New-York tribune., 1922-12-15
Save the Subways

the turning over Of the transit sys-
tenn 10 Mr.. Hylan and the Board OF
Estimate could result in anything
but disaster. What has been done
with the bus lines under their direc-
ton is all the evidence required to
establish their incompetence to deal
with the problem which is OF the
most vital importance to the people
Of the city.
The Governor-elect may be DIS
posed to turn the subways over TO
this combination, and thereby seek to
rid himself Of responsibility. But
II he should prove willing to risk
TIE wreck Of his administration by
any such action it is the business
Of the Republican Assemblymen
from New York City to save him
from himself.
To the citizens Of New York tran
eli Is of vastly more moment than
the success or failure Of any state
administration. Mr.. Smith may con-
sent TO play ducks and brakes with
his own political future, in order
possibly, To give Mr.. Hylan plenty
of rope; but he must not be allowed
D play ducks and brakes with the
ubways while he is doing so.
Fortunately, the Transit Commis-
sion has already done much in the
way Of constructive accomplishment
that cannot be undone, no matter
what may happen to the transit law
Il has, by bringing about the can
collation. Of the costly Manhattan
elevated lease, enabled Sl5,0O0,O0O
Of new capital to become available
for improvements. These improve
ments II has ordered, in the way Of
more cars and 10 per cent better
service, and they are now in effect
or about to be put into effect.
Within a few months all the serv-
ice possible on the present trackway
will be in operation, and at 5-cent
fare. This was made possible only
because Of the activities Of the COM
mission.
Furthermore, a complete plan for
new construction, extensions and
unihcation has been drawn up, TO-
gether with q plan for financing new
building that viii provide for ex-
tensions as soon as they are needed.
This plan Is based on an exhaustive
study Of the condition Of all the
companies. Under It the city may
recapture properties as soon as
present arrangements expire and
provide for release to operating
companies as rapidly as may be
necessary. Rehabilitation Of all lines
and the purchase Of new equipment
are included.
Had il not been for the surly op.
position Of the Mayor, who, unable
to solve the problem himself, was
unwilling tc permit any one else e
solve it, this plan would now bC
well on its way toward execution
As il is, IL is ready.
To abandon this plan would near
delay Of from six months to &
year and a half in the beginning
Of any new work, and new worl
should have begun five years ago
II would mean the trying Of undi
gested and crack-brained expert
ments with the city's system oI
circulation. as vital 10 it as are th'
arteries and veins 70 the human
body.
The men who drew this plan ART
admitted by experts to be the meI
best fitted TO execute it. For TIT
Legislature to replace them by ap
pointees Of the Governor would b
to strike a serious blow at the pros
perity Of the city.
The responsibility is partly tha
Of the incoming Governor and partl,
that Of the Republican Assembly
men, who will be the only checl
upon him II for political reasons h
is willing to give the transit system
10 Mr.. Hylan as a playihing.
These Assemblymen, had Governor
Miller been elected, would all be en-
Enthusiastically behind the transit bill
he put through the Legislature. Il
they desert II now because Of de-
sire 70 get through personal petty
legislation they viii be as much Il