New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-09-14
THE REV. j. p. PETERS'S APPEAL.
HE TELLS WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE
PROPOSITION TO RUN FOUR TRACKS
OE CARS ON AMSTERDAM

! The Rev. John p. Peters rector Of St. Michaers
church. sends the following open letter to the d.
rectors OF the Metropolitan Traction Company and
the Third Avenue Railroad Company:
m AN OPEN LETTER
10 me OHlcers and Directors Of the Metropolitan
Traction Company and the Third Avenue Rail-
Gentlemen: am sure tina, you would never have
proposed TO run four tracks OF cable electric cars
yolyed In the proposition. You have for years had
-FOUR tracks on this avenue which you run horse
citing comparatively Speaking little protest. You
nDe proposed to change the motor power on your
illts without realizing thar IL would product cond
tions 50 dangerous to lie and limb that 1t Is
At present the outside rails OF the four tracks
Mn@n are rc a on this ayenne thirteen feet six
O ws2s e esS1 anS fh he
tracks cover thirtysix feet OF the surface OF the
the inside that it is IMPOSSIBLE aT@ for S' person Go 10
STAND between the tracks while two cars are pass.
place where this is possible Is in very centre,
stand stu in that small space pfFs For ali pprscsicsl
pF tie sE : Of n9 ss' Ws. SIDE
lies abont midway between Central Park and the
cross any other, avenue in that district II is the
avenue on which lie almos; all the churches. nsti.
aged people between Ninety-thrd and One-hun-
tituc blind there are four large public schools on
III" avenur. with school population OF 1903:
" adjoining that avenue. The people who are
least able To protect themselves who are most
certain 10 become frightened excited In the face
Of danger are compelled to cross this avenue con-
stantly sure that gentlemen In your posi-
plated these facts when You proposed TO change
the motor power on your roads az 10 give us four
tracks. with swift trimming cars We need rapid
transit il IL true but Il would he better for TO
wait forever for that rapid transitt than TO have
given in this form
/ know that there IL sharp competition between
your two roads and consequent luminosity. You
naturally eager TO promote the interests or
your respective corporations. but you cannot In the
end promote them by uiSregaraing common hui
| manity nor do I believe that you are the men who
would wish to do SO | am not writing this TO en-
only TO beg you consider twhat in that competi-
lion YOU have. | trust but for a moment lost sgnt
Oh tin. safety and Well-bring OF the public. lf
this thing We're done both Of would w
held responsible before tn" bar OF public opinion
ana In the Judgment OF God for the terrible" loss
hrla;r that he matter having been called 10 your
attention. Won could possibly prpetrate sich an
outrage. We're Won 70 attempt u. so horrible are
th, NANTES, cons. qnences that believe the courts
would lppvitahlv find sorrn method OF Intervention
~ prevent It's c-nsinmatiOn. There u better
way 0f settling the matter. ana appeal 10 No1 10
"a, ia vav which Will win the confidence
n eXcUs. Is necessary for this letter. my eX
cusc must DO that am pastor 81 large rhurch
on Ams,erdan- ave. which includes IN its corgre-
gntion many helpless old people and little children
Their lives and safety very precious 10 me ana
! do believe would he loss 50 10 YOU did YOU
which am daily brought. Yours resp"cfmlv
s.. Mlchaors Church. No. 225 West Nlnety-ninrh-
st. Sept. II 1872.