The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-02-08
MAYOR PLANS new Bill
CITY WILL BE GIVEN AUTHORITY TO
ORDER TRACK ELEVATION.
Measure Contemplated Will Not
Arouse Hostility OF Railroads.&c..
VI. Johnson's Resolution.

Mayor Bookwalter talked TO the Board OF
Works yesterday about urging legislation
90 give the city ample power to abate all
Embarrassing dangers. The mayor is not
IN favor OF the Bamberger bill, because ii
throws one-ifth of the cost on the city.
Legislation. the mayor thinks, is necessary
20 give the findings Of the Embarrassing
commission force and effect IN case the
railroads. having reached a new position in
the controversy by the defeat of the city's
claim OF power under the present law, de-
sired TO withdraw their acquiescent pres
ence before the commission.
The mayor also visited the Commercial
Club yesterday and asked it's legislative
committee to interest itself In the subject.
Later in the day the mayor and William
Fortune arranged meeting for to-day to
discuss the preparation of law that will
give the city ample authority to act on
the Embarrassing problem This authority
Is to be general. No specific remedy will
be included in the law, but the intent is to
60 provide that the city may exercise what
ever authority may be needed. BY this
means the problem will be I'm the hands Of
the city TO work out 10 its own satisfaction.
The plan also cOntemplates the prepara-
tion OF bill that will not meet with hos
made TO have the proposed measure made
satisfactory to them, so that when IL is
presented to the Legislature there will be
no antagonism.
DISCUSSED LEGAL STATUS.
The grade-crosing commission In part con-
sidered the legal status OF the problem at
yesterdays session. Eudorus NJ. Johnson
introduced resolution. which. he said. had
for it's purpose information for the conf
mission whether 1t recommended legisla-
ton or not The members did not express
any views on the question further than to
unanimously adopt Mr.. Johnson's resolu-
ton. This follows:
Whereas, 1t has been decided by the
Supreme Court that the city OF Indian
general separation of the grades OF the rail-
roads and street crossings by elevation or
otherwise within the city:
whereas. 1t will be necessary to any
compulsory separation of such grades that
proper legislation be enacted; and,
Whereas. This commission has under
taken an investigation OF the entire subject
or grade-croSsings,
Therefore Be 1t resolved, that immedi-
ate investigation be made by this commits
sion of the legislative enactments OF other
may be sought from the Legislature now In
session and especially that IL may be ascer-
tanned, nrst, What provision should De made
for ascertaining and compensating both d.
rect and incidental damages occasioned by
such separation; second, what division, If
any. OF the cost and damages of such
railroads. the property owners beneficially
affected, and the city; and third, the time
within which such separation may reason
ably be required
PUBLIC DISCUSSION.
The commission asked william Fortune,
who was present. II he had the laws sought
by the commission. He said he had many
and would be glad TO tender them to the
board for use. Mr.. Johnson said the laws
were for public discussion through the
newspapers. as well as for the information
Of the commission Secretary CARRIER OF
the commission, was instructed to enter
into correspondence TO carry out the pur-
nose OF the resolutions.
The Merchants Association committee
was not prepared for yesterdays meeting
and another date-neXt Thursday-was set
for fl. The only organization TO appear
was the South Side Improvement Club
which Valentine Bachman. Councilman c.
J. Il. Meyer and James L. Reach represent
ed Mr. Meyer presented the resolutions
adopted at Friday nights meeting indorsine
elevated tracks and inviting the city en-
gineer and the railroads TO submit plans
Mr. Reach made a few remarks. sayine
that the spirit OF the meeting was TO rec
ognize the largeneSS Of the problem before
tie commission and 20 gladly give any as
sistance IL could &c the commission. Chair
man Bennett said when the commission
had plans before IL the suggestions of the
south Side Club members would be sought
and given due consideration
The commission invited Engineer Nelson
10 present his plan 10 IL next Tuesday aft
arnoon- The engineer expects to be pre-
paFed by that time.