New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-09

1t is likely that as result of the present asl-
tation for an East Side subway formal peu-
ton will be made to the Board of Rapid TRANSIT
Commissioners by representative property own
ers of the East Side for immediate action on
such an extension of the present rapid transit
system The announcement that John b. NC
Donald contractor of the present subway. is IN
favor of an East Side feeder connecting with
the main line at either Forty second-st. or
FTourteenth-st was welcomed with considerable
qualification.
Mr. McDonald's idea that the most practicable
route for such a subway was In LeXinSton-aFe
also appears to meet with widespread approval.
1t was pointed out that the width of the ave-
nue. would easily permit the construction or a
tunnel with three tracks. that this branch
Of the subway could be operated with an ex-
nress service which would considerably lessen
the time in which residents OF the northern
and eastern parts of The Bronx would be able
to reach the lower part of the island.
When comparison was made yesterday or the
alternative connections which. according TO MT
Mcdonald such East Side feeder might
have with the main line, it was pointed out
that the length of track 10 be constructed III
either ca Sc was about the same. Thus, IN case
the southern connection Of the East Side feeder
with the trunk line was at Fourteenth-st.' nearly
mile and a half of track would be necessary
south Of Forty -sacond-st. If on the other hand,
the southern connection at Forty -second-st.,
and A Broadway subway between Forty-second-
st and Fourteenth-st. should be constructed
according to the recommendation OF Mr. MIC
Donald in order to relieve possible congestion
at the Grand Central Station, the length or
track would be one mile and half, the dis
tance between these points being necessarily
longer through Broadway, which III TINS section
cuts the cross streets obifquely.
LENGTH OF TRACK WOULD BE THE SAME
Although with either the Fourteenth-st or
the Forty -second-st. connection between the
East Side subway and the main l1ne the iehsth
of track would be nearly the same. 1t Is sald
nevertheless that the expense OF the broadway
route would he somewhat greater than the four-
teenth-st and Irving Place plan. for the reason
that the work in the former thoroughfare "ouio
meet with more obstacles and have to be prose-
cuted with greater slowness and care
Sunnorters Of he Broadway scheme, however,
CIV that in the end 1t would bring in the great
est returns for the amount of money expendeo'
for the reason that it would. first lessen 'he
time for the Harlem and Bronx express ser
,,ice. second relieve the congestion of the Grand
Central Station and permit the Junction OF an
East Side branch at Forty-second-st, and. thlfd'
that II would increase the traffic of the main line
bv making it accessible to the great shopping
district.
It was learned that both plans are now being
carefully considered by William Barclay Par
sons chief engineer of the Rapid Transit Com
mission
The statement of Mr. Mcdonald that he ia
yored the construction of an East Side subway
snd stood ready to bid the work, as printed
in The Tribune yesterday. created great inter-
est among members of the Rapid Transit Com
mission property owners along the route which
irnprOVpment
and contractors and engineers who are involved
in tho construction of the present rapid transit
system.
INDORsED BY MR.. ORR.
Mr. McDonald's idea for connecting link in
Rroadwav between Union and Long Acre
sousres for the purpose of relieving the con-
gestion that will result in that section of the
main line which is in the vicinity of the Grand
Central Station is warmly indorsed by Alexan-
der F Orr president of the Rapid Transit Com
mission.
The recommendation of the contractor for the
construction Of Broadway subway between
these points is especially interesting for the
reason that such q route was opposed by the
property owners along this thoroughfare at the
time the Rapid Transit Commissioners first
adopted resolutions in favor of such a route.
The plan finally defeated by the action of
the courts in holding that the construction of
an underground railroad In Broadway would
loss on account OF injury to buildings and the