The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-08-04
CITY NAY COMPROMISE
sTREET-CAR LITIGATION MAY SOON
BE TERMINATED.
Negotiations to That Eject Now in
Progress-A Conference to he
Held in the Near Future.


For several days past there have been
rumors that the city Of Indianapolis and
the Citizens street-railroad Company were
about to adjust their differences. Yesterday
1t developed that there has been an effort
on the part OF the city officials and the rep
resentatives OF the company to adjust the
street car litigation. City Attorney Scott
and John NJ. Butler. representing the citys
interests In the litigation. have been fire.
quently consulted lately to the legal as
poets OF the case in so far as the city's
rights and interests are concerned. Mayor
Denny was seen, yesterday, about the re-
port that compromise was likely to be
made. but declined to talk at length.
i have been very anxious TO see the liti-
CATION between the city and the company
terminated for the last two years" he said,
but II has appeared that nothing could be
done on account Of the difference between
the two companies. which the city authori-
ties could not control. Mr.. Scott and Mr..
Butler have felt as have about the matter,
and, in the recent negotiations, have pre-
sented the legal phase on the citys part in
such way as to bring about settlement
IL possible. AS TO the possibility Of an ad-
Justment between the companies. know
nothing. The city has no personal concern
ABOUT That. but she has a very great inter-
est in seeing troublesome litigation ended
and contract made with one OF the CON-
panies which will be satisfactory to the peo-
pie. IL the suits now pending can be set
tied and dismissed, 1 believe IL will be pos
sible for the city to speedily come to an
understanding with the company that is to
occupy the field. SO far as the terms OF
Time contract are concerned. The Citizens
Street-railroad Company now desires an
expression from the Board OF Public Works
ana common Council as TO the terms it may
De apie 10 obtain in the event the pending
litigation can be amicably adjusted. Mr..
Scott and myself mentioned the matter to
the Board OF Public Works to-day, and will
see such committee from the Council as
would first deal with the matter, and ar
range time for the conference between
IL and such representatives Of the street
car company as may desire to be heard"
mayor Denny was asked what he thought
the Citizens Street-railroad Company would
be willing to do for the city II new con-
tract was made. and replied:
L cannot say as 10 that with any degree
or certainty at this time / am led to be-
heve, however, that the company stands
ready to pave its part Of the streets al
improved; to make reduction in the fares;
to provide for a system OF transfers, and
TO pay per cent. Of gross receipts into the
course, that it still has five and one-half
years on It's old contract, during which
time time 1t is not required to do any of these
AS soon as Mayor Denny returns from his
trip East he expects that time will be
fixed for conference, which the members
of the Board Of Public Works and the
proper Council committee will be asked to
attend. Further than this the Mayor de-
clined to speak.
Byron K. Elliott, attorney for the City
Railway Company. was asked. last night. for
a statement concerning the contemplated
settlement Of the litigation. but declined
to talk. All that / know about the ma
of course. cannot discuss the subject: so
you must pardon me il i decline TO be in
terviewed. 1 have been out of town for
day or two. and have no information as to
the latest action that has been taken"
Allen Fletcher, for the City company, had
this to say: The City Railway Company
city's interests identical. 1t has pro-
ceeded on that theory, and 1t has performed
all of the obligations 1T. has entered into
perform. 1t stands ready and willing to
carry out it's contract in every respect if
permitted to do 1t has in all respects
acted in good faith, and so long as it con-
tinues to do so it is entitled TO and expects
fair treatment at the hands of the city. 1t
believes the decision of Judge Baker TO be
law. and that it will be sustained by the
Supreme Court of the United States. If
however, it be true that the city believes
it's interests would be better served by ter
minatlng the EXISTING utlsdtion anu ueH-
nitely settling the entire street car ques-
tion as our attorneys advised by the
Mayor that the city desires to do, the City
Railway Company will not be disposed TO
stand in it's way. 1t being, however, dis
tinctly understood that 1T should receive
fair treatment, Its equities In the case be
distinctly recognized and the city's inter
ests be fully protected"
A L. Mason, president of the Citizens
Street-railroad Company, refused to talk
about the matter. Il positively decline to
IL ~ ool1 and M
affirm the report that the litigation Is about
to be settled"