New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-15
TINE FOR SETTLEMENT.

II * not to be expected that the Christian
Brothers al Amawalk Will resort 30 force. as
some news rumors have had II. 70 prevent ejec
ton from the property they now occupy in the
Croton basin. Neither is il 10 he expected that
the New-YoTh Water Department viii forcibly
eject them in defiance Of writ Of the court.
Neither. again. is it to he expected that the
court viii long prevent the Kidding Of the Gro
ton Valley of 2 gross nuisance and menace 10
the health Of this city. As We have hitherto
explained. the institution maintained by the
Brothers is probably greater and more direct
menace to the purity Of The Croton water sup
ply than any other thing in that whole region.
IL must 20. 1t must be treated legally and
Justly. But it must 20. and it must go at the
earliest possible date
We have already commented upOn tho
equal a4d Inconsistent manner in which New
York City authorities have acted i'm the Croton
Valley. in taking extreme measures i'm some
cases years ago and in neglecting other equally
urgent cases for years. From the truth of that
indictment there is Be escape. But it, as We
have said. zeal now cannot atone for negligence
in tho past. neither can negligence in the past
justly continued negligence now. The fact that
the Christian Brothers. for example. have been
Improperly tolerated for years gives no WAY
rant for further federation. aud gives the Broth
ers no tile 10 it, If they have taken advaa-
Jaee for "a long Of the improper lenience of the
city authorities. they must not complain il they
ind that lenience now q poor reliance.
They must. have said be treated justly.
They must be paid for their property and they
must have the interest upon the purchase price
10 which they are lawfully entitled; and just
there Is one Of the worst features Of New-Yor
administration Of the case IL is discreditabe
that there should be 50 long delay in paying for
the property which the city has taken for the
extension Of its water system and for the pro
lection OF il from pollution. As we have hither
10 pointed out. people whose property was not
only condemned. hut actually taken. more than
six years ago, and who vacated il at that time.
have not yet been paid. and have not even had
the valuation Of their property assessed. That
is not right. II Is unjust both to them and 10
this city.
For this city Is bound TO pay them 6 per cent
interest from the date of cOndemna ton But il
could have borrowed money 1T , per cent and
have paid them in cash years ago Therefore
tho city is paying Just twice as high rate Of
interest IL should. That is an unprofta bic
administration Of its finances. II is also 4 hard
ship r. the PEOPLE I'm the Croton Valley for Il
Keeps them year after year in uncertainty as 10
what they are 10 get for their Dronertv and
when they are TO get il. The interest paid IS
really no proft n those who have vacated their
places. because they have had to nav as high
interest on money which they have borrowed
Tor ihe purchase or new places In such 4 case
as that u tie Christian Brothers who have not
yet been elected. it may be profitable IN draw
interest on the value OF property Of which thcv
are stir in possession. II Las been hiated that
some have thCs stayed on their places and
evaded settlement for the sake Il drawing in
/ tercst for ~ long time as possible But il IS
I POOR policy for the city 10 let them 10 So
! There ought 10 be prompt election OF all tho
4 offensive "squatters" on the city's land ard
: abatement 81 all Tie nusances which. rs does
/ the Brothers Institution. menace with rol-
| lution the water supply Of New-YorL The-a
should be an equally prompt awardment and
payment o. values for all property thus taken.