New-York tribune., 1875-02-25
GENERAL STREET RAILROAD BILL.

A GENERAL STREET RAILROAD BILL.
SURFACE UNDERGROUND, OR ELEVATED RAILROADS
TO BE BUILT IN CITIES AND VILLAGES WITH TEE
CONSENT OF TIE LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND OF
TIE OWNERS OF oNE-HALF THE PROPERTY IN
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OP TIE BILL
IrRoN THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE rRIBuSe.l
ALBANY Feb. a-Mr Prince, who Is indefatigabe
IN the preparation of general laws introduced this
morning General Street Railroad bill, which from
the number of conflicting interests to 0e reconcled
is perhaps the most difficult Of construction OF all
the series The first 50 sections of this bilwhich Is
Of especial interest to New-YOrk, inasmueh as all
rapid transit roads as well as Others, must come
under its provisions if il is passedare similar TO
the present provisions Of the General Railroad law,
the principal changes being that the responsibility
of directors is greatly increased and minority repre-
sentation Is provided for in their election
Theremaining sections provide that for the pur-
poses of the act the local authorities OF cities
towns, and villages shall be deemed and taken to
be "a follows. In cities where there Is Common
Council of two branches. the Mayor and Common
Council: in cities where there are Mayor and
aldermen and no other branch of the Common Coun-
cil. the Mayor and aldermen IN towns the super
yisors and Commissioners of Highways; IN villages
tbe Board of Trustees. Any company organized
under this act may, with the consent OF
the local authorities, construct, main
tain and operate a railroad, either surface
elevated depressed or underground, through, over
or under any OF the streets roads avenues squares
public places and lands of cities, towns and vii
lagos aud along. across over, under or through any
private property which the company may acquire
for the purpose; and NAV construct such necessary
and proper foundations. piers columns, and other
structures required for the maintenance and safety
of such road such stations, depOts platforms, STAIR
ways elevators approaches sidings. switches turn
outs arches vladucts tunnels, excavations, walls,
copiDSs signal devices and other constructions ana
conyeneuces as are necessary for the proper work
ing of the road and the accommodation Of its pas
sengers and business The local authorities In
granting this consent TO establish and determine
as conditions thereof
I The route OF the proposed railroad.
2 The character of the road. whether underground
depressed surface, or elevated. =, -. .,.,o, .,
g. Tho kud Of motor be used in the propulsion OF
The weight pattern. and material Of the rail to be
The time within which the construction Of the road
be begun ana the time within whch IL snail 10 c0in
8. The rate Of speed to be adopted.
ar. and property when may fixed absolutely or
qsd a. sum TO Be reduced time 10 time as spec-
such conditions as the gross receipts OF the ne'
pronis OF such company increase.
g. The size. situation, and wording OF the signs. any
70 be warning 70 passengers OF lhe ApPrOacu
OF care and tue signals, by bells or OTHERWISE W DO
The eompensation II any to be made TO the au.
thorities Of cities. towns or villages ior ns SS use q.
streets avenues. squares. roads highways, or pubic
ssIlou the clearing of OF other obstructlons
from between the tracks of such company ..,,
10 Regulations 10 crossing the tracks OF otner rA
roads excavations. openings ana ereetlons ~ or
on street, roads. and public places Dut IN al cases tne
surface ard pavement OF such streets avenues rosus
and places shall be restored by such companies 10 as
peGrly As practicable the same condIon as tnat 10
which they previous to sucn exeaV"on' 0peh"S'
erection go
In addition 10 the above, the said authorities
shall a. conditions Of their consent, establish regu-
lations regarding the following matters IL the cases
stated
! In case the railroad In question be wholly or partly
nuder 0round then and form OF the e1caVa-
uOn the manner OF walllng up ana covsrps ,n
material be used IN abd tbe meLhou VI OOHSNu
tOn OF foundations, walls coping, arches &c. . -
In case the railroad IL surface road thou ss 10 tne
Of laying the rnsi the foundatlon uierelor &
amount OF having or imprOv ement between sucn
ras or adjacent thereto required TO De Gene anu kept II
order by such company. .. 49, -. ..
In tae railroad Is an eleVateu Foao, ten 49, as
general plan OF the structure Including lts nsn
above the surface the materials OF which II shall be
composed and special provisions as 70 Oondaons
piers arches, columns, &C. as may oe hocessArJ'
No road can be constructed without the consent
of the ow of oneha Of the property interested,
or. in case that cannot be obtained the favorable
decision Of three commissioners appointed Dy the
General Term Of the Supreme Court. The corporate
existence of the company ceases unless the consent
OF the local authorities Is obtained within one year
and of the prOperty-0wDers within TWO Years Inc
priyi)ege To construct and operate railroad snail
be sold at auction 20 the highest bidder ten per cent
of the purchase money TO be paid at the time OF the
sale In case of failure TO obtain the consent OF the
proDertv-Owners or the favorable decision OF com
miSsioners the purchase money Is 10 De Teiundeu'
WORK OF THE TWO HOUSES.