CITY OF BOSTON.

In Board of Aldermen, December 16, 1861.

ORDERED: That Aldermen Wilson, Spinney, and Parmenter be a Committee to confer with the several horse railroad companies, located within the city of Boston, and report a system of exchange or commutation tickets, for the accommodation of the public, in conformity with the order passed by this Board, August 26, 1861.

Passed.

S. F. MCCLEARY, City Clerk.

CITY OF BOSTON.

In Board of Aldermen, January 4, 1862.

THE Special Committee, appointed to confer with the several horse railroad companies located within the city of Boston, and report a system of exchange or commutation tickets, for the accommodation of the public, beg leave to

REPORT,

That they deem the subject one of great importance, as affecting the interests of the city of Boston and its citizens, and also of the residents of neighboring towns, who, although they are not legally within our municipal limits, are so far identified with us in business and social relations, that their convenience is not to be lightly regarded. No argument seems to be needed to exhibit the benefits which the public at large must derive from the equalization of fares which a commutation system will inaugurate; and the only questions to consider are those of the plan to be adopted, and the acceptance of it by the railroad companies. It could scarcely be expected that these companies should not endeavor to use all the opportunities they may have for remunerative business upon the routes prescribed for them, without reference to the interests of the public at large, or to any reciprocal exchanges with other corporations, whereby the revenue of one or all of them might be reduced. But it is within the province of the Board of Aldermen; and, in a case where so many of our streets are used to so great an extent for private profits, it is their duty to exercise a supervision over them, and

become if need be, a mediator between them and the public. The Committee are happy to say, however, that in entering upon the matter under consideration, they have found no unwillingness on the part of any corporation to consider the subject in a fair and proper light, and they have been greatly encouraged in the belief that no serious obstacles will be found in the way of an equitable adjustment of the complicated questions which are likely to arise in arranging a system of commutation fares. But, in the short time which has been given the Committee, it was of course impossible to secure all the necessary conference and deliberation requisite to mature a satisfactory plan; but the steps they have taken lead them to suppose that the way is open for such legislation as will meet the wishes of the people and be acceptable to all interested parties. As it is now impracticable to act during this municipal year, the Committee recommend that the matter be referred to the next Board of Aldermen, and considered by them at an early day.

For the Committee,

E. T. WILSON, Chairman.

Read and accepted, and referred accordingly.

Attest:

S. F. MCCLEARY, City Clerk.