New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-08-07
THE BROADWAY FRANCHISE
THE SURFACE COMPANY GETS IT GRATIS.
A PRACTICALLY UNANIMOUS VOTE IN TIE BOARD
OF ALDERMEN-MR. GRANT ALONE IN oPPosI.

A PRACTICALLY UNANIMOUS VOTE IN THE BOARD
OF ALDERMEN-SR. GRANT ALONE IN oPPosI.
TON.
The Board of Aldermen by an almost unanimous
vote Yesterday gave away 10 the Broadway Surface
Railroad Company the franchise TO hOrse-car
railroad from the Battery TO Flicenth-st, through
Broadway. The meeting was held at noon. Presi-
dent NIX was IN the chair and all the Aldermen
were present except Messrs. OCOnu0r and Waite
Ihere air of determination on the part OF the
members from the first, which BODIED no good 70
any one who should oppose any measure which they
had made up their minds 10 put through
The Railroad Committee, to winch was referred
the application of the Broadway Surface Company.
went out OF its way 70 commend the shrewd busi-
cess management Of Jacob sharp. The franchise
thus given 10 this company Is claimed u DE the
most valuable ever granted by the city and Alder
man Grant the only man who endeavOred 10 defeat
the application for the consent. insisted that lt
ought 10 be- sold to the highest bidder tor the Oene
no Of the city. lie was at once frowned down by
his associates
The Committee on Railroads reported as follows:
Nour committee have heard the various parties 10
came before them IN support or the application auG IA
Necessity exists Tor railroad in Broadway The prn-
eipai hpjes the places o. amusement and the most I'M
p)rtant retail trade or the city have removed FROM
Broadway 10 the central north Oi Fourteenth St.
uDou which surface alr,1. are In oneraon Il ia also
evident from the OgcrcrOwdcd condition OF all the rail-
the routes ea.f and yr.t Of RroaIvay tbor relief bV
md soeu,dbe. Your committee are very clear IN the
opinion that the consent OF the Common Council should
Dee given TO tic Broadway Surface Railroad Company.
The largo experience, OF the promoters OF that company
in the cement o. surface railroads gives assurance
% railroad that will De ouern -d efficiently ami accepta-
bly, very important consideration 10 favor OF this
company proposed connection with the existing
Broadway anu seventh Avenue Railroad at Fifteenth st.
thus afOtiiug continuous route rom the south cry
10 the Central PARK fora single fare OF five cents This
company proposes operate horse railroad. and the
experience Oh other active business streets shows that the
present necessity demands This mode ~ conveyance.
Other modes and other motors either wholly unrted
In Ncw-Ior& or are manifestly nsuitcd 10 this busy
highway.
Aside rom this consideration the claims Of the cable
company which have been submitted 10 do not
mend themselves 20 our Judgment both brc3use serious
objections exist respecting the power " that company to
Ouer,te railroad IN Broadway az ALL and because the
other af have been awarded 70 that company
of vast and unprecedented extent AID n cannot he for
the interest tAe city To create monopoly Of such
enormous proportions. Furthermore r. In the future
and improved motor shall be found the law OF l-~i
un Ter which the Broadway surface Railroad Company
organized. provides Tor its adoption ny that com
pauv with the Of and the local
authorities. Your committee IA reforc beg leave 10 Oer
the following resolutions FOR your adoption.
NJ F. MCLoUGHLIy.
C. y. WAITE.
RORFRT T. DELACY.
Dempsey.