New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-04-08
RRInGING TIE NORTH RIVER.

The need of closer connection between
Manhattan Island and the shore of New-Jersey
has long been apparent, and the question
whether the connection should be furnished
by a bridge or tunnel has often been asked,
but never satisfactorily answered. Interest
in the subject has been revived by the
bill introduced by Assemblyman Greene, OF
Orange County, especially as the stand taken
upon it in the Assembly the other day indi-
Gates it's passage in that body at no distant
date.
As between a bridge and tunnel, there is
something to be said in favor of each. III a
bridge is to be constructed, it is perfectly
evident that there are limitations and condi-
tons that the public good imperatively de-
mands compliance with. A pier in the middle
of the North River would be so serious an
obstruction to navigation that it is not con-
ceiyable that any body of intelligent legis-
lators should even think of authorizing it.
It was well said in the Assembly that it
would have the same effect on river traffic
that a post in Broadway would have upon
business in that thoroughfare. A pier bridge
Is simply preposterous. Furthermore, no
bridge can be permitted at height that can
by any possibility interfere with navigation.
The commerce of the city is too important
factor in its life and welfare to allow the
slightest risk to be taken in this direction.
A bridge at a height Of 40 feet would In
eyitably prove a serious obstruction, since
there are many vessels entering our harbor
which would be compelled to house their top
masts in order to pass beneath it. Once
more, we do not believe that the people OF
this city will ever consent to the construction
of a bridge that will require wide stnp OF
land to be taken in n populous neighborhood
in order to furnish land approach, and that
NAV demand a block Of land for tho purpose
of a terminal station.
These things will doubtless be admitted
without a moments hesitation by every one
who reflects upon the subject One project
for bridging the North River has been
broached which steers clear Of all these OBJ
| iections; and only one, so far as we are aware
| unless the cost Is carried up to an enormous
figure. That is the plan for swinging bridge
from Washington Heights TO the correspond
ing eminence on the Jersey shore. There
| would be no difficulty about clearing the nNer
at a sufficient height to leave navigation I'M
| interrupted; no mid-river pier would he need
ed for a suspension bridge; no long APP
| breaches would be required; and the rail
roads centring in Jersey City, Hoboken and
Weehawken could readily be brought TO the
western terminus, while from the eastern con-
nection could be made with the New-Iors
Central system and the heart Of the city
reached at the Grand Central Station, which
would thus become the distributing point fol
passengers going West and South as we'll as
East and North. While we do not believe
there is much probability Of the Greene bill
becoming law, it is we'll to have the condi'
tons governing any plan for bridging the
North River distinctly understood. Especially
Is II desirable to prevent the granting Of any
charter for speculative purposes which would
simply prove an obstacle in the way Of a
genuine undertaking, should such ever be
seriously contemplated.