The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-07-02
CARS TO BE CHANGED.
New Ones Are to Be Purchased
as Required.
Expenditure of 100000 is to
Be Only a Starter.
President Baker Brings Good
News From New York.

President C. c. Baker Of the Topeka
City railway returned Tuesday after
noon at 8 O'Clock from New York. and
announces that the owners of the road
have authorized the immediate expendi-
ture of a sufficient sum of money to put
the property in first class condition
throughout.
I'VE are authorized to use 500. 600 as
starter" said Mr.. Baker today to a
reporter for the State Journal THE
money will be expended under the direc-
t1o1 Of Charles Blood Smith, the at
torney for the company. and myself.
At present it is impossible for US to
say Just how the money will be used.
or what improvements will be made. but
wolves the laying of new rails. the pur-
chase of new rolling stock and general
reconstruction of the road
There is only one thing that can pre-
that Is the granting of a franchise to
some other railroad corporation for
rival line in Topeka II such action
should be taken by the council, it is
improvements will be changed.
I'VE expect to first lay new rails on
Kansas avenue and on West Sixth ave-
nue. The 35-pound T rails will be re-
placed with 60-pound T rails, and in
place of the 35-pound girder rails, we
Will use an So or 90-pound girder rail.
These new girder rails are taller than
the present girder rails, SO that the
IL.
I'VE also expect to relay the track
to Garfield park as soon as possible
with heavy rails. OF course. it takes
considerable time to get rails nowadays,
but we expect to be able to commence
our line of improvements before the end
OF the present summer.
The rolling stock will be added to
gradually. We do not expect to i'm
mediateiy replace all the present cars
with new ones. but will buy new cars
as fast as necessary. I am unable to
state what kind of cars we will buy.
The plans have not developed that far.
We do not think it necessary just at
present to make any changes in the
equipment of the power house The
power house gives ab0undant power for
OUR needs. In regard to the extension OF
lines. the building OF the new car barns
and repair shops. I can only say that
these Improvements will be made as
rapidly as we find it. necessary.
1.-THE general plan OF the company is
to go ahead with all necessary improve
ments as rapidly as possible. There has
been no limit set on the amount OF
money which we will be allowed to use
We are to put the road in good shape
In every department.
Mr. Baker was asked whether any ne
eotiations were pending fer the sale o.
the road to any other company
mo such deal is pending The road
IS not for sale and wiz not be for sale.
Furthermore, I can say that there Is
| no possibility that any kansas City line
will come into Topeka over our tracks
/ My trip to New York had nothing what
| ever to do with either of these matters
| l went to confer with the officials and
| owners of the road, and the principal
| thing discussed was the betterment OF
/ the property"
| Charles Blood Smith, attorney for the
/ company, and one of the directors, who
| accompanied Mr.. Baker to New York said
| this morning to a reporter for the State
/ IournaI-
The company expects to make great
many needed improvements We are au-
thorized as a company to issue $50. GOT
| bonds for betterments, which will bring
the bonded debt of the company to $780,
| COO. 1 am not authorized to say whether
the company will take full advantage OF
| its right to issue bonds for betterments OF
how the money for the improvements will
be secured
THE Improvements are not being made
because we fear competition from any
| ether line, but simply because the road f
| in such condition that further invest
ment is absolutely necessary to save whai
is already there 1t is carrying out g
| plan which the company has had for some
time