The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1900-09-25
some WERE OPPOSED
objection to Pioneer Park
Grant Develops.
VOLUME OF DISCUSSION
BUT MEMORIAL GOES INTO CITY
COUNCIL TONIGHT.

i3ppOlHted 10 memOrializts the city cOun-
Gil on the Pioneer park proposition last
night was marked by an opening of
hostlities against che depot grant, led
by John T. Caihe and George Weller.
After two hours had been consumed in
discussion, both sides being well rep
resented, resolution appointing
subcommittee 20 draw up the me-
mortal passed with very little opposi-
ton. 1t viii be presented to the coun-
Gil tonight
There were not more than forty or
ntty members of the committee in the
council chamber when Chairman
George a. Lowe called the meeting to
oroer. h. w. Wilson was elected sec
rotary.
The chairman first called for the
reading of a batch of letters from some
VINO mad been asked to serve on the
committee One was from w. w
IdIer, IN Which he expressed himself
against the proposition 10 give the
railroad Pioneer park, and declined to
become member of the committee
Mr. Ritter assigned as his reasons, first.
that the city had no more right to
make grants TO a railroad than to a
bank; second, the Pioneer park was
entirely too small for the purpose de-
signed, and third, that it was only a
question of time when the union depot
would be built lie heartily favored
EAfAAAE NAC pIOulUlGTS OF the road all
the conveniences 1T needed IN rights of
way, but he was.opposed to seeing Pho
neer park go to the purpose proposed.
AS soon as these had been read,
Frank Knox presented the following
resolution and moved its adoption:
The Resolution Adopted.
Be it Resolved. That a committee con-
sisting of the chair.,Ian and secretary of
the meeting, together with w. II. Dick
son, 9. 5. Narian and II. G. Whitney, be
he con 1rr1ff4
pubic grounds, the committee on nunic-
ipal laws and the city attorney for the
submitted 20 tise city council at its n 3eyf
meeting, granting to the Los Angeles &
known as Pioneer park for depot purposes
and such franchises over the streets of
the city as may be necessary to place said
IdilrOau company on an equal footing with
the roads now in operation in this city
The grant of said square and franchises to
De made upon such terms and conditions
IS may be deemed advisable by said com
Enittee and members of the council as will
properly protect the interests of the city
and said railroad company
This resolution began the debate.
George Weller said he was opposed to
the proposition for about the same
reasons as those expressed in Mr.
Riter's letter. He did not think Pho
neer square good place for a depot
and while he was interested in seeing
the new project pushed to a success
ful completion, he could not sign a
memorial of the description. Mr.. Weller
said the spot was sacred TO him. as he
was one of those who camped there in
1S47-S.
Oscar Moyle said he was in the same
position He did not think it would be
advisable to give the road the park.
OrsOn Petit was opposed for the
same reason.
John T. Caine said he was in accord
with the proposition to give Utah an
extension of railroad systems, but to
consistent az he had
once assumed. he said he could not join
in the petition.
Colonel Brubaclr here arose and OBJ
served that the committee was getting
away from the subject altogether. They
had been elected to memorialize the
city council, and he suggested that the
body proceed to do so.
Mr.. Z.ewrence's Stand
Henry w. Lawrence followed Colonel
BruOach, and in a somewhat impas-
sionate plea gave his reasons for being
opposed to the grant. First of all, Mr.
cedent. There would be nothing to
prevent other roads coming to Utah
demanding a grant for depot purposes
He asked if there were not inducements
enough to build the road unless the
grant was made.
Judge Colburn spoke IN favor of the
project. He recalled another occasion
when the square was granted the Utah
,
ferring 10 the sentiment that surrounds
it. the Judge said there had never been
dollar spent on it in the way of i'm
provements. In a very eloquent pero-
ration Judge COlburn asked what could
be n more fitting monument to the piO-
neers. whose last camp fires burned
there, than railroad terminus TO mark
the progress of western civilization and
industry.
His speech opened a dialogue between
john T. Caine and himself, in which
the question of what improvements
have really been made on the park was
discussed.
Mr.. Lawrence arose and wanted to
know If the committee was there as a
body of citizens to discuss matters, or
IL they We're there to do the bidding of
some other citizen Then Colonel Bru-
back suggested the reading of the call
Mr.. Game read his invitation. or ap-
pointment.
George Y. Wallace remarked that all
discussion should have been at the first
meeting.
Mr.. Petit said he would withdraw
from the committee IL the other mem
bers thought he should.
Mr.. GIbbon's Remarks.
T. z. Gibbon then spoke. represent
ing the promoters of the road. He said
it was the intention of the company to
pull the union depot over 10 their de-
pot. and in order TO do that the depot
would nave to have some advantages
over the others. so that the other roads
would not feel that they were making
a sacrifice in leaving their present sta
lions. For this reason Pioneer park
would be preferable. Unless, he said
the project was brought about in that
way there would be no union depot
here, he could safely predict. in a score
of years He did not speak as II Salt
LakeT. but merely as a man femiliaT
with railroad affairs.
Mr.. Gibbon related a historical Incl
dent in connection with Pioneer park
which seemed 20 have an effect upon
the final vote. II was to the effect that
Brigham Young had purchased Pioneer
square from A. .. Smoot on June g.
1871. for $1,000. for the purpose of To-
eating a railroad station there, presum-
ably the Union Pacific.
G. o. WhittemOre followed with some
facts on the more recent history of the
square. showing the number Of times
it had been granted to ike enterprises
and finally its dedication as a public
park.
The adoption Of the resolution was
chen moved and IL carried over about
a half-dozen negative votes
WILL MEET IN CHICAGO.