Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-06-21
PRIVATE OWNERSHIP BEST.
Too Much Politics for Municipal Rail-
ways. Says Oalrymple.


Philadelphia, Pa, June l4.-Com-
ing to this country an ardent
advocate Of municipal ownership OF
street railroa, 5, and at the speciai
invitation of Mayor Dunno Of Chicago,
James Dalrymple Of Glasgow says lie
has seen enough to be convinced tnat
municipal ownership will never 10 in
republic, and that it is one of the
greatest dangers with which the peO.
pie OF this country must contend.
To put street IA lroads. gas works.
telephone cOmpanie, and kindred con
Germs under municipal ownership" lie
said, would be to create a political
machine in every large city that
would be simply impregnable. These
political machines are already strong
enough with their control Of police.
men, firemen. and other oficeholders.
IF, in addition to this, they coula
control thousands Of men employed ia
great public utility corporations.
political machines would have power
tlat could not be overthrown.
came to this country a firm believer
in public ownership and upon the
special invitation of Mayor Dunno to
advise him uopn the Chicago situa-
ton. What 1 have seen here. and I.
have studied the situation carefully.
makes me realize that private owner
ship under proper conditions is far
better for citizens of American cities
| have so told Mayor Dunno. He is
disappointed, of course. / am not
sure that he agrees with me at all,
nevertheless by investigation. not
alone Of conditions in Chicago. but in
every great American city, has borne
upon me with finality that there is no
greater menace II your republic than
this idea of municipal ownership.
Understand me, l stun believe in pub
lie ownership of public utilities. but
not for America. You are too impreg-
mated with politics. Your government
is politics. What is good for Glasgow
on another municipal condition is not
good here. | rs to America think.
ing | might p. | see my duty is
to warn you against the greatest ideal
of my life and what believe is the
greatest municipal ideal. But there
must be a revolution in political con.
dition in America before It can fit in
he q"
Mr.. Dalrymple came to Philadelphia
to attend the last days session of the
executive committee of the American
Stree Railway association. In the
afternoon he was the guest of PresI
dent Parsons of the Rapid Transit
company and took a trip over a large
part or the Philadelphia street rail- /
road system In private car. Short, |
before midnight he LEFT for New York /
to make study of conditions there |
Spvak,n" OF what he believes to be |
the best luton of the public fran.
chise question In this country, the
Scotcnuan. who is president of the
corporation of tramways OF Glasgow, /
said
In America | should advise ali
cities &c sell their franchises upon the |
best possible terms and protect the
city by drawing up short leases. With
q short lease the city will ALWAYS be in /
a position to exercise a cor. sctive In /
fuence upon Corportions II public
rights are absolutely disregarded. /
Ions leases are an evil. Short leases /
should, of course. contain renewal !
clauses, 81 as to protect stockholders 4
in corporations who would know that
their business would not be interTered /
with as long as It was conducted with /
e proper view of giving citizens serv- /
iCa 20 which they are entitled
The American system Of requiring /
the traction company 70 be re,
s9ousible for paving is iii advance OF (
English requirements, believe that
whenever traction company gets in
proper financial condition It should /
give 3 cent fares. Once the original /
cost of the system is provided for. : /
cent fares will return sufficient .
re, vude TO make the stock Of com. (
rany attractive and at the same
time Sive the public great satisfaction /
This low fare should not be forced /
upon companies until they are in the
right condition 10 meet II. but with F..
short leases the city would know the
proper time to make the lower fare a /
Of renewal"