What are the strengths and weaknesses of this source for our understanding of the ways that London transformed by 1914? Source: Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper (London, England), Sunday, 18 June 1899; Issue 2952. British Library Newspapers, Part I: 1800–1900. GREAT UNDERGROUND SCHEME There have been many symptoms recently that the London County council is seriously exercised about the municipalisation of the tramways. First of all, they took over the cars in the various districts; then followed the institution of an all-night service; and now numerous tramway extensions are mooted, notably that of running cars from Theobalds-road into Piccadilly, with the object of connecting ‘out East’ with ‘up West.’ A representative of Lloyd’s has obtained by interviews the best authority for stating that a scheme will shortly be sprung upon the metropolis which, to say the least, will turn all eyes to the doings of the local parliament in Spring-gardens. The mention of running tramways along the Strand is calculated to startle the most phlegmatic members of the community. Yet such is the intention, officially expressed to Lloyd’s representative. It must, however, be explained that the Tramway committee are not so chimerical as to propose running cars above ground, where already it almost passes the wit of the policeman to keep the vehicular procession moving. What they propose is a ‘perfect system of electric tramway service just below the surface of all the leading thoroughfares within the boundaries of Greater London.’ They contend that by this ‘enterprise of great pith and moment’ they would be rendering a valuable service to the population, while at the same time relieving the congestion of traffic, which has already become perilous to pedestrians, and a serious problem to the authorities. At the request of the Council Professor Kennedy, the well-known electrical engineer has been on a six months’ tour of inspection in America and on the Continent for the purpose of determining which of all the systems in vogue was most worthy the adoption of London. The result of his observation has encouraged the Tramway committee to favour the system of electric cars in Boston, U.S.A. In that American city, it is contended, the most crowded thoroughfares have got the electric tramways plying underneath. The application of that system to the Strand would mean the gutting of it from end to end – a heavy undertaking, which could only be accomplished in sections. The cost would, of course be incalculable, and on that score considerable opposition by the ratepayers may be taken as certain. The seeming squandering of public money is ever a powerful stimulant to the ratepayers. Hostility may also be reckoned upon from omnibus and railway companies. But, nothing daunted, the Tramway committee of the L.C.C., having put their hand to the plough, do not intend looking back; always providing Parliamentary powers are obtained. On either side of the tramway tube there would be a series of vaults and subways. It is argued that this excavated space would be of great utility in keeping open at all times the gas, water, and electric-lighting pipes without interfering with the surface. Another point urged as against the enormous initial cost is that considerable revenue might be derived from the letting of these vaults for cellarage purposes to shopkeepers. The opening of the new street from the Strand into Holborn is mentioned as affording an immediate opportunity of making an experimental start with the scheme, and Mr. Benn, the chairman of the committee, entertains no doubt whatever about the popularity of the projected electric cars with the people.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this source for our understanding of the ways that London transformed by 1914?
Source: Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper (London, England), Sunday, 18 June 1899; Issue 2952. British Library Newspapers, Part I: 1800–1900.
GREAT UNDERGROUND SCHEME
There have been many symptoms recently that the London County council is seriously exercised about the municipalisation of the tramways. First of all, they took over the cars in the various districts; then followed the institution of an all-night service; and now numerous tramway extensions are mooted, notably that of running cars from Theobalds-road into Piccadilly, with the object of connecting ‘out East’ with ‘up West.’ A representative of Lloyd’s has obtained by interviews the best authority for stating that a scheme will shortly be sprung upon the metropolis which, to say the least, will turn all eyes to the doings of the local parliament in Spring-gardens.
The mention of running tramways along the Strand is calculated to startle the most phlegmatic members of the community. Yet such is the intention, officially expressed to Lloyd’s representative. It must, however, be explained that the Tramway committee are not so chimerical as to propose running cars above ground, where already it almost passes the wit of the policeman to keep the vehicular procession moving. What they propose is a ‘perfect system of electric tramway service just below the surface of all the leading thoroughfares within the boundaries of Greater London.’ They contend that by this ‘enterprise of great pith and moment’ they would be rendering a valuable service to the population, while at the same time relieving the congestion of traffic, which has already become perilous to pedestrians, and a serious problem to the authorities.
At the request of the Council Professor Kennedy, the well-known electrical engineer has been on a six months’ tour of inspection in America and on the Continent for the purpose of determining which of all the systems in vogue was most worthy the adoption of London. The result of his observation has encouraged the Tramway committee to favour the system of electric cars in Boston, U.S.A. In that American city, it is contended, the most crowded thoroughfares have got the electric tramways plying underneath. The application of that system to the Strand would mean the gutting of it from end to end – a heavy undertaking, which could only be accomplished in sections. The cost would, of course be incalculable, and on that score considerable opposition by the ratepayers may be taken as certain. The seeming squandering of public money is ever a powerful stimulant to the ratepayers. Hostility may also be reckoned upon from omnibus and railway companies. But, nothing daunted, the Tramway committee of the L.C.C., having put their hand to the plough, do not intend looking back; always providing Parliamentary powers are obtained. On either side of the tramway tube there would be a series of vaults and subways. It is argued that this excavated space would be of great utility in keeping open at all times the gas, water, and electric-lighting pipes without interfering with the surface. Another point urged as against the enormous initial cost is that considerable revenue might be derived from the letting of these vaults for cellarage purposes to shopkeepers.
The opening of the new street from the Strand into Holborn is mentioned as affording an immediate opportunity of making an experimental start with the scheme, and Mr. Benn, the chairman of the committee, entertains no doubt whatever about the popularity of the projected electric cars with the people.
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