The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-09-02
sapiN STREET SPUR TRACK
Tha aaesfioa Considered al Special
Council Meeting arguments Pro and
Con.
B special meeting of City Council
was held at 6 O'clock P. m., last Frl-

special meeting of City Council
vas held at 6 o'clock P. m., last Frl-
day.
Present Mayor Stuckey, Aldermen
s Boyle, Dick, W. H. Epperson, u.
g. Epperson, Finn, Hurst and
Schwerin.
The order of business vas the fur.
ther consideration Of the request OF
Mr.. " a. Bowman and associates
for she privilege OF running a spur
track from the a. 6. L. Railroad,
across HarYin street, into the prem
ises now occupied by the Episcopal
Church where they propose to estab-
Hish a wholesale commercial business.
Dr Walter Cheyne and A. s..
China, Messrs. B. Divine, j.. h.
Wstherspoon, r. n GenGry, j. Il.
Ligon, D. China and B D. Cuttino
were present to protest against grant
ing the privilege.
Dr.. Cheyne submitted petition
signed by property owners and resi-.
dents Of the city whose rights ana
property they claim will be damaged
by the proposed track on account OF
the danger to persons and vehicles
passing to and from the a. Y. =. de.
pot, and by reaosn OF the reductlon OF
property values which will result. he
s said to build this track would De
eauiEalent to condemning private
property without compensation. Resl-
dents Of The Immediate vicinity Wouid
have 20 abandon their homes at
personal sacrifice. Council are the
guardians Of the public interests and
should act cautiously. He could see
no benefit to the city; and these busI-
ness men might obtain entrance from
another direction.
Mr. ~ a. Bowman expressed the
opinion that there would be rather an
Increase than a decrease OF values by
reason Of the location Of q Wholesie
honse at that point and building the
spur track as was proven by past ex-
pariences. The ansici pased noise and
danger was more Imaginary thsn real.
There would probably be not more
than Is or 20 minutes shifting eacn
day, which could be done at night or
at such times as would be OF least m.
convenience to the public. He
doesn't see why this would drive peo-
ule from their homes. This would
Be no more dangerous than a street
car crossing, and nearly all cities have
railroad tracks through their streets.
He thinks in ten years, with proper
announcement, there will be a dozen
wholesale houses in that section
which IS about the only available To-
cation for them. If Sumter doesn't
encourage an extension and enlarge
ment of her commercial Interests
other towns will grow and prosper on
what she rejects. As business grows
business houses: otherwise Sumter
had as well build fence around is 20
keep business out.
The matter was discussed fully by
the Gouncil and citizens.
Alderman Dick said ne was not
prepared TO vote intelligently on the
question and moved that action be
Dossoned until O'Clock p NJ, Sep
tember I'd and that Mr.. Bowman be
reouested TO have a survey made and a.
Nap showing exact position and dlrec-
ton Of the track. This motion, pre-
vailed.
De. Chsyne reminded Council that
the question was not whether the
track be in straight line crossing the
street at right angles, or crossing
oblienely, or IN q curve, but whether
any track Of any description should be
allowed across Haryin street.. He and
his fellow petitioners were opposed TO
any sorts of track
Council then adjourned to meet at 8
p. N. September I'd.