Frederick Law Olmsted Subject File Scenic Reservations 1876, 1887To the Board of Commissioners of the State Survey. The Committee appointed to consider [the question of the best] in what way the Commission can best proceed to accomplish certain objects set forth in the law [The Committee has] respectfully report that they have availed themselves [itself] of the valuable collection of reports of geographical surveys and other works bearing on the subject to be found in the [filing] Library of the American Geographical Society, and that, having [at an] [furnished] furnished the heads of the more important seats of learning of the state X [will] with copies of the [law] law constituting the Commission, they have [has] as far as practicable, benefitted by their counsel. [?ant] X and other gentlemen [and other men] particularly conversant [consant] with Geodetic scienceOne of the valuable results of all such surveys as that contemplated by this law, consists in the contribution which it incidentally [to the] supplies to the general science of [the] physical [geography [and for this reason if no other] & [and in this which] [respect no progress can be made] [nothing can be done by the Commission] [which will not be matched] with interest and be subject [to the [?] closest] to criticism [by] [of] by men of science throughout the world. [The work is therefor regarded] [duty of the Commission is therefor regarded by all men well informed in the subject with great interest] [and Much] hence which anxiety [thought the slater] is felt [Must] [it] shall be so organized & conducted as to take high[er] rank among similar enterprises.] [*[by those well informed in the matter throughout the State that the work]*] geography and for this reason if no other the acts of the Commission will be watched with interest and be subject to criticism by men of science [throughout] in all the world. [Hence] Much anxiety is consequently felt [ten true the work should be so organized and conducted as [to be] to take high san] by those well informed on the subject throughout the state that the work shall be so organized and conducted as to take high rank among similar enterprises.[They find time to work before your Commission is regarded with much great interest as one of which may have great scientific importance and that much anxiety is felt that as one which may have great scientific importance and that much anxiety is felt that it shall be so conducted as to misuse its as to take a taking a high rank among similar enterprises undertakings ¶ The requirement of the law presenting] ¶ By the terms of the law [By the term] [calling for] an accurate topographical & [t????] survey is understood to be meant a survey corresponding[with great interest and that much anxiety is felt that it should be so preferred [as] that the results may take a high [rank] scientific rank and be creditable to the state.] ding in character with the great works which have been conducted under the direction or [under] with the advice and [with the] assistance of such [men in Europe as La Place and Arago, in Asia] men as La Place and Arago in Europe, Saurbton and Everest in Asia, Ponche and Preice in America [and which the] and [in] which have called for the most delicate application [have] of the laws of physics [and] [and the] and the most refined used of mathematics [highest attainments [of] mathematics] as well as the most subtly trained skill of observation [and the most subtle skill of [in ancient [optical] difficulties in [securing] precision and accuracy under special difficulties - of observation - ]The terms of the law require that points and lines for the guidance of local surveyors shall be established in each county of the state and shall be connected [by triangulation] with the triangulation of the U.S. Coast Survey and with that of the [boundary] survey of the boundary between the United States and Canada [the] [To accomplish this result in its literal sense is impossible with the fund [at the] appropriated and the intention of the law must be understood to be that the] It is [required] presented that each of these points shall be accurately fixed by triangulation, that is to say in such manner [so] that its bearing [being] and distance from every other point, in the system and likewise from every point in the Coast survey & the Lake [survey] Survey systems can be accurately known. [The standard of accuracy required may be assumed to be fully equal to that of the Cost Survey in which [no] room for uncertainty [exists] [does not] never amounts to more than one inch in [a mile] the measurement of a mile. The difference [of] between the means to be employed and those of ordinary surveying, [th] in the location of rail roads for example is illustrated]by triangulation - [and] The difference between [in] the processes to be employed [for this purpose] and the class of [sp] ability required for them [purpose] and those of ordinary surveying, as in the location of railroads, for example, is illustrated by the fact that while in the latter an uncertainty of from 5 to 100 feet to the mile [may] is to be recognized, in the work of the Coast survey it [does] can not exceed an inch. To triangulate the whole state in this manner so as to fix a point in each county would be impossible with the fund at present appropriated for the survey. The intention of the law must therefore be understood to be that theCommission shall adopt a scheme having the objects designated in view as its ultimate purposes and carry it on as far as practicable. [An adequate] To an adequate preparation of such a [sh] scheme it is requisite that the whole process to be followed [shall be] shall be clearly seen [at] from the outset and that great care shall be used to avoid the necessity which from insufficient provision [has] in this respect has been [exp???ced] in other works of setting aside at a late period of the progress [any] considerable parts to that which has [gone before] been first accomplished. [and waste] What is next in importance to be considered at this time is [that all work done shall] the means of securing absolute unity and efficiency of administration in carrying out [the] whatever scheme [[?]] shall be [alo] adopted. To this end the first necessity is efficient direction, perfect [discipline] subordination, a thorough system of accountability [and as means to those needs, a conviction [of] in the mind of all engaged that [they lived and] they have obtained, that they hold and that they will retain their several positions solely because]and finally an esprit du corps and a pride and interest in the results of the work on the part of all engaged by which individual zeal, ingenuity and industry shall be made to consist with and supplement order and discipline --If the work can not be [at once placed] placed and kept in this respect on the highest plane it is [would be far better that it should be fail than that] to be hoped that it will distinctly fail and end at an early day -- [than that it should should inasmuch as it will otherwise only stand in the way] inasmuch as its most important influence will otherwise be that of postponing and embarrasing [what is desireable] that which alone is to be desired.