The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-03-05

general sentiment was In favor Of a tun.
nei were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, 1t is universally recognized
that better facilities should be provided
for transportation between Providence
Boston. Fall River. Bristol and interven.
ing territory. and
Whereas, A bill IS now pending In tho
legislature authorizing the New York
New Haven e. Hartford Railroad com
pany TO build a tunnel that will un-
doubtedly accomplish that purpose, there
fore, be IL
Resolved, That the Providence Cham
ber OF Commerce respectfully petitions
the Legislature 81 the sta te OF Rhode ISL
and 10 enact such legislation as will en-
able the New York. New Haven & Hart
ford Railroad company 10 CONSTRUCT The
desired tunnel.
Charles r. Makepeace. architect and
mill engineer, explained his plan for a
viaduct TO the East Side which he ex-
hiblted In the form of blue print. giving
its appearance on the plat OF the city.
He said that grade would be easier than
on many streets, in the city over which
cars now travel. II would cost about
s3lS0oo, and with the amount to be paid
In land damages the total cost would be
about $500 900. N
COUNCILMAN PARSONS PLAN.
Councilman Parsons OF the First ward
offered for inspection a plan for a rapid
transit tunnel for electric cars only, to
extend from Market square along the line
OF Jones alley TO Thayer street. This tun-
mel would begin opposite the chamber of
commerce building. and cutting through
the corner or North Main street and Mar
ket square, pass over the tract now occu-
pied by the Roger williams hotel enter
the hill at about third OF the way from
North Main street to Benefit street, con-
tinue at a grade rising 4.15 feet per hun
dred. The arched section OF the tunnel
would have clear width or "a feet, and a
clear height OF lSle feet.
Mr. Parsons believed that this tunnel
would not only be a great advantage 10
persons living beyond 1'hayer street but
also by the running OF cars back from the
east portal OF the tunnel 90 Brown and
prospect streets, and thus continuing
along those streets IL would accommodate
persons living this side OF the east portal,
and would enable them 10 reach their
homes more quickly than by the present
counterweight system The cars would
have an easy grade in the tunnel with a
straight track both ways. lie figured the
cost al $4,000.
BY Mr.. Polleys latest or amended plan
for a viaduct the Warren and Bristol
the Fall River. the Fox Point and such
other cars as might be deemed desirable
could start from in front OF the railroad
depot. their natural starting point, and
proceed over the viaduct from that point
to Benefit street turning south on Benefit
and not only relieving the present conges-
tion on South Main street. but giving ia
cilities 10 a portion OF the city now un-
provided for. The Pawtucket, Branch ave
nue., etc. cars, following the same route
TO Benefit street, could turn north with
equally beneficial results as 20 improved
and extended service. and also getting rid
OF the difficulties and dangers OF Consti-
tuition Hill.
The meeting then adjourned and all
present we're invited 10 inspect the vari-
Gus plans which VIII until further notice.
be on exhibition at the rooms OF the
chamber OF commerce daily after the
closing business hour. O'Clock