The Topeka state journal., 1905-05-24

the city.
The first section of the franchise
was then read. Councilman RYDER
introduced an amendment to the
effect that all wires and poles of the
company wherever practicable should
be placed in the alleys of the city un-
der the direction of the city engineer.
The amendment carried without a dis
senting vote.
Then the council struck a. snag. The
first section provides that the life of
the franchise shall be thirty years. the
maximum allowed by law. Council
man Sinner moved that it be amend
ed to read ten years
REPRESENTATIVE both from the
Edison company and the citizens op-
posing secured the attention of the
council and argued for or against the
amendment. Attorney T. r. Doran
for the Edison company said that it
would work a decided detriment to
the company to cut down it's fran
chise to a term OF ten years; that
bonds to increase the plant contem-
plated could not be hoated. He said
he understood that the company
would expend 100000 in an extern
sion of the plant if the franchise
would be granted. David Overmyer,
the people, for I am the representa-
tive of the people in this instance, de-
mand that you halt You may want
a plant in five years, you may not
want It at alls you may want a plant
in ten years, you may not want it at
all Why tie your hands? There can
be no reason from the standpoint of
the people, from the standpoint of the
taxpayers of this city. If you grant
this first section of the franchise as it
stands YOU might as well grant the
whole franchise. The gist of the
franchise is contained in this first sec
ton. It represents a virtual monOp-
oily. Great changes and improve
a. 1r,1. H., l.
Why tie the city to a monopoly"
It was then 11:20, and the council
decided to postpone further consider
alton of the franchise until Friday
evening.
Personal feeling crept into the dis
cussion during the evening. T. F.
Doran intimated that the resolution
introduced by Councilman Green was
drawn up by some other person and
that there was a sinister motive back
Of the investigation proposed by the
resolution. Councilman Green arose
to defend himself: 'I have nothing to
be ashamed of. L am the sole author
of that resolution and introduced it
with no other motive than it express
es think my record here in the
council and my record as business
man have both shown that I am above
board" Attorney Doran apologized.
Overmyer and Doran in an inter
change of hostilities so far forgot
themselves as to become ensnared in
a political dispute over the issue Of
Mr.. Green's Resolution.
The resolution introduced by Coun-
Gilman Green follows:
In order to frame a franchise ordi-
nance, the terms of which will be fair
and equitable alike to the Edison Elec-
tric Illuminating company and the
citizens of Topeka it is necessary that
the mayor and council have thor
ough knowledge of all matters per-
tanning to the financial conditions and
the assets, capital invested and profits
Eof said company; therefore, be it
Resolved by the mayor and council
of the city of Topeka, that the Edison
Electric Illuminating company be and
is hereby requested to furnish within
five days q detailed statement show
ing the following items and facts:
1. Capital stock at time of incor-
,. The present pcapital stock.
3. The stock actually subscribed
and paid for IN cash and the amount
thereof.
owned by said company and the actual
cost thereof.
5. All items Of personal property
now owned by said company and the
actual cost thereof.
6. The gross earnings and receipts
each year during the last five years.
Z. The expenditures of said COM
pany for all purposes for each year
during the last five years
8. The amount paid in cash for in
terest charges on stock for each year
during the last five years
g. Amount paid in cash dividends
during each year for the last five years.
10. Amount of stock dividends declar-
ed to the shareholders during each
year for the last five years.
IL. Amount of bonded Indebtedness,
membranes on real estate or plant.
T. Name and the address of each
shareholder of the stock of said COM
pany and the number of shares of stock
held by each shareholder and be it fur
theT
Resolved, That the Edison company
be and is hereby requested to permit a
committee of the council assisted with
or without an expert accountant to ex-
anime all of said company's books of
accounts. papers. files. etc, covering a
period of five years in order to ascertain
the actual cost of manufacturing cleo
tric current.
A large number of interested citizens
were present last night and applauded
vociferously every time a point was
scored. The mayor was called upon
several times to insist upon quiet.