The important question of an interchange of depots and tracks by the railroads entering Boston on the north has been somewhat involved in this hearing.
The avoidance of railroad crossings is undoubtedly of great importance, but it has no proper connection with the disposal of the tunnel. The Eastern Railroad Company and Boston and Maine Railroad are agreed what changes can and should be made to avoid these crossings. All that is essential to secure this end is to remove the passenger station of the Fitchburg Railroad west of the Lowell, where it properly belongs. The legislature has full power in the premises. It can, independently of any consolidation, require the Fitchburg Railroad Company to provide passenger accommodations west of the Lowell station, and thus leave its present station on Causeway Street free for the use of the Eastern Railroad Company.
If the State acquires the Fitchburg Railroad under this Act, it can easily provide for the change. The whole question of interchange of depots is independent of the far more important question of the disposition of the tunnel, and should not control it. If the Lowell Railroad can provide for the wants of the Fitchburg Railroad Company in its passenger station after consolidation, it can do so without consolidation.
Respectfully submitted by
E. P. CARPENTER,
J. K. BAKER,
T. W. WELLINGTON,
WILLIAM BAKER,
Members of the Committee on Railways.
In the Year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-Three.