New-York tribune., 1902-05-09

AS result OF the present agitation by The
Tribune for the construction Of tunnels between
the boroughs Of Manhattan and Brooklyn in
stead Of the costly Manhattan and Blackwelrs
Island bridges. the above resolution was passed
unanimously yesterday by the Board Of Rapid
Transit Commissioners. at their regular meet
ing. The resolution was introduced by Charles
Stewart Smith, and was seconded by Alexander
e. Orr. president Of the board. All the commits
sioners were present, including Mayor Low and
Controller Grout Edward NJ Shepard and AL
bert B. Boardman, counsel TO the board. and
William Barclay Parsons, chief engineer of the
commission. also present. The resolution
came up for discussion at the end OF long
hearing on the solution Of the congestion at the
Manhattan terminal Of the Brooklyn Bridge.
In explaining his reason for introducing the
measure, Mr.. Smith said
in my opinion. and / believe in the opinion
Of several other members of this board, the
most practical way to solve the problem of
rapid transit between Manhattan and Brooklyn
is the construction of one. two or even more
tunnels under the East River. Such course
would be far cheaper. and could be accomplished
in fraction of the time necessary for the erec-
ton Of a bridge. Now, in our endeavors to OBJ
tain relief for the congestion at the terminals
of the present Brooklyn Bridge. I think that il
is only wise and prudent to look into the ques-
ton Of tunnels, and 1t was for that reason that
I have drawn this resolution"
Mr. Smith was here interrupted by Controller
Grout, who said:
''If this resolution has for its purpose the in
reference with work on the Manhattan Bridge.
! am not in favor Of it. AS a matter of fact.
work has been begun on this bridge, and any
talk Of building tunnels in its place is purely
academic"
This resolution is merely for the purpose of
learning the comparative merits of tunnels and
bridges and Of getting at both sides of the case,
replied Mr.. Smith LAS I understand, what is
wanted is permanent relief and when the Mayor
asked this board TO examine into the situation
and try to solve the problem he said that we
ought not to look for temporary but for per-
manent results. The Controller is entitled TO
his opinion. as 1 TO mine. But believe that
we will be assured of wiser solution of this
question if an investigation is made by our
engineer as this resolution provides"
At this point Mayor Low said that he believed
that the city far committed to the con-
struction of the Manhattan Bridge that it would
be impracticabe for the board TO attempt to
hold up the work. and then he added:
IF. however, this resolution contemplates an
inquiry which may help us in the solution of
the problem of bridge relief. and should in no
way indicate what the city authorities should
do I am in favor OF st. I think that the more
light we have on this subject the better.
At the present time think that we have gone
so far ahead with the construction of these
bridges that il would be unwise to disturb the
policy which has thus been established. New
ertheless the spirit of the resolution L COM
mend"
The Controller followed the Mayor by saying
that il looked as if the Rapid Transit Commits
sion or some of it's members were predisposed
in favor Of tunnels. and in order to get facts
from both tunnel and bridge experts he moved