The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1899-07-07
THE TROLLEY.

~ The advent of the trolley in Morris
county, predicted in the CHRONICLE, is
only matter of time. Had it been
possible to prepare the necessary papers
franchise would have been asked for
at the last meeting of the Board Of Free
holders. The petition will undoubtedly
be presented at the July meeting next
week.
The problem with which the Free
holders have to contend is not an easy
one. Still it might be more difficult.
The incorporators of the Morris Coun-
ty Traction Company, as well as its
attorneys, have been prominently identi-
fed with county affairs for years.
We have always maintained that the
interests of Morristown and of every
other town, village and township in the
county would be safer in the hands of a
home corporation, provided its incorpor-
ators were parties of repute, than to
grant franchise, no matter what its
conditions, to strangers. 1t goes with
out saying that those mentioned in con-
nection with the present franchise are
men of the strictest integrity and they
are largely interested in every measure
affecting the present and future well
fare of the community and county.
The CHRONICLE has carefully studied
the trolley question from every stand
point. Much can be said in its favor,
and very little, honestly, SO far as we
have observed, against it, provided the
charter under which it operates has been
drawn with due regard for the rights of
the public.
A trolley cannot be built upon prom
ises. 1t will require large outlay of
money, probably in Morris County at
least $15, 1000 mile to build and thor
oughly equip, not including operating
expenses. The investment will not pay
fair interest return for years. The
franchise that the Morris County Trac-
ton Company will apply for should not
be granted without compensation and
suitable restrictions, such as care of
roads necessarily disturbed, transfers,
effective service, etc. The question of
compensation that has prevailed in
towns, townships, etc., in other sections
of New Jersey, has been generally fixed
by the various local authorities. In
nearly every instance we believe an ar.
rangement has been effected providing
for the payment by the trolley company
of certain percentage of its gross re
ceipts This we presume, the Morris
County company will agree to do.
Concerning the county roads, we be-
lieve that they should be held intact.
There is or could be made ample road
way along their sides, or right-of-way
could be procured in close proximity.
OF course in the towns there are some
narrow streets through which the trolley
would be compelled to pass; in such in
stances, the line would naturally be run
along the center.
Take 1t all in all the trolley question
has rightly been styled vexed one. If
our Freeholders and the Morris County
Traction Company can arrive at a solu-
ton of the problem, satisfactory alike to
all, it will be the only instance of the
kind on record.
We believe complete trolley system
would be of almost incalculable benefit
to the people of Morris county. We also
believe the present opportunity most
favorable one, provided the Freeholders
rise to the occasion. We hope they will
do SO.