The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-10-20
THE BAY STREET TRACK.
Council Likely 10 Grant the Fran
chise, Mayor Myers Says.

Council Likely TO Grant the Fran
chIse, Mayor Myers Says.
The City Council will probably meet next
Tuesday for the purpose of taking under
consideration the applications of the Cen
trail of Georgia Railway, and the Georgia
and Alabama Railway, for perm ssion to
place their tracks on Boy street, west of
the City Exchange, and in such other
streets as may be necessary to use in
reaching Bay street.
Mayor Myers said yesterday that he
thought it very likely that the matter will
be taken up Tuesday. The Representatives
of the two railway companies and the
property owners and business men on Bay
street, viii be invited to be present. The
petitions have been referred to the Commit
lee of the Whole, but the Mayor said that
the meeting would doubtless be open TO
the public in order that all who are in
terested may be present.
Mayor Myers is sa tisfied that the desired
franchise will be granted to one of the
companies under proper restrictions, it be-
ing the desire of the business men aud
property owners on Bay street. west of the
Exchange, thai the contemplated facilities
should be provided, and there seeming to
be no good reason why the work should
not be allowed.
The franchise will not be granted with
out conditions attached" said the Mayor.
II do MOI think we should sell the fran
chise to the highest bidder or place a stin-
ulated price upon it, 1t would be no more
than right, however. to require the COM
pany obtaining the franchise to pave the
streets along which il passes where paw
ing is needed, and to keep these pavements
in repair The railroad tracks would prove
an obstruction to traffic in unpaved
streets, and hence paving should be re-
quired, as one Of the conditions Of granting
the right of way. Council will reserve the
right to make such regulations and con-
diuons as are necessary for the protection
of property owners and citizens"
AS to the requirements the city viii
make as to charges to be eXacted for the
handling of cars on these tracks, Mayor
Myers said Il think a nominal charge
should be permitted, such as is now per-
mitted on River street, for instance, where
the charge is 81 per car Merchants should
also be allowed twentyfour hours for I'M
loading. The company controlling the
franchise, will be required to handle the
cars of ether companies"
Alderman George w. Tiedeman said that
he would vote for the Bay street franchise
provided strict conditions and restrictions
are imposed upon the company, to when
il was granted, so as to insure the fullest
possible advantages to the merchants in
the territory reached by the lines. and at
the same time insuring the utmost posi-
bic protection 10 citizens. The company
should be required 10 submit its plans 90
Council for the latter's approval, before
being permitted to undertake the work.
Spur tracks should be provided TO all bust
ness houses desiring them.
II think cars should be delivered on
Bay street without charge for transfers."
said Alderman Tiedeman.
The Georgia and Alabama Railway has
filed plat with Council. showing the route
and plan of tracks which IL desires to use
Capt. w. W. Macka1, who has represent
ed the Georgia and Alabama in this mat
ter, is now in New York, but is expected
back the early part Of next week.