New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-19
THAT LIBRARY FENCE.

Protests multiply against the action Of Park
Commissioner Pallas in granting Mcnamara ~
Co permission to cover the fence around the
Public Library lot with advertisements. So far
as we have observed, the Commissioner and
his benefciaries are the only persons who ap-
prove OF that sordid performance. IL he were
asked to say how the complaints with which
lie is assailed affect him, he would probably as
sert after the fashion Of such men in such
situation, that he cared nothing about them.
But he probably does care, even now and we
earnestly hope that Mayor Mcclellan will cause
him 10 feel very sorry for the afront which
he has brashly put on decent public sentiment
II is impossible 10 suppose that the Mayor
thinks it a wise policy 70 Increase the munich
pal revenue by trifing sum at such sacrifice
OF the general good Will which he cOvets for his
administration. Mr.. Palas is. we must assume
happy TO do an important favor to a man with
a strong Tammany pull" but we refuse to be-
believe that Mr.. Mcclellan is reconciled by that
view OF the transaction to a subordinate's
vulgar abuse OF authority.
Mr. Pallas has made the audaclous and re-
markedly foolish statement that his predecessor,
Mr.. Wilcox, took the original grant into court
because he wanted to bcstow it on friends OF
his own; the facts being that within twenty
four hours after his authority 10 annu the grant
had been declared by the Appellate Division he
had set men at work painting out the ndver-
tisements on the fence, and that he kept il I'M
defacad TO the end Of his term. The decision
was unanimous and It was confirmed b. the
Court Of Appeals. The substance Of Il was that
If the agreement with Mcnamara X Co. was a
grant the Park Commissioner had no power 10
make 1t: whereas, II, as the court supposed the
fact TO be, II was merely privilege, it was rev.
ocable at the pleasure OF the. Commissioners
That was all that Mr.. Wilcox needed for his
purposes. and he forthwith took action accord
ingIy. Whether It was. IN terms, a grant or
privilege the court was not required 10 deter
mine. We should be glad 10 know in what
form It actually has been revived by Mr. Pallas.
but he IS not disposed TO cnlightcn us on that
subject
In any case the custodian OF the parks. who
was strangely discovered by. or for, Mayor Nc
Clelan, has clearly shown that he is unfit 10
care for the property intrusted 10 his charge.
The refreshinCly tart letter Of the Municipal
Art Society 10 Mr.. Pallas puts the true inter
probation on his act Ii reminds him that no
official has greater legal power than he 'to TO
press the barbarians who would barter the
beauty Of New-York for handful OF dollars"
and begs him TO use that power for the public
defence. The appeal was properly directed 10
the Park Commissioner, but it is made TO the
Mayor. Mr.. Pallas will heed It or not accord
ing as Mr.. Mcclellan determines. The plaster
ing OF private property with glazing posters IS
an insufferable nuisance which ought TO be
abated. To deface public property in that way
IS an official insult to the whole city. II the
Mayor has as much wisdom many OF his acts
suggest. be will promptly call Mr.. Pallas 10
account