64 FIRST COUNTY PARK SYSTEM 
per cent. It is obvious that it was the requirements of 
this great city which was the main object in establishing 
a system of public parks. It is apparent that a considera- 
tion of what the city of Newark requires, beyond the ques- 
tion of taxation, was a consideration which influenced the 
establishment of this scheme to the extent and of the mag- 
nitude that this act provides.” 
The court then referred to the assurances on the part of 
those ‘interested in the government of Newark that, if 
Newark’s interests were not to be provided for, “this power 
of selecting these commissioners would not have been con- 
ferred upon the court.” 
The adverse vote of Newark was next touched upon, and 
it was stated by the judge “that a considerable portion of 
this vote was due to an apprehension that in the appoint- 
ment of these commissioners Newark would be subjected to 
taxation by persons who are not directly interested in the 
public affairs of the city. 
CONFIDENCE IN THE BOARD. 
“And I know from representations that have been made 
to me by gentlemen of influence in this city,” continued the 
court, “that their votes in favor of this law were influenced 
by their confidence that, in the appointment of these com- 
missioners, that which was apprehended would be obviated. 
“T departed from my usual rule and asked for the ap- 
pointment of six commissioners, with a view of the adjust- 
ment of representation in such a manner as to conserve the 
interests of the whole county. A vote of three to two would 
not, perhaps, be as safe as one that had the support of four 
of the commissioners. If I had had the lively appreciation 
of the condition of things that I have now I should have 
made the number larger yet, in order that the principle of 
representation and taxation should be carried out in a more 
perfect manner than it can by the small number of com- 
missioners. They are not mere executive officers, but have 
judicial duties as well. I would not make a government of 
this city composed of five persons, but toward an adminis- 
