The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-18
Opposition TO the Running OF Locomotives
Below SiYty-first Street.

Yesterday, the committee Of the Board Of Alder
men, appointed to hear evidence with regard TO the
nuisance which it is alleged, arises from the running
of locomotives on the Hudson River Railroad track
below Sxty-irst street assembled in the library at
the City Hail. The members OF the committee con-
sisted Of Aldermen Tweed, (chaman) Ward, Bard,
Haley and Denman; and the room was crowded with
a great many Of the gentlemen who had petitioncd
the Common Council on the subject Mr. Strong APP
peared on behalf Of the railroad company.
The CHAIRMAN, having called the meeting 10
order requested the Clerk to read the petition from
the owners Of property the Eleventh avenue pray
ing for the interference of the Common Council to
abatc the nuisance which they aege arises from the
use of locomotives below Sixty-6rt street.
The Clerk having read the petition,
Alderman WARD asked whether the railroad com
pany had received notification Of the intended sit
ting of the coMUitteel
The CHAIRMAN replied that the company had been
so notified, and he understood Mr.. Strong appeared
on their behalf He then called the petitioners TO
produce evidence in support Of their allegations, for
the committee was there, prepared TO hear all that
might be adduced
Mr. s. NJ. CURRrE stepped forward, and de.
clared that his tenants residing between Forty
third and Twenty-third streets, had complained
to him of the noise and dangers that were Occasoned
by the use Of the locomotives on the lines OF the
Hudson River Railroad. He had himself heard the
whstling OF the locomotives and had been surprised
at the rapid and dangerous rate at which trains were
whirled by. lie was of opinion that the rate at
which they travelled could not have been less than
fifteen miles an hour. Such proceedings were every
way calculated to endanger the lives of foot passen
gers, and even those persons that were driving ran
great risks.
The CHAIRMAN inquired if il was the object of the
petitioners tn have the of the locomotives done
away with below Sixty-first street,
Mr.. CURRn--It is, sir: and the people llvng or
the Eleventh avenue complain OF being IN constant
state of alarm Such is the nuisance arising from tho
whistling the noise, and the danger, that consider
my property il deprecated at least twenty-five pei
cent.
Alderman HALEy-If the trains were run at les
speed would there still be great objection to the ust
Of locomotives
Mr. CuRRIER-I think many evils would still re
main; for there would still be noise, and other vehi
cles would he prevented from taversing the Eleventh
avenue so that the injuries to property would b.
bnt little mitgated. Horses that are unused to th,
strange noise produced by locomotives have in man,
instances run away. The trains go more rapidly a
one time than another. and dangers are heightened
The whistng and the blowing of Of the steam is
perfect nuisance.
Alderman WAgr--How is II with regard to tn,
common way trains, as distinguished from thu
others
Mr.. CuRrrr-The only difference notice is, tina
some go more rapidly than others. ] should thinI
the lowest rate is fifteen miles hour and from tia
| 70 twenty miles an hour.
Mr.. L. VI. RICK came forward, and said that h
lived in the Eleventh avenue near Forty third street
The CHtIRsAE-In what manner are you auuoyo
" tie loccmQtivef