The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-03-03
MAY TUNNEL BOLTON STREET.
STREET RAILWAYS PLAN TO RUN
UNDER =, F. & W. TRACKS.

Plans Have Been Drawn nnd City
and Plant system VIII BE Asked
to share the COst-DirectOr Collins
says There Was Talk of Tunnel
fng Gvvinette, But Not Bolton
Street-Street Railroad He-eAects
Old Officers with Two Exceptions
in Board of Directors.
The Savannah. Thurderbolt and Isle OF
Hone Railway is believed to be arrang-
ing the details of proposition 70 make
20 the city Council. by which taxpayers
will be asked to contribute something for
the Improvement of the street car service.
This time the Improvement is the tunnel
ing OF either Bolton or Gwinnett streets.
whereby cars may pass under the Plant
System tracks at one or the other OF these
points, instead of crossing them at grade.
A plan for the street railway to run its
cars under the railroad tracks az either Of
these points would probably be looked up
on with favor by Council, as the danger
from smashups would be minimized. Not
long ago the lives of several passengers
shifting engine at the Bolton street cross
ing were barely saved. ana the fact that
a catastrophe may have cost somebody
heavy damages, as enough to show the inn
portance of running under the tracks.
While the street railway would be the
main beneficiary Of a tunnel, 1t IS stated
proposition may be made for the city to
pay a part OF The cost. II Is also reported
that the Plant System, which would doubt
less prefer TO have the cars run under
its tracks, will not be sighted in the invi-
tations TO contribute 10 this proposed I'm
provement To what extent the city and the
Plant System may be asked to take stock
is not known. but II Is reported that their
joint action in the matter may have some
thing to do with the car lines, undertaking
the project.
Director Collins was seen yesterday in
regard TO the report, and asked as 10
whether the street railroad was discussing
the tunneling OF Bolton street.
who told YOU that?' Mr.. Collins i'll
Quired.
Mr.. Collins stated he was not aware OF
any talk to run cars under the railroad al
Bolton street, but something had been
said about running under the tracks at
Gwinnett street. The company knew there
would be less danger in the operation of
its cars If a tunnel could be built, which
would be great benefit 10 the Plant Sys-
TEN, the city and the street railway. Mr..
Collins did not care to discuss the matter,
for the reason ID has not yet been consid-
cred by stockholders. and also because il
has not been before the board of direc-
tors
According TO my understanding" added
Mr.. Collins, ''the tunnel scheme has sim
hanD efTr tod ~.
directors, who think it will be an adj
vantage in tho operation of the cars. and
will lessen the danger from accidents at
crossings"
How the city would view a proposition TO
take stock in the tunnel project Is not
known, but aside from the liberallty ID has
already shown the car company In the wav
of franchises, the probability 10 the street
opening committee. to which the matter
would likely be referred, has no funds to
devote TO such purpose unless the i'm
portanee of 1t is clearly shown. The re-
fusal OF the street car officials to discuss
the matter, or even TO admit that they in
tend to tunnel the tracks, notwithstand
ing the fact that plans have been drawn
by Direcor Thomas, makes 1t impossible
10 tel what advantages the company will
urge as reason for the eity's taking
stock It is likely the tunnel would be wide
enough for the street, as we'll as double
car tracks, and that this would be offered
as the inducement.
In view of the fact the city Is now
endeavoring to open the way to Collins
vile, 1t is likely a plan to run one of the
main streets under the railroad would not
onty meet the approval of Council. but
would also be Endorsed by the people of
Colinsville. The cost of the tunnel would
nave much to do with the aid the citv
ana the railroad would give toward build
ing IT, IL Is also likely the city wouId
have much to say in designating the street
for this improvement.
meeting of the street railroad stock
holders was held at the companv's offices
on Bolton street yesterday afternoon. II
was understood the tunnel question was
discussed. but those approached stated
that the only business transacted was the
election OF officers and the disposal of a
few routine matters The following officers
were elected by the directors:
President-George Parsons
Vice PRESIDENT. H. Fail.
Second Vice President Henry Parsons
Directors-D. II. Chamberlain. Pope
Barrow, J. d. Weed. J. 3. Collins. f. j.
Thomas c. s. Hardee Herman Myers, w.
]. Lindsay and J. II. Johnston
Director Chamberlain, who was elected
TO MI the vacancy caused by the death
OF j. n. Hartman. was Governor of South
Carolina just after the civil war. and Is
al present legal counsel for Mr.. Parsons.
lie has wide business experience, and il
Is admitted his election adds much strength
10 the board. Mr.. Lindsay, who has been
chosen TO share the honors and RESPONSE
bilities of the company as a director. was
member of the old Electric Railway
board.
A number of the officers were asked
about the presentment Of the grand jury.
recommending that the city authorities see
10 II that the company operates its cars
with more safety to the public, but they
stated nothing was said about il at the
meeting Director Barrow said that the
directors did not even speak of the grand
5ury's presentment to his knowledge