New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-11
AT THE PARK AGAIN.


When the proposition to take down the wall
which bounds Central Park on the east from
59th-st to 110th-St and build a boulevard along
the margin was first submitted to public judg-
ment there seemed TO be no reason for think
ing it would find enough favor to make a hos
tile campaign necessary. But are sorry to
discover signs that the project is gaining some
Roadway and consequently we feel bound to
say that no such thing ought to be permitted.
1t is a strange passion that leads good many
intelligent public spirited citizens to join hands
every and then with others of a different
sort for the promotion Of some scheme for de-
spelling NETWORKS most valuable possession
We heartily agree with our neighbor 1.-The Sun"
in thinking that this city needs "a permanent
Committee Letting the Parks Alone"
Central Park especially, is in a general way
all right as it is. At times 1t has suffered from
neglect, inef1CienCy or a lack of intelligence on
the part of its legal guardians, but thus far no
irreparable harm has resulted. It's lawns, trees
and shrubbery need assiduOuS and discreet care.
When, for example, loan is bought by the
city for use where the soil is thin, its quality
ought to be above suspicion. The pruning knife
should be employed in the right way at the
right time. The lakes should be kept in perfect
condition. The roads and bridges require fire.
quent inspection, and perhaps more work than
Is put on them. Possibly some Of the regula-
tons governing the public might be modified
to advantage. A demand for q new path might
deserve consideration. But all these things be-
long TO the administration Of the park as it
exists. The disposition of such questions does
not menace its integrity or defeat the great
purpose ii WAS made to serve, even If they are
not determined in a satisfactory manner The
public is not seriously disturbed by manifestly
injudicious treatment Of these details
The public is, however, pretty constantly har-
assed by successive schemes of so-called 'im-
provement" for which it seems to be quite
easy to secure the support of good citizens, or
at least the use of their names. Not many
years ago the project for building a speedway
along the western margin came within an ace
of succeeding, and would have succeeded If
the newspapers had not evoked a storm of op-
position which Tammany did not dare to defy
Sometimes it is one sort of encroachment or
degradation that is planned sometimes an
other. Just now the eastern border which has
hitherto appeared safe is threatened with in,
vasiOn. 1t might be expected that a certain ele-
ment Of the population would favor such
scheme, but why any owner of neighbOring prop
erty should want to have long strip of tran
quill park land converted into a roaring boule-
ward passes our comprehension It is probable
that many Of those who have given their sig
natures to the application have done so with
that thoughtless good nature which proverbiaIly
makes petitions prosper. Commissioner PalIas,
Of course, is likely to do almost anything, but
we cannot believe that Mayor Mcclellan is
capable Of lending his sanction to such an en-
teTprise. We are glad to observe that the news
papers, to whose Watchfuness the salvation
OF Central Park thus far is chiefly due are still
alert and ready to go to its rescue again with
whatever degree of energy the circumstances
may require