Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-05-25

NO DILAT0RY TACTICS.

Upon the part or 81 minority OF the
members of the subcommittee which
considered the Main-street depot fran
rhises there was spirit displayed towards
the railroad companies Interested tDat
was very unfortunate. The companies
were treated by them as suspicious char
acters and numerous veXatious amend
,nents were proposed. Had different
course been pursued; had a kindly and
genial spirit prevailed in those negotia-
Hons. we cannot but believe there would
have been no trouble in adjusting every
point OF disagreement. But 1t could hard
~ be expected of the companies that they
would patiently submit TO the nasging to
which they were az times subjected.
Each Of these companies has large pro-
perty interests in Richmond and neither
has ever broken faith with our city or in
fcted any lbss upon It. Il is true COM
plant is heard that the Chesapeake and
Ohio Company failed 20 avail itself Of the
franchises formerly granted it. That it
Did fail cannot be disputed. But that the
reason 1t assigns for its failure is a good
one is conceded by businessmen general
~. But whether that reason holds good
or not. the conspicuous fact remains that
we have suffered no loss.
Indeed, the Dispatch inclines 10 the
view that IT was lucky for the public that
work was not begun under the old fran
chise. Had IL been, complications might
have arisen concerning the location of
the new dam at Haxall's and the location
of the bridge which the Carolina COM
pany purposes building across James
river. AS things now stand, all these en-
serprises may proceed concurrently and
tremendously.
If, as We expect, the Street Committee,
before which both of the ordinances are
now pending. will enter upon its work in
Il friendly spirit towards the two compa-
mics. we believe all the questions at issue
may be easily adjusted.
AS we understand them, the companies
tourr the fullest discussions but they do
object 10 motions and amendments Of
sered in the interest Of delay. Again,
they do object to restrictions not imposed
4ipon other railroad companies here. And,
of course, they do object TO being made
TO incur useless and unreasonable expen-
ditures.
, The petitoning companies think they
are Offering us Improvements which will
prove TO be Of great value 10 us. They
have figured out about how much money
they can afford 10 spend here. They say
20 the City Council Here is what we
purpose doing; here are statements as 10
the franchises we wish. Won't you meet
JUS in an amlable spirit and see how near
~ we can agree?"
There is no foundation for the idea
Hhich prevails with some that the COM
panies will not discuss changes I'm their
plans. They are perfectly willing TO hear
any practical suggestion that may be
made; but they think they know the diff
ference between business-iike propositions
pnd schemes to harass them.
1t Is question of business. II Rich
mond desires the Chesapeake and Ohio
Company TO make its contemplated Inn
provements. and If it desires the Carolina
Company 10 extend its line here, let II
say so. IL, on the other hand, the City
Council IS OF the opinion that what /:
asked by the companies is of greater
worth than the companies will give IN re-
turn. why let 1t reject their propositions
Already much precious time has beer
wasted. There ought to be nc more dilly.
dallying. We would not discourage full
inquiry and earnest discussion. but dila-
tory tactics should not be counyenancsd
If we don't want the companies to spend
their money here. let's tell them SO plain
)y and set them about their other bust