[The fact that members of your Committee have already received [?] numerous letters and the fact that strenuous [of] recommendations have already been addressed to members of the Committee [of various persons for] for the employment of various persons on the survey] The fact that many persons [have] themselves completely ignorant of the character of [the dut] duties required and incompetent to judge of the qualifications [for them] needed for them have already urged nominations upon members of your Committeeis an indication of what will doubtless be the [greatest] most irksome of the Commissions duties [difficulty which the Commis] ¶ The Committee readily [adopt] [soon will have to meet] - [deal] [The Committee share] the conviction which [what] they find to be [the] universal [opinion] [of] with those best informed on the subject that it is absolutely indispensable [that this difficulty shall be resolutely dealt with and] to the success of the Commissioner's work that the ordinary influencesof an intelligent and soundly formed [formed conviction that] assurance [in] that they will [contribute] make directly they have appropriate official labor the largest practicable contribution each in his place [more to the objects] toward the accomplishment of the objects defined in the law. Even an extravagant expenditure can not [law than any thing that can be] procure such results as should be aimed at [procured. any one else.] by the service does not secure [a] personal pride and a high morale, a strong personal interest in the work, on the part of those in? in it outweighing their [own their] pecuniary interests. [which it [ ] learn and a strong esprit du corps is unquestionably necessary to [the To secure these conditions it is absolutely indispensable that the ? influences] by which appointments and ? are sought [are obtained and placements? secured] to be affected in [the] most branches of the State's service should be strenuously guarded against [prevented from acting upon the Commission's management.] The Commission itself is not composed of men trained and experienced in the business of geographical surveying not is it possible for its members to acquire that knowledge of the details of the work to be done, or of the conditions of its economical [success] management, which would be necessary to wisely undertake its executive direction - [It must trust largely to]It can only proceed safely under the guidance of a professional advisor who has had extended experience of his own and has carefully studied the experience of others; whose reputation shall be even more involved in the undertaking than that of the members of this proud [and] and whose personal interests in the process of carrying it on [and] shall be identical with theirs [their ? all successful surveys have been thus managed] Your Committee therefore [will] recommend as the first step [to a proper] toward the determination of a proper scheme [and] as well as towards its realization [that] the selection of [some man] a man experienced in [the] planing and managing [of] geodetic and geographical surveys, [and who if possible] of established scientific reputation, and who if possible possess a higher degree of personal energy and power of inspiring others with scientific enthusiasm. They recommend the appointment of such a view as [Superintendent?] of the survey and [This will be assured if he proceeds with the knowledge and] that he be [he be] assisted with persons which will enable him to proceed with confidence and decision in all details of management. The committee [they] recognized that being thus [such a person being appointed and so being thus assured of his responsibility] assured that he will be publicly held accountable for the results, he be called upon, as his first duty to paint, for the consideration of the Commission, a general scheme for accomplishing the objects of the law and a special scheme for the immediate use of the limited sum [and the limited period] at the disposal of the Commission in such manner as will best [contribute] contribute to the same end. Other recommendations of the Committee will be made in the form of resolutions [which will submitted with this report] a draft of which is appended. In the preparation of [where] some of these [which] the consideration has had weight that no man having such qualifications as have been indicated can be expected to take properly hold of the desired work without [unless under] reasonable assurance against its early and abrupt discontinuance.Resolved that an officer shall be appointed with the title of superintendent, whose duty it shall be to prepare and submit to the consideration of the Commission plans for conducting the survey and to organize direct and manage the work required for carrying out such of those plans as shall be approved. Resolved that the Superintendent [*shall*] shall nominate suitable assistants for the required duties of the survey and that none shall be appointed [*without*] unless nominated by him. Resolved that the Superintendent shall hold office from the date of his appointment until the expiration of the term of office of this Board, unless sooner removed for cause. Resolved that the salary of the Superintendent shall be four thousand dollars ($4000) for his above- said term of office, and that he shall be allowed three dollars per diem, while in the field, for subsistence and hotel expenses. Resolution (proposed) 20 June 1876 and Report of Com'tee New York Survey. Considerations on kind of work required for survey kind of men required, and kind of service. IV with Scenic A 1876 1[0]8th Aug. The Hon J.V.L. Pruyn Albany, N.Y. Dear Sir; I [have] am sorry to inform you that I have been compelled to [offer] tender my resignation of the office of Commissioner of the State Survey. Will you be good enough to express to the gentlemen of the Board the regret with which I [leave them] withdraw from it, and my hearty wishes for the success of their undertaking.Pruyn 10Aug 76 Resignation from Commission N. Y survey1887 Oct. 24(Communicated The New Jersey State Palisades Park at Englewood. It has become a habit or practice not uncommon in recent years for the Government, National or State, to take tracts of land surrounding or appertaining to objects or scenes of such great natural beauty or picturesqueness