RAPID-TRANSIT SUBWAYS IN METROPOLITAN CITIES. 



765 



mg and rveiiing, at a fare not to exceed 2 cents for the whole or any 

 part of the journey on the Central London Railway. Of course Par- 

 liament knows no higher law than its own will, and may impose any 

 restrictions or may order compulsory purchase at any price, but all 

 such proceedings are without the realm of probability. 



This difference between underground and tramway lines rather 

 surprises one at first, for British cities have gone as far in the direc- 

 tion of nnniicipal socialism as those of almost any other country. The 

 explanation is a very important fact, viz, that municipalization in 

 Great Britain is not so much an economic movement as the expression 

 of the desire that the local govermnents keep control of the streets. 

 The underground roads, in so far as they cross or pass under the 

 streets and public placets, arc using public propei-ty, to whicli the 



Ci.Mitrul London Railway. 



public authorities have as clear a title as that of a private individual 

 to the ground under his houst\ The law knows no limit either alcove 

 or beloAv the surface. Yet no demand has been made upon the under- 

 ground lines for payment or for the reser\'ation of the right to take 

 over the line. It is to be borne in mind, however, that the under- 

 gromul roads, especially those constructed since the movement for 

 municipalization became strong, are some distance below the surface,'' 

 that tlieir construction and operation necessitates very little disturb- 

 ance of tlie street surface, and that instead of increasing the street 

 traffic they relieve it. Further, they do not promise to be exceedingly 

 remunerative, and without public aid either through subsidies or free 

 srrants to use the ground below the surface of the streets manv of 



« Tlie iivenige depth of the Ghisgow suhway is 29 feet, aiHl tli(> Cciitnil London 

 Railway is everywhere, except at the western tcrniinns. whicli is on private 

 property, at least 80 feet helow the surface of the streets. Only the Metro- 

 politan and the IMetropolit.ni District Company are near the surface and have 

 open suhways. These are the ste.-nn roads, which i^ot their pitwers years ago. 



