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Robert Moses address to the New York City Building Conference luncheon
After a laudatory introduction by Gilmore Clarke, Robert Moses speaks at the New York City Building Conference. Moses' colorful speech focuses on his criticisms of the critics of his public works. He talks about his recent efforts on the power dams at Niagara and St. Lawrence, Title 1 housing (which many of the attendees would have been involved in), the media, and the inevitability of disputes over large city improvement projects. His speech includes a number of contemporary and historical references, often from literature, of varying degrees of obscurity.
Bradford Clark, Chairman of the New York Building Congress, introduces educator, engineer, and planner, Gilmore Clarke of Clarke-Rapuano. Who will introduce Robert Moses.
Clarke talks about Moses' fame and accomplishments in the New York Area. He brings up the power dams, bridges, expressways, parks and playgrounds, housing, cultural centers, and World's Fairs that Moses was responsible for.
Clarke quotes from a piece on art by L. P Jacks, former professor of Manchester College, Oxford, UK. Jacks defines art as "the wisest way of doing whatever needs to done." If you find that point you "stand at the growing point where all the fine arts begin." He talks about the link between art and the common work of the world. Clarke calls for learning the toil of industry and professions with all the excellence that one can bear. He calls Moses' work the revival of the fine arts and calls him the finest public servant New York has ever known. He closes his introduction by quoting from Shakespeare's sonnet 106- [I have] not skill enough your worth to sing: For we, which now behold these present days, Have eyes to wonder, but lack tongues to praise.
Moses thanks Clarke. He talks about fight over the power dams at Niagara and St. Lawrence Power. He talks about the bitterness of the fight. He feels that fight obscured the real issues and postponed the necessity of a public authority. He started the project 40 year prior under Governor Smith, and 5 years ago was put in charge by Governor Dewey.
He aimed for respect rather than popularity, but ultimately both. He puts himself between the far left and right wingers.
He brings up title 1 of the 1949 Housing Act, which many attendees are involvement. He bemoans the lack of understanding of his techniques which have evolved over time. He talks about not being disturbed by disturbances of minorities who complain about his projects. He takes the long view to maintain balance.
He is grateful for durable friendship in his efforts. Those with large objectives cannot brood over their enemies. He feels he will be remembered as the Archie Moore [a light-weight boxer] of Public Works. He goes into a lengthy and colorful stream of insults of those who criticize him. He paraphrases a poem of Stephen Vincent Benét about termites, comparing his critics to them.
He talks about the critics who cite Swedish post-war housing as a model, which he disagrees would be useful. Critics have no praise for him. He talks receiving mail from "whiners" and "brick-throwers." He talks derisively of complaints he receives. He talks about gas taxes and modern highways being opposed by the automobile industry.
He discusses the troubles he is encountering at the Niagara Power Dam. He has to do everything without disrupting the community.
He talks about criticisms from the media and the fact that retractions typically appear in the back pages that no one reads.
He talks about the media asking chief executives being asked "who's in charge?", noting that Lincoln would not be riled by this.
He talks about receiving praise from prominent people but it not being published publicly.
He asks for "decent" criticism consistent with loyalty to New York. He talks about other types of sensational criticism. He talks about the importance of citizenship, citing St. Paul. He talks about the ostracism of famous Greeks, Aristides, and Haussmann in France.
He talks about the work of the bureaucrat, paraphrasing Ecclesiastes.
He talks about disputes over methods. He talks about the inevitably of criticism of public officials involved in civil works. He uses the example of WWII general Somervell and admiral Moreell and the people they had working underneath them. He also notes Samuel Johnson's letter to the Earl of Chesterson.
He tells us he only wants praise for what he has produced. He lists off his accomplishments. He talks about the problems with criticism. He alludes to his Canadian power opposite, Jim Duncan, speaking about Communist China. He discusses China's ability to build. He quotes from Duncan's comments on China.
He tells us the critics build nothing. They will not solve problems.
He tells us about the need for confidence, not dismay.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 150533
Municipal archives id: LT8865