New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-11-16
THE STAGE BUSINESS OF YEW-Y0RK

few wears $40 when the matter of City R4ilro ads
was first mooted the proprieton of the various stage
lines and many property holders, forthwith took up
AIMS and made the most strenuous opposition 10 the
project lsying the subject before the people at every
opportunity that traDspired. Petitions setting forth
various objections against the establishment of rail-
roads in the City, and numerousy signed by persons
represented as holding property, residing or dong
busns "a on the line of the projected roads were for
warded 10 the Common Council, and in addition
thereto every other means resored to to prevent
he incorporation Of any company who designed
constructing a railroad through the City. The
princjpal movers in the matter at this time were the
propr,tors OF stage lines on the west side of the
City-heir main objection being that it would injure
and eventually break down their business. Iudign4-
ton meetings were held by the citizens and protests
made against the establishment of City Railroads
and about the sme time Special Comm tee of the
Coz mon Council, TO whom the matter had been re
ferred held frequent meetings 20 hear the objections
OF property holders, residents &c. At the meetings
of the Con mitte Of the Common Council eminent
counsel appeared on behalf of the stage proprietors,
property hole ers and residents, and in lengthy argu
ments endeavored TO show that The Common Council
hao Dot the power TO grant especial right of way
brou IA any Art OF the city TO any company or CON-
panies In the arguments numerous otler reasons
v ere set forth against the projected roads.
Despite all opposition acts of incorporation were
granted TO the SIKH and III ghth av. Railroad Compl-
MES ard the construction Of the roads commenced,
when the matter carried 10 the courts, the anti
railroad men taking the ground OF unconsututionay,
denying the right power ,f The Common Council to
grant special right Of way through the City to any
company or companies. The companies were firm in
the mantepa OF the act granted them, and eventu
ally received decision in their favor
The stage propretors now looked despair, and were
about TO cry "Otheos occupations gone, beliey-
ing, as they firmly did that their interests were for
ever ruined, and nothing remained for them but to
close cir stables and dispose Of their stock TO what
ever advantage hey could.
The Sixth and Eighh-avs Roads at length were
completed and commenced operations. The cars at
every trio were loaded 10 their utmost capacity and
the daily receipts of the companies ran up to very
high figure The jouncing, oltling and rumolng sta ges
were TO consd .rabe extent fo,saken, for the easy
and agreeable motion OF the cars.
The stage lines on the western side of the City
were stll continued however, as before although the
number of stages was diminished more being run
than the travel required. For a year more the
proprietors of the stage lines have suffered heavy
losses hundreds of people in their transit through the
City giving their preference to the cars being more
commodous and cheaper. After the lapse of year
or more the stage business began to improve and has
since continued improving; and at the present time it is
nearly as lucrative before the railroads were estab-
lished.
Upon the incorporation of the Third and Second
d.. Of N ainoilar character
hose mentioned in the former part Of this article were
urged by the propretors of stage lines on tho eastern
section of the City. Despite all opposition these
roads were finally established, and we know of bu
one stage line the business OF which they materially
affected The line referred to enjoyed the right OF
way through ary every street occupied BY the Sec
ond Avenue Railway and hence the damage to the
interests OF the said line. Within few months past,
the fare on the line referred TO was reduced to three
cents which reduction judging from the average re-
ceps of each stage per day. seemed to meet the favor
Of those residing on or near the route. These stages
are crowded at every trp and the business OF the line
is much better informed, tn an before the con-
struction of the railroad. The other stage lines on
the eastern side of the City also doing about az
well now as before the railroads were established.
The fare Of the Avenue A and Bowery and Frst-av.
lines has also been redu ed four cents he former
line and three cents on the latter line.
For the better security Of the interest of the differ
ent s,sge lines and railroads already established the
Legislature passed on the 4th of April last the fol-
lowing act relative TO the construction Of railroads n
cities
Sec The Common Councils Of the several cities Of thu
State shall not eater permit TO be constructed either
OF the Of said city. railroad for the
portson of passengers which and ends in sid
city Without the consent thereto Of majority In interest OF
the owners Of property upon the streets in witch said railroad
be constructed being 6f had and obtained For the pu
rose Of DISCRIMINATING what constitutes said majority n inter
" reference shall be had 70 the assessed value Of the whole
located upon such street or avenue.
See AFTER such obtained il shall be lawful for
the Common Council Of the city In which such
located TO grant authority TO construct and establish such
rsrosd upon such terms conditions and 'Pasrons in rels
on thereto as such Common Council may see III TO prescribe
But such grants sha be made except 70 such
shall give adequate security comply IL all reapects
with the terms conditions and stp1latons 90 TO be prescribed
by such Common Council aud will conyey
upon saen rroad a. the lowest rates OF fse nor
shall .ueh grants be made nn after public notice Of intention
to make the and Of the terms CONDITIONS and stpusons
'peched time and lace shall be published under the dee
ton Of the Common Council in Of the principal
posed TO be sgthorized and contracted
Sac This act sbA be held the construction
Stat which have slready Constructed In part bat the
spseye as aud companies by whom such roads have been
Construct complete extend such roads through
The street. and avenues desi.nated IN the respective
been 10 part eonuetd and that aud the grants licenses
and resolutions aforesaid are hereby confirmed.
At the same session Of the Legislature another Ac'
was passed to regulate stage routes in the City Of
New'York and to provide for the formation Of Com
psnes TO operate the This Act provides that
Any number Of persops les than fifteen may form
Company for the purpose u eahsbinE maintaining sna p
Grating eer the Ggthvriry sod in the hereinafter
PROVIDED any stare OHLbrs route or routes }r Puo use
70 the Of persons and properly 10 tns th Of Ne~
ffr the of MA
or routss 10 ss1 " already established for the
lie pubic and for purpose make aud sgn articles
Of assnesi,n n hich snal B. sta de che