New-York tribune., 1902-01-24
JOHN W. GRIGGS.
B. R. T. LEADS FOR TUNNEL.
1T IS SAID TO HAVE STRATEGIC POSI-
TION FOR THE COMPETITION.
BRooKLYN-FIvE CENT THROUGH FARE
CONDITION PROBABLY ILLEGAL.

NoAN|AIiON ifNObAbL1 llIlItGALh
The Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company will
probably be the builder of the Brooklyn extern
sion Of the rapid transit tunnel in this city, the
contract and specifications for which will be ad-
vertised soon as Edward NJ Shepard and A.
B. Boardman, counsel to the commission, can
, prepare them.
The five cent fare question has placed the
Rapid Transit Commission in a somewhat awk-
ward position. and finding the way out is taxing
the ingenuity of President Orr. Charles Stewart
| Smith and Controller Grout the subcommittee
or the commission which is looking after the
drawing up of the contract
This subcommittee held a long conference yes
terday, and in addition to those already named
there were present Messrs. Shepard and Board
man, counsel; Chief Engineer Parsons and
Deputy Chief Engineer Rice
An official connected with the Subway Con-
struction Company. whose deductions usually
are correct. said to Tribune reporter yes
terday:
,n The Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company is likely to
beat Us In the bidding for the construction Of the
commissioners will find 1t necessary to put into the
contract This is the situation:
Brooklyn people who now are able to ride from
Mponad bG m f9r tmnhe heat to Fiat
bush-ave., he would drop Brooklyntes the end
end Of the tunnel would have @ to pay another fare
That would divert Brooklyn traffic from the tun-
mel. although II would get Long Island traffic
Third-If Third the Rapid Transit Commission insists
this proRb9e eaSr afS only ny % one ] %hG could 6d and
ANYTHING he liked and feel perfectly sure that he
funnel lines and Brooklyn extension % but a Mcponaid
stpglate n the bid that the bidders must state
this case would be almost Wholly Brookiynitesl
they could offer II they received the contract
acceptance of any bid. no matter what the bid for
construction may he. left in the hands of the com
mission discretionary basis. the BROOKLYN
Rapid Transit Company will come forward and
TT This extension is for Brooklyn people. We will
transfers to all the lines running through Flat
sit people will be sure of getting the Contract
Under the present arrangement. the Brooklyn ex-
aid should build it without being required to carry
TO charge an extra fare for passeneers who took
the cars for uptown from points below the New
York City Hall Public sentiment would not sane
ton such an arrangement Of course but Mr. Nc
sef no f9ud oneon gxaff IT. Of The Whoie thing resolves
sion viii ask What the bidder can offer in the
brooklyn rafc they Can Offer tbe bsf PfsGh f9ctas sGr or
the way or free transfers, and on account of that
fact they will get the contract
1t was learned last night that the question of
facilities was one of the principal things up
for consideration before the commissioners and
engineers yesterday. 1t the opinion of some
OF those present that the contract must be
framed so that the facilities which bidder can
offer must be taken into account or the validity
OF the contract would be attacked. perhaps sue
cessfully.
director OF the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Com
pany, when seen by Tribune reporter said:
III the commission will insert in the advertise
ment for bids the stipulation that the proposition
onerlng the best facilities will be accepted, the
discretion of the commission then company
VIII at once take the consideration the tunnel
construction If they insist that the builder and
operator must carry passenger to all parts of the
tunnel system for single five cent fare then we
are shut out. In fact. everybody but Mr. Mcdonald
Is shut out. He can build the Brooklyn extension
at his own price.
At the conference Messrs. Shepard and Board
man, counsel to the commission. were directed
to draft contract and send copy to each
member of the commission. 1t is expected that
the drafting OF the contract will occupy three or
four weeks.