New-York tribune., 1870-01-08
THE PNEUMATIC TRANSIT COMPANY.
STATEMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.


To the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR In response to the inquiries made through
the press for particulars concerning the Rail
way beg leave respectfully to present the following
For several years past, however widely the papers
have differed on other subjects they have with one voice
demanded better facilities for travel transportation OF
mail matter quick delivery OF letters freight &c Hund
reds OF editorials have been written these subjects
OF them promising everlasting gratitude OF the
press and people to the man or set OF men who would
the promoters OF this Company applied to the Legisa-
ture for charter the bill passed the Senate and was
lost in the Assembly In October 1861 at expense Of
several thousand dollars placed before the pubo at
the Exhibition OF the American Institute, working
ton OF large pneumatic tube in which we carried up
ward of 100 900 passengers In 1865 we again applied for
charter and our bill was advocated either personally
or by letter before the Committee on Cities by many OF
our most distinguished citizens.
This bill was approved June l. 1868, when we immedi-
clause requiring tubes at the Post
Once. We accordingly applied 70 the postmaster ana
asJ to the for permission to connect
tubes with the Post Office, but we were refused on
the ground Of want OF aqthfy We then applied to the
could obtain premises at price, in the mean time
had gone to great expense in preparing machinery
necessary for work We finally leased the premises
corner Warren-st and Broadway and in 1869. obtained
an amendment to our charter, by which wo were per
mitted 10 build the experimental line from Warrenst
down Broadway to Cedar-st. Gov Hoffman signed this
bill May 8. 1869.
We at work, determined TO build the line
without flourish OF trumpots leaving the press and pubic
TO decide by an inspection Of our work as TO s merlts
Our original intention to construct the entire lne OF
tunnel from Warren to Cedars before opening II Tor
inspection but have concluded TO yield 10 the strong
desire manifested by tho press for an earlier eXamina
ton have therefore stopped work on the tunnel and
are fitting up the blowing machinery engines, boil
ers, waiting rooms &c, with view OF inviting PUBIC
inspection.
LIN reference to the ridiculous stories that have been
circulated about being sworn to secrecy, ana
the doors being closed TO all persons there Is no truth IN
them. Our work has been carried on under the con
sant supervision the officers Of the CrotOn Aquoduct
department, where all plans are matters OF pubic
record II has been alleged that the surface OF the pave
ent on Broadway has settled slightly in consequence or
the building OF tunnel II 1t appears that we have
so disturbed the pavement. 1t Will become our duty TO
make the needu repairs at expense that being
one OF the stpulaOns expressed in our charter AS 10
danger from eaVing. the Chief Engineer OF the CtOt0h
Aqucduct Department has reported ofclaily 70 Ino
Mayor that tho street is perfectly sale ana lha1 our
works are constructed In substantial manner Oh uon
plates and brick masonry. -, 80, -. . ~,
Our tunnel commences at the southwest corner OF
broadway and Warrenst curying out to the center or
Broadway and continuing down TO little below Mur-
rayst Ii has an interior diameter OF eight feet but
wien finished will have dividing wall In the center, so
as to double line OF tubes each little less than 81
inches interior diameter, provided by law The top OF
the tunnel comes within II feet OF the pavement so that
the walls Of adjoining buildings in no way be affected
We should have preferred to keep silent until our work
could speak for 1t is We beg the press and public
10 have little patience and IN three or four weeks az
furhest we will cheerully afford them opportunity or
Inspecting our premises and forming their own Judgment
as 10 its merits Very respectfully,
JOSEPH DIXON, Secretary and superintendent
Me- York Ian. II