New-York tribune., 1902-02-09
AN OPEN CUT ADVOCATED.
A WORD REGARDING THE PROPOSED "TUN.
MEL IMPROVEMENTS"
To the Editor of The Tribune:

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir; Permit me TO say, at the outset that the
proposition of the Nev-York Central Railroad
Company TO provide electric equipment for use on
suburban trains and arrange for express trains
only to use steam. thereby greatly reducing the
danger and nuisance incidental to present condi-
lions, should be approved, If nothing further
Is 10 be done, and would urge that the company
should be assisted by all authorities legislative
or municipal. TO complete the improvements most
speedily
The important facts to be noted and acted upon.
however. are these: 1t Will be at least two years
before steam. smoke gas in the tunnel will be
partially done away with. and it may be many
years before electricity become a complete
and satisfactory substitute to cover all the re-
Qurements of travel well as is done now by
the steam locomotive.
So, then, are face to face with the question
Are we to endure the tunnel, and If so, why? This
is the vital point for New York New Rochelle
ana otheT communities. which are at all Interested
to consider. 1 say most emphatically the tunnel
should cease to exist and that, too. at an early
date The railroad officials are on record TO the
effect that they willing to incur any expense
that may be necessary in doing away with danger
and nuisance TO it's patrons they have also stated
very plainly that the most efficient and direct
into cut. II is not likely the company would
vel wei i 5atisiled OF obtainins good results Some
say ne utTy Oly IaVor ths plan so they may avoid
now oe valid, since they already committed
when the commuter has no auarre wi With IN
company We all know the nuisance OF tunnel
Aside from the chances of disastrous collisions
the facts regarding unwholesome and noisome
conditions were clearly set forth by official health
reports last summer. So let wait for an
other hot season before urging that the first and
most important step, which Will undoubtedly give
reIef. shall be taken. / well know that there
IS a general impression that the Park Avenue AS
sOcidton Of Property Owners Is so powerfu! and
important that II would he idle seriously con-
slider opening up the tunnel. but neither Park-ave
property nor the owners thereof should be permit
ted to stand in the way or Improvement which
seriously concerns the welfare and comfort
OF the general public. OF course. property is
condemned Il should be paid for. or II il Is in
Jured, proper damages should be awarded. No
doubt these could he readily obtained with ref
crenCe TO the matter Of possible damages il rs
10 be borne IN mind that with the Introduction
OF general electric service. and with the use OF
little or no steam; these damages would not be
formidable or difficult II settlement.
one further point | beg mention: Even If IL
possible TO do away completely with the
steam locomotive at once, the fact still remains
that the tastes and customs civilized people are
such that they not only prefer but demand that
the main entrance. which leads into the very heart
OF the greatest metropolis Of America. shall not be
through a tunnel when, In this Instance such
arrangement Is unnecessary.
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