Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-12-10

understanding that ga change of grade" was
contemplated by the st. Paul & Manitoba
Railroad company.
Aid. Brennan said Mr.. j. J. Hill had so
informed him. He had expressed the in
tention of lowering the grade at Third and
Fourth streets to four or five feet, which
would bring the grade to seven or eight feet
below the street grade at Lafayette avenue.
1t was also contemplated to change the line
of road at the shops; in fact to establish the
freight houses there and remove the shops
to more advantageous point.
Judge Hale had several words to say in
regard to the matters complained of, and
also the constant jeopardy arising from the
frequent passage of trains along the valley.
He disclaimed any enmity on the part of the
petitioners to the railroad, but contended
that the remedies suggested in the petition
would be of pecuniary advantage to the rail-
roads. He urged speedy action in the matter
by the council, and favorable recommends
ton by the committee on the petition.
President Rhodes, while holding that the
council had great deal of power, yet he
questioned whether the council had power 10
change grade on railroad.
City Attorney Murray replied that the
council, of course, could not order the
change. In his further remarks he took oc-
casion to say there were two sides to the
story, and recalled to the minds of the La
fayette avenue property owners that they
had opposed for years the grading Of that
street because the plans contemplated the
bridging of it. Moreover, it was only
graded by abandoning the bridge plan.
Gen. Becker and Judge Hale disclaimed
the assertion.
Mr.. Murray referred to the engineer in
confirmation; continuing, he thought that
Lafayette avenue could be bridged, and the
railroads had it under contemplation. They
seemed agreeable to some change, and he
saw no tangible way out of the difficulty, as
it was nonsense to say that all the streets
must be bridged. The city couldn't, and the
citizens wouldn't stand the expense of ap-
proaches. If some one street was decided
upon, then there might be some solution to
the difficulty.
Judge Hale and Gen. Becker took issue with
the city attorney. Both thought the CITY
authorities could order the change of grade,
or at least the ordinance to abate the annoy
ance and danger complained of could be en-
forced, and that this would cause the change
in grade desired.
Mr.. Willius commended that the railroads
could be and should be made to have their
grades to conform to the street grade at the
crossing, and this would solve the whole
business. Before granting any more privi-
leges to the railroads, this should be made q
provision of any new grant. MIR. Willias
believed in bridging and affording protec-
ton, and where there was q will there was q
way. He wanted the improvements ordered.
The money would be forthcoming.
Mr.. Murray exclaimed if the gentleman
would lend the city the funds and wait for
his pay the Improvements might be made.
Gen. Becker thought Mr.. Murray's areu-
ment was to show that the people had to
tamely submit, and there was no help for
it.
Mr.. Murray gave it to be understood that
he saw remedy in bridging either Third or
Lafayette avenue. That could be done, and
was under advisement.
Mr.. Delsno had few words to say, and
did it very pointedly. He looked forward to
the day when all the streets would have to be
bridged and the grade reduced. But 80 far
as enforcing the ordinance to suppress the
annoyances, that was public impossibility.
If it were enforced, it required the trains to
run at four miles per hour, and the same
ordinance in Minneapolis, would make the
journey between the two cities consume two
hours and forty minutes. Then as to the
locomotive whistle or bell ringing: Let
q man be knocked off the tack,
q team killed and wagon smashed. Suit
was brought in the district court, and if it
was found that no bell was rung or whistle
sounded, the road was mulcted to a good
big amount. Mr., Delano bad few refer
ences to make about bridging the streets,
and had the memory to recollect that many
protested at former day against bridging
Lafayette avenue and even Seventh street,
and some of those who were present signed
such protest. So far as he was concerned
he in part agreed with Mr.. Murray. He
deemed the question of great importance,
and as such should be considered by sur
veys, ETC., from Sibley street to Como ave-
nue. crossing, SO that the whole business
could have definite aud through investiga-
ton that matters could be reasonably de-
termined upon.
VIM. Lee was down on whistles, and
thought there was too much of it. He didn't
see what whistles had to do with getting up
grade. It was habit, and one engineer
was known to give the signal to his wife
that he was coming home OF going away.
Mr.. Delen0 saw q remedy to prevent
whistling by changing the State law making
it obligatory.
Mr.. P. n. Kelly regretted that Mr.. ]. ].
Hill was not present. He saw no end to the
discussion until conference was had with
Mr.. Hill. Then something definite might
be determined, but all talk now would &C
complish nothing. As to the bridges,
he thought they were absolutely
necessary. Gates wonId not do.
The man in charge of the gate would see an
engine mile away, would close the gate and