as to have attracted public, national or international attention and admiration and convert them by right of eminent domain or by purchase into Parks or Reservations, maintained and conserved by the Government for the public benefit and enjoyment. The great Yellowstone National Park established in 1872, embracing 3375 square miles, lying in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, a region of country large enough for a small state and containing waterfalls of singular beauty overlooked by high mountains, wonderful geysers and with groves of gigantic trees, is a magnificent illustration of the intervention of the Federal Government to carve out and set apart in perpetuity—but consistently with individual uses, and in harmony with its principal design, a vast domain as a national museum for the people to enjoy forever, free from any cost or expense to those using it. The Niagara Falls Park is another illustration of State authority, moved by popular demands to rescue a beautiful natural object from injury and individual spoliation, undertaking by virtue of its sovereign right to expropriate lands for the public good, to purchase portions of the real estate lying on the American side of the Niagara river and Falls and upon the islands in the river and to set all apart forever as a frame or setting for the Falls, and so conserve, beautify and perfect a noble object of beauty for all who choose to visit it. I mention these two Parks because from their prominence so generally and well-known, although there are several others in different States similar in purpose of which it is not necessary now to speak. I know of no State Park in New Jersey as yet; but hope that will no longer remain the case. The reasons for these exercises of National or State authority in creating these Parks, so different from ordinary acts of legislation, are at once obvious and also creditable to our American civilization. In the first place the State alone has the power to take itself, or to authorize others to take, private property for public uses on the payment of the reasonable value thereof. Of the public use, as acting for the people in their sovereign capacity itself is the sole judge; the reasonableness of the compensation to be paid must be ascertained and determined by a jury of the vicinage acting on the testimony produced before it. In the next place the State is the proper body to undergo the expense of the purchase of such property as is necessary to be taken and the charges for its maintenance, preservation and improvement. And finally it is right that the State, representing the people at large, should bear an expense too great for an individual and for an object of utility and enjoyment to the whole people. Now the reasons for a public Park bordering the noble, historic and picturesque Palisades fronting on the Hudson river, must commend themselves to every thoughtful and liberal-minded citizen, as furnishing ample grounds to justify and in fact to induce the State to take such lands along the edge of these grand masses of picturesque rocks from which such wide and ennobling views are to be had as may be required and to make them into a public Park for the uses and benefit of the people. The object is too large for private means, and the uses too many and great for private appropriation. Indeed the considerations which recommend such a public Park are more influential than those which led the State of New York to purchase and set apart all the lands surrounding the Falls of Niagara. Long before that cataract had been seen by a white man, Hendrick Hudson had made the wonders of that great rugged wall of natural rocks near the mouth of the Hudson known to the Dutch court and through it, had glorified its geographical features and bold rocky palisades to all Europe. Father Hennepin, the first white man who stood on the banks of the Niagara river and felt a natural astonishment at its great rush of waters, in 1678, did not make known to the world the wonder until 1698, nearly a century after the Palisades were well known to European scholars and in the leading European universities. Upon the conquest of New York by the English in 1664, English writers, sailing up the Hudson, were astonished at its great boats, carriages and elevated and street railroads—visitors which must be watched and cared for or they will take unwelcome liberties with what their eyes see and their hands can reach. As my purpose now is only to call public attention to the general subject of this great and attractive work, I content myself with only outlining its general features, without cumbering it with details which will more properly belong to a Commission to supply. Suffice it now to suggest that my own impressions are, that an area of some ten miles along the river front, say from Fort Lee to Huyler's Landing—a front presenting the most rugged and grandest features of the Palisades range— and about a mile in width—would form a public Park of most desirable proportions so as to secure the most picturesque and boldest features of the perpendicular wall and its varied angles and projections; the best landing places on the river's edge; fine natural growths of native trees; pretty lakes and bowls of water which can easily be enlarged from the numerous running brooks everywhere on the plateau bordering the river front in Englewood, and the noblest views, embracing the metropolis, the river with its fleets of sail, steam vessels and lively craft of all kinds within easy sight and, at a comfortable range of vision Long Island, Governor's Island and Staten Island, the East river, its islands and the public institutions upon them and northward Yonkers, Tarrytown and the farmsteads and county seats in Westchester. [I] may also venture to say that for my own part I do not see why any of the little settlements, like Fort lee or Alpine and a few other small village clusters of gentlemen's country seats like those of Messrs. Wm. B. Dana, George S. Coe, in Englewood, Gen. Stryker, Mr. D. C. Cady, Mr. Miles Calvert Vaux and Mr. Charles Nordhoff at Alpine and others that might come within the enclosing boundaries, should be disturbed; the little settlements being put under the supervision of the Park Commissioners, as at Niagara Falls, and the gentlemen's country seats left, as in the private Llewellyn Park at Orange, as pleasant features to adorn the landscape, their surroundings being kept by the oversight of gentle manly commissioners in harmony with the Park. Of course all the details as to boundaries and interior features will be considered and settled by the proper authorities at the proper time. I only venture to throw out these hints for the consideration of my fellow citizens without claiming to dictate or prescribe