The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-08-02


that law was wiped of the statute books.
THE traction companies decided they
still wanted an extension, and while they
were waiting they let the service run
down, 30 that the people were tired OF II
and decided they wanted their own rail-
roads.
1T took wild rough Legislation to get
tho necessary law. They had 10 break
down the legislators chairs. smash tho
speakers desk and drive him out, 10 cram
the law down his throat. so 10 speak. but
they got the law on the statute books
that will allow the cities 20 own their
own railroads II the people decided TO do
so upon referendum vote.
THE people have three times on a
referendum vote decided for municipal
ownership, and I believe they will also
vote for operation when they get the
chance.
HIS OWN PROPOSITION.
81 was opposed 10 bond issue for tho
purchase OF the roads. as believe that
the issuance OF the Mueller bill GER
tificates. which would be taken up by the
people. who would be reimbursed from
the receipts Of the railroads within about
10 years
''The certihca<s have the very best Sc
curity. but rather than waiting for the
long routine OF approving the certificates,
| thought that there was a quicker way
IL was 70 get a company OF men friend
ly 10 municipal ownership 10 take the
railroads only getting a Ave per cent
dividend on their money and who would
turn the property over 10 the city where
II had the necessary money raised.
only the ~ per cent would be paid
out 10 the holding company and the bal
ance OF profits would go 10 the city.
"All that is provided for I'm the ordi-
nance ! submitted To the councils and
which they are now considering That.
too. is the plan which the enemies OF
municipal ownership heralded widely as
surrender of our principles
That same plan though has moved the
traction companies 10 apply 10 the courts
for an order 20 restrain us from putting
that into effect. That hardly looks rs
IL our plan was in favor OF municipal
ownership.
CLASSED u. S. WITH PORTO RICO.
Mayor Dunno then told OF the benefits
OF municipal ownership OF Traction COM
panies in l42 cities in the British empire,
when the riding had increased. fares been
reduced one-half, holiday and service Of
employees paid for extra, also given death
benefits and uniforms.
MY friends, do you realize that there
are but three countries that do not own
their own telephone lines Obscure little
places like Honduras and Porto Rico and
the great United States.
Isn't the United States in good com
pany in this year OF 1906?
KILLS OUT GRATING.
Municipal lownershipalways gives bene-
fits. better service for less money and IL
abolishes strikes.
when pubic utilities are established II
berry. Where have originated all the
abuses that have debauched city gov
ernors and mayors or even reached out
FOR the bench?
Where, but the treasures Of the big
corporations that operate the public utili-
ties.
Take the public utilities out Of pri-
vate ownership and you remove the
reason for bribery. corruption and Doodle
from our midst.
THE corporations are out for the big
gest return for all that Is in IL and put
the manager that gets them the biggest
dividend. The municipalities would have
perpetual franchises and would have no
reason 10 buy extensions
Another thing that the establishment
OF municipal ownership would do would
be 10 abolish strikes. Did YOU ever here
OF the policemen going on strike. or Of
the school teachers, or OF the clerks I'm
the water department. II they have a
grievance and II IL Is a just one they can
get It heard and probably remedied.
have never heard OF such a strike as
yet
I'm closing ! want TO say that whatever
certain papers may state. the mayor of
Chicago has not abandoned municipal
ownership. but is just as vigorous as
he dare be (Applause). 1t is also my
opinion that the citizens Of Chicago are
also just as earnestly in favor OF mu-
nicipal ownership and VIII sustain their
officials in the fight to get the public utili-
ties by form of law"
There was vigorous and continued ap-
plause for several seconds and Col. Brown
after thanking the audience for it's at
tendance declared the meeting adjourned.