New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-10-11
THE STREETS OF PROVIDENCE.
EXCLUSIVE CONTRACTS FOR THEIR USE BY LOCAL
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. NOTES.

EXCLUSIVE CONTRACTS FOR THEIR USE BY LoCAL
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES NOTES
Providence r. l. oct. 10 SpeciaD.-The Special
committee of the City Council to whom the matter Oh
arranging the details Of tho contract beween the city
and the local corporations using the streets lhcludns
gas electric lighting, street railways ana telephone
companies, for which the city Is authorized 10 grant
exclusive franchises for period not exceeding twenty
five years. and to charge the corporations therefor not
exceeding three per cent OF their gross earnings
This means giving these franchises to the Providence
Gas Co.. the NaITagansett Electric Lighting Co.. the
Union Railroad Co., and the PROVIDENCE Ieepnole
Co. It Is learned from a trustworthy source thaV the
gst of the contracts, offered for TIE CONSIDERATION
OF the corporations IS this: The companies named
TO have exclusive franchises for fifteen years lot
which they are to pay two per cent OF their gross
earnings or about 81 900 week; that all earnings
above an eight per cent dividend and provision for a
reasonable sinking fund shall be applied 10 Vne
reduction Of rates. This plan makes the puDho
as we'll as the city partners and benenoareS Oh
these exclusive privileges. The contracts are so
drawn that the city retains control of the streets
and the corporations Will be hedged about by various
reasonable restrictions. These contracts nave hot
vet been accepted by the corporations, and they may
possibly demur somewhat, but In order permanently
10 rid themselves Of the constant fear OF competon
IL is presumed that they will finally assent TO these
wholesome rules and regulations Whether the nego
ationS Will be competed before tho muhlClpdi cl0O
ton or not Is unknown, but 1t is understood that
the mayor Is favorable to reporting to the City
Council previous to election, in order that the people
may know the exact status Of this important matter
After warm preliminary canvass for Mayor OF
Pawtuckct in which there were three leading candi-
dates and any number Of dark horses David j. White
carried every ward primary "Wednesday night ana
will be the Republican nominee. Mr.. White Is pub
Usher OF The Record Visitor" young man OF ability
and Is Mt present Alderman. Ex-Mayor hugh D.
Carroll is likely to be the Democratic nominee Ihero
is a little friction in the School Committee. Inc
matter OF difference Is the appointment Of teachers for
the evening schools. There were some persons named
for princpalships who regarded BY the Qualifications
Committee as unqualified, and there names left of
the list which they think ought to be on. The result
6, TINT the opening OF the evening schools, which was
to be on Monday evening next. has been postponed
until further notice. much to the regret OF large
The Executive Committee of the Democratic state
Central committee held stormy meeting ills week The
tnuble arose over the fact that the STATE central Com
mittee seem to desire to select the Democratic cand
date for Nayor of this city The city Democrats seem
TO prefer to make their own nominations