The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-09-01
PERRY'S TRICK EXPOSED.

IL Is now pldlTlly eNlueHl tHdl MdISucl Ily
and his traction corporation are menocuvring for
the purpose of getting the city of Providence to
build for them the most costly tunnel yet proposed
and then turn it over to their absolute and excu-
sve ownership Failing in that they propose tc
render the whole tunnel project abortive.
No particular keenness is needed to discover
Perry's perncious purpose. 1t is made clear by
every movement he has made and by every state
ment he has uttered. He has never been in favor
OF tunnel because he realizes that his corporation
will be required to pay reasonable rental for it.
Secretly it is his aim to bring about the con-
struction Of easy grade street, over which the
cars of his company be run at no additional
cost, but the building of which will necessitate a
heavy outlay by the city.
Why did he select route for the proposed
tunnel that will make it cost more than double
what it would be under plans presented earlier!
To bring about delay in the matter OF procuring
plans and estimates, but chiefly to arouse public
opposition to the tunnel scheme, because OF its
heavy cost
1t will not be forgotten that the East Side
approach committee is in possession OF tunnel
plan that will meet adequately every need OF the
East Side section for better, safer and more rapid
transportation. 1t will not be forgotten, either
that contractors of high reputation have declared
their willingness to undertake the construction OF a
tunnel according to that plan for the sum OF
S3o5,ooo.
Why, then, should the approach committee or
the city council halt all preliminary work in order
to permit Perry carry out his cunning scheme OF
defeating the tunnel project altogether? Can it be
possible they believe Perry is the sole arbiter and
that the people themselves have voice in the
matter of settling all questions concerning al en-
terprise OF undoubted public necessitya
II they entertain any such fatuous notion
they should get rid of il at once and get down
to the business the people they represent expect
them to transact with intelligence and for the best
interests Of the city. Citizens of Providence will
not simply view with mpatience any attempt to
surrender to Perry his railway company, but will
repudiate il and chastise the men who would be
parties to it.
This community has too long suffered from
Perry's crafty methods of dealing. It's streets have
been surrendered to the exclusive use of his rail-
way for which but paltry return is made. 1t is
told by Perry that the franchises secured through
a Braytonzed legislature are perpetual and cannot
be interfered with in any way.
And now he declares the city must use its
credit to build "a tunnel at excessive cost and
turn II over to his traction company, which is to
enjoy perpetual and exclusive ownership OF it.
This is piece of impudence that will not be
tolerated 1t is predicated on Perry's brazen as
sumption of ownership of the city of Providence.
1t ought to be rebuked by the approach committee
and by the city council, but IL they fail the rebuke
and reputation will be forthcoming from the
people
Moreover, the people will see TO it that a tunnel
is built at reasonable cost and that it remains the
permanent property OF the city. They have this
power, and they propose to exercise it. They know
too, that when tunnel has been completed they
have the power, in spite OF Perry's vaunted per
petual franchises, to compel the traction company
to use il and to pay reasonable rental for its use
Therefore, If the approach committee is wise.
it will proceed without delay to recommend to the
city council the building of tunnel by the city to
be leased to the traction company rental suffi-
cent to pay the interest on the cost OF construction
and retire the bonds at their maturity.
Any other course will arouse the indignation OF
the people, and they will find way to effectively
punish those who attempt to ignore their wishes
and welfare in order to promote the financial inter
ests OF Perry and his railway corporation.