Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-08-05

Mayor Smith proposes to see that Di-
rector Twining opens bids within a few
days for some Of the work on the Broad
street subway. That will mean that the
work outside Of the City Hall station will
at last be started.
In a confident. optimistic interview, the
Mayor said the work would start shortly
even though the Department OF City Tran
sit was undermanned. He went on TO say
that the whole Taylor plan would be COM
pleted within the estimated cost.
Quite as confidently, the Mayor expects
the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company to
be ready to operate the entire system when
II Is done, and IL the transit company balks
on any part of II he expects 20 begin i'm
mediately the building OF the Chestnut
street subway and to seek independent
lessee.
Within few days the Mayor said he
will take up all the problems with the other
city representatives on the Board OF City
Transit-william Hancock president Of the
United Business Mems Association. and
Colonel Sheldon Potter.
They are big matters" the Mayor said
and we must give them much thought
and careful attention. My colleagues on
the Transit Board and myself have been
giving the subject much consideration for
We want to secure to the people OF Phila-
delphia the best returns possible for their
money.
WILL GET BIDS
we propose to build those sections first
That are the most tedious and difficult. Wiih- |
In a few days / expect that contracts for |
some Of the work will be open for bids. |
Director Twining has told me that he has |
only so craftsmen at work on the plans |
all that he can obtain at present-out with |
All that we hope to put out some Of the |
work within a short time.
There has been no unnecessary DELAY
about the project" the Mayor continued
Everything. has been going along nicely
and to our satisfaction. There Is nothing
for the people to get excited about. What |
we want to start on first are those sec
lions that will require the longest time to
complete. / cannot say just now whether
the plans for the work under the City Hall
from Spring Garden street to Spruce street
will be ready soon as We would like |
TO have them. but the work will be started
Just as soon as the plans can be gotten
ready.
"wil you start work on North Broad
street first or the Parkway: or will YOU
start both at the same timer" he was asked.
That's something l cannot speak deh-
nitely about" he replied. Mr. Taylor has
because OF the stubborn character, ought
TO be started early. and both myself and
Director Twining agree with him on this
vs. are not going 20 build sections that can
BE completed quickly and have them lie
Idle while waiting for connecting sections
20 be completed. That would not be busl-
nesslike.
FOR QUICK START.
What I want 10 do is to get the transit
problems well as other large matters OF
civic Improvement that the city is inter-
ssted in begun speedily. That's one OF the
reasons why am not taking an extended
vacation, want 10 see things begin 10
move And they are moving. too"
DO you think there will be any difficulty
In the obtaining OF an agreement with the
philadelphia Rapid Transit Company 10
operate the lines that you are going 10
suild?'
None whatever" the Mayor answered !
After we have gone over the proposition
IN regard TO the leases and know what we j
have TO orer TO the company We shall sub
nit the same 10 them. Under the 1907 q
Agreement they have so days in which 10 n
AXE up the matter with US or reject IL 5
What will be do9e IS matter the company
an best decide Tor itself. but / have been Z
assured that they are willing and read 10 A
reat with the city" e
1T has been rumored Mr. Mayor. that v
Iftsr the Frankford elevated is completed
he Transit Company may refuse 10 a
ntertain proposition 10 operate this line. n
What would happen then?" +
We have no intention Of parceling out :
he different sections that we are going 20
uild. We shall ofter the transit company
lease covering all the improvements To |
10 otherwise would be foolish II they
nter into negotiations with the city IL will r
e Tor the whole plan OF improvements In ,
Onnsction with their present system. s.
III they should refuse 10 accent the nropo- =
ition then We would 90 ahead with The | a
'hestnut street section. / think that h. | a
nswer enough 70 the question You can v
est assured there would be no waste.
m trying TO do everything in my power to
improve the transit facilities for the peopIe | /
Z this city and their interests will be safa- L
uarded In every particular
.As said before there Is no doubt in nv
lind that everything will work out satisfac.
'rtly- We must go slowly IN some things
'nsidering the present abnormal market
'naitions ana labor situation, but l feel L
lat We can reach 1 solution OF ali OF mes
iinEs"