WEST ROXBURY PARK. 41 



To wit: 



Boston, November 29, 1879. 



To the Pari: Commissioners : 



"The undersigned, tax payers of the city of Boston, 

 believe tliat the time has arrived for action in regard to 

 the West Roxbury Park. It is believed that the lands 

 required therefor can now be obtained at far less prices 

 than hereafter, as real property is beginning to feel the 

 inflnence of the revival, wiiich is showing itself in all 

 kinds of business. It is stated that about four hundred 

 acres can be obtained for about nine hundred thousand 

 dollars, and we think you should direct the attention of 

 the city government to the subject and urge its imme- 

 diate action thereon." And again: "If the lands are not 

 taken or bought at once, it may be more difficult to buy 

 them at prices they can be bought at now." 



Who on earth is better entitled to the i-'ise in value of 

 this property than the owners who have patiently held 

 it for many years, and through the long period of busi- 

 ness depression; in fact they have been waiting for just 

 this welcome revival. By what moral or equitable 

 right does a rich municipality or other corporation 

 undervalue the property of a private citizen 500 per 

 cent., or from |89,317.50 to the paltry siun of $18,600, 

 making its own price for it, regardless of the owner, and 

 then seize it for luxurious purposes? The writer stren- 

 uonsly protests against this gross w^'ong, and in con- 

 clusion can only add, that if the city of Boston wants my 

 estate, the following are my figures: 



