New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-15
A TALL OE THREE CITIES.

II is already well known that the great cap
Itals of Europe are rapidly being equipped with
adequate rapid-transit systems, largely OF the
underground clectric-propulslon type. Espe-
caly is such the case In London and Paris.
In the former several extensive lines Of tun-
mel roads are nearing completion They have
been constructed without any considerable dis
turbance OF surface traffic and without any
injury TO adjacent buildings although under
streets on which travel Is more dense than on
any in New York, and along which buildings
are as massive as on any here. They are now
being equipped with admirable electric plants
so as to be operated at high speed and with no
smoke, gas darkness or other disturbing ele-
mcnt In Paris great system Of inramural
railroads is being constructed. and ut least one
OF the principal trunk lines convergng upon
that city is finishing tunnel through which
1t can run its trains to the very heart of the
city without danger or Inconvenience TO sur
face traffic.
Now it is humillating enough to observe that
these European cities can do these things. while
New York must still and for an indefinite time
to come worry along with It's present travesty
upon local transit But the final humiliation
comes in the announcement that these London
trio motors by American manufacturers 1t is
gratifying to know that American inventors
and manufacturers could get such contract
in competition with those of Europe But if
they can make their engines work over there,
why cannot the same engines he made to work
here? In London American made electric en-
gincs are to draw local transit trains over
an eght-mile underground line at n speed Of
m, RI milo lou I'm
they are to draw the pondcrous trains Of n
great trunk line. Why cannot they be made to
draw elevated railroad and Bridge trains here?
1t IS scandalous that New-York. the second
city Of the world in size. and supposedly the
first in enterprise should he perpetuay lag
ging behind all others in such matters. con-
corning the health. comfort and welfare Of its
people. 1t has long been so. Gable roads We're
not introduced here until years after they had
been in successful operation in San Francisco
and Squedunk and Philadelphia and Wnyback
Cross Roads. The underground trolley was
tentatively tried here. with unspeakable mis-
givings, when it had long been familiar and
as we'll established gas lighting in cities not
a quarter the size of this. And now while
other cities all over the world are using cleo
trio engines and underground roads COM
monpace matter OF course, just as they use
water-works and steam fire engines and tcle-
phones. New-York looks upon such devices as
hazardous subjects Of speculation. which may
possibly become practical in some day of days
In the far-distant future. but which we heirs
Of all the ages. in the foremost files OF time
must not venture practically to essay, lest the
fate Of the too temerarious befall us.
If Zephaniah Stubs. Of Coon Hollow should
take to using an electric motor for carting po-
tatoes 10 market would Ncw-York consider
the device n safe one to experiment with In
local transportation: