Telegram-herald., 1891-03-08
SENSE Us. PREJUDICE
UsDULY HlaPERED AND INJURED
by faetaoGs aud tGrsasonstis D~naads
aaas by bt~ssd ssa imPxtsat nal
eoatsnts- Prominent Mes So Give
the Company - khes.

1he city of Grand Rapids has one Of
the most extensive systeuss OF street
railway transit ia the country. This
system Is the result of the belief on the
part Of the enthusiastic projectors and
owners, that the constantly Widening
and enlarglng area OF the city, together
With a rapid increase ia population
would contribute 10 the receipts Of the
company or companies sufficient sum
or sums 10 meet the actual expenses OF
operation and pay reasonable profit
on the investment. sueh a hope has
not been realized. bat on the contrary
for one or two years, perhaps longer,
the expenditures have exceeded the re-
eelpts 80 that the roads, as "A whole,
have been operated at positive loss.
Blind Prejudice OF ti,e People
This is the lnexorable condition that
now contronts the people OF TINS city.
The hue and cry raised against the
street railway companies, are largely
the products of ihe blind prejudice OF
the people against corporations. WITH
out any consideration beng gwen 10
their redeening qualities.
Let us tor a mOment look at the
matter from common sense stand
point, for the purpose of arriving at a
lar and honest conclusion. Street
railways are one of the most impor-
tant factors IN the development OF a
city. They afford cheap, rapid and
convenient transportation from one
part OF the city To another, and bring
into close relations the more or less
scattered industrial establishments IN
which the heads of families earn for
themselves and those dependent upon
them the necessarles OF life. Any
means that contribute To the comfort
ahd convenience OF the working classes
IS, IN the highest sense, 4 pubic bless
ing.
Vehicles for Pleasure.
Not only do these arteries OF travel af-
ford ready convenience To the toI!ers,
but they become vehicles for pleasure,
IN which all classes, 1T Il moderate ex-
pense, may traverse, for recreation and
pleasure, the entire length and breadth
of the city. While serving, therefore,
as an indispensable means of COM
municatlon and transportation for the
one class, they become equally indls-
pensable adjuncts OF pleasure or all.
Now one will seriously contend that
such public necessityan and benefit ought
to be operated by an individual at a
financial loss; and TO right-mlnded
person the same conclusion wlll be
reached in regard to a corporation, or
collection of individuals, engaged IN a
like undertaking.
We are confronted by fact, not a
theory. The street railway system of
Grand Rapids is operated ut "a loss. II
IS losing business investment. The
cost of maintenance exceeds the re-
celpts.
Some people stubbornly close their
eyes to these facts, ana demand that,
whether at profit or loss, the corpora
ton should be compelled To do certain
unreasonable things, SIMPLY because
the company Is a corporation Owning
franchises under when the public streets
are occupied. This idea IS narrow, un-
businessllke and unworthy q patriotic
citizen.
Always Exposed to Censure.
The railway company stands in such
a relation to the public that il is always
exposed to censure and rarely accorded
the praise TO which 1t is justly entitled
The temporary abandonment OF stree,
Is looked upon as high-handed viola.
ton of lmmutable municipal Law, aud
instantly cry Is raised demanding al
abrogstion OF the company's rights.
This should be otherwise. When IT is
reflected that no other one agency has
contributed more to the splendid and
surprising development OF this city
with its hundreds of busy workshops
It's stores, mills. factories, schools and
churches, and its thousands of pretty
homes. it we'll may be inquired If 1t j.
not wise TO foster and aid the street
railway companies rather than obs,ruct,
hamper and discourage them.
Mr.. Gilbert truly stated, IN his re-
marks before the council Friday night
that a crisis had arisen. 1t is crisis IN
which commoD-sense and blind short.
sightedness will be the conspicuous
combatants. The duty of the council
IS plain and open.
Give Them q Fair Hearing.
The street railway companies should
be given a far hearing, and accorded
far and liberal treatment upon the
theory that they are fundamental parts
and interests OF the municipality.
At some pains and expense the TELE-
eRsN-HERALp Yesterday interviewed a
number OF public-spirIted citizens or
the question. and elected from them
the following opinions:
Unprediuioed Opinions.
J. G. IIerkner. "The Street Railway
business u certainly at crisis and
eau not understand why there should
be delay IN the council IN granting the
company a reasonable ordinance suct
as they have asked for. These people
have invested a large amount of money
which has become practically a dead
loss, but they stIll express willingness
and = desire 10 invest more Ant
give US an entire new system and Taplc
transit Tbs Is what the pubic desire,
and the council should not Re SOW n
granting them a new ordinance"
J. H. Hags: 81 think tuis matter j
coming out al right. The council, q
a portion OF d. vas inclined % be haTsl
with the company, but / think n u.
end al ordinance vii be granted sasls
factory % the company and 20 the peo
ole OF the CITY. l hope il VII not y
y r,f -.