The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-26
FELT THEIR PULSE,
And Thinks n Street Railway Could be
Made to ray In this City.

Mr.. L. A. Msrshall, q Chicago contractor,
accompanied ty G. E. Hall, Of the Chicago
North Side Street Railway, we're shown
abhut the city on Wednesday by Mr.. Hull
and others, and met number of prominent
business men and capitalists at the Clifton
Hotel in the evening. Mr.. Marshall was
asked to state his impression Of the ground,
and, If he was favorably inclined, under
what conditions he would build surface
road.
Mr. Marshall, who is interested in tho
Ottawa Fire Clay and Brick Co., stated that
he had met Mr.. W. II. Hull about ten days
ago, and in speaking Of street railways, had
been assured that inducements would DO
offered for road in this city. He had con.
suited Mr.. Hall, who had come down with
him sAd looked the situation over; and was
pleased to say that the latter's judgment
was that, II the council would give q right
ordinance, p to mile road might be q
possibility as business venture. It would
be some time before It could be made to psy
any more than expenses. He desired TO
consult with the business men present, and
see what kind Of reception . road would
receive, and what would be considered q
liberal franchise, before making farther in
vestigstion, and would like to have an OK.
preston of sentiments.
| Mr.. Hall had made some suggestions as to
an ordinance, and the city attorney and his
attorney could meet and agree upon the
different points, 10 present to tho city
council -
LIST. As to the time for which franchise
would be granted; he would expect to be
exempt from competition for at least few
years. Towns had usually given franchises
for so years some more.
I'd. Exemption from license fee. In Chi
cago the roads pay $50 per year for each
car. This could not be expected here, and
was no longer customary. C?)
Sd. The company would not expect to
keep in repair any portion of the street not
covered by its tracks.
'4th. A T rail might be used upon unim-
proved streets, and fat rails on graveled
streets.
9th. The number of cars and time table
should be left until the time of agreement,
but it would not pay to run more than five
cars, at intervals of half hour. This
matter should be left to the company for at
least five years.
9th. The ordinance should not compel
the company to run conductors, thus having
to hire two men to car. The company's
only show would be bob-tailed cars, viz:
car with but one end for ingress and egress,
with q driver and cash box for fares.
Double end cars would not pay.
9TH. The company should not be COM
PEELED to heat the cars.
8th. The cars should not be compelled to
stop, excepting at street Intersections, to
take on and let off passengers. As double
track weuld not pay, the cars would be COM
PEELED to make time, and could not stop be-
tween crossings.
9th. The fare should be six cents for
single rides, or twenty rides for $l.00. The
six cent fare would take in none but tran
sients, as residents could buy tickets.
10Th. The company would expect the
exclusive right to occupy the streets within
a stated period, to be agreed upon, as it
H. thok
benefit could be derived from it, the pioneer
company should reap it.
llth. The company should be exempt
from tax for years. This, however, might
not prove legal. and would not be strongly
insisted upon.
Mr.. Marshall added, that to equip and
operate 8 mile road would cost $50, 600,
and to induce capital it must be protected.
Ottawa capital would be given preference if
it desired to invest. If an ordinance could
be prepared at once covering these points,
the road would be ready within three
months.
AS to the route of the proposed road, he
stated that, if built, it would start at the
Driving Park, proceed west on Norris st. to
Columbus, down Columbus, past the Rock
Island depot, Supreme Court, etc., to Main
st., and west on Main to Clay. south on Clay
to Webster or Cass, If to Cass, west to Ut
tawa ave., and thence to the cemetery,-f
on Webster, then to Tyler, and south on
Tyler to Cass, west on Cass, etc. The Main
St. line would be tapped at La Sale st. and q
line run across the Illinois bridge, up the
south hill. Later on branch would be con-
structed to the east side, but that was not
now contemplated.
Most of the gentlemen present were very
favorably impressed with the project. and
steps will be taken at once toward forming
an ordinance suitable both to the city and
Mr.. Marshall 1t will be a good thing for
Ottawa, and facilitate travel to q considera-