It was learned Monday that for many decades, an 'underground railroad' has been in operation in New York City, transporting thousands of slaves from Brooklyn to Manhattan each day through an intricate series of subterranean tunnels. 'These slaves suffer terribly, and they need our help,' said William Erlich, director of the underground railroad, also known as the Metropolitan Transit Authority. 'They live in cramped quarters far from their cruel employers, and would have to walk very far if not for the assistance of a dedicated band of modern-day Harriet Tubmans, determined to get them to their jobs well-rested and ready for a long day of toil.' 