182 FIRST COUNTY PARK SYSTEM 
architects of the first commission, and the unfavorable criti- 
cism we have thus far received since the location has been 
under consideration, may not be correct and well founded. 
If the selection be not judicious, the public will soon find it 
out as they study these very conditions, and the whole 
enterprise thus imperiled. 
“The situation is complicated, too, by the action of the 
traction people, the Fair Association, and the speculators in 
the adjoining property. 
“As I read the signs of the times, the people are becoming 
very suspicious of corporate control of boards transacting 
public business, and this of itself makes the situation a deli- 
cate one, both as to the avenue and the association property. 
“The natural park lands, such as the Nye property to 
the north and west, also north of Clinton avenue toward the 
West Newark sites recommended, appear more desirable as 
to location and parkable features, and come nearer meeting 
the requirements of the petition we have received; also of 
the park system. In those locations, too, the ratables would 
be largely increased in every direction by park acquirement. 
“These conditions have never impressed me so forcibly as 
they did to-day. Mr. Peck will tell you of his own impres- 
sions, and I believe they were on similar lines. 
“T wish to act most heartily with whatever is determined 
upon as best by the majority of our board, but I feel that 
this is a subject of great importance and should have very 
careful consideration under the conditions as we now find 
them. 
“T enclose clipping giving some data showing reasons 
why our traction friends do not feel that they ‘can afford’ 
to give up these valuable and available thoroughfares. 
“Sincerely yours, 
“FreD. W. KELSEY.” 
A SERIOUS QUESTION. 
When the practical work of improving the Weequahic 
reservation was taken up by the Park Board, in 1899-1900, 
a serious question arose as to the treatment of the lake. In 
