When the summer came on and the crowding nuisance was not abated, but
the discomforts were considerably increased by the neglect of the
companies to provide straps in the open cars for the people to hold on
to, the complaints increased to such an extent that the Board of Health
decided to take immediate action.
A careful investigation was commenced, and it was found that in rounding
the curve at Fourteenth Street and Broadway, and the sharp curves at
Fifty-third Street, every person who was not provided with a seat was in
danger of losing life or limb.
The standing passengers were jostled, jolted, and flung this way and
that, without sufficient protection against being thrown off the cars.
Inspectors from the Health Board were stationed at the different points
to ascertain just how many persons were forced to travel in this
dangerous manner.
The inspector detailed to watch the Lexington Avenue branch of the cable
road reported that during two hours, 1,750 had been standing up in the
135 cars that had passed him.
From the various reports it was seen that most of this crowding could be
stopped if the companies made rules to regulate the number of passengers
allowed in each car, and provided enough cars to accommodate their
patrons.
When the reports were all in, the Health Board met to discuss the
matter.
One of its members is the President of the Board of Police. His
department has had a great deal of trouble with the Broadway Cable
Company.
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