New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-30
DIR. SHAW ON RAPID TRANSIT.
FAvORs AN UNDERGROUND RAILWAY
FOR NETWORK.

THE SYSTEMS OF EUROPE DIscussED-THE PUB
Lie TREASURY HE THINKS. SHOULD BE
BENEFITED BY THE FRANCHISES
DR.. Albert Shaw. Editor OF THE Review of Re-
views" was the principal witness before the AS
sembly committee which is investigating the
condition of New-York street railways. Speak
ing OF the London underground system. he said:
1.-The London Underground Railway was built
long time ago and before the electric system was
introduced | would not recommend its adop-
ton. The only advantage ii possesses is that II
gives rapid transit, but 1t is not taxed by any
means TO such an extent elevated railways,
and the distance between the stations Is much
greater"
Dr. Shaw then told about the newest under
ground road in London-the South London Road
which goes under the led Of the Thames into
South London-and said that 1t was an immense
improvement over the old underground road.
THE South London underground road" said he
@'gives rapid transit and is great success In
every way
Dr. Shaw said that the tendency in London
was toward a single uniform fare.
do they have single fare?'
mo. sir. the passenger pays from station to
station. Our uniform fare system. in my opin-
ion is much superior to the graduated systems
of fares in Europe"
The South London road. the witness said. was
built in the form of two tunnels, which were
built regardless of streets. The franchise was
granted by Parliament which had the power Of
bestowing all privileges necessary to build the
road.
Now. in regard TO rapid transit in this city,
will you give the committee your views?'
'Wer. in my opinion, there will be tremen-
dous development in suburban growth during
The next eight ten years. and scheme of
rapid transit. in order TO be effective viii nee
essarily be complex. In Vienna they are at
present considering an underground electric
road as quite necessary. An underground road
IS also being discussed at Budapest"
DR. Shaw also said that rapid transit is be-
ing discussed eagerly in Paris at present.
Underground railroads" said he. have been
discussed by the leading engineers and architects
in Paris. and think the preponderating influence
is in favor Of an underground inner circuit, with
"A few radia lines branching out from the inner
circuit There are, however. good many lead
ing engineers in Paris who would like to see an
elevated railway on the same system as exists
in New York and Brooklyn"
Dr. Shaw then went on to say that the proper
ton of people who had to be carried TO and from
New-York was so great that there was room in
this city for every kind of transit.
There is hardly room enough" said he for
surface and elevated roads to cope with the prop
lem of rapid transit. and an underground trunk
lire proceeding north on Manhattan Island Is be-
coming necessary relief for the congested
traffic. a modern, improved. well-built under
ground trunk line would not hurt the elevated
line and would greatly relieve the pressure, and
would help t. take Of that future growth
which we all anticipate here II there Is any city
in the world where underground road would
have a fair chance Of success IL is Newly DIRK.
Dr. Shaw said that the tendency in city popu-
lations was 10 go to the suburbs. and rapid
aransit would greatly improve that movement.
Il firmly believe" continued the witness. IN
New-York but at the same time | believe in
the necessity FOR increased facilities for the pas
scnger traffic of the elevated system 1t seems 10
me that the two things are entirely consistent
What would you think of the sale OF franchises
as ferry franchises sold; that Is, sale for
term of ten years and then an appraisal and
sale TO the highest bidder"
Il do not believe in the sale OF franchises for
long terms of years / think a limited number OF
years of maximum life should be named for
every franchise, and that no company BY any
hocus-pocus proceedings should obtain fran
chise for long term Of years.
DR.. Shaw was Of the opinion that. as H. Parls
the public treasury should obtain a percentage
of any profits above a certain dividend
"Do you think there is greater interest re-
Gently shown by the people of this State In re-
gard to municipal ownership and copartnershp
in municipal franchises than there used TO be-"
asked Chairman Nixon
Il do. most certainly, both here and all over
the United States"
do you not think II unfair TO allow power
10 companies TO earn from Is 10 % per cent on a
public franchise?"
Il do, sir.
The hearing will be continued on Tuesday.