New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-30
BIG TROLLEY PROJECT.
improvements to Cost about So
600. 900 Planned for Berkshires.

Coo. r.rr,nq+o, Mass March % (SpecaD.-Ac-
, cordng 70 plans under way western Massa-
chusetts is TO enter on an era OF troHey pu"!ns'
costing about $1,000 600 which viii make it possoi"
10 omen nm the Berkshire territory The attrac-
lions Of this section of hills and valleys ana noun
tains, fine views and picturesque old villages are
well known many of the wealthy resiCeii'S o.
the metropolis who have laid out estates ana
built fine homes in this vicinity and at LenoN ana
Stockbridge Some of the territory most attractive
however. has remained practically inaccesslole on
account of the lack of transportation 1aclHues
II is 10 remedy this condition and 10 open the ter
ritory not now provided with traction facilities to
men of moderate means that the numerous new
lines and extensions now projected are 10 be built
The plans for the comprehensive development OF
transportation facilities in this part of New Eng
land originated with the New York. New haven &
Hartford Railroad as part Of President Mellen's
nolicv ~ .saturatire' the roads territory with
the means Of transportation. This policy is already
in operation in Connecticut and Rhode Island
where the New Haven has control Of the principal
electric lines
AS a first step toward its extension 20 Massa-
chusetts the railroad company purchased numerous
electric roads this part Of the state This move
ment was halted by opposition 20 the common
ownership Of steam and electric roads which de-
veloped in the Massachusetts Legislature. At the
present time the trolley lines which were bought
with the purpose OF adding them TO the New
Haven system owned by the New England In
vestment and Security Company, a corporation
SEPARATE ITOTl the New Haven, but controlled by
Mr. Mellen and his associates. II is announced
that the lines will be held by this company until
the state Legislature decides upon It's policy
the common ownership Of steam and electric roads.
lines and extensions viii be pushed until every
community has transportation. In case the Legis-
by the men be6~d the TeS, EneaDG InYestneDt M
and Security Company and only sucn new lines
will be built viii be paying investments indie
While The present Situation IS one Of Suspense 1t
serEfc lerty ofeved sIaGng raiiroad men that no
proposed trolley development in view Of it's i'm
Construction Of some Of The extensions has aready
begun a number Of new lines have been surveyed
ready for operation iurag the coming season. but
the plans for the whole system SO far rs IT. has
oeen projected down 70 the present date.
ing Keen interest In The Berkshres and taken
10 mean that this season will be a great summer
residence section for New Workers.
AS now planned the southern terminus of the
berkshire system win be Canaan. Conn From
tapping districts manv Of Vbrb ia ad M in5
proven3enf in franercr, - ,II "a Iiu 70 IN
sasoit and King Philips War a section of the sys-
TEN for which early construction is planned is that
VII JON the line already in operation running north
new line southwest TO South Ecremont. and just
will be thrown to circle through a territory which
LdS now low, neitner troeys nor steam lines. Run
through Ashley Falls 10 Hartsviile Another loop
. swing eastward Though H soah Asy and Pi NeM
Marlboro and then back 10 Hartsville From that
pom. II IS run back to the main line Great
me. beginning AT Montyille. is to run southeast
Sniousn west Boston and New Boston, down into
OQnhectlcuL 10 connect with the Hartford lines.
FROM Great harrington there is now In Orerarion
trolley line which runs through Van Dusenvile
Pitsheld and North Adams 10 the northern boun-
cary OF Inc state AZ Williamstown. The plans for
new construction provide for numerous branches or
ms me From East Lee a long line is TO run
eastward through the valley Of the Westheld River
WhicI VIII mus be connected with the outside
world TOT the Ilrst tine. 10 Huntington From this
pot Inc 10 Springfield is already in existence.
mat II the Legislature approves Of President Mel
lens proposal the Berkshres will have electric con
necuons not only with Springfield, but also with
Boston, Hartford, New Haven and New York Fur
tner north on the main line comes the SPUR
Mount sreylock the highest point in Massachu-
seits. from the present terminus at WilliamStown
me IS ALREADY under construction to Bennington.
VI, which when finished will open TO that city
northwestern Massachusetts, which on account Of
the lndlrect connections, has heretofore been diff
cult OF access from that point.
feiiolilS the decision or the Legislature as 20
whether the New Haven road shall be allowed 70
proceed with its electric lines further plans have
not been given out. but aside from the rumoTed
ana inevitable connections the projected lines are
and 20 make the proposed developments the most
years.
Aside from giving to this territory a modern svs-
TEN OF communication and travel. the grea test
benefit is prophesied through the manner in which
II VIII throw open to New Workers one the most
delightful parts OF New England The most seri-
Gus side of the question, however is found in the
belief that IL the New Haven is not allowed 10
proceed with Its plans this section will TO
| forego its troleys. The topogI Apply in many cases
precludes the construction of roads while
the whole section Is thinly settled that il Is
attractive field for trolley construction for any
except such an agency as the New Haven, that can