Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-09-06

W. Ay$ X X 20. IN regard 10 tne eAr
tension otboth roads through our city
has been arrspeed, so a. 70 give the
B 40. Company two tracts south OF
Wheeling creek for q shoIt distance, and
the Pittsburgh Company, free right oil
way through the Baltimore Company's
property.
We learn that the Committee, in.
structed at the last meeting OF Council
To prepare sn ordinance npOn the sub
jset OF lhe extension OF the Hempfeld
road, has inserted q clause which, if
adopted by Council, will probably not
be scceded to by the Baltimore Compa-
nv as it IS deemed both unreasonable
and impracticable. In other words, it
could not comply il it would, and 10
insist upon 10 to defeat the
whole business. The clause
referred TO provides substantially
that the Baltimore Company shall be
required, as a condition TO the grant OF
right of way, to execute bond with good
PERSONAL security, resident here, conditioned
to pay all damages which may, in the
future, occur TO the Gas Works by rea-
son of the location and building OF the
railroad, and the running OF its trains.
IL is understood that the Baltimore
Company in lieu OF the clause mention
ed, proposed to agree to build such stone
walls, ~culverts or other masonry, as the
city's Committee on Lights may at any
time require or deem necessary for the
protection of the Gas Works, but that q
majority OF the Committee refused this
proposition and insisted upon inserting
in the ordinance, the clause requiring a
bond, rih personal security, Of the com
pany.
Is the committees action wise?
Should the Company be thus hamper
ell? Should the vast benefits to the
city which must result from the road, be
made dependent upon the contingency OF
the giving Of such a bond? Ought not
Council hesitate 10 insert such a clause
in its ordinance? These are questions,
it seems to US, for Council we'll 10 con-
slider.
What business man in Wheeling will
go security for all future Damages which
may result to the gas works2 What
businessman wouldthus place and MAIN
tain such a burden upon himself or his
estate would thus agree to be respoG-
siGle throughout the years 20 come?
Why should the Company be placed in
the position OF requesting such a favor
of the business men of Wheeling, and
asking Wheeling's citizens TO assume
such a responsibility for it?
1t is said that the Company a re-
move all suits against it from the courts
of the State 10 those Of the United
States and therefore Council should
require bond, with resident personal
securities who can be sued here in the
State court and held to pay damages.
Does it seem right TO ask our own citi-
zens to place themselves in such a posi-
lion? What a Of property would 80
consent? Is it wise to make a great
public improvement dependent on such
a contingency Is net the property OF the
Company within the city, which would
always be liable to attachment and exc
cution, ample security for any loss by
the city,
II is said that the Railroad Company
is bound to accept any terms the Coun-
Gil may impose, because the cost Of the
Bogg's run route would be 80 much
greater than that Of a route through the
city.
There are always two sides to a ques.
ton. The Boggs' run route would save
distance and considerable time to the
Company in running its trains-would
avoid city taxation and city regulations
1t is estimated, we learn, by most CON-
petent men, that If a company running
a through double track road can shorten
one mile Of its line by expanding $780,.
600 it should make the expenditure for
the reason that the wear and tear Of
engines, cars and track for that distance
would amount to much more than the
interest upon the amount named. As
Wheeling noT is what great iniucement
is there then to the Company to come
through the city? Must not the Com
pany look to the future growth and pros.
perity OF the city for its reward in
abandoning a shorter route? As the
Company will receive its reward so the
city will grow and prosper.
Why then insist upon the impractical
bic demand OF q bond with personal
security. Do councilmen design thus 10
defeat an agreement? Is not the propo.
sition Of the Company, something IN
prsSo;ti, something definite, not Deepen
dent upon future happenings or law
suits,-the more reasonable and the
better for the city?