The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-03-09
Cheap Terminal Facilities.

There are certain questions relating 10
the future prosperity Of this city which can
never be- put to sleep, and prominent among
these may bc placed the ever recurring one
of how to increase local traffic. domestic
trade, and foreign commerce. We are not
of those who believe that the natural adj
yantages Of our city, great as they are. will
enable us to maintain our commercial SUI
premacy without supplcmcnting them with
such Improvements as will permit us TO
further cheaper transportation and the
transaction of business generally ut this
centre.
Tie question Of using the Belt line ( rail-
road for freight ears between the hours of
Do'cock in the evening and o'clock in the
morning, subject to the restrictions now es-
tablishcd by law for the use Of cars and
dummy engines came up before the Board
of Aldermen. and was thoroughly discussed
last year; but owing to a variety OF causes
the board denied the relief asked for 10y our
chief commercial bodies. Since then the
complexion of the Common Council has
somewhat changed by the election Of ten
new members TO take the place OF ten other
City Hall statesmen who have lately relin-
uushed the emolumcnts Of Office and re-
turned to private life.
The various commercial bodies have re-
ncwed their petition for freight privileges
on the Belt Railroad. The petition present
ed 10 the Board of Aldermen at recent
meeting, was by them referred TO the Law
Committee. At o'clock to-day the petition
ers will have a hearing before that commit
tee in the chamber Of the Board of Alder
men. These petitioners, the Presidents Of
the Board OF Trade and Transportation,
Chamber of Commerce, Produce Exchange,
and Importers and Grocers Board of Trade,
represent great commercial interests in
New York. and, moreover, they know where
of they speak
They point to the fact that Boston, Phila-
dcphia, and Baltimore have marginal rail-
ways, by which cars and ships are brought
together, and that principally owing to
this fact, these cities are successful in
largely divcrtng the commerce which
would otherwise come to New York. All in
tclligent persons who have at heart the gem
eral prosperity Of the city cannot but he in
favor Of such improved methods OF trans
acting business rs are absolutely necessary
II We would retain, let alone increase, our
commerce. Last year the Washington Mar
ket men opposed the project of operating a
steam freight line on West street at night,
and we may expect to find them again ar
raycd in opposition to the measure. Their
objections will not, however, bear examine
ton Washington Market, in its present To-
cation, is but little better than a public null
sance, both as regards its sanitary influence
on the lower wards and the blockade of the
thorOughfarcs in the immediate vicinity
The Board Of Health, If we remember cor
rectly, has repeatedly complained of it, and
ms TO the stoppage Of travel and traffic, it is
matter OF constant experience with all
who are compelled to traverse that part Of
the city at any hour Of the day or night.
The Washington Market ,len represent an
Important and Indispensable interest; but
the protests Of small body OF citizens in one
branch of trade, however important or how
ever Indispensable should not be permitted
to weigh in the balance against any measure
calculated to increase and promote the gen
eral commerce Of the city. 1t is that com
merce which makes the retail trade and the
minor industries what they are. Dwarf the
one and you inevitably reduce the other
They must stand or fall together, and as we
have no small respect for the Intelligence Of
the Washington Market men, we arc bound to
believe that ON fuller consideration Of the
subject they will see the matter IN less UNI
favorable light.
Why not remove Washington Market
altogether from IT, present locality to some
point on the North river, in the neighbour
hood, say, Of Forty-second street. where it
would be nearer Its chief customers, and
easily accessible from the great hotels 2
Tho market men in that case would
have more TO do than ever. The Jersey
railroads could deliver market produce Just
MS we'll at some point further up town as at
the loot OF lulton street. We hope the Law
Committee Of the Board Of Aldermen, OF
which Mr.. LOUIS c. WAEHNRR is Chairman,
In passing upon this matter OF cheap termi-
IaA facilities, wall remember that they are