New-York tribune., 1901-12-12
FEAR RIVAL LINE TO BOSTON.
NEw-HAvEN COUNSEL. INTIMATE THAT THIS Is
PURPOSE OF PORT CHESTER COMPANY

NE,v-HAvEN COUNSEL. INTIMATE THAT THIS IS
PURPOSE OF PORT CHESTER COMPANY
IT was more than intimated yesterday at the
hearing before the State Railroad Commissioners
on the application of the New-York and Port Cnes-
ter Railroad Company build four track electric
road from the Harlem River to Port Chester ana
the Connecticut State lire that the plans on which
the application is based might be only the nrst step
in scheme TO connect New-York and Boston by
an electric railway system parallel the present
lines of the New-York. New-Haven and Hartford
Railroad.
The hint was thrown by H. W. TAFT. counsel
for the New-Haven road when William c. Gotshah-
nrssident and chief promoter of the New-York and
Port Chester Railroad Company. on the stand
Mr. GotshaII denied that there were any present
intentions on the part of his company 10 extend
their lines beyond the Connecticut borders but
every question asked the witness by Mr.. Taft OF
this line of examination objected to by counsel
for the applicant company. and this. in addition
10 the fact that last March Mr. GOtshan sought to
acquire for the New-York and Port Chester Rail-
road Company the control Of the New-York and
Ridgefeld Railroad, interurban trolley road
beyond the State line twenty-five miles in length.
was urged giving distinct impression that the
applicant company did not originally intend to
confine its activity subj rban passenger traffic
between New-York. Port Chester and intermediate
points.
After asking Mr. GotshaH a number OF questions
regarding the length of the New-York and Ridge
field Railroad and the route. ali OF which the
witness seemed be well informed. Mr. Taft
asked:
What was your purpose in trying 70 acquire the
New-York and Ridgefeld Railroad?''
Simply To increase the business or the CON-
pany-
to Boston?'' Mr. Taft then asked rather abruptly
Il must decline to answer that. Mr. Go1snan
replied
'tDo you mean to avOw that your purpose is to
extend your lines beyond the plans which you sub
mitted in apparent good faith to the commission
ers?' asked Mr.. Taft rather excitedly.
Il do not propose 10 make any avowals. retorted
Mr. GotshalI. And l want to say further that il Is
great piece of impudence on the part OF the New
Haven road TO ask any such questions II Is no
concern OF the New-Haven road If We extend our
lines TO San Francisco
The plans submitted to this commission said
Mr.. Taft were for railroad for suburban traffic
between New-York and Port Chester. The presi-
the commission to the effect that you had pres
intention extend the road beyond the Con-
necticut State line. On this basis testimony has
been introduced and the time of the commission
has been taken for days. and even weeks And
now at the last moment We discover that you in
tend to parallel lines through Connecticut
Massachusetts and Rhode Island TO Boston,"
After several other witnesses had testified, Mr..
Richards stoutly maintained that the construction
of the New-York City and Westchester Railroad
would begin next week, but refused 10 give the
names Of the hackers of the enterprise or the
Of the contracto who will do ths work
To-day the commission with Mr. Gotshau and
counsel. will over the proposed line OF road
IN carriages.