The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1899-07-19

ways tn the City IL Withdrawn
by Tom Johnson.

Detroit, Mich, July 17.-Gov. Pingree
sustained another defeat Saturday. His
opponents have put up such a stiff fight
against the purchase of the street rail-
way system that Tom Johnson, principal
owner of the street car system, Satur-
day withdrew from the city and de-
clared the deal off. He, through the
Metropolitan railway, which operates
all the lines, sent letter to II. S. Pin
gree, president of the Detroit Municipal
railway, in which il was said that the
company was satisfied it was not feas-
ible to make the transfer under the con-
ditions existing.
This letter, in which il is intimated
that fares may be raised to five cents
straight, as the franchise permits, was
received by the governor:
Detroit, Mich, July 15.-Hon II. s. Pin
gree, President Detroit Municipal Railway,
Detroit, Mich.-Dear Sir: We are satisfied
that il is not feasible to consummate UNI
der existing conditions the plan of trans
ferring the street railway properties TO
your company. We must face squarely the
proposition which the opponents Of the
plan put forward, that our franchises are
running out and that when they do ex-
pire we shall have an expensive plant on
our hands which the opponents of the plan
say they can compel us to sell at a ruinous
sacrifice unless we are willing 10 accept a
new franchise on their terms.
I'VE must so manage the railways In the
meantime as, If possible, to prevent the
loss so threatened. Low fares and short
franchises are Incompatible IL railways are
TO be run for profit as private enterprise,
as truly so as low rents and a short-term
ha a a
Majestic were put up by a tenant on leased
land. In bringing our negotiations 10 an
end we thank you heartily for the courtesy
and fairness which you have shown to us
throughout. Yours truly,
METROPOLITAN RAILWAY CO.,
by Bernard Clark, President"
The superintendent says he has re-
ceived no instructions TO raise the fare.
The threat in the letter TO return to
straight five-cent fares does not cause
much commotion. 1t is realized it is in
Johnson's power to charge five cents
straight, but by doing so the lines would
only further antagonize the people and
rouse them to force the council to make
it expensive for the company in many
ways, besides keeping alive the feeling
on the franchise question.
Judge Speed says that so far as Gov.
Pingree is concerned the whole plan is
to be abandoned. He was asked Satur-
day noon if any new move was in con-
temptation by the interests he repre-
sents before Tuesday. mo further
move will be made" he said.
"What will be done after Tuesday
night, in the event that the veto of the
mayor is sustained ?"
Nothing will be done. The whole
effort will be abandoned"
The citizens committee is not taking
il for granted that the scheme has been
downed but will keep up an organiza
ton, so as to be ready with its firing
line should the battle be renewed.
Detroit, July 10. - Three-cent fares,
with transfers on all lines, went into
effect Friday, and the change did not
create the sensation expected. From
inside sources il was learned Mr.. John
son was opposed to the reduction, but
his objections were overcome by Gov.
Pingree and his associates. They adj
vanced the argument that the people
could not withstand the cheaper fares,
and that they would Immediately be-
siege the aldermen to pass the security
franchise over the mayors veto, and
also enact into law the working fran
chise under which the incorporators
wish to operate the roads.
Gov. Pingree issued two circular pro-
nunciamentos which were distributed
on the streets by boys. In the first he
attacks the newspapers, claiming that
they are bought up by capitalists to
oppose his plan, and that the enemies
of the people" control every utterance.
He says they never have given him
chance, not even when he has offered to
pay for his matter as advertising. The
second one deals with the financial side
of the street railway deal and tries to
show how easy the plan may be made 10
work.
Fee Grabbing stopped.