The penny press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1859-1860, 1860-01-05
COVINGTON NEWS.

STREET RAILROADs.--Sone months since,
when the proposition for street railroads was
first mentioned in our city, it attracted little
attention, as it was extremely doubtful
whether any company could be found willing
to assume the risk of their construction.
Times, however, have changed. The expert
ment has been tried, and accompanied with
eminent success in Cincinnati, and now the
difficulty is that there are too many aspirants,
more than can be accommodated with routes,
desirous of becoming invested with franchise
that promises to be Immediately not only re-
munerative, but lucrative. The people, too,
desrous ofenjoying the conveniences resulting
from the street railroad system, are demand
ing road, but manifest little anxiety by
whom it is built, 80 that the interests of the
city, and of the people individually, are not
bartered away for mere pittance.
The original proposition to build road was
made by Mr.. Skif, and several associates,
who proposed to lay down track upon the
principal streets only, and, for which privi-
lege, they proposed to pay into the City Trea-
sury, the sum of $40 per car used.
This was referred to Select Committee,
who reported against it. Another propo-
sition, however, was made by A. B. Stevens,
and others, and presented to tho committee,
without having first been before the Council,
and majority recommended its passage by
that body. Mr.. Cambron and Allnutt, how
ever, dissented. The chief difference between
the two, was that the latter offered to pay
$50 per Car, for each car used, and to insert
the following condition, stipulating for further
revenue:
Section IL. At the end of every five years
from the passage Of this ordinance, the City
Council may increase the annual tax upon the
car, If the grantees concur, and if they do not
concur then the City Council may take control
Of the Street-railroad, according to section
6 and I. t'H
After two nights discussion, Mr.. Myers
offered substitute, which is almost verbatim
transcript Of the Cincinnati ordinance, varied
only to make it locally applicable, and per,
haps in few of the minor details. 1t invites
competition, and proposes to give the franchise
to the higest bidder. ''""7
This at once obviates host Of objections,
and removes all cause Of jealously. Had the
privilege been granted to any one company,
by an ordinance, its rivals would have en-
deavored to create dissatisfaction and jeal-
ousy, by intimating that they would have con-
tracted on more advantageous terms TO tho
city than were obtained. If bids are invited,
such clamer will be silenced forever. The
best proposals will be- accepted, and the work
commenced Immediately. The principle will
likewise expedite the passage Of the measure,
as counclmen will not be voting for or against
the interest of any of their friends. Tho
members, with probably one or two exceptions,
are railroad men on general principles, but it
is doubtful whether any particular company
can combine sufficient number to secure sue
cess.
As there is but one more meeting of tho
Council previous to its dissolution, We suppose
nothing more will be done until the new one
convenes. The great amount Of general busi-
ness consequent upon the close Of the year
will occupy the whole Of tho remaining ses-
sion; besides, as an election is pending, and,
as the question enters largely into the can
vass, it Is proper that all dsAnite action should
be deferred until the people have been heard.
When, however, the election Is over, we hope
the matter will be at once acted upon, that Q
sufficient number Of reads may be constructed
without delay. uA8fl ..l
ETHIOPIAN MrNsrRRLsY.--The New Orleans
and Metropolitan Burlesque Opera Companies
appear this evening at tho Odd Fellows Hall
in this city. The troupe is extremely large,
and. their dances, choruses and witticisms have
been much applsudsd. .H',-t'l'
CrrY ELscrros.---An election for city ofaesxu
lakes place on Saturday next.