New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-28
DEPENDS ON DEBT LIMIT.
Failure to RemOUe 1t Would DELAY
Ne1r Subscau.

Messrs. Orr. Grout and Smith. Of the Rapid
Transit Commission, Will on Tuesday begin work
on route for a new subway. and when they get
n .ough IL is expected the commission will
state what the city is able to do in the way Of
extending its credit TO the contractor building
new subway and then advertise for bids.
II is not expected that the commissions COM
mittee viii be able to make rapid Roadway on its
work. for the reason that the difficulties are un-
usual While the city may not be called upon to
loan fits credit at ALL # VIII have be in posi-
ton 10 DO so and this viii require the passage Of
the bill approved by the Rapid Transit Commits
sion removing the debt limit regards money
for rapid transit needs Such a bill may get
through the legislative mill this year. and then
again il may not. Removing the debt limit for
any purpose. with Tammany in control OF the
city government. is not particularly inspiring
proceeding. Amy determined opposition to such
an amendment might block II for this session OF
the legislature. at least.
The probability that such a bill will be OPP
posed warrants the statement that the road TO
be travelled by the commission before con-
tract is let for a new subway is an extremely
tortuous one. Assuming that the Belmont sub
way win be able 20 carry all the business that
is offered to a. Il goes without saying that
that company win not welcome the advent OF a
rival A years delay means a years profits
railway men win not be surprised at anything
that develops in obstructive tactics.
Mr. Ryan's letter TO the Rapid Transit Com
mission had this 10 say
J. accordingly. have no hesitation in giving YOU
my assurance that II your commission will lay out
other routes which substantially meet the
quirements or the SITUATION. ana no unduly onerous
interests VIII submit ofer 20 undertake the con-
struction Of those lines and their operation in con-
surface Manhattan
and as single system. thus assuring effective
Manhattan Island for a hve-cent fare.
All the experts cOncede that it is nov or
never with the Metropolitan interests. II they
do not get the chance TO build and operate the
next great trunk line subway system they
likely TO remain outside the breastworks"
This situation viii probably enable the city TO
drive q hard bargain with the competing com
panies Both Of them want a LeKington-ave.
line from The Bronx 20 ;he Battery. The Bel
mont people are likely 10 offer 10 build with
their own money. This statement cannot be
made with the same degree Of confidence for
the Nev--York CITY Railway Company. II has,
as already stated. offered 10 give free transfers
10 an its surface lines in Manhattan Borough.
LAST wear Controller Grout strongly in
favor OF a second subway system extending
from The Bronx TO Brooklyn. with the contract
SO Jet that its construction and operation would
De- distinct. President orr or the commission
has inclined TO the idea that il would be better
20 have a unified system under one management,
so that a hye-cent fare would carry a man 70
amy part Of the town reached by the subways-
Nessrs Grout and orr are the plan and
scope committee. which this week and for many
succeeding weeks viii consider the best route
for "a new subway. While Mr.. orr is in favor or
a so-caIed unified system, he is a great be
lever fu publicity and discussion. He believes
fr inviting criticism OF all large plans laid be
~-a llr1r mi zef 81 a %
merits and defects 81 any project under discus
sion.
Paul ID Cravath. Of counsel Cor the Metropol-
itan fntereste said yesterday that his company
would not be ready 10 discuss financial features
Of the proposed contract until the city had
fully made known its plans for route