The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1894-08-24

out competition and that consequently
YOU place the town at the mercy OF
one company in the matter of fares,
etc. Three or four streets will suffice
for this Company for the present, more
can be granted to it or to others later
on. You must consider that the grant
of right of way actually gives these
gentlemen so much of your valuable
land as they may require for their rail-
way torever and for nothing. Such
railway will be Of great advantage to
the town, but will benefit perhaps as
mach the owners Of the railway. We
should see that they be fairly treated
and encouraged but it is our sworn
duty also to look 10 the interests OF
our town. Railroad companies whose
motive power is steam have great ex-
pense in right of way, grading, etc,
which other railways have not. Most
cities and boroughs have made these
electric companies pay direct sums
for the right Of way, bound them to
pare and keep in order streets over
which their rails are laid, pay yearly
license for each car used, &c. In
Williamsport I think $50 per year for
each car. Should not we also stipulate
for like advantages1 ? Should we not
have voice in the matter of placing
switches, sidings, etc, that may here.
after be placed as "traflic may re-
quire?" Should not we see that the
rail be used only where streets be
properly and entirely paved with brick
or other solid paving2 They cannot
be used on ordinary streets or roads
in the town. 1t is best to go slow some
times. Let as fully consider these rail-
way franchises before granting them.
Let proper committee be appointed
to go to towns in which these wonder
full roads are in use. Let such COM
mittee ascertain what rights other
towns regret having granted, what re-
strictions they have made, what re-
turns they have received or expect to
receive in the way Of cash for right Of
way license for cars, paving streets
etc. Then after such committee re-
ports to your honorable body it can
lntelligently consider how much better
Blooms5urg may do, for in such
matters those who do last generally dc
or should do best"
Sterling moved that committee be
appointed to ascertain what is done in
other towns where franchise is giveH
the street railway in regard to licen
sing cars, said committee to report
next Monday night. Seconded by
Knor and carried-all voting yea
except Greasy.
The ID. L. & w. switch ordinance
was next considered. The switch to
extend across Catharine street and
down Ninth to Market.
Greasy and Wilson moved that the
location of the road:on Ninth street to
Market be subject to the decision of
the Committee on Highways. Carried.
Moved by Greasy ard seconded by
Yost that the switch ordinance be
adopted Carried.
The OaF Grove matter was then
taken up and the Town Solicitor read
the following opinion.
To TEE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS
OF THE Town Council OF THE Town
OF BLooMsBURG:
Geatlen,en:-By resolution of
your body there has been referred to
me as Solicitor the following questions,
to wit:
Ist. Can the Town Council legally
lease or purchase Oak Grove Park
from the Land Improvement Com
pany?
end. Is the town of Bloomsburg
liable for the rent of said Park for the
years 1892 and 1895, under the lease
heretofore made with the said Land
Company.
In expressing our opinion upon
these questions we shall endeavor to
conhne ourselves strictly to discuss
ion OF the rights, powers and liabili-
ties of the town under the laws of CO
rporation. With such questions as
that of the suitable location of Oak
Grove Park, the advisability of its
purchase from financial standpoint,
or the benefit and pleasure ACQUIRING
to the town from its purchase, We have
nothing to do. These are matters
within the discretion of the Council,
and all that we are called upon to de-
eide is whether or not the town au-
thoritles can legally expend the money
of the citizens in purchasing or leasing
such property.
A corporation, municipal as well as
private, is an artificial creation. 1t
has no life, no power, no right out
side OF the charter which gave it birth.
This is its organic law. From its
charter all its powers are originally
derived, and to its charter every at
tempted exercise of power must be
ultimately referred. Any act or at