New-York tribune., 1908-01-05
COMMERCE TAXES CITY
FOR BETTER F4CILITIES.
n. r. Smith Tells Hoe to Improve
Them-To Ask GOrerROr's did.

THE people of New York do not appreciate
said Alexander r. Smith. former member OF ue
New York Commerce Commission. Whch HEesu-
gated the subject of New York's commerce in the
sdrninistrat tions of Governors Black and Roosevelt
what an opportunity is presented 10 them 10
secure along the waterfront Of Manhattan acutely
needed additional facilities for handling the rap
Idly increasing commerce of the port
Mr. Smith has been interested in the sub1eci OF
New Yorks commerce for many years circum-
stance that led to his appointment as superln-
tendent of the New York Maritime Exchange
few years ago.
au who have studied the waterfront develop
rnent of Manhattan continued Mr.. Smith. realize
that it is perverted development in that the up
land has been disconnected from the submerged
lands upon which the piers have been erected The
marginal way or place erected by the city, be
tween West and South streets and the piers and
huIkheads has. to some extent. redeemed matters
but they are far from ideal present, because as
all may see who will investigate the marginal
way is not used anything like the extent that
IL might he.
The Public Service Commission has under eX-
listing Law been compelled TO begin condemnation
proceedings against the tracks of the New York
Central Railroad that between Spuyten Duyvi
and ST Johns Park. the latter four block ware
house and depot for freight about four blocks be-
low Canal street These tracks run part Of the dis
tance along West street. and the remainder along
few blocks inland. At present they ac-
commodate a volume of freight large as is
moved all of the canals Of the State of New
York-as large volume Of freight all of the
Sound steamboats, annually move between New
York and New England points Existing law re-
ouires the removal Of these tracks from grade
they constant menace 10 life and limb Au-
thority granted by the Legislature for the
placing of these surface freight tracks in a West
Side subway. but the substratum is Of a character
make the work extremely expensive. and it has
been found that even We're such a subway con-
structed il would not wholly or ideally meet the
needs of the case. The only alternative in such a
case is 10 place the tracks in the air upon ee
waited structure. I convinced that this i con
clusion that the legislature viii be forced to.
The question ~emans. then, where viii the ele-
waited structure be located? To my mind. and
the minds of many others. the place for il. of
places. is on the marginal way. Why2 Because
II is there that il can be erected with the least
inconvenience and annoyance 10 the public. Bur
the chief reason Is that along the waterfront it
be made relieve Il freight congestion that
is chronic. and, if unrenedied at an early date.
will result in injuries TO our commerce of "A most
serious and costly character. Relief must be had
for the freight congestion along the North River
waterfront. The Chamber of Commerce, Ner-
chants Association. Produce Exchange. Board Of
Trade and Transportation. the Manufacturers As
Eociaton. the Merchants and Manufacturers Board
Of Trade and many other commercial bodies have
said 50. over and over again, and still say
ing
The New York Commerce Commission said so
most emphaticay in its report of eight years ago
and matters infinitely than they
were then The congestion increases, and the ia
cities for accommodating il do increase
Now. with an elevated structure along the mar
ginal way. great part of this congestion be
relieved. Hence, the structure should go on The
marginal way Every knows that the suSges-
ton of elevated road for freight purposes along
Eleventh and Hudson street or any other
of the inland longitudinal streets VIII he bitterly
fought; the stofckeepers and the residents along
the streets Will protest with mighty voice,
especially the city has this only partly used
marginal wa available and place 100. where
relief fer freight congestion IS urgently needed.
The forthcoming report Of the Public Service
Commission and the necessity for additional lesis-
lation Albany will bring this matter be
fore the people acutely. and the public commercial
bodies and the press should De in position TO
assist in the discussion. in order that the wisest
solution Of the problem may be applied.
But this only of the many matters. af-
fecting New Works commerce that viii soon come
up for NOR extended discussion. Vast sums of
money must be spent 10 enable the city to take
care OF its rapidly increasing commerce, and
difficult problem indeed is. Where is the money
he obtained. with the city now infringing upon
its debt limit
Nj Smith is about 10 start for Albany TO urge
upon Governor Hughes the great need Of per
rnspent state commerce commission
With foreign commerce valued AT billion
ard q half Of dollars nearly one-half that Of the
entire United States-and domestic water-borne
commerce approaching one hundred and sixty
million tens. worth billions Of dollars and
growing al the rate OF = per cent annually,
see what is impending. There is large a COM
rnerce handled in this port ended Nj Smith, AS
ais carried al of the railroads in the State cf
New York. and If the city isn't able to take
Of and accommodate IT. as seems he the case,
with its threatening dent limit then the
must. because New York cannot afford to place
sny restraint upon its priceless commerce by fall
ing provide adequate facilities for its accomno-