The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-02-10
HAS I. G. R. I. A
COUP IN STORE?
IT SHOWS INCLINATION TO FIGHT
FOR LAKE LINE.
Attorneys for the Company Were Busy
at Excelsior Yesterday - Believed
That Tt Has Much Property Avail
able and That It May Rush Work to
Head Off Competitor.

A race for territory on which to
build trolley line from Minneapolis
to Excelsior seems to have been started
Immediately upon the return, few
days ago, Of G. G.. Goodrich, vice presl-
dent of the Twin City Rapid Transit
company. Developments indicate that
that company has no intention OF CIV
ing up its oft.discussed plans of build
ing to Minnetonka because Messrs. 2.
tanned franchises from Excelsior and
Hopkins, but, rather, that it purposes
to block the scheme and construct the
suburban road itself.
Apparently the street railway COM
pany sees that it had been caught nap
ping. To make up for lost time the
legal and executive departments have
been working overtime and plans are
being evolved to offset advantages
gained by the promoters of the pro-
posed Minneapolis Mankato line.
Yesterday attorneys Of the company
were in Excelsior carefully examining
the council proceedings relative to the
granting Of the Kenaston-Phelps fran
chise, and were also in consultation
with leading residents who opposed the
granting Of the franchise. The work
was done thoroly, but in a manner that
prevented the disclosure OF the purpose
Of the visit. =
From statements made, however, by
those who have been close to the COM
pany's plans for suburban lines. 1t IS
gathered that the twin city company
is contemplating q grand coup. For
several years the company has. been
making surveys and getting careful es,
Inmates of cost, and it is understood
that if it desired it could begin laying
tracks at a moments notice.
There is no doubt that Minnetonka
connections with the local lines have
received careful consideration. Gener-
al Manager Held said at the Excelsior
council meeting last Saturday night
that the matter had been considered by
| the directors in New York last month,
and that if time were granted Tor MI;
! Goodrich IS return, a definite propose
could be made. Time was not granted
however, and it is believed that the
company will work out it's plans WITH
out taking the public into its confidence
In a very short time Minnetonka resi-.
dents may realize that the promise
made by MI. Lowry many times to ex'
tend the lines to the lake will be full
filled.
It is said that the Twin City compa
ny will condemn a right of way, hav
ing secured options on private property
which will make it Independent of vii
lage councils and officials, and as soon
as there is danger Of the Minneapolis
city council granting the new company
the use Of any Of the city streets, ii
will go ahead and have line to the
lake before it's rival company has time
to place orders for supplies.
There is no doubt that big fight
will be put up by the Twin City in the
council to prevent the granting Of per
mission for the use of certain streets
that would give the new company &C
cess to the business center. The Elk
celsior ordinance makes this one of thu
conditions to the granting Of the fran
| chise. ~. ..-.