New-York tribune., 1907-07-18

Friends Of the measure believe the Governor has
appointed a commission which has been connected
with the movement from the outset and which is
thoroughly familiar with the project They are
enthusiastic in the support of It, and It Is believed
they will carry out the provisions or the act with
out political bias.
The project has had the support Of the New
York Geological and Botanical societies. OF which
the commissioners. Madison Grant and William w.
Niles are members Of the board Of governors and
executive committee OF the former society. Com
missioner James @. Cannon Is connected with
the Scarsdale estate which has already beauthed
a portion of the Bronx River at Scarsdale sta
ton. and as such has given practical demonstra-
ton of what can be accomplished In the way or
preserving and beauufying the river
William w. Niles, Of Niles & Johnson, No. II
Wall street was secretary and counsel Of the com
mission when it examined the subject last year and
reported TO the Legislature. David Fl. Morris said
that he did not to serve commissioners. and
Mr.. Niles appointed 70 his place by Governor
Hughes.
An authoritative statement regarding the plans
of the commission was given to The Tribune last
evening by william w. Niles at his homo in Wood
lawn Road. near East 2O6th street, The Bronx. Mr.
Niles said:
THE act requires the approval Of the Board of
Estimate before any money can be expended The
estimated cost was 100000. based upon the as
sessed valuation of the property. The actual cost
on account of the increased valuation or the real
estate will probably be in excess of that
The commission will probably apply 10 the
Board of Estimate in September. when they maze
up their budget. for an appropriation snihciehI at
least for the commission to map the proposeo
parkway Before condemnation proceedings are
q
reservation will have to be prepared AS soon as
the map Is completed the condemnation proceed
tngs will be begun and after the title IS acquired
the commission can begin work. AS fast as the
money is forthcoming they can proceed TO remove
The nuisances along the river and restore inc
river banks TO their natural condition
.aTTor the immediate future, all the commission
will attempt will be to restore the natural feat
ures and make a park Of the reservation Ihe
,Iar has heen discussed for laying out drive
yvav which will connect the drives OF Bronx Park
rttb the state road at the Kensco reservation.
which is now the property of the city ms VIII
,naLe direct north and south line from the city
through Westchester County.
'.Gt has also been suggested that the commission
dom tho river at intervals to give depth Of
,Tater SUFFICIENT TO allow the river to be used for
hoating This would make a popular means Of
recreation such as is enjoyed upon the Thames in
England. -,
.'The former commissions had conferences with
the officials of the New York Central and New
York New Haven & Hartford railroads. and had
the assurances of the railroad officials that they
would cooperate with the commission In treating
the slopes Of their railway embankments so as to
harmonize them with the landscape features OF
the park
THE commission also hopes to make some sat
isfactory arrangement with The Bronx Sewer Com
mission so that If the project is carried out
It shall be done with as little injury 20 the park
way as possible. This sewer IL built, will take care
of the sewage OF the Bronx valley and prevent the
pollution of the river"
Mr.. Niles's father William w. Niles one
OF the origi iaal commissioners who planned the
parks in the Borough OF The Bronx