New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-12
DISAGREEING Win THE MA YOR
HIS RAPID TRANSIT PLAN CRITICISED.

MEETING OF THE WEST SIDE AssoCrA TIoN-RAIL-
ROAD CONTROL CONDEMNEp.
The West Side Association met at the Murray Hill
Hotel last evening 10 discuss under the very shadow
the Grand Central Station Mayor Hewitts rapid transit.
endations made in his recent message to the
Common Council Dwight l. Olmstead, the president Of
the association presided, and opened the meeting Dy
commenting the message.
After describing tho routes and methods recommended
by the Mayor. he said In sui stance Inc reason why
the roads built in the manner Indicated Is that
It would palny violation OF the Constitution OF the
State which prohibits any city from giving money or
credit directly Indirectly to aid any Individual aso
citation or corporation. from mourning any indebted
ness except city purposes The prohibory sections
were adopted in 1874 at the instance OF samuel y
Tden the express purpose OF preventing precisely
what tho Mayor proposes to do-tax the inhabitants
OF the city for Of constructing railroads not ex
cusvey for city purposes Does the Mayor propose to
have the Constitution amended for the purpose OF carry
Ing out his scheme vould require ut least five years
to effect such a change.
ASIDE this there arc largo questions OF pubic
pooy do think the people would approve oil the
otys engaging this business under Its present pons
ical conditions The construction OF the Court House
and tho Aquoduot by tho oity Is rs much ~ 'nis
generation can stand.
FAvORING A PRIVATE CORPORATION.
Should the city undertake the rapid transit road.
least by a commission. But maintain as business
proposon that 1t would DO saving to the city to have
tho road built by private corporation BY this plan
the city would receive cent OF the gross earnings OF
the road and addition at least per cont on Its cost In
taxes as against only net cent to begin AFTER the
completion the road, proposed by the mayor luis
true he contemplaes the roads re7erting to the CITY
after years. but Is by means certain the
New-York Central could be dealt with TN any such
terms.
Would tho people be willing to throw its entire rapid
transit system body and SOUL to the control OF the New
York Central Railroad Company Has 1t ever furnished
rand transit facilities the East Sde notwithstanding
all the Mayor says the city has done fsrf This road
already dominates and straddes u.s. with ono long leg
down the East and one down West Sde and prompts
us 20 say with Cassius: Why, man, he doth Destride
the narrow world like q Colossus; ana wo petty men
walk under his hugo legs and peep about to find our
selyos dishonorable graves But We may also remem,
Ter that at time are masters OK their rate
do not agree with tho Mayor that the Grand Centrai
Station will always be pivotal point for the dlstriou-
ton OF passengers In this city, This point VIII IN tne
future be where passengers arrive from the North and
West which must be on the West Side The capacity OF
The Grand Central Station Is now fully taxed ny its
present traffic"
DERIDING THE UNDERGROUND TUNNEL PLAN.
Mr. Ornstead criticised the Mayors proposed branoh
through FortysIKth ST. makeshift as any west oiuo
road ought to continue down Broadway anu ho''os
across town to the Grand Central station Inc oioseo
tunncl Ncnthlou ny ihoNihS ,ho
scribed "a popgun" plan. He pointed out that inc
Mayor evidently looked toward the development oi '0
Annexed District, while the West side from fi' m.
st. TO Inwood was the associations objective point
where 100000 residents we're waiting for rapid transit
which would soon double tho population anu qu'uiu
the taxable value. , -o.,ad Mr. OHM
,teads remarks had ubsided General Egoert l.. wee
on Lehait of subcommittee appontea De- reUort
recent message confer with the Mayor nauo
in which he said that trunk iae could no s 40
odafs fha haT
of the ocean could be forced through tho cnahne
OF single Tho situation clearly Win Se
three distinct lines of municipal Development General
Vels offered resolutions for the appointment Oh Go
mittee 10 preparo q definite plan TO secure lesh
snthortv r the routes la out by the association 90
eide a. to the motive power and SECURE SspM Soad
v.arn wa. recommended as o mode OF temporary ro'lo
The resolutions then passed; IN, MI In1,ons,
Z. L. Vlee, g. v. r. Cruger. f. N. Bi1py' H. ~ hA''A
and j. J, COogan.