New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-07-02
THE BRIDGE MAIL TUBE.
IN POSTMASTER SCLLIVAN'S OPINION, THE
BRIDGE TRUSTEES DEMAND A RENTAL
MUCH TOO LARGE.

Postmaster Sullivan returned Monday evening
from a flying visit to Washington. which he made
for the purpose Of seeing that the Brooklyn Post
office receives It's share OF the annual appropriation
that becomes available with the beginning of the
new fiscal year. He does not regard Washington as
a particularly pleasant place to visit In the warm
season. AMI while his Journey thither was not an
absolute necessity he Is satisfied with the result
and believes that Brooklyn will be treated as gener-
ousy as possible by the Postoffce Department offi-
Gals.
Mr. Sullivan found that Second Assistant Post
master General Nelson was specially Interested In
the project Of connecting the Brooklyn and New
York postofiices by means Of tube through whicH
mails may be carried either by electricity or pneu-
matte pressure. The Department is, in fact. ready
TO take this matter up and make a contract as soon
as possible Unfortunately. the company which has
been carrying on negotiations with the Bridge au-
thorities for some time has come to the conclusion
that go further because Of its inability to
raise the money needed to carry the project into
effect The matter Is ready to be taken up by men
who haze had practical experience in building tubes
and the only serious obstacle in the way seems to
be the attitude of the Bridge Trustees.
In order to find out the exact state Of affairs as
respects the Bridge, Postmaster Sullivan yesterday
visited the Bridge office at Washington and Nassau
SITS, and had interview with President Howell
An examination Of the records showed that the
Trustees mad given their consent that the company
Bridge, provided 1t paid annual rental OF $1,000
for the first years and Of 5000 year subse-
quenty. In the opinion OF Mr. Sullivan, this sum
would be far large, and he expressed his views
frankly 10 President Howell. The latter refused 10
commit himself on the subject. He sad. however,
that there might be meeting of the Trustees on
July 49, when the subject could be brought ofhcialiy
before the Board. ,.,.
Mr. Sullivan in telephone communication
with Mr. Nelson later, and communicated to MIN
the result OF his interview In speaking or the mat
ter in the afternoon. the Postmaster SAID:
The Government stands ready to make con-
tract for the transportation of the mails between
Newly and this city by tube and Is ANXIOUS
TO do So The company which has had the subject
under consideration has now gwen II up, ana ' ne
matter is in the hands of practical tube men Al
they ask IS the privilege OF laying their TUBE on me
bridge structure. where IL will be in nobodys way
and Will not cost the Bridge as much "a hVe,ceht
niece in year. The Department cannot make
Contract for a longer period than TOUR years, anu
the compen sat ton which IL IL willing 10 pay Is
&. On or sl5 900 year. Now. it seems 10 me Prepos
terous FOR the Bridge Trustees 10 require these peT
ple TO pay 80 1-3 per cent of the amount they MI
receive from the Government 70 the Bridge. me
trustees represent the people Of the two cities anu
"a the peope OF the cities who are 20 get me piie
n, ~ he rrop ,sed arrangement. In nv opinion try
,yl get all the benefit for the first rev years HiI
,hat the men who build the tube may get soe'ni'ls
out Of it, but | am confident that they VIII ~ "a.
Tho start No such should be exacteu ana Ins
sona shoulI insist that the Bridge Trustees pursue
curse which will conserve their interests.