The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-11-26
TANGLED In THE WIRES.
ALDERMEN GET MIXED Up ON
ELECTRICAL QUESTIONS.

Have a Lively Ao7AC AZ VAC ANAs III
of the West Side OF West Broad
stree, and the Electric Company
WHISTLE Mayors Judgment Re-
verssd in the Schroeder Cause.-The
Mayor Takes the Council to Task
for Failing to Support Him in His
Effort to Enforce the Laws.
The aldermen got tangled up with the
elactric question last night, both in caucus
and regular meeting, aud as a result of
rackIiug an unfamiliar subject the session
Of council lasted until Thanksgiving morn
ing.
All the trouble arose about two railroads
wanting to use the same side Of West Broad
street. The Belt Line gave notice that IL
was prepared to begin the construction OF
its double track on West broad street 70
Liberty. and wanted the use OF the western
side of the street. The Electric Railway
Comnany also gave notice that 1t was ready
n huild its West Broad street line, and
likevTise wanted the western side. Both
roads were represented. the Belt Line by
Supt. Saussy and the Electric railway by
President ]. 3. Collins.
Mr.. Saussy was given the hrst opportu-
nitv to tell why be wanted to use the west
ern side of West Broad street. He claimed
a prior right, and preferred that side OF the
street for various reasons. The Belt Line
originally intended to ask for the right of
Notwithstanding West Broad street to Stone,
ana thence to Montgomery, which would
give a double track for nearly
two miles, but in making his calculations
Supt Saussy had found the plan would not
be feasible, because a double track to Stone
street would interfere with that portion OF
West Broad street in front Of the Central
depot and would interfere with the buses
and railroad hacks which wait there for
passengers.
THE ELECTRIC coMPANY's SIDE.
President Collins showed the disadvantage
which the Electric road would
have to contend with in laying
its track on the eastern side. Two crossings
would have to be made at Liberty street,
one across the Belt Line and the other
across the City and Suburban and again
over the same road at Roberts street. Re-
garding the interference with the buses
there Is plenty OF room for them on Rail-
road street. Mr.. Collins said IL looks as IL
every time the Electric Railway attempts
TO make any sort OF move it
is met with ell sorts Of hardships
He cited the fact that In laying
its Price street track over 81 500 was ex-
pended in burying and resurreoting IL to
conform with the ordinance, while oSher
roads could put their tracks as high as they
pleased.
Supt. Alley OF the City and Suburban
railway spoke against the building Of
track on the west side of West Broad street
because his road has a spur track near the
Central depot and there wouldn't be any
room left between the street and curb IL
another track Is laid.
Alderman Cam didn't think the City
and Suburban spur track should be con-
sidered in the question at all. 1t Is seldom
used, and is In q bad condition generally,
and there is no reason why 1t couldn't be
put on the eastern side.
In order to bring the matter to an issue,
Alderman Bailey moved that the Electric
railway be granted the use Of the west side
or West Broad street. Alderman Raid
seconded the motion.
THE PUBLIC MUST HAVE A CHANCE.
Alderman Heines said he was always in
favor of helping enterprises. but he felt
compelled TO vote against the motion, be-
cause if it passed the buses and hacks
wouldn't have room to stand outside Of the
Central depot, and he Is opposed TO incon-
veniencing the public to salt street rail-
road.
Alderman Reid said that he considered
the buses and hacks in front OF the Central
railroad a nuisance which should have been
abated long ago. Railroad street Is the
proper place for the vehicles. There Is
plenty of room for them there, and any
how it is an unsightly thing to have lot OF
buses aud old hacks standing on one Of the
principal thoroughfares
Alderman O'Brien didn't agree with his
Fourth DISTRICT colleague West Broad
street be considers the natural passenger
outlet of the Central railroad, and the
buses have a right there Again IL the
Electric company should be granted the
west side of the street the Nelson Morris G.
Co. people would be interfered with in the
transaction of their business, because the
delivery wagons wouldn't have room to
stand in front OF the establishment. He
gave notice that he intended TO oppose
Alderman Bailey's motion.
ROOM ENOUGH FOR THE BUSES.
Alderman Bailey said there would be as
much, il not more, room on West Broad
street with the Electric railway along the
west side as there is now on Whitaker street,
where the City aud Suburban has its turn
outs.
Alderman O'Brieu knew as well as be did,
he said, that where the turnouts are located
on Whitaker street residents haven't room
enough TO keep buggy in front of their
homes.
Alderman O'Briea answered that the City
and Suburban was granted the turnout
privileges at 8 time when he was private
citizen, and therefore he il in no way re-
sponsible for the present condition Of at
fairs.
II am getting a little tired of this thing,
anyhow, said Alderman O'Brien. ut hes
narrowed down to the question of which
railroad owns West Broad street, aud the
citY's rights are being ignored almost en-
tirely. The citizens who own vehicles and
horses ought to have little soy in the affair
/ am in favor of making the railroads use
the same track as far as practicable"
WANTED TO POSTPONE.
Alderman Cam agreed with the First
district representative, and moved as q
substitute for Alderman Bailey's motion
that action be postponed until the next
regular meeting, and an opinion he secured
from the city attorney as to the right of
the city to compel both roads to use the
same track as far as Liberty street.
This brought a kick from the railroad
people. They said it would be a practical
fmpossibility because both roads operated
different systems.
Alderman Bailey could see two years
discussion ahead If Alderman Cams su! =
stitute prevailed. and Alderman O'Brien
wanted to know why two separate trolleys
couldn't be erected.
Then followed general discussion about
trolleys, crossings, underground wires, cur
rents, ETC., which showed that the electrica
education Of most Of the aldermen had been
neglected. If any electrical experts had
been present, they would have undoubtedly
felt tired. Most of those who listened to
the discussion did so feel.