anything. This project has been in my mind for several years past, only mentioned casually to a few friends; but not announced publicly as I thought it inopportune to claim the attention of my fellow citizens in Englewood already occupied with drainage, water supply, sewerage and other improvements. But these being now so far advanced I think I may venture to ask an audience for this new and large enterprise. Of course, this is a large matter to accomplish; but like other important enteprises can be accomplished by intelligent determination and co-operation. A scheme which so readily recommends itself to public favor and taste, which promises such advantages to Englewood, to its prominence, to its material interests, furnishing such a field for its labor and looking forward with such anticipations by means of a bridge that such a Park will perhaps invite or make necessary across the Hudson river, forming a nexus between our own Park and the Boulevard and Riverside Park and so making a new transit to and connection with New York—ought not to languish a lag for want of ready support and successful promotion. For myself, having no personal or selfish interests to subserve, owning myself not a foot of land within any probably boundaries of such a Park and desiring only, in the interests of Englewood and of the larger public outside to see such a Reservation established on its own merits, and for the public good, I shall be glad to devote much time and labor freely to initiate and promote this great enterprise; and I invite cordially co-operation and suggestions from others either publicly or privately, to start a project so full of benefit and blessing to all. The steady and strong push of a few earnest and sympathetic friends of the movement is all that is necessary. Such was the history of the Yellowstone and Niagara Falls Parks and of other great projects which beginning small have attained larger proportions. Let us alll unite to have a noble Palisades State Park. We can; we must. John D. Sherwood. Englewood, N. J., Oct 24th 1887 to set all apart forever as a frame or setting for the Falls, and so conserve, beautify and perfect a noble object of beauty for all who choose to visit it. I mention these two Parks because from their prominence so generally and well-known, although there are several others in different States similar in purpose of which it is not necessary now to speak. I know of no State Park in New Jersey as yet; but hope that will no longer remain the case. The reasons for these exercises of National or State authority in creating these Parks, so different from ordinary acts of legislation, are at once obvious and also creditable to our American civilization. In the first place the State alone has the power to take itself, or to authorize others to take, private property for public uses on the payment of the reasonable value thereof. Of the public use, as acting for the people in their sovereign capacity itself is the sole judge; the reasonableness of the compensation to be paid must be ascertained and determined by a jury of the vicinage acting on the testimony produced before it. In the next place the State is the proper body to undergo the expense of the purchase of such property as is necessary to be taken and the charges for its maintenance, preservation and improvement. And finally it is right that the State, representing the people at large, should bear an expense too great for an individual and for an object of utility and enjoyment to the whole people. Now the reasons for a public Park bordering the noble, historic and picturesque Palisades fronting on the Hudson river, must commend themselves to every thoughtful and liberal-minded citizen, as furnishing ample grounds to justify and in fact to induce the State to take such lands along the edge of these grand masses of picturesque rocks from which such wide and ennobling views are to be had as may be required and to make them into a public Park for the uses and benefit of the people. The object is too large for private means, and the uses too many and great for private appropriation. Indeed the considerations which recommend such a public Park are more influential than those which led the State of New York to purchase and set apart all the lands surrounding the Falls of Niagara. Long before that cataract had been seen by a white man, Hendrick Hudson had made the wonders of that great rugged wall of natural rocks near the mouth of the Hudson known to the Dutch court and through it and the learned men who surrounded it, had glorified its geographical features and bold rocky palisades to all Europe. Father Hennepin, the first white man who stood on the banks of the Niagara river and felt a natural astonishment at its great rush of waters, in 1678, did not make known to the world the wonder until 1698, nearly a century after the Palisades were well known to European scholars and in the leading European universities. Upon the conquest of New York by the English in 1664, English writers, sailing up the Hudson, were astonished at its great breadth and volume, so much larger than the small streams called rivers in England, and by the grand natural parapets of rocks that towered so high along its eastern bank for some twenty-five miles. Then came Chateaubriand in 1791, who set forth in all the felicities of his versalite pen, aided by his unrestrained imagination, the wonders of the heaven-touching Palisades. It was reserved, however, to the graceful and fascinating pen of Washington Irving about fifty years after the witty Frenchman to commemorate in his own unapproachable style the glories of that much-loved river on whose banks he spent the happiest years of his life and his last breath and where his remains now repose. Our Palisades are thus historically commemorated in noble prose and felicitous verse, which have made them famous over the whole country and in foreign lands; so that an application to our Legislature to establish a public Park needs little explanation and no apology or defence. I may add that the exposure to disintegration from natural causes, unless seasonably arrested, and the more wasteful destruction to which this great quarry of fine trap materials is liable for building stone, especially from its near proximity to New York City, furnish strong reasons for the supervision and adequate protection of a public and strong power not afforded by separate individual ownership. Only a very few years ago, as is known to this writer, a well-known New York builder was in negotiation with the owner of a small section of the Palisade front for its purchase as a quarry for its admirable building stone. That negotiation fell through; but others may at any time succeed and involve by its profitable prosecution the