The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-02-25

it's obligation to abolish the dangerous
grade crossings which IL now maintains
In this city by diverting its business from
Boston and Worcester from the routes
now established and thus depriving this
city OF the benefit OF through express
trains TO and from those points; now,
therefore. be IL
Resolved. That the city solicitor be and
he is hereby authorized and directed to
appear before any committee OF either
branch of the general assembly having
this matter in charge and TO protest in
the name OF the city against the granting
OF any authority TO construct another
bridge across the Seekonk river. or TO
build any railroad which shall enable the
New York. New Haven and Hartford
Railroad company to divert its trains now
operated from Boston and Worcester
through this city 10 any route other than
the one now In use.
BENEFIT. NOT DETRIMENT.
n. w. Smith. representing the New
York. New Haven ana Hartford Railroad
company. was granted permission to ad-
dress the council, explaining the COM
pany's plans and showing that the pro-
posed tunnel would prove beneft not
detriment to the city OF Pawtucket The
tunnel plan was for the purpose Of re-
lieving the congested condition OF affairs
between Providence and Pawtucket and
Central Falls, besides furnishing TO the
people OF the southeastern part OF the
state railroad facilities which have long
been denied them for the want OF a So
luton OF the problem.
Even under the new plan, and with a
through four ok service between Provi-
dence and the Boston switch. the rail-
road company Will onIy have facilities
such as are adequate fer handling It's
freight and passenger business There
was no intention OF cutting of Pawtucket
and Central Falls from the passenger
service at present enjoyed. BY the tun-
mel all through passenger and freight
trains could be dispatched with greater
facility. There are fourteen through
freights daily and such increased dispatch
would not only conserve but also pro-
mote the interests Of consignors and con-
sgnees.
GRADE CROSSINGS TO GO.
Mr.. Smith stated. furthermore that the
company did not for a moment think OF
shirking its duty as regards the abolition
OF grade crossings within the limits OF
Pawtucket and Central Falls despite the
statement made that the company by its
tunnel route proposed to avoid the very
large expenditure for dispensing with
these grade crossings.
President j. rank Davis OF the COM
mon council expressed surprise to ear
that the railroad company was ready TO
talk business regarding the abolition Of
the grade crossings. lie said that every
attempt made TO hold a joint meeting had
been a failure. for the reason that Hon.
Edward l.. Freeman OF Central Falls.
who Is railroad commissioner and also a
member OF the Central Falls commission.
had made the statement that Il was n
waste OF time TO take UP the matter. as
the railroad company was not ready 20
talk business.
In reply Mr. Smith said that ne under
stood that the Consolidated road had
had three plans for the abolition OF grade
crossings In Pawtucket and Central Falls
and that drawings had been submitted
for the consideration OF the commissions.
although u was the belief that the city
or Pawtucket. because o. its debt and
expense incident 20 the reconstruction OF
the street railway system. would be
obliged 20 defer definite action as re-
CARDS grade crossings.
when the cities OF Pawtucket and
Central Falls are ready 10 take up the
question OF the abolition OF grade cross
ings they will find the railroad company
ready TO do its part" added Mr. Smith.
THE RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.
AS regards the objection to another