onto the moving cable, that the car connected to with "claws", unlike the "grips" of the San Francisco cable-car system. As the claws could not be "slipped" in any manner, the car was jerked each time it moved to the next cable. The line had ongoing problems. The mechanics of grasping the cable were less than perfect. Maintaining the -long cable was a problem. Having it "return" under the street was a problem that was fixed by having it return at track level, but it still had to be directed off the track and into the building where the stationary engine sat. Legal problems were constant, largely at the instigation of those who wanted the franchise for themselves. The line finally shut down altogether and sat idle for a few months, and its assets were sold for $960 (about $15,000 in today's money) at a sheriff's auction on November 15, 1870. The purchasers of this deal were the bondholders, who subsequently reorganized the line as the Westside Patented Elevated Railway Company. There were objections from "Boss" William M. Tweed and his allies, who were pushing for his viaduct scheme, and injunctions introduced by the horse-car companies which previously had no competition. On February 9, 1871, the transit commissioners granted permission for the elevated railway company to proceed with their plan to discard all previous equipment and replace it with steam locomotives. Repairs were made to strengthen the existing structure and steam operation began on April 20, 1871. In the summer of 1871, the company defaulted on three mortgages, and trustees were appointed by the bondholders to reorganize the railroad properties. In 1872, the property was bought at auction by the newly organized New York Elevated Railroad Company. Thus commenced the world's first successful elevated railway. Steam power was to be used on all subsequent lines until the advent of electrical operation in 1902. Extension On May 6, 1872, the Watts Street station opened, and on June 17, 1872, the Little West 12th Street station opened with a passing track. On August 15, 1872 the Morris Street station was opened. On March 19, 1873, the Morris Street station was closed in favor of a terminal at the rear of 7 Broadway, where the company offices were located. US mail was carried on regular passenger trains on the front platform of the first car accompanied by a US Post Office guard with