practical ruin of our beautiful Palisades, just as a builder's search for materials a few years ago caused the destruction of the picturesque features of Break Neck Mountain in the Highlands of the Hudson river. The easy transportation of the rocky structure of the Palisades readily invites their invasion from the building enterprise of New York. Besides, it may be, expected that in the near future the rapidly augmenting population upon and beyond the Palisades will require greater accommodations in roads, paths, seats, fountains, bridges and regulated refreshments than are now or can be expected to be supplied by individual proprietors, to say nothing of the annually increasing crowds of picnicking visitors from the rapidly growing [population?] other small village clusters of gentlemen's country seats, like those of Messrs. Wm. B. Dana, George S. Coe, in Englewood, Gen. Stryker, Mr. D. C. Cady, Mr. Miles, Calvert Vaux and Mr. Charles Nordhoff at Alpine and others that might come within the enclosing boundaries, should be disturbed; the little settlements being put under the supervision of the Park Commissioners, as at Niagara Falls, and the gentlemen's country seats left, as in the private Llewellyn Park at Orange, as pleasant features to adorn the landscape, their surroundings being kept by the oversight of gentlemanly commissioners in harmony with the Park. Of course all the details as to boundaries and interior features will be considered and settled by the proper authorities at the proper time. I only venture to throw out these hints for the consideration of my fellow citizens without claiming to dictate or prescribe anything. This project has been in my mind for several years past, only mentioned casually to a few friends; but not announced publicly as I thought it inopportune to claim the attention of my fellow citizens in Englewood already occupied with drainage, water supply, sewerage and other improvements. But these being now so far advanced I think I may venture to ask an audience for this new and large enterprise. Of course, this is a large matter to accomplish; but like other important enteprises can be accomplished by intelligent determination and co-operation. A scheme which so readily recommends itself to public favor and taste, which promises such advantages to Englewood, to its prominence, to its material interests, furnishing such a field for its labor and looking forward with such anticipations by means of a bridge that such a Park will perhaps invite or make necessary across the Hudson river, forming a nexus between our own Park and the Boulevard and Riverside Park and so making a new transit to and connection with New York—ought not to languish a lag for want of ready support and successful promotion. For myself, having no personal or selfish interests to subserve, owning myself not a foot of land within any probable boundaries of such a Park and desiring only, in the interests of Englewood and of the larger public outside to see such a Reservation established on its own merits, and for the public good, I shall be glad to devote much time and labor freely to initiate and promote this great enterprise; and I invite cordially co-operation and suggestions from others either publicly or privately, to start a project so full of benefit and blessing to all. The steady and strong push of a few earnest and sympathetic friends of the movement is all that is necessary. Such was the history of the Yellowstone and Niagara Falls Parks and of other great projects which beginning small have attained larger proportions. Let us all unite to have a noble Palisades State Park. We can; we must. JOHN D. SHERWOOD. Englewood, N. J., Oct. 24th, 1887. Democratic Convention. The Democracy of Bergen county held its convention at the Mansion House, Hackensack, Wednesday afternoon, under the customary auspices, and put in nomination the following ticket: For Sheriff—N. C. Demarest of New Barbadoes. For Surrogate—I. A. Hopper of Saddle River. For Coroner—H. G. Herring of Washington. There was nothing to distinguish [?] gathering from the annual [Democratic?] assemblage for transacting the [s?] business. All the old stagers [?] young colts were on hand—[some?] make what they could, others to [?] lessons, and a few as simple [on-lookers?] this being a slow time of the year [?] farmers, who like to take an [occasional?] day off and shake the hayseed [off of?] their hair while greeting friends [?] a distance around the busy [bar-keeper?]. Those who came in on the early [t?] had ample time to smooth the [wrinkles?] from their coat-tails and walk [around?] to look at the improvements in [the?] charming town; while the late [arrivals?] hustled about to ascertain the [course of?] the ship and secure passage with [?] favorite. There wasn't much difference [?] opinion as to the outcome. After [three?] or four delegations had reported [?] to their friends around the square [?] word went forth that "Old [Reliable?] N. C. Demarest was sure of the nomination for Sheriff on the first regular ballot, though there were doubters [who?] clung to the belief that Tunis [Hari?] would show up at the head of the [line]. Nobody doubted Ike Hopper's [hol?] upon a majority of the delegates for Surrogate, and when on the informal ballot, little Frank Kimball tied him with thirty votes, there were general expressions of surprise. But the support of Mr. Kimball was illusory—they call it "a complimentary vote"—and when the formal ballot came the ex-Sheriff walked away with the prize having a large margin to this credit. Andrew Van Emburgh and John Van [Russum?] were also nominated for Sheriffand enjoyment to the whole people. Now the reasons for a public Park bordering the noble, historic and picturesque Palisades fronting on the Hudson river, must commend themselves to every thoughtful and liberal- minded citizen as furnishing ample grounds to justify and in fact to induce the State to take such lands along the edge of these grand masses of picturesque rocks from which such wide and and ennobling views are to be had as may be required and to make them into a public Park for the uses and benefit of the people. The object is too large for private means, and the uses too many and great for private appropriation. Indeed the considerations which recommend such a public Park are more influential than those which led the State of New York to purchase and set apart all the lands surrounding the Falls of Niagara. Long before that cataract had been seen by a white man, Hendrick Hudson had made the wonders of that great rugged wall of natural rocks the mouth of the Hudson known to the Dutch court and through it and the learned men who surrounded it, had glorified its geographical features and bold rocky palisades to all Europe. Father