Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-01-22

Louis Rentsch, Chas. w. Paxton.
The meeting was called to order in
the absence of President Laughlin, by
Mr.. Paul o. Reymann, who stated it's
object-the consideration of bill to
amend the statute referring TO street
railway companies.
Mr.. Joseph Handlan took the floor,
and stated that he had been requested
to make statement to the Board.
He called attention to some changes,
while reading the bill, from the orisi-
nal draft Of the measure, a copy of
which was placed in the hands of each
member of the Board
Mr. Handlan supplemental the read
ing of the bill, with a brief statement
of the object sought to be gained in
the proposed measure. He said the
bill under consideration was in many
respects declaratory of laws now in ex-
istence. The bill contained two spe-
cial provisions, however: First, to
saw 'OOohIii IIc llSHt W grant d IRAN
chise over streets, while now it is i'm
possible to do SO because of the presen.
occupancy of the streets; and second,
limiting the duration of franchise to
thirty years
The new measure contemplates no
new or radical ideas. Similar laws
exist in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Mary
land. Mr.. HandlaI was not familiar
with the laws of Virginia and Kentuc-
ky. He thought the proposed bill to
be of vital interest to the community
He referred to the peculiar topograph-
ical conditions in Wheeling and vicin-
ity. He said it is not the purpose Of
the law to enable a company to come
in, and use present tracks in competi-
ton with present companies. 1t is de-
signed merely to meet an emergency
Mr. Handlan said he appeared for the
Cadiz and Wheeling Railway Com
pany. 1--WE have a telegram from New
York to-day he said, stating that the
money is ready to construct the road
as soon as we are able to guarantee
entrance into Wheeling on favorable
terms" He said it was not proposed
to ask the people to buy stock. The
company proposed 20 gay for use of the
bridges and other rights which it de-
sires. The company already has the
right of way from Cadiz to the river.
Mr.. Handlan said he knew certainly
of three other street railway enter
prises looking this way. One of them
will connect Wheeling with Columbus,
and another will connect Wheeling
with Cleveland
If the people desire these roads to be
connected with this city, the proposed
law should be favored. The bill was
not prepared to favor the Wheeling and
Cadiz Railway Company. 1t protects
the interests of Wheeling, and IN every
instance favors the company now in
possession. 1t is uroad and liberal in
its provisions. The people of Wheel
ing made a mistake in their treatment
Of the B. & o. and are now
on a branch of the road, as
result of this policy. If the people
desire the projected roads to be de-
fiected to Steuoenville. opposition to
this measure will accomplish that end.
There is in the movement no antagon-
ism to the Wheeling Railway Com
pany.
In concluding. Mr.. gandlan asked
the Board to endorse the bill, in order
that it might be pushed through the
Legislature at the present session.
Mr.. Stifel asked ie the law would be
retroactive. Mr.. Handlan replied in
the affirmative. Nj. S'.ifel then asked
if it would be constitutional Mr..
Handlan replied that he did not care
to go into the constitutionality of the
law, but to discuss it upon its merit
alone. There is a committee in Char
lesion to determine that question. and
he presumed that if it be unconstitu-
tional, it will not be passed.
Mr.. Stifel said he thought the ques-
ton was fair and reasonable. 1t was
a question whether the Board of Trade
would endorse something it knew to
be unconstitutional, and thereby make
itself the laughing stock Of the people
of the State. He called attention to
points which he regarded as flaws in
the bill. He said the provision about
using another company's tracks is
very troublesome. and it would be
very difficult to fix the compensation
to be paid, He said the bill certain
ly could not receive the endorsement
of the Board.
Mr.. Nc Lure Intercepted Mr.. Stifel
on the question of the constitutionality
of the bill and secured from him the
statement that the question of consti-
tutionality would have to be finally de-
termined by the Supreme Court.
MIR. Handlan replied to Mr.. Stifel.
stating that he regarded the object
ions as captious. He said the bill had
been decided to be constitutional by