New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-03-30
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
DANGERS FROM NEAR SIDE" RULE.
Standing Back from Corner Brings Passen
gers in Midst of Traffic. 1t Is Said.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Cannot this dangerous near sloe ia" .
repealed? Our streets dangerous enough with
out this law so perilous for all who enter or leave
or1r srIrsace cars The streets are crowded with
vehicles Of al kinds that with the confusion OF the
rushing surface cars and bicycles and the deadly
automobiles Il is q cause Of much gratitude Wheh
BY night our families return home safely without
an accident or seeing one And now. 10 increase
our dangers IS this most dreadful. dangerous
near side law.
This near side arrangement forces US to step
end to stand in the midst OF horses. automobiles
and ell the dangers OF the street. The motormen
will not stop to receive passengers unless they
stand close to the track. and how can we break
through the phalanx OF horses and carriages which
line Broadway to take our position, and even when
do manage II how can we stand there IN
safety Then again. the motorrnen sometimes
stop in the centre Of the block and Just where they
please forcing us to walk further along the street
It is difficult not TO become frightened. and thus
BY losing presence OF mind we are liable 10 De
either injured or killed. Even If not injured these
constant rights and the strain thereby On tho
nerves make our outdoor life very detrimental
to health We return home tired out bodily and
mentally. by the strain Of thus protecting our lives
so constantly. This present arrangement is IN
safe for all. even strong young men. but Tor
women. children. the inArm. the elderly and the
aged it IS a continual and positive peril
Then. the mud and snow piles, the rain puddles
and the dirt IN the streets arc other grievances
connected with this near side law. II weather
IS rainy there all depths OF mud and pools into
which the passenger IL obliged To step, no matter
how deep they thus SOlling and wetlng boots
and skirts. And il snow. have TO plunge right
into IT, whether II r. the ankle to the knee
This Is bad enough. but generally Illness IS the
result Of thus wettinE the feet. The conductors
generally show heartlesS amusement at our dis
may and the calamity which follows. Suppose n
heavy snowfall like the blizzard Of ISIS. is piled up
from sidewalks into the street. and higher than
heads. what do the companies expect US then
10 dO2
Then. again. often tho street is INSTRUCTED by
building materials, dirt, mortar derricks etc, thus
blocking up the way leaving only a narrow, dirty
muddy passage between the debris and the
car This IS not only very annoying, but often
unsafe.
Cannot there he united plea that this near
side law should be repealed and speedily as
possible. that viii not be so endangered
another winter? Unless this law IS repealed. there
viii be terrible affections in many homes, the dear
ones being brought home MANNED for lfe-O~ dead.
What I have expressed 7 sure is the uni
vcrSal sentiment, and n all persons would
write their opinions this subject. as I wish
heartily they would the letters would be very
numerous. and doubtless would have beneficial
result Many persons have refralned from writ
Ing this subject, hoping the law would be re-
pealed. as partially promised. but as 1t has not
been repealed. let the suffering public now speak,
and let have united protest against this
near side law. r. L
New-Yorlc City. March e. 1904