The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-16
SHIPPERS HAVE A CARD
1T MAY BE PLAYED IN THE CITY
COUNCIL TONIGHT.
Objection Made to Freight Provisions
I'm the Standard Interurbnn
Franchise.

new feature of the interurban railway
situation will develop in the Council to-
night if Councilman Sourbier introduces
his amendment to the franchise granted
the Indianapolis & Shelbyville line. Chair
man NegIey, of the committee on con-
tracts and franchises, said last night that
no report on the ordinance approving this
franchise or any other interurbar fran
chise would be made. In that case there
is doubt as TO whether Mr.. SOurbier will
introduce the amendment he expects to or
will present it first to the committee.
The amendment was prepared by the
committee of shippers. of which ]. L..
Reach is chairman, and will be backed by
a petition, which is being circulated among
shippers. and which. it is said, has re-
ceived many signatures Mr.. Keachs
committee objects 10 the freight provisions
of the standard franchise adopted by the
Board of Public Works and first signed
by the Union Traction Company. 1t is
held that under this there is no protection
for the local shippers except that the
freight rates established shall not discrin-
mate against Indianapolis. The committee
does not deem this sufficient, and has pre-
pared to make campaign against the rat
ihcation OF the ordinances for the Shelby
vile and Lebanon & Frankfort lines. BY
the amendment the franchise will be al
tered so that each company will be re-
quired to establish freight traffic upon the
beginning of its operation I'm the city and
that within six months il shall establish a
depot for freight: also that the Board of
Public Works and Council shall have the
authority TO say on what streets the lines
shall operate and the power TO require
vacation, whenever deemed advisable, and
removal TO other streets. Also that the
freight rates to be charged shall not eX-
ceed the rates charged by steam roads, as
provided for in what is known as the of
fetal classification The Board of Public
Works has the power 10 regulate the fire.
quency of the freight service.
Should this amendment fail of adoption
In the committee il is understood to be Mr.
SOCTbier's intention to renew il when the
ordinances are called up for second read
ing The petition which indorses 1t will
be circulated among shippers to-day for
additional signatures.
The ordinance appropriating Sl35O0 for
the purchase of ground and the erection
of a hospital for contagious diseases will
be called up IN Council tonight by Chair
man Wynne. of the finance committee.
The ordinance provides that the institution
shall be located three-fourths of a mile
from the city limits. 1t is believed that it
will pass. as two Democratic members
Snea and Kelly, are willing to vote for
IL since the clause keeping il out of the
city has been inserted. AS it is a special
appropriation IL will require fourteen votes
-two-thirds of the members elected. 1t
Is also understood that the ordinance ap-
propriating $3.50 TO the health department
10 continue milk inspection will pass after
being reduced TO 500. The appropriation
OF 5000 TO replenish the contagious dis
ease fund OF the Board of Health is likely
10 pass without opposition.
Councilman Mcfarland says he will prob
ably introduce his resolution at to-night's
meeting requesting a vote of the cOnsum-
ers OF the natural gas companies on the
meter question. He believes this vote
would be the best means of advising the
Council as TO how the consumers feel on
the meter proposition. Consumers will be
asked 10 vote for or against meters, and
II for. at what price per thousand cubic
feet
IL is understood the plumbing ordinance
will not be called up. Ii now stands on
second reading and expressions from men,
bers Of the Council are favorable TO its
passage