Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-08-21
RAILROAD CROSSINGS.
Another Meeting of the Council Com
mittee on the Subject.

The Joint committee of the city council and
the chamber of commerce on street railway
crossings, held meeting at the council cham
Der yesterday afternoon. There was present
on behalf of the city, Mayor Dawson. alder
men Rhodea, Grace and Minea, city attorney
Murray and city engineer Sewall. and on be-
half of the chamber Of commerce. Messrs.
VIM. Lee, W. l.. Wilson and 3. Willius, to-
gether with Hon. Geo. l.. Becker, Stewart Rice
and e. Rice, Jr. Not a representative OF the
companies put in an appearance.
The meeting was called to order by alder
man Rhodes, who on behalf of the sub COM
mittee appointed at the last meeting. made q
verbal report to the effect that the sub commit
tee had called upon the managers OF the differ
ent lines of road centering in the city, and that
all they would agree to do was to grade and
surface the streets to be crossed, but absolute
iy refused to pay the city any money consider
alton
The report gave rise to lengthy disc ussion,
during which much Indignation was expressed
at the course the railroads were taking.
Mr.. Becker said for one he was opposed to
the city paying one cent for the crossings. II
was the duty Of the railroad companies to
make the crossings safe.
Mr.. Raodes-Woat do you sugge,t?
Mr.. Becker-Dissolve the city council and
the city government. and let the railroad COM
panies do as they please.
Mayor Dawson-That is what they have been
doing for the past fifteen years.
Mr.. Rhodes-Mr. Becker, do you believe
the city can compel the companies to make
these Improvements?
Mr. Becke.-I think they can be compelled
to obey the law and the ordinances of the
city.
Mayor Dawson-The city has paid large sums
of money to these companies, and donated
valuable property In the way of bonuses to
get these roads here, and now wish TO know
if the people are ready to stand by the city
government In making war upon them.
City Attorney Murray-The question resolved
itself into making q small improvement,
which would cost the companies only $4,000,
and they refuse to aocede to the terms.
Aid. Grace-The companies have ignored the
council entirely. They have defed us, and
for one am ready to try conclusions with them.
They GO where they like. and do what they
like, regardless of the council OF the people.
Mayor DAVIS Dn-What would you suggest?
Aid Grace-First, would not slow many
tracks across Third street, and next would
compel them to pay some attention to the
wishes of the people and the authorities.
MIR. Lee referred to the ordinances In regard
to the speed of engines within the city limits,
which were violated every hour in the day.
MIR. Willius said he was q member of the
council when that ordinance was passed, and it
was drawn to meet the views of the railroad
companies. It was thoroughly understood by
the companies at the time, and acquiesced in
by them.
Mr.. Rhodes said every city had similar or
dinspce aud all Of them were disregarded, and
he mentioned the cities of Qaincy, Chicago,
St. Louis, and others.
The discussion was prolonged. covering all
= I, ,losr IoS,
pated in by all the members Of the committee
present, but as no representation of the rail
road companies were present it was finally de-
cided to adjourn until Monday afternoon next
at 8 2. H., when the managers of the railroads
as we'll as citizens interested were invited to be
persent in hopes that some amicable arrange
ment satisfactory to ali parties might be ar
rived at