The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-09-06
PUT THEM ON RECORD.

The statement concerning tunnel ownership
made by Congressman Granger to the News-Demo-
crat yesterday will be heartily endorsed by the
people of this community for it expresses force
fully and exactly their sentiments 1t would,
indeed, be an outrage Mr.. Granger declares,
the city OF Providence to permit the ownership
OF the tunnel to pass 10 any corporation.
Nor does he content himself with expressing
condemnation of corporate ownership, but points
out the way by which the people can safeguard
themselves against Marsden J. Perry's plainly
avowed purpose to grab the tunnel if he can do So
Mr. Grangers suggestion is entirely practical
and it is that should be followed without delay
He says the taxpayers should see that every COM
mon councilman and every member Of the board OF
aldermen is pledged to vote only fer municipal
ownership of that tunnel"
Citizens will not forget that in the struggle for
ticket transfers. Ten councilmen and one alderman
was put on record before the election in November,
1901 and the result the people knew just what
the attitude of each toward the ticket transfer
issue.
Twenty eight councmen and seven aldermen
declared emphatcally and unequvocally in favor of
ticket transfers Ten councilmen and one alderman
were doubtful, and two councilmen and two alder
men were opposed. Mr.. Granger, himself candi-
date for reelection as mayor, outspoken in
his advocacy of ticket transfers then as he is now
in support of municipal ownership of the tunnel
Walter B. Vincent, the Republican candidate
for mayor against Mr.. Granger was non-committal
and evasive, much as is Mayor Dyer today on the
tunnel ownership issue. What was the result? Mr.
Granger reelected by plurality OF 63o6 and
this emphatic expression of public sentiment forced
the Perry traction corporation to establish ticket
transfers in spite of Perrys autocratic declaration
that the people must accept his detention house
transfer system or go without transfers altogether
There is, no doubt, an overwhelming senti-
ment in this city in favor of the construction of a
tunnel to be owned permanently by the city and
leased to the traction company at fair rental
Nor is there doubt that the taxpayers have right
to demand from the members of the city council
definite and distinct statement as to whether
they are in favor of or opposed to tunnel owner
ship by the city.
They have right to know whether in this
important enterprise the men they have chosen tc
represent them at the city hall, and manage the
affairs OF the municipality purpose to promote the
public welfare or to further the cunning schemes
and rapacious purposes of Perry and his traction
company
There can be no mistakng Perry's presen,
project because it will involve outlay on the part
Of his corporation greater than the five per cent
OF earnings it pays to the city for the franchises
1t enjoys.
He will go into the tunnel enterprise however
providing the city will employ its credit to obtain
the funds TO pay the cost OF construction and after
the bonds have been taken up, turn it over to the
traction company absolutely.
That Perry has any idea his proposition will be
accepted is improbable, and because of public hos
tlity to it he hopes to kill the whole tunnel project
believing easy grade street will be bu at public
expense over which his cars can be run without
additional outlay by the traction company.
The people, however, demand and will have
a tunnel owned by the city in perpetuity
Perry and his traction company may buster
and threaten refusal to make OF il but that is
matter OF no vital moment.
The point Of interest is that the people can
build tunnel and when it is completed can
compel the traction company to occupy it and pay
a reasonable rental for It's use
Perry ought to realize that the time when he
could successfully fool browbeat the citizens of
Providence has passed, never 10 return