The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-08-22

AT one time ii looked as though Mem
phis would have an electric street railroad
before another year had passed.
Now the prospects are that at least
portion Of the contemplated system will
have to go through the courts before 1t be-
gins TO become tangible.
"What is your company doing to bring
the electric street railroad into eXistcnccY'
inquired an APPEAL reporter OF Mr.
Holmes Cumm ins yesterday afternoon.
1--WE are thoroughly organized" said
Mr.. Cummins, 'and have taken up the
question OF an electric system. A choice
lies between the Sprague and the Thorn
son-llous,on. have filed in the chancery
court bill, asking Judge Estes to give us
the right 10 operate our cars over that
company's tracks. Building operations
have not yet begun, but you can see We
are making haste as rapidly as possible"
During the presence before the Legis-
lative Council OF representatives from
these two companies wranglng with the
city fathers for contract with them by
the electric corporation, Mr.. H. +. Adams
took an active part on behalf OF the dunn
my company. That gentleman was after.
ward seen by the reporter and Intercepted
on the subject OF the new street railroad
system.
ave have nothing 10 10 with IT," said
he, "but are waiting and watching TO see
what Mr.. Cummins is going 10 do. lie
has filed bill in chancery against our re-
ceivcr praying for the privilege Of operat-
"a an mi al stt H.
conclusion OF that case will put me In po-
sition TO tell you more about H."
''Do YOU think lac will get the privileges
asked ior IN his bilY'
"Oi course ] do not. II You remember,
the council ondcavored 10 force this upon
Us by clause in the contract allowing the
leo company 10 use our tracks, provided
II weold pay one-hnlf the cost OF construc-
ton. That was maniiestly unjust. We
hold tbs our franchise il worth some
thing, that, aside from paying a pro rata
share ot construction cost, the infant COM
Pany should assume a share Of the ex-
ysuse In maintaining II. Then the prop
ostion was made TO pay all the cost II
construction, but that did not strike us MS
being an equitable settlement. We pro.
posed basis OF settlement for our differ
enccs before u receiver was appointed, but
Mr. Cummins preferred holding out on
the line that now separates us, thinks he
can secure better terms from the court,
and them the ease IL pending"
"Nhy don't the two companies con-
solidate and thus avoid further compiled.
tions2'
because We AFRO operating by steam
motors. and the new company will ma
nipulato electricity"
You didn't catch the idea. / meant
both of YOU 20 into the electric business
and give up the dummios7'
Tho electric system has not been ~.
duccd % a state Of perfection that would
warrant as In surrcndcring a certainty for
what might prove q phantom. Perhaps,
II the overhead system, which the COM
pany hcrc proposes TO use, WIS an assured
success, W. might be ready 20 pool our
issues. Eut We do not think " W..
Wichita, Ks., has tried IL, bu, had to give
~ the experiment until needed improve
menis were made"
whats the matter with the storage
battery"
Its too expensive. in the first place,
and In the second, n subject 20 the same
objection o. the overhead Each car
would cost not less than S3,OOO, aud ~
Qnirc too men 30 operate H. The larger
cities may be- able 10 afford the outlay but
Memphis cannot just at present"