The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-28
Decidedly "a Question, However. as to
whether More We're For than
Against Them.
SPEECHES FROM BOTH SIDES
EX-JUDGE HOWE REVIEWS HISTORY
OF THE LITIGATION.
None of the Legislators Called On to
Speak-W. ID. Bynum and Many
others Talk.

1t was well on toward midnight when the
mass meeting called by the committee OF
fifty to discuss the street-car situation adj
journed at Plymouth Church, last night, aft
or adopting resolutions opposing any legis-
lation at this time. A score of speakers were
heard, some for the bill that is pending,
some against it, and either faction seemed
to be literally backed, judging by the loud
applause that followed everything said in
favor of the new company's proposition or
contrariwise.
In the audience were many prominent
men and the meeting appeared to be fairly
representative, although there were Grim
nations and determinations from both ele-
ments, intimating that the other side had
packed the meeting. At times the ap-
plause and noisy approval seemed to be
worked up sentiment. An effort was made
by Clarence Kenyon at the end Of the meet
ing to substitute for the resolutions oppos-
ing any legislation one simply expressing
the confidence of the committee in the Ma
rion county representatives in the General
Assembly. AS an amendment to this substi-
cute offered by Mr.. Kenyon an amendment
was offered by A. F. Potts, providing for
the appointment of a committee to go to
the Indianapolis senator's this morning and
request them to draft in the bill from the
House an amendment postponing the maxi
ing of a franchise by the administration
until Jan. /, 1900, or, as it was otherwise put,
until after the next city election" w. D..
Bynum made the point of order that Mr..
Kenyon's proposed substitute was not gen.
name to the original subject and his point
was sustained by John H. Holiday, chair
man of the meeting. By this time the audi
ence had thinned out considerably. On cries
for the question a vive voce vote was
taken. The noes made the most noise, it
seemed, but Mr.. Holiday ruled: THE reso-
lutions are adopted" a moment later rec
O~gnizing a motion to adjourn. Amid cries for
a division the meeting adjourned in some
confusion. AS Mr.. Holiday was leaving the
church one of his friends jokingly remarked:
John. you decided that as though you
had been used to primaries"
THE RESOLUTIONS.
The resolutions as adopted read:
Resolved, That we are opposed to the
street-railway bill now in the General AS
sembly for the following reasons:
"First-It puts off municipal ownership for
at least eighteen years and possibly thirty
'second-It makes paving between tracks
Ud0QdIOIV Without IGgdIu ~ IFS OpCl dllOIl
'.Third~it contemplates unlimited stock
and bond watering, which is one OF the most
sFourth-It is part of a scheme to make
this city pay the difference between the
value Of the present company's property
and the amount OF its enormous ana as
honest capitalization and bonding, for which
this city is in no manner at fault and IS
neither legally nor morally liable.
Resolved, That no franchise should be
oysa n for VanVn than fvVanfW wears
Resolved, That any new contract, when
made, must be grounded upon the fact that
this city need consider no claim except that
the new company must take the property of
the old at a fair price, and a stipulation OF
that contract must be that issuing stock
shall only keep pace with the value of the
Resolved, That a low fare is the greatest
good to the greatest number, and that until
the books are opened and 1t is demonstrated
that street railways in indianapolis cannot
be profitably operated on a scent fare we
insist that no contract shall be made permit
ting a higher charge, and such contract
should reserve to the city the right to re-
wise the fare at stated periods to meet
changed conditions which may occur during
Resolved. That before any contract for
a new franchise is permitted the people
should have the opportunity to express
themselves at the polls at the next city cleo
tion.'
Last night Mr.. Holiday, chairman Of the
committee OF fifty, issued a call for a meet
ing at the Commercial Club this morning at
10 o'clock. when arrangements are to be
made to have a committee go before the
Indianapolis representatives in the Senate
and ask that an amendment be placed in
the bill postponing the making of a contract
until Jan. 1, 1900.
In calling the meeting to order last night
Mr.. Holiday said that while it had been
called by the Commercial Club committee,
it was a meeting for the people and was
open to all shades of opinion. Mr.. Noel, he
said, chairman of the House committee on
affairs of the city of Indianapolis, had been
requested to be present and explain the
provisions of the bill. Mr.. Noel not re-
spending to the call, Mr.. Potts, secretary
Of the committee of fifty, said that it was
but fair to Mr.. Noel to say that he had
promised to be present unless there was a
night session of the House. The House was
at that moment in session Neither of three
present, Messrs. Hawkins, Hugg and New,
were called upon. In order to get a ques-
ton before the house, Mr.. Holiday called
tons appearing above. His motion that
they be adopted was seconded by Mr.. Potts.
MR.. BYNUM'S REMARKS.
The chair recognized w. D.. Bynum. who
arose in the rear of the church, after Mr..
Holiday had said that while it was
the desire for full expressions, it twould be
necessary to adopt a ten-minute rule in
order that all might be heard. There were
cries of platform and Mr.. Bynum pro-
ceeded to the rostrum, as did others that
followed him. In part Mr.. Bynum said:
II believe the consensus OF the sentiment
of a majority Of our people is in favor of
securing the best possible service for a
reasonable charge. While some prefer that
the value of the new franchise should be
expended by the company I'm the betterment
of the plant and the service, others have
expressed the wish that the same should be
distribute. TO the patrons of the company
in the way of "A reduction OF fares. am
not convinced that the best interests of the
citizens and of the city would be conserved
by granting a concession acceptable TO
either OF these extremes. but that the great
est good to the greatest number will come
from the adoption OF "A policy tina will give
TO us an improved service with a reasonable
reduction in fares. There IL something more
20 be considered IN the settlement of this
matter than a mere question Of dollars and
cents.
OF those whose solemn duty Il IL TO az.
certain the facts before they bind the city
IN a contract, believe that we can secure
/ am IN favor OF a Scent fare. but IL IN the
exercise OF an honest Judgment and for good
and substantial reasons they conclude that
SO great "A reduction would he at the cx-
pcuSe OF a. hottor service than we have now,
then ] am not IN favor OF q Scent fare. A
low rate OF fare with a crippled service
would not be profitable 90 the city or eco.
nomicHl 10 tho patrons OF the company. Five
minutes time lost in waiting Tor a ear, even