Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1893-01-19
FOR THE RIGHT OF WAY.
BOTH COMPANIES APPEAR BEFORE
FREELAND COUNCIL.

A Spirited Fight Is Going On to Capture
in No Hurry to Grant the Use of the
Streets Unless 1t Will Benefit the Town.
The special meeting of the borough
council to consider the applications for
the right of way through the streets
from the two electric railway companies
was held on Monday evening. After
accepting the applications the members
decided to allow the representatives of
the different companies the privilege of
making verbal explanations, in addition
to their applications, in order that the
matter would be thoroughly understood.
Harry b. Sweeney, Of Drifton, for the
Union Passenger Company, said the
men whom he represents had much ex-
perience in building street railways. He
would guarantee that work would be COM
menced as soon as possible after the
council grants the right of way. 1t was
true the company had no charter yet, as
they did not feel disposed to spend
money in that way until they were sure
they would get permission to build the
road through Freeand. They would
not ask for two years to complete it, but
would push it ahead at once and do all
they could to bring trade to Freeland,
not to take it away. He repeated the
statement made at a former meeting
that the company would also operate an
electric light plant here.
Alvin Markie, of Hazeton, represent
ed the Hazleton and North Side Com
pany, and said they intended to build a
road from Pleasant Hill to Upper Lee
high. The company was chartered last
September under an act of 1889, which
gives them the right of way through
HaZle and Foster townships and on Cen
tire, Walnut, Pine and johnson streets
in Freeland. He said the council could
grant to another company the privileges
asked, but that company could not get
a charter from the state to operate it.
Mr.. Markle further stated that the
road would not come under control of
any railroad company while he was in
terested in it. The North Side Com
pany, he said, was owned solely by him
self. Others were named as members
of it in the charter, but the entire capi-
tai was furnished by him, and he would
have 1t in operation within the time
specified 1.-TWO years. in the application,
and would give bonds to that effect. He
would also furnish light to the town if it
was wanted. Like the railway, how
ever, the power and everything else
would come from Hazleton.
Mr.. Markle was followed by Matt
Long, of Hazleton, who spoke in favor of
Mr.. Markle's company, as it was the
one that had the charter.
Mr.. Sweeney again took the floor and
stated that none of the men in his com
pany were interested in railroads. They
we e ready to start Immediately, and if
FreeIand's council passes a resolution
giving them the right of way they would
very quickly determine by law that they
have as good right as any other com
pany to operate street railway here.
JOS. Neuburger made few remarks
in favor of the Union Company, stating
that it seemed they were more disposed
to help the town than the other.
ID. J. Mccarthy followed with some
good advice to the council. He caution
ed them t, be careful in granting such
valuable privilege to any one. He
would not be in favor of giving the fran
chise to either without getting something
in return.
Councilman Williamson preferred to
go slow in the matter, and spoke of the
Instability of holding citizens meet
ing to obtain the views of the taxpayers
The members decided to present both
ordinances to Borough Solicitor Hayes
and to take no action in the matter until
he gives them advice The meeting
adjourned to be called again upon order
of President DOORS.