New-York tribune., 1908-01-30
P. s. .C.TAkESNEW STAND
Nag Compel Companies to Take
Burden of Respousibihtu

During the course OF & hearing before the Pub
lie Service Commission yesterday afternoon 70
compel the TnJerbOrough Rapid Transit Company
70 render adequate service Commissioner Eustis
plainly intirnated that the commission getting
tired OF going OF its way 10 prove concusively
to the traction companies tie shortcomings of their
service. The Commissioners remark came during
q hearing on su order calling for additional ser
vice in the subway. Heretofore, whenever COM
plants have been made TO the commission in re-
sard 10 inadequate service, that body has set out
TO investigate conditions for itself before issuing
orders TO the transportation companies. The re-
suit has been that enormous amount OF extra
work has been heaped upon the commission caused
by the necessity OF detailing special TO in
vestigate conditions OF transportation and TO col
late and tabuiate the results Of inspections.
Commissioner Eustis made positive deciara-
ton this point but he intimated that the COM
mission was seriously considering whether the law
which created that body made It responsible for
the investigation OF conditions in regard TO which
complaint made Il IS possible that, after a
careful examination OF the provisions of the law
has been made, the commission may in future
compel the traction company against which COM
plant is made to the burden Of proof that
its service, equipment facilities. the case
may be. Is adequate should objection be made
TO the enforcement Of order issued by the COM
mission At the time il IS entirely likely
that the traction companies will not take kindly to
the ruling should It be made, and court test OF
the location of responsibility may be necessary TO
determine the matter.
As TO the commissions order TO compel the Inter
borough Rapid Transit Company TO provide addi-
tonal subway service, Frank Hedley, general man
ager OF the company, said that all the commands
in the order had been compiled with except that re
quiring the addition the Times Square station OF
ten more cars northbourd between II and Il 80
70 meet the needs OF the crowds going home from
the theatres. Five cars have been added accord
ing to Mr.. Hedley. This number. he believes, is
sufficient and he asked for & modification OF the
commissions order in that particular During Mr.
Hedley's statement 1t was made known that whils
the commissions directions for increased
obeyed, the Interborough company may decide TO
withdraw some OF the trains after II is clearly
demonstrated by z practical test OF the service
with The Brooklyn tunnel in operation that lesser
number OF trains would suffice.
The New York City-Tnterborough Railway Com
pany also pleaded for modification of the order
which cornpels il 10 keep z trolley Of the
Aqueduct avenue line always waiting at the i6lst
street station OF the subway between and a.
for the shelter OF passengers. The company said
there was practically travel during that period,
Commissioner Eustis reserved decision both
hearings.
Il was learned yesterday that the general investi
CATION OF the electric lighting companies IN this
city which has been planned by the commission will
be begun not later than February 10. It is pos
sbIe that preliminary hearing will be held next
week 10 determine the matters 10 be discussed and
the method of procedure.
Commissioners Maitbie and Bassett went TO Al
bany last night. where they will have conference
to-day with members OF the commission from the
"a District Proposed amendments to the law
ating the commissions will be considered, as well
as other matters In which the commissions have q
joint interest.