The New York herald., 1922-03-03
HYLAN TELLS HEDLEY
TO END SUBWAY JAM
Promises Drastic Action il
Interborough Fails to
Run More Trains.
SEES HEALTH DANGER
McAneny Says Mayor Is
Trying to Forestall Tran
sit Boards Reforms.
HOUR ZONE PLAN DEBATED
DR.. Copeland to Consult En-
ployees About Schedules
for Starting Work.

Mayor Hylan yesterday sent to
Frank Hedley. president of the Inter
borough Rapid Transit Company, a
letter threatening drastic action by
the city unless steps are taken i'm
mediately TO run more trains to alle-
viate unjustifiable congestion in the
subways.
After the publication of the Mayors
letter George McAneny, chairman of
the Transit Commission, issued the
following comment:
''The Transit Commission has. of
course. been kept completely informed
with relation not only to existing traf-
tic conditions, but to the financial
ability Of the transit companies. 1t
will at its next session receive compre-
hensive and up to date reports upon
both subjects, and it proposes to re-
auire of the railroads the fullest meas
ure of relief that their improving sit
uation will permit
The letter the Mayor has addressed
TO Mr.. Hedley is interesting of course,
and IL he is willing to be guided by the
Health Commissioner in some OF the
matters to which he particularly refers,
his assistance undoubtedly will be help
ful. There will be an abundance of
opportunity for that.
The Mayors letter. II so happens,
appears Immediately following the an
nouncement of the commission. made at
a public session last week and repeated
in the press this morning, TO the effect
that in view of the changing situation
it will be enabled and is prepared to
proceed with definite orders along the
lines that have been indicated. AS the
Mayor is represented at each of the
hearings OF the commission I have
no doubt this information has been con-
veyed to him. and I am also advised
that through the Law Department the
city Is a subscriber each day to a
number of copies Of the commissions
printed proceedings. The apparent CO.
incidence of action. however, again sug-
gests possible helpful spirit of CO.
operation"
Mayors Protest TO Hed1ey.
The Mayors letter TO the Interborough
president. which provoked this COM
ment, said in part:
CsNcIdl udFS dSO lte iitdiLH 1OIIi-
nnissioner called attention TO the danger
TO the public health arising from the
manner of your operation of the city's
subways. He adverted to the possible
necessity for rearranging the hours of
travel on the subways in order TO
partly avert the dangerous and unsani-
tary conditions of operation by your
company.
carrying into effect such a sugges-
n
rariiy by the gravest emergency such
as existed about two years ago when
m epidemic was rife. The necessity for
such an extreme measure does not and
could not exist II proper and full use
were made of existing subway equip
snent The idea that the public should
he made TO conform its habits, desires
and business needs 10 the operating
inefficiencies of your company Is un-
thinkable.
"Under the contract OF the Inter
borough Company with the City of
New York. you guaranteed TO furnish
safe and adequate transportation for
n five cent fare. You also covenanted
that the local and express trains shall
be operated in conformity with the
traffic requirements
'TYou have admitted under oath that
vou have trimmed TO the utmost de-
gree the services IuTUlSnPQ DH your EVIu-
pany. This trimming according to
vour own admission. has been carried
TO the last degree I'm reducing service.
You have pursued studied policy or
using the smallest possible portion of
your available equipment In operating
the subways, thus artificially creating
the greatest amount Of congestion. This
conduct on your part constitutes
wilfui breach Of that provision in the
u-hfrh Guarantees
safe and adequate transportation.
Calls Congestion Mockery.
'"The congestion thus created is un-
tustifiable In law as well as indefensi-
bic in fact and mocks the very law
under which city transportation lines
arc regulated. Such mockery should
not be tolerated by the law enforcing
body In this city, which is at present
the State Transit Commission.
You admit that the service that your
company furnished during 'non-rush'
hours on the city subways. Is but 81 per
cont Of the service furnished during
1915 This does not include the in
erease in the number of passengers
since 1915. which would make the per-
centage OF comparison still greater
against you.
'If You persist In profiting by and
"a apitalizing tho dilly-dallying official
action or rather inaction Of the state
Transit Com mission. I am constrained
10 advise you that resort will he had
70 drastic means TO end your policy OF
artificiaily creating abominsble condi-
tions Of congo ition and 10 cause tho putt
>'aE 20 FUN nae all the subway equip
ment available and possible OF opera
tlon"
There was no comment upon the letter
yesterday from the offices OF the Inter
borough. Mr.. Hedley was out Of the
city
Or Royal 8. Copeland Commissioner
~ Health, said he had not seen Mayor
Hylan's letter until II was. published,
kut that he was wholly in sympathy
with his official chief Concerning the
proposed shifting Of the working hours
~ business houses. department stores.
theaters and Industrial concerns in
orfer 20 distribute the peak Of the sub
way load during rush hour crowding.
Dr. Copeland said that he and Daniel
y. Turner chief consulting engineer OF
The Transit Commission, had agreed
upon a plan Of procedure. After going
over all available material together,
they expect 10 call into consultation q
representative group OF interested cti-
7err Prominent merchants. the Com
missioner said, already have asked an
rolntments for next week TO discuss the
subject.