Politics and the Park [ 137 ] full support, and it seemed sure that a proposal of such broad promise would move ahead without opposition. In spite of this fact, and the mayor's optimistic statement that he could not believe that "anyone can be found to advance an objection against the expediency of having such a one in our midst" forceful and bitter opposition arose almost immediately and did not relent until many years later.20 The fight was led by the Journal of Commerce, a powerful local business newspaper that generally represented the interests of the commercial community. The cost to the taxpayer for such a scheme would be tremendous, argued the Journal editor. Park lands already owned by the city, valued in excess of eight million dollars, and the cool waters and green country surrounding the city, made the proposal unnecessary. The Evening Post responded contemptuously that the investment would prove to be an economy, like the money spent for other city improvements. "Every investment of capital that renders the city more healthy, convenient, and beautiful, attracts both strangers and residents, and leads to a liberal patronage of every department of trade!' The argument that the city already had eight million dollars worth of parks was labeled as irrelevant, for in spite of the amount of park lands, there were clearly still not enough parks. Lastly, the fact that New York was near water and open green space was no argument at all; so were most European cities, and they had broad urban parks that were greatly used and appreciated by their population.21 In spite of this developing controversy, the council moved resolutely ahead. The mayor's message was referred to the Committee on Lands and Places, which shortly recommended that the 160-acre tract on the east side, Jones's Wood—Bryant's originally proposed site—be acquired for the park. The entire common council adopted the recommendations of the committee for the Jones's Wood plan and moved to apply to the state legislature for the enabling legislation that would permit the city to acquire this site and appoint commissioners to assess the value of the land to be condemned. On June 6, 1851, the council authorized the mayor and the comptroller to begin negotiations with the owners of the land prior to the formal appoint- 20 Ibid. 21Nevins, The Evening Post, 197.