Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-05-15

tracks at that point. II that was the
only feasible plan. he said his company
would not object 10 It, though tney
thought that operating the two INES
i'm that manner would be dangerous TO
the lives of the public.
But there was another plan, Mr. Gui-
gon said. They wished 10 bring
their own cars across their own
tracks TO the Exposition-Grounds,
taking their route on Strawberry and
Sycamore streets. He understood that
Mr. Williams objected to this. because
it meant competition. This plan, how
ever. he said was a practicable method,
while the other was in every way, un-
desirable He did not think both lines
combined could handle the vast crowds
that would be here on the occasion
OF the reunion; and why. he asked,
should any company object TO another
running its cars to the Exposition
buildings, on the ground that it would
mean compeution2
SOME OBJECTION MADE.
Mr.. Guigon raised the question that
the "Robertson-street line" from Broad
street to Main, was not built, ana
might never be.
Mr.. williams stated that nearly all
OF il had been built. and there was no
question as to its construction.
Nr. Gulgon had also raised the ques-
ton as to the legal right Of the Traction
Company to run its line in the county.
Mr.. Smith, representing the Traction
Company. asked who was going TO OBJ
ject, to which Mr.. Guigon emphatcally
stated that his line would.
Mr. Smith then wished TO know who
was trying to throw an obstacle In the
way OF the citys handling the crowds
that would be here at the reunion.
THE ENGINEER TALKS.
Mr.. A. Langstan Johnston, chief engi-
neer Of the Traction Company, in reply to
the question as 70 the danger Of run
ming 50 many cars on one set OF tracks
on west Broad street. showed the COM
mlttee clearly that such a supposition
was utterly without any foundation, as
in all the large cities the cars were run
very close together, in some cases they
being not 80 feet apart.
Mr. Smith then made a few remarks In
regard to the opposition Of the Old COM
pany TO the new line. but the committee
objected 20 this matter being taken up.
MIR. WILLIAMS'S STATEMENT.
Mr. Williams then addressed the COM
mittee. He said his company had promis-
ed the people. when they received their
franchise, that the line would be COM
peted and be In operation i'm time for the
reunion, and they proposed TO do so. He
reviewed the trouble his company had
had with the property-holders on west
Broad street. and said he did not think
there was any need to allow the Rich
mond Railway and Electric Company u
construct a parallel line to his when the
Traction Company could easily handle
the cars Of both lines. In concluding Mr.
Williams said he hoped the committee
would not petition the Council to grant a
franchise to the old company TO run a
parallel lire 10 his. when the Traction
Company paid nearly three times the tax
Of the Richmond Railway and Electric
Company.
Mr. Guigon again addressed the COM
mittee, and reiterated his statement as
10 the danger Of massng the cars at
Harrison and Broad streets. Again, he
said. mis- company objected 10 going
into the back-door" at the Exposition
Grounds by taking the branch line of the
Traction Companys which would put
them at the western gate.
DON'T WANT ARBITRATION.
Major Randolph said he thought the
easiest solution Of the question was for
each company 10 appoint a representa-
tive TO confer with one member OF the
committee. 70 be appointed by the lat
ter body, and that their decision should
be final.
Colonel Cary objected to this PROPOSE
ton. as 1t would practically put upon one
member Of the committee the responsibli-
ty Of deciding the question. He said he
had rather that the committee should set
tie II, and, IL necessary. then carry their
proposition to the Street Committee to-
night
General Wise approved Of Major Ran
dolphs proposition, because, he said, II
IL were adopted. it would mean that the
question would be finally settled.
Mr.. williams said that his company did
not wish any arbitration, and that they
were ready TO abide by the decision of
the committee so far as allowing the
cars OF the Richmond Railway and Elec-
trio Company TO run over the tracks OF
his line was concerned
Major Randolph then withdrew his mo-
ton.
Mr.. Gugon stated that his company
would abide by the decision Of the COM
| mittee
When several members OF the commit
tee spoke about the matter being only an
Arrangement for a week. Mr.. Guigon said
Of course his company did not propose "a
build a $4,000 line TO be used only for a
| few days.
The committee then went into execu-
| tive session, and after a conference OF
fifteen minutes decided TO meet to-day
AZ noon I'm the Office OF the Virginia State
Insurance Company and settle the mat