The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-07-22
A VETO.



The following is the veto message Of the
Mayor, for the consideration of which special
meeting of both branches of Councils has been
called this afternooD:-
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF
PHILADBLPHIA, July 20, 1870. To the Presi-
dent and Members of the Common Council of
the City of phia-Gentlemen: return
the resolution entitled Resolution to Authorize
the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Streets Passenger
Railway Company to make Locust street, east
of Fifteenth street. and Broad street, Place of
Temporary Rest for the Horse Cars, without
my approval.
The language of the resolution is yerv am
oiguous, and it might very well be .t.,at greater
privileges would he claimed n.-,uer it than it was
your M r. Interior to graf, while it bestows upon
'"c thirteenth and Fifteenth Streets Railway
Company indulgences of doubtful legality an d.
TO my mind, of pernicious tendency.
This company obtained from the Legislature
Mt its last session authority to run a railroad
through Locust street within the limits of their
road, and under this authority they have the
right to do all that ought to be properly inferred
from your resolution. The resolution of Couu-
ellis provide That the said Thirteenth and Fiji
teenth Streets Passenger Railway Company are
authorized to make Locust street, east OF Fiji
teenth and Broad streets, place of temporary
rest for their cars, to enable them to
take on their ears those persons at
tending the Academy of Music aud adjacent
places of amusement, and thus enable the cars
to resume their places on the regular line on
of any action on the part of the municipal au-
thorities to authorize the cars to be stopped or
to make temporary rests, to enable them to re-
ceive passengers, as that is the purpose of the
company's charter, and one without which the
road would not have been constructed.
So far, therefore, as such purpose is intended
the resolution is unnecessary, and all legislation
that is not necessary is unwise.
II, however, it is proposed to interpret the
right to make Locust street place OF tempo
rary rest as an authority for having it a stand
for cars or for making any siding adjacent to
the track, then 1T is an obstruction to the street,
already not too wide for its uses, which will be
disadvantageous to travel and great annoyance
TO those residing upon the street. That the OBJ
ject is to accommodate those frequenting the
the Academy of Music and adjacent places of
amusement afforded but little reason for this
unprecedented favor, and if such reason be
recognized, other railway companies may right
fully expect from Councils a similar license for
the attendants of the Chestnut and Walnut Street
Theatres. as well of the many other prominent
places Of amusement with which our city
abounds.
1t would be o dangerous precedent, and the
Inconvenience proposed TO be remedied Is really
too slight for serious consideration. single
square S walk from Broad street will enable
people to reach the cars of this company, and to
omit this short walk it is asked that system
shall be adopted obstructive of the streets, in
terfering with the neighborhood, ahd bringing
passenger-car travel into constant collision with
hackmen and drivers OF carriages. Your reso
luton also wants the power of revocation by
you, omitted inadvertently, | have nc
doubt, for it is at variance with your uniform
legislation which to the ctyIat all times
the unlimited control of the highways, and the
power to take away any license when you deem
| it unsafe or injurious. By many of our citizens
passenger railway companies are looked upon
| with disfavor because of the extraordinary
| bounties and privileges they have received.
| Streets ready graded and paved have been used
! without pay, while other railroad companies
must make compensation for the ground and
| for its adaptation for use; and the managers oi
! the companies should be more careful in asking
| public favors, lest they may reach point a.
which the public antagonism may be aroused
| This resolution therefore cannot have my ap
| proval any construction of it brings me to the
| belief that the proposed grant is injudicious
and therefore invite your reconsideration of it
Very respectfully, DANIEL NJ. Fox,
Mayor of the City of Philadelphia