The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-05-28
BEWlLDERED MAN FRA GLESCA
MIR. DALRYMPLE RUNS INTO
THE HEARST RED FIRE.
Municipal Ownership orators Crate At
Hin, while He Looks as II He Wished
They WOuldn't-Then He Declines TO
Talk on NJ, O, as q Political Slogan

Hin, While tie LOOKS As II nc WlsneO
They Wouldn't-Then He Declines to
Talk on NJ. o. as = Political Slogan.
Probably no visitor to these shores was
ever more greatly surprised at his reception
than was James Dalrymple, the manager
Of the municipality owned street railroads
Of Glasgow, who got in yesterday on the
Campania. Mr.. Dalrymple is here at the
invitation OF Mayor Dunno Of Chicago,
who asked him to come over In order that
the Windy City might have the. benefit
OF his experience in operating the surface
roads OF his own city
According to his own testimony, 1t was
his intention to 20 quietly about his mis-
sion, never expecting that his presence
here would cause even ripple IN the even
tenor of American affairs
Much to his surprise he was the guest OF
honor last night at reception given by the
Municipal Ownership League at the Hoff-
man House. When he appeared the parlor
on the second floor was full of some Of the
loudeet thinkers on the pro blems OF scien-
tific municipal government and allied or
non-allied topics that had ever gathered
in one room. Many of them wore long
hair and practically all Of them lu1uriant
boards. The re ON was crowded to SUMO
cation and there was great r'lsh 70 snake
Mr.. Dalrympes hand when he entered.
Mr.. Dalrymple is short, unassuming
man, with pompadour hair and full beard.
As he sank into an armchair after the
handsha king ordeal a man marched about
the room and played Scottish airs on
bagpipes.
j. q. Phelps Stokes, as chairman, made
a long speech in which he painted elo-
quently the glories Of municipal ownership.
There we're several other speakers, and
each one Of them took occasion to address
the guest Of honor as though he we're the
apostle Of municipal ownership coming to
these shores with mission.
AS the speakin proceeded, MIR. Dalrymple
was observed so sink lower and lower in his
cushioned seat. 1t was apparent that he
was overwhelmed by the flattering words
that were directed at him. Every mention
of his name was loudly cheered. When he
arose to speak there was salvo OF cheers
that startled the pedestrians in Broadway.
The crowd insisted that he should mount
a chair. SO that all might get look at him.
Mr. Dalrymple reluctantly complied.
But there we're more surprises in store for
him. Scarcely had he begun his address
than the marching clubs Of several district
organizations of the Municipal League
began to arrive. They had bands OF music,
and red fire was set of outside, so that
great crowd gathered
Il am sure l don't know what all this
means said Mr.. Dalrymple. Il expected
that would be allowed to get away quietly
to Chicago, and now / am wondering what
Mayor Dunno will say to me when l reach
II want to assure you at the outset that
am not hereto talk about the principle OF
municipal ownership With that ] am not
concerned at all. am here to tell you
simple story, and II Is for the people TO draw
their own conclusions.
"For eleven years the city Of Glasgow
has operated its surface roads and IN that
time we have made the service very popu-
lar. There was no politics In the matter
at all The reason why the city took over
were not satisfied with the service they
were getting We were told in those days
that the venture was destined to be failure
and that no municipality could hope 70
operate successfully line OF street cars ,.
were getting benefits in many ways and
now we have as good a service as there
is in Great Britain.
"Of course, I recognize that It is quite
possible for a municipality to make great
mess Of public ownership and that private
ownership under certain conditions may
do better than the city itself, but the citizens
of Glasgow, feel sure. would not go back
to the Old system. Mark you, ! do not say
that private company could not 90 as
we'll.
"We are drawing AS much revenue from
operation and working as cheaply as any
private corporation could. Our revenue ia
about I75O.OOO a year and or expenses
about half that amount. We are not only
paying interest on the capital, but we are
gradually reducing our debt and LAYING
cost to liz Of the roads was 900, but
our debt now is only about -, son, 900. We
are en- dea vorng to give the best possible
service for the lowest fare and at the same
time Iiqudate our Indebtedness which
must be wiped out in thirty years"
Mr. nalrymple said that the average
fare in Glasgow was a fraction less than
two cents. There was a roar Of applause
when he climbed down from the chair
from which he spoke. and again there was
after club arrived while he was speaking
and several times he had TO pause on ac-
count of the noise made by the bands.
1t looked for all the world like an. old time
meeting in the. midst Of ,politi-
cal campaign. Those VINO coaldn g &c.
the outside of the hotel, where an overflow
meeting was held.
Mr.. Dalrymple got in yesterday on the
A delegation of the municipal ,
Ownership League, headed by Thomas
Silleran went down the bay on tug to
meet him and he was taken for an auto
mobile tour Of the city. Among the places
visited by the party was Grants Tomb.
In the afternoon they rode up and down
on the subway. Among those in the party
was James o Shaugnessy, secretary OF
of the subway. but did not seem to be
greatly impressed by the. surface system;
which he viewed from distance He will |
start for Chicago this afternoon.
"S4ND HOG" TOOK 4 CAB RIDE.