The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-18
A LEGAL FIGHT COMING.
CONTINUED PROTESTS AGAINST THE
EAST END DUMMY COMPANY.
A Determined Property Holder on the
Line Wants to Know If Animal Power
Is To Be Substituted for Steam in
the City Limits.

The dummy lines are still an unsolved
problem in Memphis. Protests, both of a
mild and sulphurous character, are occa-
sionally heard. The sentiment in favor OF
the institutions Is by no means OF that
unanimous type that at once and firmly
establishes them as dear to the public
heart. Ever since they were introduced.
less than year ago. there have been some
who could see naught but nnmitigated
evils in the new-fangled systems Of street
and suburban transportation. Suits for
damages, injunctions and other legal OBJ
stacles have been thrown across their
track, preventing that peace of mind ac-
companying absolute immunity from any
and everything barring prosperity in its
highest sense.
February Maj. Petit, a member OF
the board Of fire and police commission
ers, introduced into the Legislative Coun-
ell resolution requiring the East End
Railway company TO substitute animal for
steam motive power for their trains within
the city limits. The resolution passed by
a very positive vote, and fell like bomb.
shell in the camp Of the railway officials
and stockholders. Loud and continued
complaints formed the basis upon
which this resolution was formu-
lated and later became law. Had the
company complied with its contract, pos
siblv there would have been nothing of
the kind raised to retard its onward march.
The motors used instead OF being reason
ably noselcss, steamlcss and smokeess,
carried the regulation stock OF all these
qualities. Then, too, the track was not Of
the latest improved pattern for well regu-
lated aud metropolitan cities. In fact, il
comes nearer resembling the truck of
grand broad gauge trunk line in its alb
sence OF conformity to street grades and
lis serious interruption Ia the comfortable
and safe movements OF vehicles. Its in.
PRODUCTION on the streets served TO drive
all those adjuncts to a progressive city
from the highways over which the dummy
trains passed. Having these facts contin-
ually poured into their ears, the council
members were almost ready to admit they
had anticipated American enterprises 60
the extent OF about 100 years, though they
were prepared 10 stand or fall on their
action granting the franchise.
Failure TO live up TO the letter and spirit
East End company in vexatious legal com.
plications. The council order in regard to
the substitution OF animal power has never
been enforced, though why il has not re-.
mains one Of the unknown reasons In.
deed, il would he an unfortunate, proba-
bly, fatal blow 10 the company, and good
policy perhaps actuated the executive in
allowing Il to remain in inocuous dcsue.
tude until the present time. An ArPEAL
reporter. sitting quietly in President Had
den's office yesterday afternoon, listened
10 n conversation between Mr.. n. y. John.
son and the president which was full of
meaning, and to which Prcsidcai William
| NJ. Snced, OF the East End company, was
a patient auditor. Mr.. johnson resides nj
| No. AIS Madison, corner OF Manassas
street, aud the dummy line therefore passes
| in front OF his house lie detailed num-
Der Of complaints, among which were
| tho following A few DAYS since he
saw, while sitting on his front porch what
came near being fatal accident. IN which
lady was the endangered party and q
dummy train the approaching cxccu.
toner; market wagon drivers, also milk
men, dreaded the thoroughfarc as they
valued their lives and property; pleasure
riding along II was thing Of the past, and
property valuations were materially low
cred Together tho two men compared
! Mai. Pcttits' resolution. Mr.. johnson was
| familiar with the legislative enactment
under which such enterprises are incor-
PORTED, and lac concluded the conference
with the question, addressed TO President
Iladden, "Arc you going TO enforce that
ordcr2" The chances are II viii bc en-
| forced, ns the executive remarked 10 Mr..
Snccd, after his inquiring visitor had de.
parted, ~ expect I'll have to close down
on you all"
Every WE'LL" replied Mr.. snecd, "wc
are going 10 stand on our contract and de-
mand all our rights. Garry out your or
ders and il will spring the issue squarcly
for legal Fight"
II Is quite likely preliminary skirmish
| will occur In the council meeting Thurs.
day afternoon, In which event the short.
comings Of the East End company will
| place Il at decided disadvantage with the
members. Conversations with the various
council members enables them 10 go on
record as heartily In iayor Of dummy lines,
provided they are reduced 10 state oi per
lection such ~ possible, and such N pre-
walls In other cities. but. there II room
for great improvement in Memphis. and
harmony cannot exist until they are made.