New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-08-18
KEEP OUT THE TROLLEY.


against the use of the trolley on any part of
Manhattan Island is growing stronger daily.
Il was certain that when NEWCOMERS had &C
ouainted themselves with the damage and in
Jury which had been done in other cities by
the extensive use of the trolley they would
protest earnestly against the admission OF so
dangerous motive power within the city, az
least below the line of the Harlem River. No
adeouate defence of this system OF moving
street cars has been printed anywhere. Tho
statements published in 1.-The Newly
World" which has shown great deal OF public
spirit and of enterprise in getting at the truth
in this matter, and which has made it clear
that the introduction of the trolley in Boston,
in Brooklyn, in Cleveland and in other cities
has been damaging to property, has become
serious danger, has caused many grievous acct
dents. has embarrassed and obstructed the work
of the Fire Departments and generally has
proyed itself nuisance of the worst descrp-
ton. have not been confuted by any of the
apologists of this pernicious and perlous motive
power. Any corporations which are seeking 10
put up the trolley wires in this city are PLAINLY
enemies of the public veal. They are not IN
Huenced by desire to improve the transporta
ton facilities Of this town in manner that
shall oonduce to the permanent advantage OF
the citizens of New-York, but they are eager
n nse such motive power a. shall put in their
nockets the largest possible profit in the short
est possible time.
The trolley is danger and a mischief every
where. Its wires are fatal in many cases 10
horses and to human beings; and when they
arc stretched in front OF valuable buildings
6remen who are attempting to save those build
ipcs from destruction encounter the most
formidable obstacles in their work. 1t is EVIL
dent that il the trolley were extensively used
in this city the number of lives lost at fires
in hotels. in apartment houses and in other
buildings. and the extent Of damage and loss
through the spread of flames would be lar more
appalling that at present. Capitalists VINO arc
seeking to inHict this injury upon the metropo
lis ought 70 take heed to their ways Ihey
ought TO consider that even il they should sue
coed in persuading the city authorities to accept
their plans they would be laying mp for them
selves a store of public hostility and resentment
that would prove most uncomfortable thihg
TO reckon with in the long run. NO corporation
can afford to make itself an object OF pubiic
dislike and of public enmity. 1t must suiler II
public sentiment is strongly arrayed against H.
Nothing can be clearer than that public opln-
ion is becoming fully aroused to the dangers OF
the trolley. and that the feeling OF hostility
IN IL grows In bitterness and force with con-
stantly increasing rapidity and intensity. The
BOARD of Aldermen Of New-York has often be-
trayed the interests of the people AS rule
the voters of the city are singulary apathetic
and indifferent When the members of the Com
mon Council are induced by any form of in
6uence to sacrifice the public interests Inc
majority of the citizens Of Newly ork are ho'
easily aroused or alarmed, and they do not CON
Germ themselves greatly as to the value OF city
franchises and privileges which corrupt ana
dishonest Aldermen may vote to favored APP
plicants but when the question comes OF seri-
ous damage TO their own personal property,
when il is matter Of positive danger to every
person passing through a street in which troll
lev wires are set up, when 1t is safe neither 10
walk nor 10 drive in such streets, when the FIRE
Department is so restrained and embarrassed III
its operations by these wires that the menace
Of a confagration in any part OF the city Is
multiplicd. then there will surely be such an
uprisng on the part of indignant and wrathfnl
citizens that the men responsible for setting up
the trolley on Manhattan Island Will wish that
they had never been born.
1t is conceded on all sides that this trolley
motive power is entirely unsatisfactory that 1t
il mere makeshift, that inventors are sure 10
furnish transportation companies with better
form of electric motors in short time. The
improved form Of electric motor may be some
what more expensive than the trolley at first
but surely it will be more economical in the
course of years. No company can Afford to
make itself the object of the concentrated en-
nifty of the community. No Board OF Alder
men and no Mayor can wisely decide to bring
upon themselves the opprobrium which must
inevitably follow any concession to the schemes
OF the promoters of the trolley.