The San Francisco call., 1903-09-17

~ - to hear the railroad franchise sit
uation discussed. 1t was the
largest and most important public gath
ering of residents since the railroad agi-
tation began three months ago Resolu-
tions urging the City Trustees to grant to
the Southern Pacific Company on the best
terms such franchises as will insure a
continuance OF the ferry and train service
which Alameda now enjoys and asserting
confidence in the municipal legislators
were adopted 1t is set forth in the pre-
amble to the resolutions that Alameda
owes its present high rank as a resident
place to its splendid double ferry system
connecting with San Francisco and that
the future of the city depends upon the
constant maintenance Of these transporta-
ton facilities; that Alameda must look to
the Southern Pacific Company to supply
these facilities and that an assurance
that such travelling conveniences will be
permanent is the best guarantee that Ala
media could obtain of progress and pros
perity. Here are the resolutions:
Resolved. That we. the citizens Of Alameda
IN mass meeting assembled do hereby urze
the municipal Trustees to grant to the South
ern Pacific Company such franchises viii
insure continuance of the ferry facilities
which we now enjoy and on the best terms
which the board is able TO exact; and we urge
upon them the Importance or early action, as
every days delay only adds to the doubt and
Resolved. That the citizens Of Alameda re-
municipal board. and urge them to speedy
settlement OF this matter. assuring them or
the support and Of the defense II needs be. OF
the great majority Of residents taxpayers and
voters OF the city in the legitimate discharge
Of their duty
DISASTROUS RESULTS.
]. B. Vosburgh acted as temporary
chairman of the mass meeting. George
II. Payne. nominated by c. c. Valberg
was chosen permanent chairman; william
Baeher. vice president, and Frank E.
Browning secretary.
In his Introductory remarks Chairman
Payne said:
We are met here to consider the all-im-
portant matter Of the railroad franchises
DO not believe in speaking harshIy of those
who are opposing the Southern Pacific They
have right to take the stand they believe
TO be proper. They have a right to submit
petitions and urge the City Trustees to do
what they-the petitioners-bslieve would be
believe differently from some Of them. whose
announced course fear would bring disas-
to say SO. That is what We are here for to-
night All who want to express themselves
will be given an opportunity to do so.
Major Charles L. Tilden, the first speak
er, said in part:
I believe that every man here has upper
most in his heart the welfare Of Alameda
think that this gathering is thoroughly repre-
sentative Of Alameda that II Is conservative
and that II does not believe in running after
Don Quixote windmills. FOR many years In
this State the railroad has abused its power
and there has grown up feeling antagonIstic
TO it. That feeling. however, should be
curbed. II we now have the power we should
use il rightly and not abuse IT. | know that
the agitation and mixing Of the situation has
caused some men doing business on Park
street to say and do things which in their Sc
rious moments they would not have done The
railroad company has done things at the West
End that not conducive to the produc-
tion of harmony. What we are seeking now
is the greatest good to the greatest number
We cannot swim TO San Francisco. The South
ern Pacific has always done business with us
and is prepared to continue. Now is our time
to do business with the company We cannot
go back 10 the days of oxcarts and rowboats.
There is only one transportation company that
we can do business with and that is the South
ern Pacific
BELIEVES IN TRUSTEES.
CoorUe II MaStfcl road Tho foIIour;r1