The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-11-10
FAVORS ELEVATION
COMMERCIAL CLUB COMMISSIONS
REPORT WAS ADOPTED.
Adverse Attitude of Railroad Com
terchange of Courtcsics.

Tn directors OF the Commercial Club
held their regular monthly meeting yester-
day and considered various matters of i'm
~portance. The elevated railroad commission
submitted a report which was approved. 1t
recites the appointment Of the commission
and the reasons therefor, stating that the
Mayor, city engineer, city attorney and
Council committee have co-operated with
the commission. 1t sets forth the investiga-
tons of City Engineer Brown and his esti-
mate of a cost of 100000 for elevating the
tracks from the river to Pine street. The
report then continues under the subhead.
Attitudes of the Railroad Companies as
follows:
The presidents of the interested railroad
companies were asked to examine the plans
or to send representatives TO a conference
offer suggestions as to the solution of the
problem. Two meetings for this purpose
were held. The proposed elevation of tracks
of the railroad companies. The principal
objection .was that the financial burden in
vowed in the elevation was. greater than
the railroads should or could assume, and
various criticisms on the plans were offered,
none of which, however, seemed to indi-
cate irremediable difficulties. A representa-
tive Of one interested company went so far
as to say that, in his opinion, there was no
need of relief in Indianapolis. The attitude
OF the railroad companies seemed to be an
tagonistic to any expenditure either for
elevations or viaducts.
At the request of the commission the exist
ing laws relating TO the powers of the city
to require the railroad companies to build
viaducts or elevated tracks were Examine
by a subcommittee consisting of Mayor
Denny, City Attorney Scott, Messrs. A. c.
Ayres and A. l.. Mason, who advise US
that the charter delegates. to the city ample
power to enforce the building of viaducts,
and that 1T also authorizes the enactment
of ordinances providing for the safety OF
citizens and 10 compel the raising or lower
1Vs Hi m aiSeA be 70 est sIdish@ by a oraina graae
The purpose of these provisions is to dele
gate to the city police power to be exer-
There is not unanimity of opinion as to
whether this delegated power is sufficient
to compel the general elevation of tracks
throughout the city, but there is full accord
in the opinion that ample power abides in
the State to compel the general elevation
of tracks where needed for public safety.
The committee regards additional legisla-
ton as desirable If this is undertaken.
CONCLUSION OF THE COMMISSION.
In view of the information which has
been gathered the conclusions of the COM
mission are:
First-That the elevation of railroad
tracks In the city is feasible and is the
relief from the dangers and inconvenience
OF crossings at grade.
is Objectionable.
Third-That we believe the cost of eleva-
ton should, be equitably divided between
the railroads ard the city.
Fourth-That We recommend that the city
government be requested to devise prac-
ticable legislation for establishing a system
pledges its cooperation in this undertaking.
We believe II to be important that in
from time to time regarding the advantages
of elevation of tracks and the steps which
have been taken in other cities and States
nection with the subject of needed legisla-
ton we believe 1T advisable that considera-
States under which the elevation of TRACKS
has been accomplished.
The secretary reported the result of his
correspondence with the different COM
mercial organizations of the State on the
suggestion submitted to the directors sew
eral weeks ago regarding the formation of
a State association of commercial bodies.
The responses express hearty approval of
the idea and a readiness to cooperate in
the movement. The responses were regarded
by the directors as sufficiently encouraging
to warrant the issuance of a call for a con-
ference to be held in this city some time in
December, for the purpose of considering
the formation of the proposed organization.
1t is believed that the proposed ~organiZa-
ton will be helpful in many ways. 1t will
afford opportunity for Interchange of views
and experience etween people who are en-
ucdNQIlIlB " duNdllCt COlIililcICidl interests
and public welfare in Indiana cities, and
would stimulate activity In this work. 1t
would tend to encourage organized efforts
in developing public interests in communi-
ties where nothing is now done in that
way. 1t would lead to harmony of action
which would give greater force to whatever
proving the State. In the consideration of
public questions and proposed legislation
| paiities of the State, it would be a repre-
sentative body and it is believed that there
would be much of Importance along these
lines worthy attention from such an or
ganization. The directors authorized the
secretary of the club to issue a call for a
the different commeroiai bodies Of the State
ard the committee on arrangements was
Instructed to cooperate with him in max
thought the movement a very important
one and that it would do much to advance
the prosperity Of Indiana as a state; as
might be activity in this work. Mr.. Lieber
eommendsd it as a good idea and Messrs
pressed their hearty approval. Among the
the movement are Evansville, Fort Wayne,
Richmond, New Albany, Cambridge City,
Muncie, Madison and Jeffersonyille. 1t Is
probable that the meeting will be held
about the middle OF next month.
A communication from the Commercial
Clubs of Minneapolis and st; Paul. Jointly
requesting the Commercial Club of this city
to enter into an arrangement with them FOL
an exchange of courtesies between mem
| bers, SO that when members of the Indian
apolis club visit Minneapolis or st. Pau
they will be entitled to all the privileges
of the clubs in those cities. and vice versa
The suggestion was favorably received and
ii was decided to enter into the arrange
ment. 1t is probable that the idea will be
further extended to organizations of like
character throughout the country where
social privileges are offered, If the expert.
ment between Minneapolis and St Paul and
indianapolis proves satisfactory. as it is be
lieved it will. If this should be done a mem.
Der of a commercial club in any city would
be entitled to the privileges of such club:
in the other cities when visiting them.