The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-16
THE INTERURRAN FRANCHISES.

The city is 10 be congratulated on the
final settlement of the interurban railroad
franchise question upon so satisfactory a
basis. No single event in the history of
the city has involved more important and
practically beneficial results than this one.
1t has been somewhat protracted, but not
more so than the interests involved re-
quired. AS the franchises were TO be for a
long term Of years it was important that
every point on both sides should be plainly
stated and duly safeguarded. 1t is matter
for public congratulation that this has
now been done in a manner satisfactory TO
all interests. thus. it is hoped, insuring
hearty cooperation in a joint enterprise of
great magnitude and involving results be-
yond the limits Of computation at the
present time. The immediate effect is TO
secure for the city a new system of trans
portation second only in Importance TO that
which has already made it one of the great
est railroad centers Of the country. What
the steam railroad system has done for the
city in the past in the way of contributing
to its prosperity, the new electric system
will do in the future to an extent probably
not yet conceived of by any person. Start
ing with eight lines, it will soon have sew
eral more. every one Of which will be a
new and independent factor TO the city.
These lines traverse portions of the State
already populous and constantly becoming
more so. and pass through many towns
and cities whose residents will be glad to be
brought into closer connection with the
capital. Entering the city on a plane of
equal rights and under a common terminal
management, they will each be actuated by
a common motive of building up their own
business and contributing to the success
Of the Terminal Company. In doing this
they will contribute to the prosperity of
the city with cumulative effect from year
to year. From the very start they will
bring hundreds of thousands of people and
millions of dollars TO the city every year,
and this in a constantly increasing vol
ume. Nor will this city alone be the
gamer. The interurban roads will add to
the value of every acre of farm land
through or near which they pass, and viii
| NOIlIlDQlt III many ways 10 the comfort
and convenience of the residents I'm the
cities and towns they reach. From a mora
point Of view they all tend to promote
better acquaintance among the people o.
the sections they traverse and produce q
sort of social solidarity that only comes
from personal contact. The great inter.
urban terminal station in this city. the
first of the kin TO be erected in the world
will be a sort of social clearinghouse fol-
a large extent of country and a vast pop
ulation. Before the franchises now granted
will end the population of this city and o.
all the area traversed by these roads viii
have more than doubled and their bust
ness will have increased i'm a still greater
ratio. Business makes business. and Their,
need be no fear that there will not b,
enough for both the steam and the electri,
roads. If the former lose something IN
local traffic they will gain in through
traffic. and people who make short trip.
will wish 10 make longer ones. If tn,
electric system causes some disturbanc,
in existing relations it will be only TEN
porary, and as soon as conditions have
adjusted themselves 10 the new order o
things there will be business enough 70
both and for all. The negotiation that hai
resulted in bringing about this settlemen
is the most important that has ever beer
conducted by a municipal administrator
and it's successful conclusion opens up
new era of prosperity for the city an,
country.