New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-19
True R1PID TRANSIT DELIl RI.

i
The action Of the Rapid-Tlansit Commission
makes il clear that there will be 10 system OF
really swift and adequate transportation be-
tween the upper and lower parts OF the cry
for wears 70 come. The Commissioners stu
insist that railroads below the surface of the
ground offer the only fully acceptable and adc-
ouate plan for conveying hundreds of thou
sands of people daily between the Battery and
the northern border of the metropolis, but they
have given up hope Of securing capital for the
building If 4 subterlancan system Tor some
time 10 come. They do Eot look with en-
ihuSiasm upon plans for establishing ndcpcnd-
cnt competitive c.cvat lines Immediately. II
is clear from the resolutions adopted by the
Commission that the SympatheS ends and OBJ
iects Of the majority Of the Commissioners
have been from the outset in harmony with
those of the Manhattan Company. and that the
steadfa,t determination on the part Of ihc
member, Of the majority TO give the Manhattan
mana cement an opportunity for great extern
sions Of its lines Ia, been adhered 10 through
out the deliberations and aborS Of the Com
mission
TIE Manhattan G mpany. with such ter
mna facilities as il is now practically certain
of obtaining. with the additional tracks which
il may be expected 10 construct, with the
branches and extensions which il is likely 10
build. will be able 10 transport a far larger
number of passengers than il has hitherto re
ccivcd on lis trains and 10 convey them from
the lower end Of the island TO the fulthest
verge Of the city much more swiftly than it
ha, been doing. But what warrant guar
antce have the people of Now FORK. 80 sJrely
tried and veXcd by the indifference 10 public
comfort and convenience constantly exhibited
in the past by the management of this com
pany. that a new spirit will be apparent in lis
future operations. and that resolution 10 i'm
prove lis service T. the utmost possible extent
will prevail in lis management? The ncce>-
sites Of the public Of NewYolli are 80 urgent
the need of Il genuine rapid -transit system i
50 great. that the community ought 10 be pre-
Jared 10 sacrifice certain streets and avenues
T. rapid-tlan>it lines which have mol hereto
fore been occupied by such lines. Keep Gle
waited structures ont of the finest avenues and
the finest streets. such structures ought not
10 be permitted 10 dcfacc and damage the most
valuable attractive and beautiful parts of the
cty. But there are routes running north and
south which are not valuable and admirable
that they need 10 be jcalolsly guarded from
the encroachmcnts Of elevated lines. new
competing company would compel the Man
haitian Company 10 furnish the public with the
best service M lis command.
Since the plan Of an underground road has
been abandoned for the present. IL was the
clear duty Of The Commission 10 provide for
the CITY As extensive and efficient service Of
quick transportation a. it had the power TO
provide This the Commission has failed -
do II is competition only that can be trusted
10 compel the Manhattan management 10 sup
ply the city with "a near al approach 10 genu
Inc rapid transit as it has the capacity 10 sup
Div. The Commission has fallen far short
Of just public expectation. To-day the Inc
tropolis Of The country lies PROSTATE at the
feet Of the directors Of the Manhattan Com
pany Its Rapid Transit Commissioners have
decided 10 put the chief community Of the
New World at the mercy of the men who have
failed completely III the past To provide rapid
transit. II is Il most unfortunate aud depor
able condition Of affairs. Public disSatiSfac
ton with the lack of Sagacity. of zeal, Of
energy and Of true devotion 10 The welfare OF
the city which has been exhibited by the ma
iority of the Rapid Transit Commission is like
" to continue for many year, and to grow
stronger as time passes.