The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-08
PETER COOPER on RAPID TRANSIT.

The following letter has been addressed BY Mr.
Peter Cooper to the Hon. H. G. Eastman, at the
latters request on the question of rapid transit
NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 1874.
MY DEAR SIR-Jn compliance with your request
write to say that have given some attention to
the subject OF rapid transit IN our city. 1 have
satisfied myself with plan that feel so sure OF
the great advantages 1t will nave over all other
plans that have been presented that will gladly
subscribe 800. 900 in a stock for that purpose as
as satisfactory parties are found 70 undertake
the work. My plan would require the covering OF
the enIlre Sidewalks or an avenue, or as should
recommend in preference that right OF way,
from twenty five TO thirty feet wide on the east
side OF Third avenue, should be purchased; run
ming directly through the second stories OF all the
houses distant 100 feet from the east line OF said
Third avenue.
the houses are amply sufficient for the support or
an endless chain oil light eight wheel cars, of six
feet in width. with their backs and ends to run
close together, forming an endless chain OF wire
rope and cars with SIX feet OF sidewalk on each
side for entering the cars. These cars are to be
drawn by this endless wire rope fastened strongly
to the centre OF each car. This propeuing wire
rope will be entirely out of the way OF doing or
receiving harm. The weight OF the wire rope will
be carried by being fastened to the centre o, each
car, and will thus form an endless chain OF cars
and rope to be propelled by being made to pass
around q drum wheel driven by stationary steam
power, to be placed, one end at Harlem Bridge, the
other AZ any convenient place IN the lower part OF
others are that IL will own well lighted, covered
right of way through its whole length. The rail
track Will cross all the streets at SuCient heighC
to be out OF the way of street travel and free from
the constant danger OF frightening horses, and
free also from the Inconvenience or snow and rain,
SPARKS and gas, that must be spread through the
streets by any locomotive propeiling power.
The great advantage Of this plan is, that the cars
can be propelled ut any required speed. and can
be made to stop at any convenient distances and
receive and discharge passengers at all parts OF
the line, and take up all The power expended in
stopping the cars, in way that will be immedi-
ate!y given out again to set them in motion, and
thus save at least one half or the propelling
power
This plan Of road will be at an equal height from
the streets throughout It's whole line, and will re-
quire no more power than dead level, as there
will always be as much weight going down hill as
there Is going up
Another great advantage OF this plan is that it
will be nearly free IRON noise. The rails can be
creased, and any amount OF freight ana baggage
be carried through sheltered way on platform
cars placed in this line OF cars at convenient dis
tances apart. All goods can be taken on and OF
at all the stopping places on the line in the same
time that will be required for the passengers TO
get In and out of the cars
This plan VIII not disturb the vaults, gas and
water pipes OF the street, and will make sheltered
Convenient business places OF all the second
stories OF the buildings through Its whole line, and
would, II required, transport million OF people in
PETER COOPER.