The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-12-12


their respective corporations, arguing for
the right of way over which to construct
line of road in Portage county.
The Seiberling attorneys were first to pre-
sent their statements, by which it appears
that company owns and operates the entire
street railway system of Akron, and has a
line extending to Cuyahoga Falls and con-
Meeting with their Akron system. They also
have the right of way to Silver Lake, and
say they will commence to lay track over it
as soon as they can secure the franchise for
Portage County. They ask that the Com
missioners grant them from April 1st, 1895
to April 1st, 1896, in which to construct and
have their line in operation to Ravenna,
Their proposed route will take them from
Cuyahoga Falls to Silver Lake, Kent, Brady
Lake and Ravenna. At Kent they ask per-
mission to cross the bridge over the Cuyaho-
ga river, on Main street, purposing to build
direct line along that thoroughfare to Main
street, Ravenna. They would startfrom the
C. c. & S. depot in Kent. At point near
the Breakneck crossing between that place
and this, they have planned for a spur to
Brady Lake, continuing the auxiliary line
from that point along the highway to Black
Horse corners, where intersection would be
made with the main line. They also con-
template line from near Stow Corners
Northfeld, to Bedford and Cleveland, al
which latter place they have traffic arrange
ments with the Cleveland consolidated lines.
They already have a franchise from the
Commissioners of Cuyahoga County.
The Commissioners do not seem exactly
inclined to allow the bridge at Kent to be
used for the purpose requested but the Sci
berling people said they hoped that would
not interfere with their granting them the
right of way in the County, as they would,
if necessary, construct a steel bridge of their
own, having already obtained permission
from Hon. NJ. Kent, who owns the land on
either side of the river at this point of cross
ing, to do SO.
Should the Seiberling Co. carry out its
stated plans, it would give Ravenna direct
connection with Akron and Cleveland and
intermediate points.
In the afternoon, the Attorneys for the
| Walsh-Babcock Co. presented their plans
They represent that about two years ago they
formulated plan for system of street rail
road between Barberton and Bavenna via
Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Silver Lake, Kent
and Brady Lake. In pursuance of that plan
they already have the line in active opera
ton between Silver Lake and Barberton
there being only a small missing link il
Akron. They now wish to complete the lint
in accordance with the original plans, anC
say they will commence the work of construc
ton Immediately on receiving the franchise
and have their cars running to Ravenna no
later than the first of next July.
Their proposed line takes them into Ken
and along the west side of the river to tn,
upper bridge, where the crossing would be
made and the line extended along Brady
street to Brady Lake, thence to Black Horse
corners and Ravenna. They suggested tha
in case franchise be granted to both com
panies, that one track be constructed from
Black Horse corners TO Ravenna, for tn
joint use of the two corporations. The,
Esought to impress the Commissioners witt
their view of the real intention or motive ot
| the Seiberling people, which they assured
the 81 County Fathers" was not SO much tt
actually build their line as it was to throw
distractions in the way of the Walsh people
and to hinder them in every way possible
This, of course, is earnestly denied by th
former company.
| Both companies are supposed to be backe
by ample capital and both seem to be in ear
nest. They both expect and desire that tn
Commissioners shall have full control owe
every detail of the right of way, as to wha
part of the highway the rails shall be Iaic
what grades are to be made, what bridge
constructed, private and public crossing
maintained, &C., &c. Both say it is their in
tentiot1 to commence in the Spring in cas-
to early completion, although the Soldering
!, company ask for one year from April 1st.
The roads and equipment will be of tn
best and most modern material. The car
are to be vestibnled, lighted with electricit,
and comfortably warmed. The proposes
: schedule provides for running cars ever
half-hour between $50 a. m. and $50 p. m
In this connection it may be stated that tn
total cost per mile of the roads, wires anC
poles, in short everything, is $4,000
| DR.. A. M. Sherman, of Kent, was presen
and interposed his g earnest formal protest
against the Commissioners granting any
franchise whatsoever to any private corp
ration the right to construct railway owe
the public highway" He urged the '' e1
elusive rights of ancient origin" of the pub
lie in the highways and was certain that tn
new contrivances would frighten horses an,
be the cause of various other hindrances an
annoyances two numerous to mention in on
writing.
The proceedings were conducted with tn
utmost decorum between the rival represent
atives, although more vigorous exchange
of words would evidently not been yer
difficult thing to precipitate.
The Commissioners took the matter und
a dvisement and on the following day we
o yer TO Trumbull Co. to witness the oper
!, tion of the line between Warren and Nile
| ~
The County Commissioners, Prosecutir