Hennepin, the first white man who stood on the banks of the Niagara river and felt a natural astonishment at its great rush of waters, in 1678, did not make known to the world the wonders until 1698, nearly a century after the Palisades were well known to European scholars and in the leading European universities. Upon the conquest of New York by the English in 1664, English writers, sailing up the Hudson, were astonished at its great breadth and volume, so much larger than the small streams called rivers in England, and by the grand natural parapets of rocks that towered so high along its eastern bank for some twenty-five miles. Then came Chateaubriand in 1791, who set forth in all the felicities of his versalite pen, aided by his unrestrained imagination, the wonders of the heaven-touching Palisades. It was reserved, however, to the graceful and fascinating pen of Washington Irving about fifty years after the witty Frenchman to commemorate in his own unapproachable style the glories of that much-loved river on whose banks he spent the happiest years of his life and his last breath and where his remains now repose. Our Palisades are thus historically commemorated in noble prose and felicitous verse, which have made them famous over the whole country and in foreign lands; so that an application to our Legislature to establish a public Park needs little explanation and no apology or defence. I may add that the exposnre to disintegration from natural causes, unless seasonably arrested, and the more wasteful destruction to which this great quarry of fine trap materials is liable for building stone, especially from its near proximity to New York City, furnish strong reasons for the supervision and adequate protection of a public and strong power not afforded by separate individual ownership. Only a very few years ago, as is known to this writer, a well-known New York builder was in negotiation with the owner of a small section of the Palisade front for its purchase as a quarry for its admirable building stone. That negotiation fell through; but others may at any time succeed and involve by its profitable prosecution the practical ruin of our beautiful Palisades, just as a builder's search for materials a few years ago caused the destruction of the picturesque features of Break Neck Mountain in the Highlands of the Hudson river. The easy transportation of the rocky structure of the Palisades readily invites their invasion from the building enterprise of New York. Besides, it may be, expected that in the near future the rapidly augmenting population upon and beyond the Palisades will require greater accommodations in roads, paths, seats, fountains, bridges and regulated refreshments than are now or can be expected to be supplied by individual proprietors, to say nothing of the annually increasing crowds of picnicking visitors from the rapidly growing population of New York City so near our doors by plish; but like other important enterprises can be accomplished by intelligent determination and co-operation. A scheme which so readily recommends itself to public favor and taste, which promises such advantages to Englewood, to its prominence, to its material interests, furnishing such a field for its labor and looking forward with such anticipations by means of a bridge that such a Park will perhaps invite or make necessary across the Hudson river, forming a nexus between our own Park and the Boulevard and Riverside Park and so making a new transit to and connection with New York--ought not to languish a lag for want of ready support and successful promotion. For myself, having no personal or selfish interests to subserve, owning myself not a foot of land within any probable boundaries of such a Park and desiring only, in the interests of Englewood and of the larger public outside to see such a Reservation established on its own merits, and for the public good, I shall be glad to devote much time and labor freely to initiate and promote this great enterprise; and I invite cordially co-operation and suggestions from others either publicly or privately, to start a project so full of benefit and blessing to all. The steady and strong push of a few earnest and sympathetic friends of the movement is all that is necessary. Such was the history of the Yellowstone and Niagara Falls Parks and of other great projects which beginning small have attained larger proportions. Let us all unite to have a noble Palisades State Park. We can; we must. JOHN D. SHERWOOD. Englewood, N. J., Oct. 24th, 1887. Democratic Convention. The Democracy of Bergen county held its convention at the Mansion House, Hackensack, Wednesday afternoon, under the customary auspices, and put in nomination the following ticket: For Sheriff-N. C. Demarest of New Barbadoes, For Surrogate-I. A. Hopper of Saddle River. For Coroner-H. G. Herring of Washington. There was nothing to distinguish this gathering from the annual Democratic assemblage for transacting the same business. All the old stagers and young colts were on hand-some to make what they could, others to take lessons, and a few as simple on-lookers, this being a slow time of the year with farmers, who like to take an occasional day off and shake the hayseed out of their hair while greeting friends from a distance around the busy bar-keeper. Those who came in on the early trains had ample time to smooth the wrinkles from their coat-tails and walk around to look at the improvements in our charming town; while the late arrivals hustled about to ascertain the course of the ship and secure passage with the favorite. There wasn't much difference of opinion as to the outcome. After three or four delegations had reported to to their friends around the square the word went forth that "Old Reliable" N. C. Demarest was sure of the nomination for Sheriff on the first regular ballot, though there were doubters who clung to the belief that Tunis Haring would show up at the head of the line. Nobody doubted Ike Hopper's hold upon a majority of the delegates for Surrogate, and when on the informal ballot, little Frank Kimball tied him with thirty votes, there were general expressions of surprise. But the support of Mr. Kimball was illusory-they call it "a complimentary vote"-and when the formal ballot came the exSheriff walked away with the prize having a large margin to his credit. Andrew Van Emburgh and John Van Bussum were also nominated for Sheriff. Established 1834. WESTERVELT & DEMAREST FORMERLY W. E. LAWRENCE & CO. Alterations Completed. We are pleased to inform our friends in Bergen County and vicinity that we have completed the alterations in OUR TWO STORES and have greatly enlarged our facilities for displaying our large and varied stock of DRY GOODS. Our aim shall be in the future, as in the past, to give our patrons the very best value for their money that can be had in New York City. With our additional room for displaying goods we shall carry a much larger and better assorted stock, and parties from out of town will find everything needful to supply their wants. We desire to call Special attention to our Mourning Goods Department. WE HAVE A FULL LINE OF Priestley & Co's Henrietta Cloths, Nun's Veiling and Black Cashmeres, ALSO Courland's Veil and Trimming Crapes, Black and Colored Velvets and Velveteens, One lot Colored Velvets, new shades, at 85 cts. per yard. " Silk Finish Velveteens, excellent quality, at 50 " " COLORED DRESS GOODS. WE DESIRE TO MENTION A SPECIAL BARGAIN. 