New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-08-16
RAPID TRANSIT ON THE EAST SIDE.


RAPID TRANSIT ON THE EAST SIDE.
EXCURSION OVER THE ELEVATED ROAD THROUGH
TIE BowRRY AND TuBD-AvK., TO TIE GRAND
CENTRAL DEPOT.
The near approach of rapid transit on the
East Side was celebrated yesterday, and many prom-
nent citizens Joined In the excursion given by the direct
ors Of the New-York Elevated Railroad. Though the
Bowery aud Third Avenue line is completed 20 Sixty.
ffthst the first opening to the public, which will take
place a week from next Monday, will consist OF trains
between South Ferry and the Grand Central Depot.
Yesterdays excursion was made from the station In
HanOver-square Half hour before the appointed
time, p. m, Cyrus W. Field, president
OF the company, was on the elevated
platform OF the station, welcoming the guests. Among
those who appeared Colonel Peton, ucepresdent,
Mr. Cowing secretary, Mr. Kicker, general manager
Mr. Onderdonk superintendent. and Walter Katie
chief engineer Of the NewNork Elevated Road; Dr. X.
A. Gilbert Mr. Baird aud Mr.. lie Baron, OF the Metro
politan Company; Salem II. Wales, Lawrence Turnure,
Samuel Conover, Joseph seligman, Archibald Cush-
man. Dr. Fear one OF the original Rapid Transit Commits
slOncrs, Alderman Bennett eIPark Commissioner W. X
Martin, Lawson ~ Fuller. Henry Hayemeyer, A. D..
Pullman. David BOWS, Henry +. spauldng, BraYton
Ives Charles WatrOus General Barnum, Morris X.
Jesup General Robinson, John W. Ellis, H. T. Bishop
General Horace Porter, Benjamin BREWSTER Colonel
Church and G. Hauenback. DR.. Gilbert remarked that
his first effort to obtain charter for an elevated road
was made in 1870 the route chosen being the Bowery
aud Third-aye. This project was defeated, and when
be told his opponents that he would live 70 ride the
proposed route in an elevated railway train, they
laughed at him.
The first OF three e1cursontrains arrived from South
Ferry az 1850 D. m The new cars painted hand
some dark red lake color The plain brentwood seats
are placed lengthwise OF the car and mating such Is
used In the street cars the floors The three
were comfortably alled. At l;5b the train under
notion crowd in wall-st salutng IL as II passed.
Through Pearlst and Frankinsquare the train
at moderate rate OF speed passing between the piers
which are a part OF the support Of the approach
20 the Brooklyn Bridge. Beyond this point
IN the New BOWery the road passes over low ground
and, to make even grade, n built at mn unusual
height above the pavement. Along the BOWery and
faces aud pedestrians paused 10 watch the train It
ratified by The street-car horses showed much fright
Nearly every stopped while the train was passing
At fhirtieth-st. a frightened truck horse
INTO a streecaT, pungng his head through window.
Crowds Of men boys collected the unfinished
ThiTty-tOurtEsts. After Of twenty-five minutes
the tram arrived at the nearly completed station at the
Grand Central Depot where Mr. Field announced, ten
minutes, gentlemen, for refreshments" In the sta
ton house "A collation. lad been furnished. The
resembled that In "a railway eatinghouse when two
three hundred hungry passengers making the most
Of minutes for refreshments About the time that
the excursion train expected at the lunch
table Mr. Field and his assistants energotically
shouting all aboard y This was necessary TO make
for the guests by the second train, wellfed and
waiting at the switch on Third-aye. As train No. l
backed north ward into Thrdaye., tram No. crossed
intO Near the foot OF Third-aYe the
returning train passed train No. 3.