Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1899-11-25
The Butler Street Right ol
Way.-Wr. Dale Speaks.


Referring to the application of the
Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Rail-
way Co. to the City Council for addi-
tional rights on Butler street in the
city, am impelled to say that I be-
lleve the Council is fully justified in
passing the ordinance. The situation
in the city, as regards railroad facii-
ties,is greatly changed since the build
ing Of the Union Depot. The growth
of the city has exceeded the expecta-
tlons of the most sangulne and proper
ty which at that time could have been
had for the asking, is now eagerly
sought for at big prices for the estab-
lishment of business properties.
Marietta is not enjoying a boom and
such a thing is not to be desired, but
che natural healthy growth due to the
prosperous conditions enjoyed by all
our manufacturing industries, with
the added assistance of the oil produc-
ing interests, is building the city up
very fast, and if we are to get the best
results for the future we should adopt
a broad and progressive policy with
respect to the railroad interests. We
cannot do business without the rail-
roads, and the railroads cannot do
business without facilities, and as fast
as the commercial interests of our city
demand an increase Of these facilities
we should quickly and cordially do all
in our power to grant them.
The low ground within the city linn
It's was practically worthless until
adopted and reclaimed by the rail-
roads, and the streets traversing this
low ground should be given as far as
possible to the railroad companies,
provided they will in turn place tracks
upon them and add 20 the convenience
of the public for the transaction Of
business.
No railway track can be placed in
this city now that will not effect the
personal convenience and pleasure of
some people. but l believe t..e time is
at hand when Marietta people must un-
derstand that the lower part of the
city, and especially that part lying in
.ne vicinity of Butler street, is not de-
slrable for residence property. 1t is
needed for business and the business
interests demand it and will pay better
prices for it than could ever be secured
as residence property
/ would probably be pardoned for
the admission that have warm side
for the railroad interests here, but /
am free to say that no right or fran
chise which has ever been asked and
obtained and used by railroad comp
any in this city but that has resulted
in an immense advantage and gain
TO its business interests, and also say
that do not believe Council will make
mistake in adopting a broad policy
with reference to these matters, and
making itself into a special Board OF
Trade for the prompt consideration
and settlement of all such questions.
No railroad will build track un-
less 1t is demanded by the business in
terests, and the more we have under
such conditions the better We are of
expect to see a large city here and
would like to see it soon. Let us dc
nothing which win in any way i'm
pede or interfere with our present
rapid growth and advancement
The special advantages which the
city will secure by the passage of this
ordinance are, first, the diseontinuancC
of the shifting of engines and cars
across Front street, which Is con,
slant menace to the safety OF our peo
Pile Second, the taking up of the
track which now lies on Second stree
and in front of the depot, thus releas
ing to the city property which has cos
the railroad companies a very larg'
amount Of money.
The privileges asked for in return
for these concessions are very small
in comparison, and the proposition
should commend itself TO every citizeI
who has the best interests of the city
at heart.
Very respectfully,