New-York tribune., 1902-03-14
CIRCUIT OPPOSES CANTOR.
CONTROVERSY OVER THE BLACKwELL'S
ISLAND PARK BILL.

Controller Grout yesterday decided TO oppose
Borough President CantOr's bill for the leasing
OF Backwelrs Island TO the federal govern
rnent for park and naval purposes, subject 10
the judgment Of the Sinking Fund Commission.
Relations between the Controller and the Bor-
ough President have been strained since MI
Grout opposed the Borough Presidents applica-
ton for an appropriation for new street signs.
and the Controllers opposition TO the Black
wells Island bill has intensified the feeling.
The Controller yesterday sent the following let
TER to Assistant Corporation Counsel Charles S.
Whitman. in charge OF city bills at Albany;
Blackwelrs Island bin ought TO be amended
90 provide that island cannot be leased
unless the government pays the city sufficient
elsewhere. There should be no door left open
by which the city may be put TO expense OF
millions Of dollars for new land and buildings
The assessed valuation OF the island and build
ings Is SIS 100000. The real value is probably
Sl5.000.OO0. The city cannot afford TO take such
a sum for this purpose in face of the demands
for schools rapid transit. bridges. small parks
street Improvements, and other like necessities
Without such an amendment the Dill ought
not 10 pass. EDWARD NJ. CIRCUIT.
Controller.
When Mr.. Cantor heard Of the letter he
much annoyed. but kept his feelings under con-
troll
IF the Controller can afford 10 beat a bill so
clearly IN the interests OF the people is the
BlackwelPs Island bill. all right" said he II
notice that he raises the point that the legis-
iature ought 10 demand that the federal gov
eminent should pay some certain for the
island. That clearly would violate the doctrine
OF home rule which we have been hearing so
much about IN this city of late. The Controller
agreed 20 the bill as amended and I at
loss &C understand why ne has changed front
so quickly. I certainly think that the Sinking
Fund Commission can be trusted TO look out
for the city's interests in this matter. II IS
snade up OF the Mayor. Controller. Chamberlain.
President OF the Board Of Aldermen and chair
man Of the Finance Committee Of the Board OF
Aldermen Mr.. Grout. being a member OF the
commission, certainly ought TO be able TO look
out for the interests Of the city and drive the
best possible bargain with the government.
When we conferred about this bill on Monday.
Mr.. Grout said that with the bill amended as
II has since been he in favor Of it. The
Mayor said he would not commit himself until
the bin came before him 1t is a surprise 10
me that the Controller should take the position
now that he does
After thinking over the Controllers letter TO
Mr. whitman Mr. Cantor sent the following
tslegraphic message TO Mr. Whitman:
Have tust learned that Controller insists on
amendment providing that the government
shall paw sufficient money TO provide equivalent
land and buildings elsewhere IN blach"eh ISL
This is a violation Of the home rule doctrine
as the legislature should not be asked TO hX
the price or compensation for leasing any city
property as that should be LETT entirely TO the
discretion Of the local authorities.
In addition TO this the Controller agreed 10
the bill amended in Albany on Iuesday. !
am satisfied 10 trust the city's interests in the
Sinking Fund Commission Of which the Con
sroiIer ia a member JACOB A. CANTOR.