Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-12-26
DEPOT COMMISSION
TO MEET JANUARY 6
GOVERNOR GAMBLER AND G. v.
eREss HELD A CONFERENCE
TUESDAY MORNING.

Governor Gambler has issued a call for a
meeting of the depot commission to be
held In his office at the capitol on Janu-
airy 9. 1907
g. v. Gress, a member Of the commits
sion and author Of the depot BILL called
on the governor last Tuesday and dis
cussed the ACCESSIBILITY Of getting the COM
mission together at an early date. 1t was
agreed between Governor Gambler and Mr..
Gress that January was the best date
that could be selected, and as result OF
the agreement Governor Gambler has Is
sued the call.
John F. Holder ]. Ferris, Cam. of sa-
vannah, Byron B. Bower OF Bainbridge,
Thomas Egleston, of Atlanta; w. A.
Knowles, of Rome, and G.. V. Gress, of
Kramer. compose the commission. Gov
ernor Gambler Is ex-ofhcio chairman of the
committee.
Damages To Be Discussed.
The question of damages to the property
on Pryor street will be the first matter
discussed, and an effort will be made to
ascertain the amount OF damages which
will accrue as a result of the closing Of
the street. It is probable that the COM
mission will be engaged in this work for
several days. When this work is COM
pleted the railroads will be conferred with
regarding the acceptance of the terms of
the bill. While no definite announcement
has been made by the railroad men it is
generally believed that all of the railroads
will accept the terms of the bill The bill
provides that the railroads shall pay an
nualy six per cent of the cost Of the
structure This rental must be paid until
the lease of the N. G. and st. L. railroad
on the w. and A. railroad expires.
Closing of Pryor Street.
It has been suggested that instead Of
constructing only a. subway for foot pas
sengers that a subway for vehicles and
foot passengers both be constructed. The
commission, IL Is understood, will dis
cuss this. The bill provides that the COM
mission shall have the power to. close the
street and also gives 1t authority to pro-
vide for the subway for foot passengers.
1t is estimated that a subway for vehicles
as we'll as foot passengers will cost no
more than the subway for pedestrians,
and it is probable that the commission
will decide to construct such a subway.
In this event 1t is very likely that there
would belittle or no damages asked. Gov
ernor Gambler, is is understood, is in favor
of such plan, and 1t may be that he will
recommend 1t to the commission.
Meeting an Important One.
The coming meeting OF the Depot COM
missioners is a very important one. It Is
likely that nearly all the leading railroad
requested to attend first meeting of the
commission, and the sentiment of the rail-
roads regarding the new structure can be
secured. OF course If the railroads do not
accept the terms Of the bill there will be
no depot but the rental is regarded as
being so cheap, and there is hardly any
doubt but that the railroads will accept.
A prominent member of the commission is
quoted as saying that he understands that
the railroads will come into the new sta
ton as soon as 1t is completed, and that
they will be glad to do so.
Every member of the commission will
be present at the meeting next month
Every member is deeply interested in the
question of the state having a new depot
and each man has pledged himself to all
that is possible to get "a new depot built.
During the time the members of the
commission are engaged in the work on
the new station, they will receive the same
per diem paid them as Legislators, 81 per
day.
Work to Begin Soon. <,
Governor Gambler had hoped that the bill
would pass the legislature of a year ago.
as he desires to help the state in getting
what he thinks will be paying invest
ment. The governor, however, w. be on
the commission for nearly a year and will
be of great assistance to the members of
the commission. He is an experienced
man in such work, as for a number Of
years he was a contractor.
While the funds for the erection of a
new station are not available until 1903,
it is supposed that the work will begin at
once, as several we'll known contractors
have expressed a willingness to begin
work on the structure and take the pay
ments whenever the state sees fit to
make them.
The idea of the commission is to begin
he. rorlr a. l..
said that by the time the next legislature
meets a great deal of work will have been
done on the new station, and that within
a year from next July the station will be