The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-06-07
FRANCIS PLAN
is SHATTERED

Canal street, making II practically part
OF Washington street This, would elimi-
nate dangers incident to the use on North
Main street OF the large cars OF the Su-
burban routes by turning them out OF
North Main street 10 Exchange place, in
stead OF continuing 10 Market square or
keeping them on narrow Steeple street
Having opened Waterman street. the
next thing should be the construction OF
a tunnel. and Mr.. Stone said that when
Mr.. Gammell spoke OF the ultimate neces-
sity of tunnel he reached the pith OF
the whole subject.
Mr.. Stone said the tunnel should be
built. II should have double track. and
the street railway company should be
charged a reasonable price for the use OF
II. Mr.. Stone was sure he voiced the
sentiments OF nine-tenths OF his fellow
citizens on the east side when he asserted
that they wanted nothing but a tunnel.
There would be no land damages in
connection with the tunnel, and he closed
his argument by asserting that Water
man street should be put through to
Canal street. IL was absurd 10 claim
that obstacles encountered In construct
ing tunnel under College hill are insur-
mountable in these days OF modern ensi-
neering.
Sam II. Bullock declared that there was
not sufficient heavy traffic up the hill 10
warrant the building OF an easy grade
street, such traffic being already well pro
vided for. People living beyond Thayer
street would be better served by a car
tunnel, while those living on the crown
OF the hill would be as well served as
now. The opening OF Waterman street
TO Canal would provide all the facilities
for reaching the hill required by car
riages. automobiles and light traffic gen
orally.
Ex~Gov Charles Warren Lippitt said that
the alternative plan presented by Mr.
Francis, which was practically Identical
with one prepared by himself, was prefer
able. The people would never consent TO
secure an easy grade by digging holes
from four 10 six feet deep and 20 feet
wide in Benefit. Benevolent and Charles
Field streets. Existing streets should be
utilized as far as possible. and in Benevo-
lent street there was an available thor
oughfare OF comparatively easy grade 80
feet wide and capable of carrying two
car tracks.
The speaker believed that as far as pos
sible the destruction OF natural or arti-
fetal landmarks should be avoided. The
plans or Mr.. Francis contemplated the de-
structton OF beautiful shade trees.
Market square would soon be too small
10 accommodate the growing business Of
the city and every effort should be made
70 keep the square as 1t is and TO enlarge
It's area, II possible. IT would be better
TO relieve instead Of adding 70 congestion
by turning all the cars into South Main
and Crawford streets. He would carry
the entrance farther south. open up for
business purposes contiguous property
and make way for possible bridge over
the river at Exchange street.
Charles Sisson believed that nothing
was more needed than the extension OF
Waterman street. and that II only one
thing can be done that should be tho plan
followed. The most natural way OF meet
ing the situation was by n line through
the hill in the vicinity OF Waterman
street. The plan proposed by Mr.. Francis
was not a sensible. practical solution OF
existing difficulties. II Is too circuitous
and roundabout. as well as Objectionable
for street car traffic. and does not pro-
Market square. What was wanted was
tunnel through College HILL
William r.. Chandler favored the build
Ing OF an easy grade highway on solid
masonry on College street TO be ap-
preached by means OF a bridge extended
over South Main street, under which
teams Tea % or electric cars gould easily pass.
few feet. remove the Woods building as
well as that opposite the Board OF Trade
building. so as 10 give the street an ap-
proach wide enough for all purposes and
have plenty OF room on the south side of
the approach, so that South Main street
would be connected with South Water
sire street easily at this point. 1t might be
buildings on the other side OF Leonard
street II wide street was thought neces-
sary.
The easy grade street would then run
from point on Collefe Hill in a direct
line TO the foot OF Benevolent street and
from Benefit TO Prospect street. II would
be necessary TO extend the bridge on Mar
ket square over the river farther south so
as TO make ample room around the APP
proach on account OF running double
tracks for the cars coming through South
Water street. The highway on College
street could be built on masonry, with
dirt filling.
p. j. Mccarthy suggested that, in view
or the great importance of the subject
an adjourned hearing be held as MANY,
persons desiring 10 appear before the
committee had no chance to sneak
At 1045 the hearing was closed bv
Chairman Kendrick and the COMMITTEES
adjourned subject to the cali OF the chair.
man.