, 1874-01-25

TO tbs Editor ef The Chicago Tribune:
SIR: During the past two weeks or more much
has beon said in the courts and newspapers OF
the city about tho eoTTows and unhappy state Of
affairs OF the r. O. l. 3. Co., OF which I have
been, up to recent date, President. Now, to
this could not and would not interpose any OBJ
jechon; but when SO much that is s}anderouely
false as against me is circulated in the public
prints. upon tho ex parta statements OF certain
knot OF men whose chief object seems to be at
once to ruin the business Of the Company ana
my good name at one blow, I have to request
space enough in your columns for q word OF vig-
orous and Indignant protest.
Tho good opinion OF tho people who havs been
my patrons siuce 1869, when I started With a
single stage, is not to be lightly esteemed by me-
and when the facts Us they actually e1st are fully
known, as they will be, have no fear of losing
this continued confidence. The charges band
led 90 freely against me by tue party now con-
trolling the affairs Of the Company. Of wastefu1
property, and tho further charge that the mort
gage on tho Companys property is also =
fraud, to which I am party, are
both alike grcundleas and puro fabrica-
to end. Tho mortgage is uudisputabiy all honest
lien, and anyway was made more than eighteen
mouths ago, when Messrs. Wing, FArlin, aud
Smith were the sole financial managers Of tho
Company. So much for that
In reference to the charges OF dishonesty,
etc., I have only now to say that challenge and
court the closest Investigation into oil my acts
growing out OF my relation to the Company,
from the first day to the last. Conscious only
Of an endeayor to honestly and faithfully dis
patrons. I am confident Of the completest vindi-
cation Of my rights and character, not only be-
fore judicial tribunal, but also before the
tribunal of publ, opinion.
All ask now is this hearing and q suspension
Of Judgment upon tho part of the press and
Y191H 10 nj iaHrj ftAf1
them. Only too willing aud abundantly ready to
meet E1T accusera face to face, and vindicato my
character from the miserable aaperslons OF those
whom it we're but Justice. to call kneves and
charity to call fools. calmly await Judicial de-
cislon on the whole case, now pending, between
me and those who are now engaged III virtually
trying to GET something for nothing.
q. I. Pratt.
THE WEsT SIDE 3TREET-CAR5.
10 the Editor qf The Chicago Tribune:
6IR: am glad to see disposition to Stir
up the West Side Strcet-Car Company on tao
subject Of running cars later at night It is
time the citizens OF the West Side moved III this
matter, and I hope thoy will give the Company
no rest until they accede to the general request.
1t is simply shame and h Disgrace that no
cars should be run later than 11:45 p. IN. What
a commentary upon Chicago's claims to be con-
sidered q metropolitan city! For the sake Of
our good name as metropolis let us have cars
start west on Randolph aud Madison streets ut
least as lato as o'clock. The EXCUSE that
it will not pay the Company is the extreme
Of shabbness. In the first place, it
will pay, beyond doubt. Scores Of
people who now hurry up to catch the last car,
would 30 average their business or pleasure Us
to start homo at o'clock ; workingmen, who
are kept up late at night. would change their
places Of residence if they could ride home when
they got through work. Tie fact that the last
car is now denEely crowded every night is eyi-
dence enough that car an hour later wonld
'' pay" But suppose it should not pay. That
is no reason why the Company should not r,,n
it, It is growing enormously rich out OF the
public, and it owes it to its patrons to furnish
This convenience even if it has to DO dono at q
slight loss. It costs not moro than rs cents
rip to run car between State street and
Western avenue. Two cara every night at
o'clock could not possibly leave a total
deficiency OF over 81. Can not
he Company afford this infnitesimal
traction Of d days earnings in order to minister
% the convenience and cultivate tho good will
II their patrons? A resolution on the subject
1as been introduced in the Common Council.
The honr should te changed to o'clock, and
hen, if the Aldermen and police authorities have
my regard for the public good, and arc not i'll
eaguo with tho hackmen, We shall haye the
hauge that is 80 much needed.
4 r.