Proceedings , OF the Polytechnic Association. 747 



some little personalities ; but nothing of serious consequence has 

 occurred. 



]^ow, I propose that we compromise and settle all differences upon 

 the following terms. The several plans proposed are all practicable, 

 and may all be made profitable to proprietors and useful to the public : 



Therefore, let us adopt them a,ll, and lay the whole open to enter- 

 prise and capital. If the proprietors on Broadway want the arcade 

 let Mr. Gardener make it. Let Mr. Fisher start as many steam 

 carriages on iron floor roads as he pjeases. Let General Barnum 

 erect elevated ways with pneumatic tubes all over the city ; we want 

 them all ; they will pay. As for myself, I have no axes to grind. I 

 shall not engage either in person or capital in any of these contem- 

 plated enterprises. My plan and all my suggestions are free, any 

 one can appropriate them in welcome. Should any one think favora- 

 bly of my magnificent plan of compressed air propulsion, I will 

 take pleasure in communicating some further information in relation 

 to it. 



It is a method that may be employed on city railways, either under- 

 ground or elevated, to better advantage and with more safety than 

 that of running steam engines on the track. Compressed air is just 

 as powerful in its expansive force as pent up steam ; is just as easily 

 regulated and controlled ; is more cleanly and pleiasant, and is much 

 more safe. 



But, whatever you may do in these great enterprises, be careful 

 to eschew monopoly, let all be. open to free and wholesome competi- 

 tions, allow no exclusive privileges or watered stocks. And finally, 

 let each company, after dividing six or seven per cent on actual cash 

 investment, contribute a large per centum of profits to the city, for 

 the benefit of the poor and for educational purposes. 



At the conclusion of Dr. Bradley's remarks, the discussion was 

 continued to the time of adjournment. In accordance with a resolu- 

 tion passed at a previous stage of the proceedings, providing for a 

 summer vacation, the association then adjourned to the second 

 Thursday in September next. . 



