New-York tribune., 1902-04-22
TIE SEW-HAVEN RO4D'S TERMINUS.

Although the plans of the New Haven rail-
road companv for improved terminal facilities
in this CITY are not fully revealed several feat
ures of its programme already manifest
Closer relations with the Long Island and Tenn-
svlvania systems are to be sustained than have
existed in the past What is known as the
Harlem Branch. over which the washington
Express from New-England now runs. Will be
extended over the East River near He'll Gate.
and thence downward to the Long Island net
work of lines. Eventually the particular train
lust mentioned will make use of the projected
tunnels under the East River. across Manhattan
Island and beneath the Hudson. instead OF going
by ferry from Port Morris. Until these tunnels
are built however temporary provision must be
made for reaching Jersey City from the vicinity
Of Long Island City. Several routes are pos
sibie and a choice among these is yet 10 be
made or at least to be announced.
If the transfer boat should start from Long
Island City the distance covered would be five
miles shorter than if the train embarked at Port
Morris This would be distinct gain. because
far better time can be made on land than on
water Still another advantage would be
cured. though. by making a detour around
Brooklyn. by means Of the Long Island tracks,
TO Bay Ridge. The water route would then
avoid the paths of a large number of local fer
ries in the lower East River and the chances OF
collision and delay be materially reduced. To
be sure, the final stage of the journey on land,
before New-York Bay was reached, would be
rather circutous, but the merits Of the plan
would more than offset that drawback, espe-
ciaIly since the arrangement would not be per-
manent.
One cannot but speculate on the possible con-
sequences of bringing that Washington Express
to and past the proposed Manhattan station of
the Pennsylvania road. The first effect will be
a saving Of time between New England and the
South. But how about express and suburban
trains which are not TO go beyond New-fork:
Will they. too, switch off at New Rochelle, come
down the Harlem Branch to Long Island City
and make Thirty -third-st instead of Forty
second-st. their terminus? The New-Haven
company is non-committal on this point and
perhaps wisely. 1t may prefer to leave the
question open for the present and develop its
policy gradually Whatever be Its decision
though. the new route into this city would GER
tanly prove more attractive to the traveller
than the old through the Central tunnel
Such a change might also rescue the New
Haven company from 4 serious dilemma. It
could defer the adoption Of electricity q
motive agent little longer, inasmuch as the
Pennsylvania people could haul the NewHaven
trains in from Long Island City, whereas public
sentiment will not tolerate steam locomotives In
the Park-ave. tunnel much longer
It is also desirable to know whether the SER
vice which the New Haven road now renders to
Pelham and Mount Vernon will ever be aban-
doned as a result of opening up new route to
this city. There are about four miles of track
between New Rochelle where the two lines
diverge, and the point a which the New Haven
trains reach the Harlem Division of the Cen
trail. If trackage rights over the latter are ever
surrendered, what will become Of the people
living that short bit Of road? If they are
left in the lurch the Port Chester line will
doubtless accommodate them fairly we'll. Be
sides, Mount Vernon already gets some benefit
from the Harlem. 1t does not seem probable
however that that city will be deserted by the
New Haven company. even If Forty second ST. is
abandoned terminus. Mount Nernons pat
ronage is too valuable to throw away. This
could be retained and much new business picked
up If an extension from the end of the New
Hayens own track southwark to Port Morris
We're built.
Finally 1t will be interesting TO see how much
of an obstruction to commerce the New-Haven
company's bridge over the East River will prove
to be- Inaslnuch as The Tribune's dispatches
refer to a draw in the proposed structure it
may be assumed that the latter will be too low
for large schooners and steamers to pass under
IL at all times There are several drawbridges
over the Harlem, but very little shipping goes
up that stream. A much greater amount passes
up and down the Sound. The entrance to that
body Of water. moreover, is already beset with
peculiar embarrassments. The erection of
bridge In that vicinity therefore will not be