WEST ROXBURY PARK. 31 



ations of this property as follows, and taxed accord- 

 ingly: Lot No. 17, 476,3(30 feet, 1874 on |42,900; 

 1875 on 137,100 ; 1876 on |33,300; 1881 on |28,600; 

 and now the time having come, and the land being 

 wanted for park purposes, it is seized nnder the cut 

 down tax of 1883 for |18,600, a reduction of |24,300 

 since the park was i:)rojected, and $10,000 reduction 

 since 1881. This transaction is criticised by everybody 

 as an extraordinaiy exercise of arbitrary power, to be 

 condemned by all good citizens. 



If yon "wish to negotiate amicably for this valuable 

 estate, the assessed valuation must first be restored by 

 at least $12,000 or even $15,000, before I shall consent 

 to listen to any further proposition. My desire is to 

 deal fairly and honorably with not only the Park Com- 

 missioners but with everybody else, and I shall expect 

 and insist upon being treated in the same way by you, 

 as the representatives of the city of Boston. 



In reviewing the history and incidents of the public 

 park scheme from its inception, ten years ago, you will 

 find that I have the honor of being one if not the chief 

 mover at that time, and I heartily worked in preparing 

 the great plan, and in promoting the final consumma- 

 tion of the grand project, not dreaming that my property 

 would be taken at 20 per cent, of its value. The first 

 park plan was arranged and paid for by me; it cost 

 much thne and money. After your appointment as the 

 commissioners, the plan, together with my letter relating 

 to it, were both sent to you, and you have adopted the 

 main lines and features as then suggested, embracing 

 the whole area of 366.80 acres. Within this area I own 

 only 476,360 feet, the handsomest swell of land to be 



