New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-02-18
CITY LID TO RAPID TR4NSII.

1t cannot be truly said that no progress In
the direction of rapid transit Is being made,
for it is evident that public opinion, which Is
an important element In the case, is steadily
becoming more insistent, and that men or large
experence influence and resources are not only
approaching an agreement upon the question
of ways and means, but showing an inclination
to take personal share in the undertaking.
The unanimous approval by the Chamber or
Commerce committee of Mr.. X. T. WILSON'S
proposal that the city lend its credit to n cor
poration created for the purpose of building
underground railroads is important and en-
couraging and it will not become valuelcss
even if somewhat different policy should
finally prevail; for it not only strongly indi-
Gates, but also tends to promote the rapid de-
velopmcnt of general conviction that the city
must cooperate with individuals in a large way
to accomplish the enormous task which has
been trifed with SO long.
The views of ex-Mayor Hewitt upon a munic-
ipal question, especially when it involves large
industrial and financial interests deserve and
are sure to receive careful attention. 1t was
chiefly owing TO his criticisms Of the Wilson
plan that the Chamber of Commerce postponed
for two weeks Il vote upon the report OF its
committee We do not regret the delay. and we
are not prepared 10 say tIl'it IL Hill CuoiCc VI
Mr. Hewitt's alternative would be a misfortune.
The present condition of the city in regard to
transportation and the certainty that 1t will
continue to grow worse with every days neg
lcct seem to us to render the advantage OF one
form OF municipal aid TO rapid transit over an
other a less important consideration than the
prompt application Of such assistance In some
form But the circumstances do not require
mi ,bo Ifla nf
a fortnight for further discussion can do no
harm. Mr.. Wilson proposes that the city shall
lend its credit to corporation for S30,000,OOO,
two-thirds Of the estimated cost Of an adequate
system of underground transportation, and the
guarantees which he suggests seem to us TO con-
stitute a substantial safeguard for the city's in
terests Mr. Hewitt renews the proposition
which he made during his Mayoralty, that the
city shall build the roads and lease them 10
the most responsible corporation in this State
by which he clearly means the NewYork Cen
trail Company, the cost Of construction 10 be
paid out Of a sinking fund within thirty years.
Whether or not Mr. Hewitt formerly obtained,
or is now assured Of the willingness Of that
company 10 take such lease, we do not know,
but it is fair to assume that he has no doubt
on that point. 1t Is not quite clear, however,
that the city would consult its permanent adj
vantage by embarkinG in the transportation
business even In that modified form. 1t seems
to us. on the contrary, not improbable that the
revenue which the city could reasonably exact
from the business of such q company rs Mr..
Wilson desires 10 establish in return for It's
franchise might be as large and secure as that
which Mr.. Hewitt foresees from his scheme.
Both plans would involve the city in transac-
tons Of n novel character and great magnitude,
and objections to so wide Il departure from
established principles Of municipal admnstra-
ton can be found in large number and stated
with much force. They would probably be
deemed conclusive by most intelligent citizens
If the necessities Of the case were not urgent
and the belief so general and well founded that
private capital alone cannot be induced TO re-
lieve them. The rule which fOrbids such invest
ments by the city may be more wisely violated
than Obeyed in such an emergency rs this
That is the only justification for either Mr.
Hewitt's Mr.. Wilson's scheme. and there is
a good deal Of evidence to show that the most
sensible citizens are about ready to concede that
1t is sufficient.
In this matter time Is an extremely important
consideration. Authority to put Mr. Hewitt's
plan in operation can apparently be obtained
by simple legislative enactment, and in that
respect it seems to be preferable to Mr. VIII
sons which would require the adoption Of a
constitutional amendment. But on the other
hand, the public certainly has more details on
which TO base an opinion OF Mr. Wilson's prof.
ect than Mr. Hewitt has chosen to communicate
with regard to his. We hope that he will he
disposed to make fuller statement Mt the adj
journfd meeting of the Chamber Of Commerce
Information as to the attitude Of the New-York
Central Company and the terms Of the lease
which he has in contemplation are essential to |
a profitable discussion Of the scheme The
community would be glad to be instructed on
such points by Mr.. Hewitt, and meantime must
necessarily reserve judgment, while inclining.
we think. to favor the plan whose basis and |
main features have been frankly described.