New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-05-29
RAPID TRANSIT IN SIGHT.

The Rapid Transit Commissioners have JUS
tilted the confidence which was reposed in their
sagacity and fidelity. They have reported
plan for a West Side route which is funda-
mentally sound and workable, leaving to en-
gineers the task of developing the details OF
construction The most conspicuous merit OF
their proposal is the courage and breadth Of
view with which it attacks the problem. Men
of narrower ideas might have oontented them
selves with some makeshift device, capable OF
relieving in part and briefly the present con-
gestion. but certain to grow more and more
inadequate with every passing year. Ii Is
gratifying to be assured that the city is not in
danger of being disappointed and defrauded IN
that manner. As first step toward the con-
summation of long deferred hopes the report OF
the Commissioners is thoroughly satisfactory.
Regarding merely the comfort OF travellers,
and for that purpose putting out OF slgno al
other considerations, we have no doubt that a
solid viaduct through the blocks would be the
ideal method of construction. But the cost OF
such a system would be colossal, and its adop-
t;on wonld invite disastrous hostility and pos
sbIy involve the whole undertaking in spec
Native and corrupt combinations and pro-
oedures. At an earlier period the want OF
suitable motive power was sufficient to condemn
underground thoroughfares but electricity has
now established its capacity asa means OF pro-
pulsion. and thus at a single stroke removed
the one great objection to tunnels. The Com
missioners do not, indeed in terms propose to
compel the use of electric motors, but that is
practically what they mean when they exclude
any motive power requiring combustion within
81 ronfil
easily solved where smoke and steam do not
have to be reckoned with, and we see no'reason
TO doubt that engineering skill Is competent to
make transportation beneath the surface OF the
streets commodious and comfortable.
The conclusions OF the Commissioners are
iudicious. not only because they propose sys-
tenn which comprehends the requirements OF the
future and which will be found convenient IN
operation, but also because their scheme AVOIDS
numerous difficulties of construction and I'M
poses few burdens and infiicts few injuries
either upon the community or upon individuals.
The tunnels to be excavated will run far below
sewers. pipes and the foundations OF buildings;
when completed they will not interfere with
public or private property near the surface, ana
during the process of construction they Will
cause only minimum of disturbance and con-
fusion When the possibilities in this direction
are considered this is seen to be an advantage
of great Importance.
Finally, the proposed system is Immediately
feasible from q financial point of view. The
probable cost of construction and equipment
falls within moderate limits, and hence the
project appeals to men of prudence and stability
instead of to Missionaries. There will not be
the slightest difficulty in enlisting capital in
the undertaking. In fact, there is likely to be
a livelier competition for the franchise than the
best interests of the city require. This will
prove to be one of the most important elements
in the case. Without going into specifications,
we may venture to say that there are corpora
lions and individuals from whose association
with this great work the community may wisely
nraY to be delivered.