New-York tribune., 1900-03-25

A bronze p;ate bearing this Inscription is now
fnbedded in the stone pavement in front of the
City Hall II marks the spot whence was taken
the first spadeful Of earth-symboiical. II is true
but none the less actual-in the construction Of
Che tunnel railroad which. for many years TO
come al least viii solve the long pondered prob
lem Of establishing rapid travelling facilities be-
tween the upper and lower ends Of Manhattan
Island The laying of that simply inscribed tab
let was the beginning of the final ocnsummatfon
Of a nomentous project that has occupied many
wears ana many wise minds to evolve success
fully The end will come when the underground
rapid transit railroad. which will be completed
in three or four years, will enable people living
IN the region OF the Harlem River to travel TO
the City Hall in something less than fifteen
minutes
Mayor Van Wyck yesterday dug a silver spade
into a small square Of earth on the City Hall
Plaza amid the plaudits Of such a crowd as has
rarely before in this city historic OF great con-
courses as II is, gathered in circumscribed
an area The people recognized that it was
the opening OF a epoch in the development
Of their city. From early in the morning they
began TO congregate until by noon, an hour
before the time set for the formality of break
ing ground for the tunnel. there was not an
inch OF standing ground left unoccupied in those
Continuing rapidly TO increase, by ! o'clock the
multitude was stretched out half way across
Broadway on one side; Park Row, the other
SIDE. was almost impassable. and Mail-st-. the
short but wide thoroughfare between the Fed
erai Building and the park. was completely
blocked. And all this in spite Of the obvious
fact that not in thousand Of the throng
could have the remotest possibility of seeing
anything Of the happenings at the foot of the
City Hall steps
JUBLANT AND ENTHUSIASTIC.
Yet the crowd was jubilant and enthusiastic
one, ready 10 cheer as to follow in song the
patriotic airs which Sousa's Band played to
speed the intervening moments Standing at
one Of the windows of the City Hall, splendid
spectacle was presented 10 ones view. Down In
the park there was an unbroken sea of swaying
upturned faces turned In the direction Of the
senicrcular colonnade of Olympian pillars. be-
oecked with vari-coIored banners. which inclosed
me place OF excavation; every window Of the big
buildings looking upon the park filled, while
upon the roofs were masses of sghtseers sill
houetted against the sky. The park trees. too,
Seemed full Of boys.
1t was a good natured assemblage, especially
60 considering the physical discomfort it en-
cured for the little it could see. over thou
Saho policemen were duty 10 regulate mat
eeNs, put except IN one or two instances where
Nne Sheer weight OF the crowd threatened to
0'eak the lines. the police had difficulty in
maintaining order
heo II been possible to select the weather in
so'ance, no more perfect conditions for an out
'e celebration could have been provided. The
rshtness which ideal spring day gave to
e scene was further enhanced by the decora-
LUIS 1t is unnecessary again 10 describe the
|SOorate effect OF the City Hall itself but It
y De said Of the buildings surrounding the
- mat they formed so many walls OF color.
uncover from every available staff the Stars
- stripes were flown, while kites were utilized
Ay miniature flags in the air.
GORDON Of police kept clear a spacious square
Dho The small but destined TO become historic
"A, IN the pavement Admission within the
- was forbidden 10 every one save TO
h who, obviously embarrassed at his isola-
=. soooc for upward Of an hour in the centre
e inclosure with bunch of roses in his
~ 1S which were TO be presented to the Mayor
-, crowd had not long TO walt after the an
a. hour 1t about l:25 O'Clock when
9ha under the balcony OF the CITY Hall