The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-10-19
GOOD FOR MAYOR HEAD.

OVO0 1O0 040 i V4 LINZ NJ
Progressive and we'll governed cities
have quit giving away franchises. They
are requiring the owners of street car
expenses of city government. The policy
of giving franchises to street car COM
panies in growing cities has enriched
a few men at the expense of the whole
community.
Mayor Head, of Nashville, Tenn, has
lust effected a settlement with the
street railway companies, as compro-
mise decree of litigation between the
city and the street railway company.
that has won for him first place among
Southern Mayors. Upon his election as
Mayor, Mr.. Head began suits to forfeit
the charter of the street railway COM
panies for causes deemed by him suffi-
cient and to prevent the consolidation OF
companies without the authority of the
city and without paying the city for the
franchise. The litigation has gone on
several years, the city losing some of its
contentious and gaining others. The mat
ter became an issue in city politics ana
the people supported the progressive and
determined Mayor in his just conten-
ton. His opponents said the litigation
would drive capital away from Ten
nessee and work serious wrong to vested
interests. Mayor Head knew he was
pursuing policy that was just to the
railroads and demanded by his oath TO
regard every interest and right of the
municipality, and he has won his fight.
His strenuous contest for the right TO
tax franchises and to make the city
bigger than the street car companies
has been won, though in the settlement
some concessions were made. The Nash
Vile News thus states the agreement
reached:
BY terms of the settlement the city
secured the recognition OF the right 10
purchase the street car system at any
time after twenty years; also guaran-
tee that the company will expend not
less than $1,000,000 in the improvement
of the system; also the donation OF
mark at a cost of $125,000, and the pay
ment to the city of 2 per cent upon the
company's gross income to be USED by
the Park Commission for the improve
ment and maintenance or the city
marks. After the company's gross earn
ings aggregate 100000 then the per
cent assessment will be increased TO
DER cent and continue perpetual.
"All of this is done without one cent
expense to the general taxpayer, anu
viii nut in the hands of the Park com
mission not less than $4,000 for park
nurnoses the first year. The company
will continue to maintain its usuaI street
corner transfers in addition TO the cen
trail transfer station.
1.-The settlement of this litigation was
.sacored without a dollars cost 10 the
citv as per agreement, all costs ana at
tornevs fees heretofore paid by the city
win be refunded, by the street car com
pany."
If all executive officers had the wisdom
and the grit possessed by Mayor HEAD
| the great corporations would be mace 10
nav inst taxes for their franchises %no
.ha burdens of taxation upon the people
would be lighter. The time IS near at
hand when men who aspire to executive
and legislative positions will not De
! afraid 70 fight the giant common carriers
| anioving special privilege and exemp-
tion from franchise tax. Men who are
not ready to make this fight ought to be
elected to stay at home. And they VIII
no in North Carolina in the future.