New-York tribune., 1896-03-30
THE BRIDGE PROPOSITION
RELATION OF THE RAPID TRANSIT CON-
MISSION TO 1T.
THE BOARD HAS CONTROL. OVER THE STREETS
OF THE CITY, so FAR AS RAILWAYS ARE
CONCERNED. AND WOULD DECIDE
UPON ANY EXTENSION OF THE


ELEVATED SYSTEM
Such proposition that made Saturday by the
representatives of the Manhattan Elevated Railway
and the elevated roads OF Brooklyn In which tney
offered practically to lease the Brooklyn Bridge
from the cities OF New-York and Brooklyn and
carry passengers across II and beyond without col
iectng an extra fare therefor was bound to create
widespread interest and comment. There Will PROB
ably be both advocates and opponents Of the scheme
as any plan involving to such an extent both
the welfare of the public and the interests OF large
corporations could hardly escape adverse criticism
be the scheme commendable or not.
Viewed together with the comparatively recent ac-
ton of the Rapid Transit Commission with refer
ence to the underground railway the project OF the
elevated people takes on new significance and I'M
portance prominent citizen who has been inter-
ested In the problem OF providing rapid transit 10
the people OF New-York said yesterday:
This latest Of the Manhattan Eleveated
Railway Company is evidently an attempt to dis
count the under ground railway plan. which would.
of course II successfully carried through. injure
their business. Their business interests having
been threatened they are forced to take measures
to protect themselves"
The relation of the Rapid Transit Commission 10
the proposition of the Manhattan Elevated Railway
Company Is only a partial one The Commissioners
could have nothing to say pro or con about the
lease of Brooklyn Bridge. Their control over the
streets Of New-York for purposes OF railway travei
is however. complete. Their consent, therefore,.
would be necessary before the elevated company
could build their spurs from City Hall UP Centre
ST. through Canal-st to the West Side line, or
through Grand, Canal Desbrosses and West sts
Tribune reporter called on Lewis L. Delafeld.
secretary of the Rapid Trancit Commission. at the
Rockingham Yesterday and asked him to define the
exact relation Of the Rapid Transit Commission 10
the leasing of Brooklyn Bridge and the building OF
the spurs referred to- and the Boards controi over
the execution of the scheme. Mr. Delaheld said:
"Pcrsonally know nothing Of the plan. and nave
not heard of 1t In any way before. can say, now
ever that the Rapid Transit Commission has luli
control over the streets Of this city so far as CON
Germs their occupation by street railway companies;
The Manhattan Elevated Railway Company would
members of the Commission before bulldlne any
more tracks the streets The company vvS wvu,S
have 10 pay the city for any more privileges wnSn
II might acquire, and the Commission wouIu nare
the right to dictate the sum which snould De pau.
The city Is not giving away TO corp0rauos dc AZ
~ its streets What Is done with Brooklyn bIios9G
ia no concern Of the Rapid Transit Commission. l
siton OF some sort to Mayor Strong some time aso.
and that a member Of the Commission was ptssem'
al the time but what the plan was 40 no. M nhow, w.
No proposition OF the sort has as YET oeeh "'"e W
the Commission. Ia
commissioner John H. 1nman SAID ,n
'The Rapid Transit Comm sson mas t.S nI' reeard 70
nroached on the subject. Its decision WIN ~
the nroposed extension OF the elevated roao IN ms
city would be Anal, but 1t has no cohtro. """'e'e
over Brooklyn Bridge