1 Lot Arlington Suitings, at 15 cts. per yd. " 36-inch all wool Suiting, at 31 " " 54-inch " Tricot, at 65 " " 38-inch " Rich Plaids, at 50 " BLACK SILKS OUR FAVORITE FRENCH MAKE. 69 CTS. UP. FLANNELS and BLANKETS. We purchased large quantities of Flannels at the Auction Sales in June last, and offer them at low prices. In BLANKETS and COMFORTABLES, we can give you DECIDED BARGAINS. BLANKETS from $1.00 per pair up. COMFORTABLES from 50 cents up. We have also added a Boys' Clothing Department. 1 lot Boys' all wool Suits, from 4 to 13 years, $3.50 per suit. " " " " " " " 4.00 ". ALSO BOYS' CAMBRIC AND FLANNEL SHIRT WAISTS. GENTS' FURNISHING DEPARTMENT. One of the most complete departments we have. Everything desirable in the way of Scarlet, Grey and White Underwear, Cardigan Jackets, Flannel Shirts, Neckwear, Collars and Cuffs. Hosiery, Linen Handkerchiefs, Silk Mufflers, Suspenders, &c. Ladies' Jerseys, Street Jackets, Corsets, THE CELEBRATED P. D. THOMSON'S GLOVE-FITTING nd other popular makes. Full lines of HOUSE KEEPING GOODS, such as Damasks, Napkins, Towels, Crashes, etc. We cordially invite all our friends to pay us a visit, and our efforts to please will assure you of our appreciation of all favors. GOODS DELIVERED FREE OF CHARGE within 35 miles for New York City, where pur- chases amount to $5.00. Westervelt & Demarest, 292 and 294 Bleecker St. Cor. Barrow, N. Y. AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR COUNTRY FRIENDS: As many of you will soon be coming into the city to make purchases let us suggest the ad- vantage of one of the most EXTRAORDINARY CLOTHING SALES On record. It means you can buy of us SUITS, SINGLE GAR- MENTS or OVERCOATS at prices 50 PER CENT LOWER than we should have marked the goods TO MAKE A PROFIT. This REMARKABLE SACRIFICE is in consequence of the IMPOSSI- BILITY of our completing our contemplated GREAT STORE EXTENSIONS in time to accommodate ALL of our IMMENSE STOCK. THOUSANDS OF SUITS remain in our manufactory ready to be delivered for the FALL TRADE. These are all SUBERB GOODS, many of them manufactured from the FINEST IMPORTED FABRICS. Here are BUSINESS SUITS, KNOCK-ABOUT SUITS, Suits for CHURCH, BALL or WEDDING, and HARD-WORKINGMEN'S SUITS, made from the STRONGEST MATERIALS, and WARRANTED to last a year OF ORDINARY WEAR. That some idea may be gained of our BEWILDERING REDUCTIONSCourtauld's Veil and Trimming Crapes, Black and Colored Velvets and Velveteens. One lot Colored Velvets, new shades, at 85 cts. per yard. " Silk Finish Velveteens, excellent quality, at 50 " " COLORED DRESS GOODS. WE DESIRE TO MENTION A SPECIAL BARGAIN. 1 Lot Arlington Suitings, at 15 cts. per yd. " 36-inch all wool Suiting, at 31 " " 54-inch " Tricot, at 65 " " 38-inch " Rich Plaids, at 50 " BLACK SILKS OUR FAVORITE FRENCH MAKE, 69 CTS. UP. FLANNELS and BLANKETS. We purchased large quantities of Flannels at the Auction Sales in June last, and offer them at low prices. In BLANKETS and COMFORTABLES, we can give you DECIDED BARGAINS. BLANKETS from $1.00 per pair up. COMFORTABLES from 50 cents up. We have also added a Boys' Clothing Department. 1 lot Boys' all wool Suits, from 4 to 13 years, $3.50 per suit. " " " " " " " 4.00 " ALSO BOYS' CAMBRIC AND FLANNEL SHIRT WAISTS. GENTS' FURNISHING DEPARTMENT. One of the most complete departments we have. Everything desirable in the way of Scarlet, Grey and White Underwear, Cardigan Jackets, Flannel Shirts, Neckwear, Collars and Cuffs. Hosiery, Linen Handkerchiefs, Silk Mufflers, Suspenders, &c. Ladies' Jerseys, Street Jackets, Corsets, The CELEBRATED P. D. THOMSON'S GLOVE-FITTING and other popular makes. Full lines of HOUSE KEEPING GOODS, such as Damasks, Napkins, Towels, Crashes, etc. We cordially invite all our friends to pay us a visit, and our efforts to please will assure you of our appreciation of all favors. GOODS DELIVERED FREE OF CHARGE within 35 miles of New York City, where purchases amount to $5.00. Westervelt & Demarest, 292 and 294 Bleecker St. Cor. Barrow, N. Y. AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR COUNTRY FRIENDS: As many of you will soon be coming into the city to make purchases let us suggest the advantage of one of the most EXTRAORDINARY CLOTHING SALES On record. It means you can buy of us SUITS, SINGLE GARMENTS or OVERCOATS at Prices 50 PER CENT. LOWER than we should have marked the goods TO MAKE A PROFIT. This REMARKABLE SACRIFICE is in consequence of the IMPOSSIBILITY of our completing our contemplated GREAT STORE EXTENSIONS in time to accommodate ALL of our IMMENSE STOCK. THOUSANDS OF SUITS remain in our manufactory ready to be delivered for the FALL TRADE. These are all SUBERB GOODS, many of them manufactured from the FINEST IMPORTED FABRICS. Here are BUSINESS SUITS, KNOCK-ABOUT SUITS, Suits for CHURCH, BALL or WEDDING, and HARD-WORKINGMEN'S SUITS, made from the STRONGEST MATERIALS, and WARRANTED to last a year OF ORDINARY WEAR. That some idea may be gained of our BEWILDERING REDUCTIONS In prices, let us mention STRONG, DURABLE, TRUSTWORTHY SUITS, AT $8, formerly $15. Superb CORKSCREW and CASSIMERE SUITS AT $10 and $12; never before sold for less than $20 and $25. FALL OVERCOATS AT $10; worth $22. WINTER OVERCOATS AT $10—nothing better made, marked to sell last year at $20. CHILDREN'S SUITS of every IMAGINABLE VARIETY, from material of GUARANTEED DURABILITY, PRESENT PRICE $5; formerly sold at $8, $9, $10 and $12. If you want hats, we have them at EXACTLY HALF THE USUAL PRICE elsewhere. But we can only HINT at a FEW of the GOOD THINGS We have to show you. Remember this is a great EMERGENCY SALE. Next spring our plans for enlarging our already immense stores will be completed, but at present we must MAKE ROOM For the great stock now in our manufactory. When you are in the city come and see us. Our prices are so low you will remember them for a life time. MAX STADLER & CO. BROADWAY, Cor. GRAND ST., 8th AVE. Cor. 40th ST., N. Y. City. C. J. COYTE, —DEALER IN— DAILY and WEEKLY PAPERS, PERIODICALS, MAGAZINES, &c. Complete Stock of TOBACCO and CIGARS, Foreign and Domestic. polite Attention. Prompt Service. DgMOTT'S BUILDING. PALISADE AVE. ENGLEWOOD, N. J. CALL AT James E. Butler's TENAFLY Stove & House Furnishing Store AND SEE THE Celebrated Rossmore RANGES, PARLOR AND COOK STOVES OVER 100,000 HAVE BEEN SOLD by the MANUFACTURERS Over 200 families are now using them in Tenafly Englewood, and Closter. Every Stove Warranted. CHEAP BUILDING PLOTS.