Arizona weekly journal-miner., 1902-05-21
MORE ABOUT FRANCHISES.

The Phoenix Republican attempts to dictate to the citizens of Prescott what they should and what they should not do in matters pertaining to their own interests solely, thus re- 6ecting upon their intelligence. In discussing the recent franchises granted by the city council, that paper, as a sort of introduction to telling our people that it knows more about their interests, and what is for the good of the citizens of Prescott than they do themselves, says: s'The Republican has many friends and patrons in Prescott and admires the businesslike way they go about things generally, and feels that it is entitled to say a word in their behalf at this time" Truly, after such an affectionate greeting and solicitaous, regard for its friends and patrons in Prescott it would be an uncharitable act border ing on cruelty, were they Tot to sacri- flee their personal opinions and views on lthis matter and fail to heed the words of wisdom which proceed from this Phoenix oracle. Listen to what it says:
 "It would appear that in permitting the city council of Prescott to grant the franchise referred to, they have been not little neglectful, to say the least; although if we have been prop erly advised, they should not be held altogether responsible, as we under stand the property owners were not taken into the city councils con fidence when the franchises were be- ing considered, the first serious int nation of what was going on being the announcement that certain electric light and street railway franchises had been granted.
 "The Journal-Miner purposely, or through ignorance, is apparently will ing that the property holders Of Prescott should be imposed upon. A careful reading of the street railway franchise will convince any reasonable person that the city of Prescott, with it's broad streets, nicely graded, pre- senting, as it does. most attractive appearance, would be taking great chances if it were to permit the street railway franchise as at present en- acted to become effectual."
 Since the Republican assumes>to become the censor of the newspapers of Prescott, as well as the champion of the peoples rights here, will it kindly point out specifically the de- fects in this franchise, as well as in dicate the remedyi In order to more clearly demonstrate the alleged mis- take which the city council has made, and which seems to be satisfactory to the citizens of Prescott, the Journal Miner would suggest that the Re publican take the franchise of 1892 and publish it as standard of compar- ing this recent franchise. The former franchise seemed to be acceptable to the citizens of Prescott, as no object ions were made to it, even by those who are dissatisfied with the present one. That one provided years tax exemption, which the present one does not, which is one point in favor of the late franchise.
 No man can truthfully say that the Journal Miner has ever been found ir opposition to the rights and interest: of the people of this city and county as it conscientiously understood them It espouses the cause of the present franchise because it believes tha it is step forward in the line of pro gress, and in keeping with the othe conditions existing here. It fails tC see wherein any of the rights of prop erty holders are prejudiced. A mer' general attack on the franchise is no convincing to it or to the public. l there is anything radically wrong with the franchise let it be specificall, known.
 Let it be pointed out wherein it i so much worse for the people thai that 1892 franchise and wherein tn, peoples interests were safe guardet in it and neglected in this. As al ready stated by this paper, fac -hich every business man knows,
 ,neet railroad franchise in a tow containing population of 5000, i which the most remote boundaries c the citE are not to exceed half mil apart, is not thing of value. In thi particular instance it is proposed use it as an adjunct to an outsid electric road, and the city can scarcel expect to obtain concessions froI what may be done outside of its col porate limits. When Prescott ha grown to five times its present sig unless it's experience differs from thf of other citiss, even then street raj road franchise would not be coDsic cred such an extraordinary valuabl