The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-01-29

an opportunity for identifying their party
success with right, justice and the public in
terest-
Practical Suggestions ON che Subject
OF Rapid Transit.
Mayor Wickham evinces proper apprecia-
ton of the importance of rapid transit to tho
interests of the city, and laudable desire to
do oil in his power to effect a favorable solu-
ton of the problem. Yesterday he submitted
q special message to the Board of Aldermen,
reviewing the present position of the ques-
ton and setting forth the public advantages
that would follow the construction of rapid
transit road. He recommends that the Com
mon Council take practical steps toward aiding
such work by the appointment OF commit
tee to investigate the subject, and, after consul
tation with all parties particularly interested
therein, to report at ON early day such meas
ures as are ascertained to be the most feasible
and to afford the best hope of success. The
Mayor accepts it as settled conclusion that
railroad or railroads operated by steam will
increase the general valuation of the
real estate of the city, thus decreas-
ing the rate of taxation, and will
enhance the value of the property along tho
route it follows. He believes it to be con-
coded that the road should be constructed by
private capital, if practicable, rather than as
a public work hence he urges that every en-
couragement should be offered to capitalists
to make the investment, by allowing them
freedom to select such routes as promise the
greatest amount Of business. The recent con-
stitutional amendments he says, seem to pro-
hibit the Legislature from granting special
charters for the construction of such roads as
are here contemplated, and to forbid the aid
of the enterprise, if in private hands, by the
money or credit of tho city. But he believes
that some law will be passed devolving the
power of legislation on the subject, under the
restrictions of the amended constitution, on
the Common Council, and he expresses con-
fdence that energetic capitalists are prepared
to build the road and that advantageous lines
and economic modes of construction can be
selected and determined
The city pines for rapid transit, and the
suggestions now made by the Mayor have
more practical bearing on the success of the
much-needed work than may at first sight ap-
pear. We are inclined to believe that under
energetic local action the amendments to the
constitution will be found to aid rather than
to obstruct the construction of steam rail-
road in the city. Heretofore the subject has
been wholly in the hands of the Legislature.
Practical schemes have been discarded be-
cause they could not afford to buy support,
while any person who was ready to pay the
current price of votes and to satisfy the de-
mands of the lobby could insure charter for
any crazy scheme, without regard to the in
terests of the city or the wishes of the people
of New York. Now, no law, general or local.
can authorize the construction of o
city railroad without the consent of
certain proportion of the property
owners along the route can be obtained,
or unless tho courts shall finally determine,
in case of factious opposition on the part of
property owners, that the work is demanded
in the public interest. The rights of the
property owners and of the citizens at largo
are thus SO far guarded. The proposition has
been made-and we regard it as wise one
that the Legislature SHALL by law, confer upon
the Common Council of New York the power
and authority to do all the legislative work,
within the limits and restrictions laid down
by the constitution, necessary to the con-
structon of rapid transit road. That is to
say, when any capitalists may desire to build
q road, and have obtained the consent of the
required proportion of property owners or
the specified authority of the courts, the
Common Council may pass law authorizing
the work without any further action of the
Legislature. If the constitutional restrictions
in regard to special legislation should
prevent the bestowal OF this authority upon
law might be made general one, applicable
to all the cities of the State, or to all cities
containing certain population. This propo-
sition, like that for the formation of rapid
transit commission, has for its recommends.
ton the fact that it leaves the question oil
take and the people who should build it, il
the hands of practical New York men who un
derstand the subject, hive the interests of the
city ut heart and are directly responsible tt
the people for their action. The Board Of
Aldermen, if they follow the Mayors recon-
mendation, can aid the desired legislation BY
officially indorsing the proposed measure and
by forming committee competent to advise
with and counsel those who will have it IL
charge We, therefore, regard the message
as well timed and of practical utility.
An interesting feature of the subject is 9
quiet movement now going on among citizens
who will be specially benefited by the con
struction of a rapid transit road. These gen
tlemen have initiated measures for the careful
examination of the effect and bearing of thu
constitutional amendments on the rapid tran
sit question by competent lawyers, with view
| RI tho auoOaation If consfituti Onal LEGISLATION