—GREAT BARGAINS.—FOR SALE. PLOTS 50x150 ON HUMPHREY, VAN BRUNT, WILLIAM and MACLAY Streets and RAILROAD Avenue, on EASIEST TERMS. GET MAPS AND PARTICULARS FROM MACLAY & DAVIES, 697 Broadway, N. Y. City. A. G. Demarest, TENAFLY, DEALER IN GROCERIES! First quality only, wholesale and Retail. Goods sold by the box or barrel as low as can be bought in New York. Any particular make of goods not on hand furnished at short notice. DRY GOODS, HARDWARE, HAY, FEED, Agricultural Implements. BUILDING MATERIALS, PAINTS, OIL, And Glass. DRAIN PIPE in any quality, less manufacturer's discount. A large supply always on hand. COAL by the ton or car load.one of the most complete departments we have. Everything desirable in the way of Scarlet, Grey and White Underwear, Cardigan Jackets, Flannel Shirts, Neckwear, Collars and Cuffs. Hosiery, Linen Handkerchiefs, Silk Mufflers, Suspenders, &c. Ladies' Jerseys, Street Jackets, Corsets, The CELEBRATED P. D., THOMSON'S GLOVE-FITTING and other popular makes. Full lines of HOUSE KEEPING GOODS, such as Damasks, Napkins, Towels, Crashes, etc. We cordially invite all our friends to pay us a visit, and our efforts to please will assure you of our appreciation of all favors. GOODS DELIVERED FREE OF CHARGE within 35 miles of New York City, where purchases amount to $5.00. Westervelt & Demarest, 292 and 294 Bleecher St. Cor. Barrow, N. Y. AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR COUNTRY FRIENDS: As many of you will soon be coming into the city to make purchases let us suggest the advantage of one of the most EXTRAORDINARY CLOTHING SALES On record. It means you can buy of us SUITS, SINGLE GARMENTS or OVERCOATS at Prices 50 PER CENT. LOWER than we should have marked the goods TO MAKE A PROFIT. This REMARKABLE SACRIFICE is in consequence of the IMPOSSIBILITY or our completing our contemplated GREAT STORE EXTENSIONS in time to accommodate ALL of our IMMENSE STOCK. THOUSANDS OF SUITS remain in our manufactory ready to be delivered for the FALL TRADE. These are all SUBERB GOODS, many of them manufactured from the FINEST IMPORTED FABRICS. Here are BUSINESS SUITS, KNOCK-ABOUT SUITS, Suits for CHURCH, BALL or WEDDING, and HARD-WORKINGMEN'S SUITS, made from the STRONGEST MATERIALS, and WARRANTED to last a year OF ORDINARY WEAR. That some idea may be gained of our BEWINDERING REDUCTIONS In prices, let us mention STRON, DURABLE, TRUSTWORTHY SUITS, AT $8, formerly $15. Superb CORKSCREW and CASSIMERE SUITS AT $10 and $12; never before sold for less than $20 and $25. FALL OVERCOATS AT $10; worth $22. WINTER OVERCOATS AT $10—nothing better made, marked to sell last year at $20. CHILDREN'S SUITS of every IMAGINABLE VARIETY, from material of GUARANTEED DURABILITY, PRESENT PRICE $5; formerly sold at $8, $9, $10 and $12. If you want hats, we have them at EXACTLY HALF THE USUAL PRICE elsewhere. But we can only HINT at FEW of the GOOD THINGS We have to show you. Remember this is a great EMERGENCY SALE. Next spring our plans for enlarging our already immense stores will be completed, but at present we must MAKE ROOM For the great stock now in our manufactory. When you are in the city come and see us. Our prices are so low you will remember them for a life-time. MAXSTADLER & CO. BROADWAY, Cor. GRAND ST., 8th AVE., Cor. 40th ST., N. Y. City. C. J. Coyte, —DEALER IN— DAILY and WEEKLY PAPERS, PERIODICALS, MAGAZINES, &c. Complete Stock of TOBACCO and CIGARS, Foreign and Domestic. Polite Attention. Prompt Service. DeMOTT'S BUILDING. PALISADE AVE. ENGLEWOOD, N. J. CHEAP BUILDING PLOTS.—GREAT BARGAINS.—FOR SALE. PLOTS 50x150 ON HUMPHREY, VAN BRUNT, WILLIAM and MACLAY Streets and RAILROAD Avenue, on EASIEST TERMS. GET MAPS AND PARTICULARS FROM MACLAY & DAVEIS, 697 Broadway, N. Y. City. CALL AT James E. Butler's TENAFLY Stove & House Furnishing Store AND SEE THE Celebrated Rossmore RANGES, PARLOR AND COOK STOVES OVER I00,000 HAVE BEEN SOLD by the MANUFACTURERS Over 200 families are now using them in Tenafly Englewood, and Closter. Every Stove Warranted. A. G. Demarest, TENAFLY, DEALER IN GROCERIES! First quality only. Wholesale and Retail. Goods sold by the box or barrel as low as can be bought in new York. Any particular make of goods not on hand furnished at short notice. DRY GOODS, HARDWARE, HAY, FEED, Agricultural Implements. BUILDING MATERIALS, PAINTS, OIL, And Glass. DRAIN PIPE in any quality, less manufacturer's discount. A large supply always on hand. COAL by the ton or car load.[*IV Scenic*] [*State Palisades Park Englewood*] [*From Miss Bullard*] Stone Lodge. Englewood, N. J. Thursday Nov 3rd 1887. Frederick Law Olmsted Esq Landscape Architect Dear Sir, Recalling to my own recollection as I hope you may to your own on seeing my name our meetings at Mr Thos P. Rossiters [?] 17 W. 38th St. many years ago when you and Mr Vaux were busy devising plans for laying out and beautifying Central Park, I take the liberty of writing to you in the interests of a proposed State Palisades Park at Englewood, just projected to public notice by a letter of mine in The Englewood Times of last Saturday a copy of which letter enclosed herein will outline the embryo enterprise to you. I am now inclined to think that my suggestion as to dimensions are too large especially as to length. -- but of course such first surmises can be easily corrected by the Legislative Commission that we expect to obtain next winter.-- My especial object now in writing to you is to say, that I have invited some 30 of the prominent and influential gentlemen to meet at my house a week from this evening, Mar 10th inst. to exchange views as to the most desirable way to start the new enterprise and to ask you to meet them. remaining as my guest that night. We have eleven trains on our road -- The Northern RR of N.J. -- each way, very frequent in the morning to N.Y and in the afternoon to Englewood from the depot at Jersey City, the transit between being about forty minutes. I should be glad if you could spare the time, to come out to my house the day before and we can take a drive through the grounds of the proposed Park. A few words from you out of your abundant experience would carry great weight here; and I hope that you will favor us with a visit. If it is not possible for you to be here next Thursday evening, the 10th, I should be glad to have you write me a letter containing some suggestions as to the proper size of our Park and the best mode of promoting it Yours truly, Jno D. Sherwood.