New-York tribune., 1906-04-13
OPPOSES SHORT LEASE
Mr. RiUes Says Elsberg Bill ProUis-
ion W0uld Eliminate Com petition.

George L. Rives yesterday told the Rapid
Transit Commission that the short term lease
provision in the Elsberg bill would eliminate
competition and enable the Belmont interests to
underbi! its rivals for future subwaya The
Tribune three weeks ago called attention to the
probability that the Belmont interests would be
abls to bid lower for new subways by nearly
$10O00O.0 than their rivals, because of the
possession Of a power plant. A new bidder will
have to build power plant at a cost of about
S1O,OOO.O00 if it builds subway system inde-
pendenty. This is the very point that Mr.. Rives
presented yesterday to the consideration of the
commission. He suggested that the commission
oppose the Elsberg bill when the hearing before
the Mayor is given next week. The Elsberg bill
cuts down the lease term from fifty and seventy
five years to twenty years, with renewal of
twenty.
This feature of the BILL" said Mr. Rives yes
terday, will hamper the city in getting bids.
and will have the effect of preventing competi-
tiOn. If the Elsberg BILL with it's short term
Germs which have power plants will be Sble to
bid for new subways 1t is manifest, therefore
that the future subways to be built will be
only those that the Interborough chooses TO
build, as no other corporation can compete with
it and hope to make any money
Martin W. Litteton, presumably acting for
the InterbOrough interests. has asked for
opening Of the proceedings by the Supreme
Court commissioners considering the propriety
tleton alleges that he represents property
owner. and that he wants to present evidence
showing that ii is against public interest to have
subway built in Third avenue. Mr. Littleton
Will appear before committee of the Rapid
Transit Commission next Tuesday and make
argument 1t is understood that his request
will be granted. although the commissioners be-
lieve it will result only in delay in the approval
of the Third avenue route. The court commis-
sion has finished its labors and is ready to re-
port in favor of the route as laid down by the
commission.
In regard to the advertising privileges in the
Brooklyn subway the proposition of the board
foot was met by opposition the part of the
Interborough company. Mr.. Rives said that he
had had communication from the Interborough
company saying that ii objected to the boards
letting out advertising in the Brooklyn subway
as the company had contracts with Ward &
Cow covering the case. The members OF the
board expressed surprise that contract had
been already given to Ward & Cow for the
Brooklyn terminal.
George l.. RiveS drew up a resolution. which
was passed, that display advertising In show
windows in the subway in Brooklyn should be
pushed forward, and that the board should
make rush contracts subject to the Interborough
company
Chief Engineer Rice asked the board for an
appropriation of $500 for the employment of
Professor j. E. Starr to install an air cooling de-
vice. Mr.. Rice said that Professor Starr should
be paid at the rate of $40 per diem. The request
was granted.
In speaking Of the removal of the railroad
tracks on Eleventh avenue, Mr.. Rives said that
the theory that subway was impracticable on
Eleventh avenue. The board instructed Mr
Rice to consult with the chief engineer of the
New York Central W. j. Wilgus. the matter