The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-04-17

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danger for another, viz: The danger of accident
getting down that heavy grade from the upper
bridge lie stated that the traction company
were exceedingly anxious to find a remedy for
that danger and were ready to adopt any feas-
iblc plan that would accomplish the desired end.
lie said his idea was that the most feasible plan
was to permit his company to build vadu,t
for their tracks over the Delaware. Lackawanra
and Western tracks on West Lackawanna avcrue,
which they were prepared to do at tneir own
expense: that they had asked for this privilege
some two years ago, but had been refused by
councils He said they would occupy but six TO
eight feet in the center of the avenue and wodld
SO build the viaduct that it could he added 10
by the city whenever desire as 10 close Up
the street below; that their structure would not
interfere with the traffic of the street, nor with
properties on either side. The city has twice
by popular vote refused its sanction to an in.
crease of its debt for the purpose of building a
viaduct over the crossing. Yet a viaduct is un.
questionaby the only solution Of the problem.
Recognizing the eXigencics Of the situation
the imperative necessity that this death trap
be abated before an appalling loss of life -.
CUrs your committee earnestly recommends that
the proposition of the traction company TO build
a viaduct for their tracks at that point be ap.
proved and recommend the adoption OF the fol.
lowing resolution. viz Resolved. That the
Scranton board OF trade hereby approves the
proposition of the Scranton Traction company
to building yiaduct over the tracks OF the
Delaware, Lackawanna and Western railroad at
West Lackawanna avenue, at their own expense
for the use Of their tracks, and recommend that
councils grant them permission to build such
Niaduct in accordance with plans to be approved
by councils.
All OF which is respectfully submitted.
f. L. Hitchcock, 4. b. Dunnng, G.. II. Kinslcy,
committee.
COMPANY'S STATEMENT.
General Manager Silliman said the
company was willing to build such a
viaduct and would carry the structure
on single row of iron columns or by
means of overhead stringers supported
from uprights planted at the curb. lie
could not say definitely what the com.
many would do in the matter of as.
suming damages. 1t would be so con-
structed that the city might enlarge il
and eventually have it cover the who'll
width of the street
Luther Keller made a lengthy speech
against the proposition saying it would
greatly damage the street; would not
remove the danger, but instead increas-
IL, and the Traction company would
be the main beneficiary.
Captain May, President c. Il. Dan.
iels, of the West Side board of trade
and Colonel Hitchcock spoke in favor
of the proposition. 1t was finally re.
ferred back to committee to ascertain
something definite about the damages.
The following from the Legislation
and taxes committee on the subject OF
second class city was presented by
James, II, Torrey:
The committee legislation and taxes, tc
whom was referred the quest ion whether IT wa.
desirable for this board to take any action look
ing TO- the combination with other cities of N
second class for the procurement Of necessary
or desirble legislation with reference to srcr
cities, respectfully report:
We have examined, as carefully as the time at
our disposal would permit, the present state OF
legislation for cities of the second class and
the decisions of the courts with reference to th,
effect OF the passage Of the city from a lowe,
10 higher class. The law with reference IL
the latter point is that whenever it shall appear
by Un-,ed States census that any city ha,
attained a population emitting il to advanc,
in Classification the governor shall, under tn,
great seal Of the commonwealth, certify the iaet
accordingly, which certificate shall he entered al
large upon the minutes Of the councils of sucl
city and recorded in the office for recording
deeds OF the proper county