2012.004

Found in collection

Found in Collection

Museum Collections.

1887 - 1888

Date(s) Created: 1887, 1888 Date(s): 1887-1888

Notes: Archives 2012.004.0070 ==== Mayor's Office Hoboken, N. J. November 23, 1887 To the Council Gentlemen I return without approval preamble and resolution of your session of 15th, without, directing drawing a warrant for five hundred dollars towards erection of the Soldiers Monument in Hudson Square Park. I have given this matter my utmost consideration. I fully sympathize with the patriotic sentiments as expressed in the preamble. I desire to see the monument erected. I would very much like to have the city [make] a contribution towards it. I believe it will be an ornament and a benefit to Hoboken, expressing the patriotism and devotion of its citizens to the Nations' defenders, who went forth to sacrifice and risk their lives that our country should remain one and indivisible. That Hoboken through its representatives took no small part in that gigantic struggle the page of History will tell and nothing more fitting could be placed in our midst than the "American Soldier On Guard", as a reminder of how much we owe to him for the greatness of our country and the liberty and happiness we enjoy. But, Gentlemen, this country, this State and this City are governed by laws. As the municipal government of this city, our powers do not extend beyond those limited by the laws of the State. We have no authority permitting us to expend one cent - however laudable the object - for any other purpose than laid down by those laws. We have no law for this purpose and I regret very much our inability in consequence to join with our citizens individually in the erection of this memorial, which will do so much honor to our city. That monument will be erected, and that speedily, I firmly believe and it will be all the more creditable to our citizens that it be so by private contribution. That the city could be a contributor, would be both a pleasure and an honor, and so she would be did the law permit, but it would never do that this emblem of the American Soldier, the upholder of law, should be erected through means in violation of law; the statue would be a mockery. The greatest credit is due to the press, particularly to the Evening News, and our citizens generally for the interest taken in the movement and I wish it God Speed. Respectfully Edwin J Kerr Mayor ===== Com [communication] from His Hon Mayor Kerr vetoing resolution to appropriate $500 towards Soldiers Monument Presented read and referred to the Committee of the whole. M.V. McDermott City Clerk Ordered on file M.V. McDermott City Clerk ==== Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2012-12-06