New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-01-30
R4PID TRANSIT PROPOSALS.

The Randi Transit Commissioners are i'Poi'
cd as feeling very much encouraged. Ihis iuct
docs not of itself afford sufficient reason WI
popular hilarty. The Commissioners nave o''n
in the habit of feeling very much encouraged 1T
frequent intervals ever since they were app"'n'
ed 10 do the work which has not yet even p''"
begun But their periodical chcpriuli'SS mas
bc en- growing less and less infectious, as proJec.
after project has failed To matcrializc uh'h
finally il has come TO pass that their announce
mcnt Of new plan produces n somewhat uc-
pressing effect upon the community Inc r'''n!
cncourac iuc aspect Of the situation Just now IL
not owing TO Tie good spirits of the ComihiS
sion. but 10 the presentation Of rational pau
with which the Commission has had nothing L"
do except 10 take it under consideration. lie
nroposal of Mr. H. r. Wilson that the CITY
should loan IFS credit TO the company which he
represents to IN amount not exceeding F''oo'
ono may or may not meet with popular ap
nroval I'm case II Is submitted TO Il vote. Dut
thc plon of construction and operation when
he describes has produced an exceedingly ia'or~
able IMPRESSION if the newspapers of the city
are not deceived. 1t is now said that private
capi,al may be found ready 10 carry ont
similar plan without the aid Of the municipal
v,
Mr. Wilson has made public.
This report cmauatcs from the Rapid lralsit
Commission. and is therefore likely TO prove
erroneous but il is interesting as IN indication
that the excellent features Of the d"cptuinel
scheme are gaining recognition. whether OF
not A syndicate is about TO appear with an offer
for such Il franchise and Il guarantee 10 per-
form the contract without the help Of the city.
that r1nituliStS nave
at least gone 50 far as 10 consider the subject
and discuss il with members OF the 'oInlh'S
sion. In the mean time are glad TO see that
Mr. Wilson is thoroughly in earnest ana fuly
convinced of the feasibility. the advantages and
the financial soundncsS Of his plan. Ills tie
scrption Of the underground roads which he
projects rs they would appear in OPERATION
must WE think. remove the prejudice which has
hitherto existed TO some extent against deep
tunnels. He shows not only that the work Of
construction can be accomplished In very
supcror manner by the aid of electricity. hut
also that the same agency is capable OF reform
ing all the objectionable features Of under
ground traffic Electric welding will make the
tracks solid and enduring: electric currents
will draw the trains ut whatever speed is de-
sired: electric fans will FIJI tunnels and ears
with pure AIR. ana 'i''lIl' HS"'H VIII ''"''''''
them brightly.
\ principal advantage of III" d""p'lnn'l
method Of construction is That II spares IN"
community enormous Joss ana Inconvenience"
while the work j. going on. hy leaving III" sur
face and the mulifariOuS conduitS Just beneath
il undislurbcd. The city has just ended long
experience # The mScricS which open trenches
inilict. and i In u munI 10 c>iii.Inir M their
fun value the merits of a scheme which VIII
exact 10 such sacrifice. The more fully In"
subject is discussed the more convinced. vs."
think VIII the residents 81 NrW-\"rk become
that underground roads are essential To- their
comfort and prosperity. and that they cannot
afford 10 wait much longer for privat" capital
alone 10 build them