New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-22
THE PROPOSITION TOO VAGUE


THE MANHATTAN COMPANY MUST BE MORE spE-
CIrIc Or TIE LETTER SAYS 1T WOULD AP-
PEAR TO BE FUTILE TO CONTINUE
THE NEGOTIATIONS"
II is apparent from a letter written by Alexander
E. Orr TO George J. Gould yesterday that the
Rapid Transit Commission Is still dstrustful OF the
sincerity Of the Manhattan people. despite the I'M
piled willingness OF the latter accept six out OF
the seven franchises offered to them some weeks
ago. provided the terms Of compensation could be
read1usted. Since the receipt of Mr. Goulds COM
munication OF May 6. wherein he practically agreed
various extensions the elevated system II the
city would accept little more than nominal re-
enumeration the Commissioners have been en-
deavoring TO obtain definite details OF just what
the company is prepared to do The Manhattan
directors however. have hitherto avoided giving the
informa ton the Commissioners require. and SEEM
iney are dsinclined 10 bind themselves to minor
details OF engineering and legal work. In his last
letter OF May IS Mr.. Gould still insisted that the
acceptance Of the franchises should be subject 10
''other necessary notifications. and that allowance
should be made the stipulated time OF construc-
ton for unavoidable legal delays
This persistent vagueness has irritated the Com
mission. and yesterday Mr.. Orr forwarded COM
munication 10 the president of the Manhattan COM
pany intimating that IN effect the railroad corpora
ton seeking nothing more than an option to
occupy the streets. and asserting that unless the
company consents to make the details of the exten-
sions a matter OF hard and fast agreement sus-
cepibe OF enforcement 1t would be futile to proceed
with the negotiations. The following Is copy of
the letter sent yesterday to Mr.. Gould:
May p. 1895.
George j. Gould Esq. President Manhattan Rail
Dear Sir: Your letter of the 18th inst. addressed
TO me as president of the Rapid Transit Board was
submitted to the Board at It's meeting on The l''h
After careful discussion a minute was maze ex-
pressing the views of the Board OF which peg 10
As You will observe from this minute. the Board
the question OF The rentals to be paid 10 the city II
shall appear that. In addition 10 the facts winch
willing TO obgate itself 10 build its structures In
such manner as TO AFFORD an adequate measure OF
which, while fair both TO the city and to your com
pany, will be susceptible Of enforcement against
the time within which you will build these extern
sons is to be extended not only by unoyodaDl.ee
legal delays caused by acquiring rights OF way.
but also by all of the other very numerous con
Board is OF the opinion. for reasons which were
fully pointed ou, TO you Wien you snpitH aou IN
your present letter amounts only TO an expression
Of willingness to accept an option to build In your
In view of these facts the Board thinks that until
1t shall appear by definite proposition that your
which shall be mutually binding. and which shall
only be obligatory upon your company IN respect
OF time. but shall also specify the character oi me
structure to be erected in the streets vita regard
70 height, width ana manner or erecting CTosslisS,
II would be quite useless to enter upon discussion
Of the exact amount of compensation to be paid 10
the city. -
company, containing all necessary engineering ana
franchises referred 10 in earlier correspondence
This tender has been absolutely refused by You as
regards the seventh Cor Amsterdam-ave.) franchise
But your letter seems to imply Willingness TO
accept the remaining six franchises. PROVIDED the
compensation be readjusted. the time OF construc-
ton he left indefinite. and subject. as You write
TO certain other necessary notifications. Inc
Board cannot act upon proposition 50 vague nor
will IT, in any event. grant mere option TO occupy
the streets But If YOU will comply with the re.
quest contained in my letter of the 18th inst. and
will amend the text Of the six franchises already
rendered TO you in such manner as 70 obYiate me
indefniteness of your letter and 10 snow texciudng
only the question of compensation exactly what
contract you willing TO make with the city, the
Board will al consider your connler-proposl-
ton. and will discuss with you the question OF com.
pensation with unbiased mind in the desire or
teaching some solution which will he fair TO YOU
and OF benefit 10 the city
But unless your company is willing. In the reason
able manner thus suggested. to submit TO our Board
Its details and which shall thus show exactly what
benefit the community may expect 10 receive from
your action 1t would appear to be futileo continue
the negotiation. ] am. sir, yours very truly
A. f. ORR. President.
Mr.. Gould not in town yesterday. Inc letter
will be laid before the Extension Committee of the
Manhattan company at its regular meeting on Tues
sdav