The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-09-23
MOST ROYAL FRANCHISE.
HUTCHINsON's ISLAND RENDERED
col. MACHEN'S ROAD.

Given TO Bridge the River and 70
Establish q Ferry-rhe Middle Geor-
gia and Atlantic Finds the Gates of
the City Ajar-Further Conferences
to Be Had to-day.
| The city council last night, after caucus
ing for nearly two hours before coming
into the long room, unanimously passed a
resolution giving the Middle Georgia and
Atlantic Railway Company all the citys
holdings on Hutchinson's Island for e., 800
and the privilege 10 build bridge across
the Savannah river TO the island. and to es-
tablish downtown ferry 10 the island.
There was a full lobby in attendance
among whom were Col. Machen and his
northern friends; Col Mike Brown of Barn
well, s. C., general manager of the South
Bound railroad; General Manager McEvoy
OF the Middle Georgia and Atlantic rail-
road Hon. H. P. Smart, J. P. Williams Of
j. Z. Williams & Co.; A. Eichberg, the
architect; Emile Newman, ESQ.,, and others.
An the members of council were present
but Messrs. Carson, Mills and Nichols, who
are out Of the city. The railroad question
came up by the reading by Clerk Of Council
+. +. Rebarer Of the petition of the Middle
follows:
ASKING FOR THE ISLAND.
The petition of the Middle Georgia and At
lantic Railway Company, q corporation duly
organized under the laws Of the state of Geor
| gia, respectfully shows that it is now actively
engaged in constructing it, line of railway from
the city of Atlanta through the counties desg-
mated and named in its charter; that one of the
| objective points of said railway is 10 reach on
the South Atlantic coast deep water and bar
av.A hat shtg.. 10 dor
ing which port will be the best for it TO select as
| It's terminal point
And petitioner respectfully represents that it
| Is financially able 10 carry out its projects and
70 consummate its enterprise within reasona-
| Die length of time. In selecting such point
petitioner has been at great pains aud labor.
through personal inspection OF its president and
others financially interested in said company,
and it has come to the conclusion that il the
| city OF Savannah will extend to it reasonable
and proper facilities by means of terminal and
right of way that 1t will make Savannah its
ueep water terminal point
Petitioner is advised and believes that it is not
necessary to set out in detail the various benefits
and advantages that would be derived by the
| city OF Savannah by having another ndepend-
emit railway, and one that will traverse one of
the richest sections of the state-a section that
| Is known to be rich in products such as con-
tribute to the wealth and commercial supremacy
| or the leading South Atlantic port.
In order TO carry out its intentions, and to pro-
vide such facilities are absolutely needed for
the successful operation of first-class road, so
| as to benefit the company and city alike, it is
necessary to obtain sufficient water frontage,
| besides the land that is required for depot,
warehouses, sdetracks, yards, machine shops
| and other structures that will be required.
In view of the premises and after careful
| investigation of the terminal facilities of this
| port, this company asks that the city will con-
| vey to 1t all Of it's holdings on Hutchinson's
| Island, and also to provide water frontage
Immediately opposite the central part of the
city on said Hutchinson's Island of
| at least fifteen hundred Q50O feet,
with privilege OF the company
in rear of the city exchange, or from the mar
| ket dock, at the foot of Barnard street, to a
point opposite on said Hutchinsou's island, such
| as may be desired and des gnated by compe-
| tent engineer, and which shall also prove ac
| ceptaole to the city. and the right of way over
| such lands now owned by the city, as petit
TONERS road may be compelled TO cross, etc.
Petitioner further requests the privilege to
| build first-class railroad iron bridge across
| the Savannah river, beginning at some point
| opposite Hutchinson's island within the corpor-
ate limits OF Savannah, as may be found prac-
| ticable, to some point upon said island, which
| bridge shall be built with view of accomodat-
| ing public highway travel, which travel is to be
| free to the pubic; this bridge to be built sub
1ect 10 the approval of the United States gov
| eminent, and after an act can be obtained from
| congress- giving the required permission.
And petitioner respectfully requests that il
| it should be found necessary for this council to
grant Inc rlRub anu privilege TO bridge the river
at some point above the city. near the present
| city water works, as an entrance of the main
| track or this company TO HutchinsonS Island,
that proper authority will be granted for che
construction Of such bridge, beginning at such
| point as the engineer of the company may Sc
lect to cross, If deemed desirable, Rabbit island
And this petitioner being DESTROYS to have its
| line completed at the very earliest possible mo-
| ment. states that it will be ready to commence
| the work within six months from the granting
of the privileges herein asked for, and that It
| Will complete It's upper bridges and lay its
| tracks within two years from the passing of an
| ordinance, and upon terms may be deemed
proper by your honorable body.
Petitioner further represents that it is willing
and ready to allow such reasonable compensa-
ton for the privileges herein asked, as may be
agreed upon between this company and your
honorable body, and petitioner will ever pray
etc.
On motion of Alderman Myers the petit
tlon was received as information, where
upon Alderman Cam offered the following
resolution:
THE CITY'S ULTIMATUM
Resolved That the city sell to the Middle
Georgia and Atlantic Railway Company all its
| holdings upon Hutchinsons Island for the sum
Of twenty five hundred dollars (S2500).
That the city gives its consent for the said
railway company to bridge the Savannah river
as prayed for, and also to maintain and operate
a ferry. The city TO give the right of way over
any property, now, owned by the city,
in any way interfere with the water works
plant or any other similar property. The above
sale to be conditional upon the bona fde use of
the said Hutchinson's Island as the terminal
point OF said road. The construction of said
road to begin within six (6) months from the
passage Of an ordinance confirming
the above grants. The said road
shall be completed within two (2) years from
said date of beginning. The said railway shall
agree to keep all banks and bitches in a proper
and sanitary condition from the date of their
acceptance Of these conditions.
That the said railway shall accept in writing
these terms and conditions, and make payment
of the same specified by or before Jan. /, 1891,
On motion of Alderman Bailey the reso-
luton was unanimously adopted and coun-
Gil adjourned.
QUASI ACCEPTANCE.
After adjournment Col. Machen sought
the mayor and taking him by the hand
thanked him as the city's representative for
the spirit of encouragement shown the
enterprise. Col. Machen said it is accepted
as spirit of friendliness, and as satisfactory
progress for the first day.
| "Wnl your company accept the offer of
the city" MORNING NEWS reporter asked
him.
II think the city has done all it CAM he
replied, but we want to have another con-
ference tomorrow. There are some legal
points which we want to consider, titles to
land to examine and water front yet to OBJ.
tain.
Col. Machen says his northern friends
were not prepared to see such progress in