 1860 9662; in 1880 9942. and in 1900
as stated above, ca 00o The financial standing OF
1Joboen is second 10 none in the United States and
its credit is excellent. The tax rate is s2 2S on a
two-thirds valuation. and the citys obligations
have always been promptly met. There are a num-
ber Of very important financial institutions, among
which might be mentioned the First and Second
National banks the Hudson and Hoboken Trust
companies and the Hoboken Bank for Savings, in
addition TO others Of very good standing
Hoboken is very proud of her educational facili-
ties. First and foremost may De mentioned lne
world renowned Stevens Institute or Technology,
founded by an eminent citizen. Edwin a. Stevens;
the Hoboken Academy, the Industrial School and
seven public schools well high school.
For the protection OF public property splendidly
efficient fire department is maintained, employing
sixty-ve men, who utilize four steam fire engines,
one chemical engine and two hook and ladder
trucks Public safety is protected by a police force
of ninety-two men, and 1t is notable fact that
while the city has increased its population it has
not done in the number of crimes. The streets
well paved and lighted, even in the remote dis
1Ticts. and their cleanliness is worthy Of mention.
As to transportation. there TWO ferries lead
ing TO Fourteenth-st.. Christopher and Barclay
SITS. making quick connections with the heart of
New-York. Locally the Hudson County and Ruth
erford Railway Company supplies an efficient ser
vice throughout the city and 10 neighboring points
Tie Delaware. Lackawanna and Western also has
Its terminus at Hoboken, near the ferries at the
loot OF Newark-st- Hotel accommodations are good
and reasonable The principal hotels are Busch $,
Meyers and Naeglis, an situated in most conYen-
1ent locaIty. AecesSlpnty 10 New ork IS a spen-
or for those making this city their home.
priceless waterfront, docking facilities and valu-
able nanufacturing sites There are indeed: few
the manufacturer better advantages than Ho-
Jortaton facilities the first in connection with all
the trunk lines and the latter reaching ali parts OF
the world by means Of the vessels OF the several
important steamship companies which make our
The manifest advantages Of Hoboken as manu-
featuring centre are attracting the attention Of
factories, ana al frequent Intervals We nave the
industrial establishment of standing and impor
paratlVely cheap and that dectory owners may
+ niUS1 & , Ills ms . sucn q move
somewhat astonishing that manufacturers have not
grasped until Of recent years the fact that they
may build factory here and still have substantial
working capital left, and secure at the same time
superior transportation facilities In regard to homes
for the operatives which drawn TO such
have been orensed as well as individual homes.
The former contain apartments renting from SIS
IN fh.al lar f1lAl
houses may be secured at an annual rental of
The cost OF living is most reasonable. and com
pares faVorably with any neighboring city. IN
places much variety OF foodstuffs and products Of
The son before the pubic am at low pT3ces BUSINESS &
sirable place OF residence on account Of the cheap
TO NeM-York.
The 6rainage of the lowlands in the east of the
city has been a most intricate problem. which, L
are formation Of clay or silt the depth in places
and roots about five feet thick stil in process Of
accumulation. On this subject, in my message OF
this year TO the City Council stated:
Il pleased to note that the consensus of pub
the ordinance authorizing the Mayor and Council
The moneys eSpended to relieve the city Of the
nuisance caused ns me oNerIlo@ OF me low
and in addition thereto will prove incalcuIably
sanitary condition Of the city be vastly improved
population and 10 those desrous of locating their
plants within midst for manufacturing pur-
Creased and a general Stimulus given to com
mercial enterprises We should bear in mind; how;
necesstate a large expenditure of money and
great care should be exercised in the final dis
position OF the matter. exceptional precautions
should be taken 10 secure perfect work at the
lowest possible cost; the bonds required Of the
preferred contractor should be provided by a re-
sponsbie surety company and not by individuals;
nsist 1pon such security The taxpayers are deep
" interested not only in this Improvement, but
also in the economical conduct of the work
Pursuant this recommendation the committee
appointed March %. 1902 followed out my sug-
gestions and reported in harmony with my views
as follows
a plan and specification for pumping In full de
tail be made. to be approved by a well known
sewerage engineer That this plan and specification
he Of such completeness that any responsible
tractor and viii bid sum 10 complete the
operate the same for a period of five years. The
figure for operation to be separate figure and the
take the plant of the contractors hands and oper-
ate il itself or renew the contract for another
business in Hudson County TO an amount not less
thsn one-third Of the total amount of the con-
tract securing the Mayor and Council for the full
and proper completion Of said work within a rea-
sona6le time such time 10 be named bv each bio
DER and when the work is completed a similar
proper operation of said plant during the term for
@hich the contract applies. 50 that when the city
that the plant shan be in first class working order
and guarantee the city against everything except
ordinary wear and tear
There is every reason TO believe that this plant,
the estinated cost OF which is 100000 VIII be con-
uaSteo Tor within the coming year Such act
viii grealy enhance the value Of realty. and dis
II is a pleasure 10 record here the complete har-
the important commercial interests Of the same.
both working IN harmony TO secure that community
perity Of this municipality Therefore Hoboken in
al reason can offer splendid inducements pros
pective hoTneseeSers and manufacturers. who will
one who should take the frobIe 10 nTesret 10 t
A Ia