New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-11-08
RAPID TRANSIT PROSPECTS.

All NEWCOMERS must rejoice In the prospect
:, that underground rapid transit is in fair way
At TO become an accomplished fact within reason
lably near future. AS is we'll known. the RAPID
Transit Commissioners have labOred zealously
land from motives of the highest public spirit to
Il solve the difficult problem imposed upon them.
That the end is almost in sight must be greatly
4 gratifying to them, and II can scarcely be less
pleasing to the community at large, which long
/ ago became convinced that its only hope for
/ genuine quick transit lay In underground con-
/ struction. and stamped its approval on that
project by an unmistakable vote. One point
which the Commissioners have steadfastly held
4 in mind has been the Importance Of securing a
bidder for the franchise which it hoped to offer
from a responsible company with sufficient cap
ftal TO undertake so prodigious an enterprise.
Such a company has been formed according to
a trustworthy statement published in The Trib-
une last Sunday and 1t Is claimed that the men
behind It have full faith in the scheme, as well
as money enough to carry 1t cut One bid for
the franchise is thus assured and 1t Is pos
sible that there may be than one. But
one is enough il the Rapid Transit Commission
ers are convinced OF its makers financial sound
ness and good faith.
So far good, But the Commissioners are not
yet ready to offer their franchise to n satisfac-
tory bidder. A commission Of inquiry, appoint
ed by the Appellate Division of the Supreme
Court. has been taking testimony on the advisa-
bilty Of building the proposed roads and its re-
port when presented will have TO be passed on
by the Court. There Is reason for believing that
the report Will be favorable one The time
for handing it in expires today. The peo-
pie Of this city have a keen recollection that the
former report Of a similar commission in favor
of the proposed construction ender Broadway
was set aside by the General Term. Warned
by that disagreeable experience, the Rapid Tran
sit Board has taken the greatest pains to steer
clear Of the objections then raised by the Court,
and the almost unanimous testimony In favor
of the plan now agreed on which has been pre-
scented to the present commission Of inquiry
seems to leave no ground for rejecting the ia
vorable report that Is confidently looked for
from the commission If any doubt arises in
the minds Of the Judges the city ought to have
the benefit Of it, because Of the pressing need
for rapid transit that exists
II both the court commission and the Appel
late Division take affirmative action, the Rapid
Transit Commissioners will be ready to call for
bids, preliminary to making the contract. with
In few days That 1t is highly desirable TO
award the contract. and, If possible, get the
work started before the end of the year, Is
conceded by all those most vitality interested
In the project NcwYork is fully committed to
system Of underground roads, and Is prepared
to eXpend the large sum necessary to construct
II. There is no likelihood that 8ny contingency
arising under consolidation will be permitted to
interfere with 1t; but 1t will be wise to take no
risks The Rapid Transit Board is putting
forth every effort TO assure rapid transit to the
city: the Fate Of the underground plan is now
practically in the hands of the Appellate Court