New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-08-18

Tho RAND Transit Commissioners held a
bormonious meeting yesterday, at which they
adopted resolutions abandoning all ne
gotiations with the Manhattan Com
pany. and deciding to proceed with
plans for an Independent system This action
of tho Commission was judlclous and com
mendable. 1t could not, with any regard to
tho dignity of this metropolis and with any
regard TO its own selfresrect. consent to hold
any further relations with the Manhattan Com
many whose record in this matter, as IN other
ma +tors has bcen by no means credtable.
THE TRIBUNE has asserted man! tunes IN the
last wear that there was little II any hope OF
q proper solution of the rapid transit problem
from the Manhattan Company Inc Manhat-
tan managers do not concern themselves with
tho future: they are bent on making all the
money that they can make in the immediate
nrcscnt no matter how badly they treat the
people of Ncw-York. If public spirited and
far sighted persons could get control OF the
Manhattan system they would see that it would
be to their own interest in the long run that
the Manhattan should construct. with the con
sent of the Rapid Transit Commission and the
city authorities the most extensive system OF
they would be glad to pay proper amount In
Ietmn for privileges which are certain 70 be
enormously profitable before many years have
elapsed TO men of genuine ability and OF
broad views it is plain enough that the present
system of elevated railroad could be so devel-
opcd. extended and improved as to be oil enor-
nous advantage in the expansion OF New
York. Quick and convenient transportation
between the upper and lower parts OF the CITY
would add immensely t. the population. the
resources and the attractions OF this metropolis
in a few wears. The Manhattan Company
could provide these advantages and BENEFITS
if it were controlled by persons who had the
prosperity of Ncw-lorli at heart.
No one 10y tho kecnest scrutiny has ever
been able t. discover trace OF public spirit
in the Manhattan management; It has always
bepn greedy, aggressive. selfish ana narrow.
1t has cndcavorcd t. cncroach upon public
p,obc!tv and t. invade private rights Whcr-
ever it had power ~ push H. aggrcS-lcn'. II
has CONSTRUCTED track. and buildings in PLAIN
violation of law, ard without the permission OF
the authorities. Large spaces h1vc been COW
cred by structures put up 10y taiS company
with the full knowledge on the pant OF lis
managers that it was dciIinS the statutes
damaging the cit, and aNcr>lng Irvatc
rights. II has cndcaVorod sea" after year TO
Law waste and layagc la gcs pant of Battery
Park than il already OCCUPIES. II has shown
disposition in all it, dealings with the city
ard with private citizen 10 cyatc tic payment
Of It's Just obligations. and 10 promote ii> cndN
by trickclv and deceit rather than by sai deal
q, 4 81 h..
venicnce of the public Its president sad not
many months ago at a meeting OF the kaWd
Transit COmmi ,sioncIs that the extensions
suggested by the Commission would not put
any money in the treasury Of the company, but
would merely give seat - people who now
pay their fares and are compelled II stand
No more cynical uttciancc has been quoted fJr
wears ~ coming from the lips OF the president
Of Il big corporation which enjoys the privileges
accorded 10 public carriers 1t embodied the
exact spirit with which the Manhattan man
ayers look upon the city of Ncw-Yorli and its
pcople. They regard this metropolis and it,
citizens simply as means for their own enrich
mcnt. Contrast for "A moment the cars which
the Broadway line is running IN Broadway with
the cars which the Manhattan Company Is
running Oh the elevated roads. The surface
cars are attractive 10 the eye. are kept in OK
collent condition. and are brilliantly lighted
The elevated cars are far inferior 10 them
The whole policy of the Manhattan people is
10 avoid giving - the public fair return Tor
IFS money. The Rapid Transit Commissioners
can hereafter negotiate with persons possessed
of more public spirit than can be discovered
=, .I,o Manhattan m ma