The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-02-14
THE CITY'S WANT.

DIVERSE VIEWS AMONG FRIENDS AND PRO-
MorERs OF THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
OBSTACLES.
As the HERALD reporter called yesterday here
and there upon gentlemen VINO have taken an in
terest in the subject OF rapid transit, ne encoun-
tered many variations in feeling as to the proba-
bility OF railway for, speedy trains being con-
structed There were decided opinions. Some
were In favor OF the city building and operating
such railroad; others desired Q general railroad
law, under which capitalists could construct and
control IT.; yet after all, the enthusiasm inspired
BY these subjects was expended and there was
generally glum remark uttered to the effect that
the Legislature will not pass bill that viii give
the slightest opportunity for the accomplishment
Of rapid transit. the most decided In mis- ut
terancs to this effect was Mr.. g. E..
Church. When the writer called upon him Mr.
Church explained the "Act to confer upon
the cities OF this state power to provide and con-
struct railways for rapid transit" which ne has
drafted, and copies Of which he has presented to
the Aldermanic and Assembly committees and
said that the bill has been approved by the North
SIDE Association and will be Endorsed by the other
large organizations OF uptown real estate owners.
Continuing, Mr.. Church said that the bill satisfies
the Aldermanic Committee on Rapid Transit ana
that body will report in favor OF 1t this week.
Assembly committee, and that body will report
against the construction OF rapid transit road by
the city. We must play against loaded dice In
Albany. The railroad companies Of this city run
the Legislature, and do not think that rapid,
transit will b aided by that body. My experience
OF two years IN Albany taught me how work IL
done by the railroad committees. The present
Senate committee will crush every project that
looks toward conflict With the interests OF ex-
OF the committee, Is a railroad man; Wagner
owns palace cars and runs them on vanderbllt's
roads: Baker is connected with the Rensselaer, and
Saratoga Railroad. Nor is there better chance for
rapid transit in the Assembly. The COMMITTEES
from that body that came to this city may not
want to learn the merits OF the rapid transit ques
ton. How could les me mbers INFORM themselves
propely ~ one one E"ence Oh care LOT the
the committee itself. Mr.. Seward, one Of tho
members, although very gentemanly and hon.
OraDle man, IL the representative OF MIR. ThurlOW
Weed. BY the latter he was iatrod uced into pol
itics and he must uphold his patrons interests.
MIR. PurrOy, the Assembly select committee in
tend to report against authorizing the clty TO
build rapid transit railway. Private capital
Will not build the railway and rapid transit
"Have YOU any idea. Mr.. Church, OF how large
an interest Mr.. Weed has in tue city railroads Y'
n have heard" was the answer, that stock
has been given to MI: Weed by every railway com:
I pany In this city. Years ago the Third Sixth and
Eighth avenue companies, have heard, gave him
stock for his influence IN the Legislature and now
the Third and Eighth avenue companies elect him
a director to keep his interest In their afairs
| livelyn
''Have you any particular scheme for rapid
transit railway, Mr.. Church 7"
"A have not. did al one time wish to have an
arcade or depressed way Tor four tracks con-
structed, and l mad bill introduced into the
Legislature, declaring that the city MI mt Guild
| rapid transit railway at q cost OF not more than
$50 000 900. IL was estimated That arcade rail-
way would cost SEC, 900, and expected that II
the bill was passed Sucn q railroad would be con-
structed. Mr. Chanute. OF the Society OF own Eua
| glneers, has informed me thai an elevated rail-
| way can be quilt Tor $500, 600 per mile, and he
i made to yield profit OF twelve per cent per
num- / am In favor Of that railway which can De
built Cheaply aud WELL"
"Why 40 you say, Mr.. Church. that rapid tran
Ht railway cannot be built by private capitalists 20
| II argue from experience. Even now there Is
that gong on which demonstrates what say to
| be true. The greenwich street Elevated Railroad
! Company Ia strengthening It's structure, and de-
aires to extend It 10 Seventy-secOnd street. TO
| do this, and make other improvements
| that will render the road safe from
accidents, money Is required subscriptions
TO the necessary fund are now being solicited.
the money subscribed to he secured BY drst mort.
| gage seven per cent convertible BONDS; and, a..
| though the company promises to commence the
extension OF Its road Within thirty days after
100000 mas been subscribed that sum is being
pledged very slowly. Now, II capl talsts won'u
ration they certainly won't undertake an entirely