New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-03
MAY MEET IN PROTEST.
TROLLEY FRANCHISE IN scARsDALE
ARoUsEs INDIGNATION.
RESIDENTS SURPRISED At THE ACTION OF THE
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER AND A LONG
FIGHT LIKELY.

The announcement that the Highway Commits
sioners OF Scarsdsle. Westchester County. have
given a franchise the White Plains Road to the
Tarrytown White Plains and Mamaroneck Rail-
road has caused surprise and Indignation among
the residents OF that town. Those who have wanted
a trolley road built have favored the New-York,
Weschester and Connecticut Traction Company.
which claims old franchise acquired by the
purchase Of the North Mount Vernon Railroad
from Mount Vernon 10 White Plains. The traction
company. according 10 statements of its representa-
tves. made AT tho hearings on the franchise. has
waived its claims but reapped for the pur-
pose OF meeting tho Commissioners on n fair basis
and giving them chance to draft a new fran
chise suitable to the property-owners
At all Of the hearings most Of the people upheld
tho traction company and vehemently
in its favor that when the Commissioners seemed
abou. ready give the franchise 20 its rival they
arose. stamped their feet waved umbrellas and
threatened 10 get even with the members Of the
Board at the spring election. The demonstrations
were emphatic that no doubt could be eft that
the traction company was the fayorte with those
who wanted the trolley. The Commissioners closed
the hearings. but put the decision OF until after
the spring election. Now that the election IL over
and they have been safely returned TO office by
their constituents. decision directly opposed to the
wishes OF the people is announced.
II will be strange If proceedings OF this kind do
lead to vigorous protest, and there is already
some talk OF mass-meeting to denounce the de-
cision.
A few weeks ago similar decision against the
traction company given by Highway Commits
sioner John J Creavy. Of East Chester. The
I action OF the Commissioners in both cases has been
taken with full knowledge that the traction COM
pany had the consents OF nearly all the property
owners necessary IL build. and the Tarrytown COM
pany mad practically none
the franchises were also given with the knowl-
edge that Willard Butler. representing Fox Mead
ows the Charles Butler estate had declared that
he would give consent for a road until, ne knew
that "A franchise when given would be the only one
which could he claimed on the route. The Butler
estate is valued at 81 .0oJ1N. and holds the
/ balance Of power in the value OF property on the
White Plains Road. The traction company has
/ chained that ii alone in position TO comply
with Mr. Buffers condition. for. II the right was
given TO the Tarrytown company, the GA North
Mount Vernon franchise could be revived and
under a recent decision in favor OF the company
by Justice Gaynor. in the Supreme Court IT could
proceed TO lay its rails in the road. Then there
/ might be two roads the thing which Mr. Butter
/ ana other wealthy property-owners sought express
/ Is to guard against , -.
| Under these circumstances II Is little wonder
that some OF the people Of Scarsdale are nndlne
! it difficult to understand what has influenced me
! Commissioners, II they have given franchlse &c
| the Tarrytown company The outcome Is faVorap'
TO the people who do not want the troiley. Ioi
these proceedings will mean long and bitter con
! troversy IN the courts. and probably no ROAD Al
all for a long time.