The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-29
ELEVATED TRACK TALK
TIE COMMISSION ON THE INDIAN
APOLIs SOUTHERN FRANCHISE.
Suggestions Made in View Of the Pc
tition Now Before the Board
of Works.

In a communicated to the Board of
Works. prepared by the track elevation
commission, the attitude of that part of
the Commercial club regarding the Indian
apolis Southern Railroad is clearly defined.
The Communication states that in the
opinion of the members of the commission.
the petition of the indianapolis Southern
Railroad for entrance into the heart of
the city involves questions Of far reaching
Importance. Upon the shoulders of the city
officials who have the matter under cOnsid-
Grafton rests a big responsibility.
The letter 10 the board states that sur
face railways are very serious menaces to
public rights: and franchises should be
granted with extreme care. Whenever pos
sible new roads should be compelled TO
enter the city over tracks already in exist
ence. That policy has been followed in
other cities OF the country. and while it
may involve some hardship to roads seek
ing admission. it is unquestionably of the
utmost value in protecting citizens from
dangers and inconvenience
The communication goes on TO say that
the Commercial Club has no objection TO
the entrance of the road because it deems
II an enterprise full OF great commercial
advantages for the city. IL does ask. how
ever. that the board take into considera-
ton before everything else the rights of
the people: and the club offers the follow
ing suggestions to the board:
Il As a first step IL should be ascer-
tanned beyond all room for doubt whether
II would be possible for the Indianapoli :
Southern Railway to secure entrance to
the city over existing tracks. For this
purpose We suggest that the board have
an Investigation made in its own way.
which Will 0lERlOEa fully the rfuhra -
powers or the new railway in securing
entrance TO the city over existing tracks
and clearly establishing the fact-if il is
q fact-that such arrangements cannot
be made.
- If a new right of way into the city
is the only means of entrance for the
proposed railway. the conditions under
mich this will be granted by the board
should be such as will afford TO the pub
lis the utmost protection. If this prOtec-
ton cannot De secured. the public should
not be wrOnged by "a grant which would
constantly work harm TO it,"
IL Is further suggested that the board re-
quire that no grade crossings be allowed
where IL is possible to avoid them. Under
a plan OF partial elevation of tracks and
depression of streets under the tracks.
grade crossings can be avoided until within
two squares of the Union Station. The
club believes this plan To be entirely prac-
tcable. that IL would save large amounts
IN litigation and continued expense for the
protection at crossings.
The commission does net have much faith
II ScCtlonS WHICH may De- inserted in the
franchise providing that tracks be elevated
some time in the future. Regarding that
point the communication saws:
we regard as quite Inadequate the
proposition 10 insert a clause i'm the fran
chise providing for track elevation at
some time in the future. 1t is contended
that this power already exists, and If this
Is true, nothing would be gained bv in
sorting such a clause in the franchise. III
the power does not exist. the provision of
the franchise would be of no advantage TO
the city until state legislation would en-
able the city TO compel the elevation of
other tracks. and IL We must await such
legislation IL would. when IL comes aDDIv
equalIy 10 any future exercise OF the
power"
The commission calls attention TO the fact
that the Supreme Court OF Illinois has
decided that track elevation as required
I'm Chicago Is perfectly legal and the court
OF this State Il expected 10 render a similar
decision.
The communication sums I'D the advan-
tages OF the suggestion in the following:
As the plan OF construction which w.
propose Is practicable. as il affords the
public. az IL viii. II necessary, give the
proposed railway entrance 20 the city I'M
der very advantageous terms. and as IL is
apOlis relating 10 railroads. We submit that
r. presents the best solution of the ques-
ton. all things considered. IL additional
tracks are necessary for the new railroad. 20