Smyrna times., 1906-08-01
COUNCIL GRANTS TROLLEY
COMPANY EXTENSION TIME
GIVES THEM ANOTHER YEAR WITH WHICH
TO BUILD LINE AND PUT IN OPERATION
Refuse Change From Longitudinal Sleepers to
Cross Ties; Effort TO Have Trolley to Come
Along Side Smyrna Branch Railway.

Gross Ties; Effort TO Have Trolley to Come
Along Side Smyrna Branch Railway.
One of the stormiest sessions of Coun-
Gil held In years took place last even
ing. 1t was an adjourned meeting from
Friday night to discuss certain changes
in trolley franchise concerning substi-
tuition of ''cross ties" for Longitudinal
sleepers" and for IAN extension of
ttme." The meeting, however, took
another turn and spirited discussion
arose over the route to be taken from
Clayton to Smyrna, a matter outside
the control and jurisdiction of the
town. Promoter Click of the Smyrna,
Kent County and Delaware Bay Trac-
Traction Company was present as was
also President Reynolds and the en-
tire Council. With a desire on the
Council to keep the road leading from
Smyrna Avenue in Clayton around by
Levi Anthony's open for the benefit of
the country people who wished an en-
trance where women and children
could drive to town without encounter
ing trains and trolleys TO scare their
horses, Promoter Click was asked if
the Company could not take some
other route, namely the Railroad Av-
enue along side of the Smyrna Branch,
or over part of site of the old Bombay
Hook Railroad. Promoter Click said
these matters had all been considered
and if it were possible he would be
very glad to come from Clayton to
Smyrna directly in Railroad Avenue,
paralelling the Smyrna Branch, but
this was In violation of the corpora
tion laws of the State which prohibited
two lines from occupying the same
road. Such a route be said would save
the Company from making several
curves which they would like to avoid.
Some of the members of the Council
they contended that something could
be done and asked Mr.. Click to wait
on them fow days, to give them time
to ascertain some facts regarding the
route. Promoter Click replied by say
ing such a move would seriously hand
leap him since the Company were at
the point where the bonds were ready
to be placed and the contracts let. In
fact he was due to meet his financial
men tomorrow wednesday, and
while he would like to grant Councils
request by waiting, he said it would
seriously hinder him He asked
Council to pass the amendments prayed
for and then to join him in getting the
line in via Railroad Avenue. He was
sure it could not be done, but if posi-
bic he was ready and willing to do
what he could to please the people of
Smyrna.
Wanted More Time For Considering Route.
Messrs. Stockly, Robinson and Pres
ilent Reynolds were opposed to rush
ing headlong into the matter without
first ascertaining what they could do
aud felt that it was for the business in
terests of Smyrna to keep the present
road open for teams for fear the trolley
might drive business to Clayton that
might come to Smyrna. Messrs.
Wright, Hudson, Thornley, and
Grieves could not see why this matter
could not be taken up after granting
Mr.. Click the requests asked for, as
we'll as before aud conteDded that the
trolley would not be near so bad as
automobiles which have the privilege
OF all roads. Besides they contended
that the trolley successfully operated
would bring more business to Smyrna
than it would ever drive away. Coun-
Gil finally got down to business Mr..
Robinson moved that the Council
when it adjourned it would be to
meet ON Thursday evening for the
purpose OF further considering the
Railroad Avenue route. Mr.. Stockly
seconded it and volunteered to get the |
information himself. The motion was
put to a vote and lost, Messrs. Wright,
Thornley,, Hudson, aud Grieves dis
senting. Mr.. Hudson then moved |
that the time named in the franchise of !
the Smyrna, Kent County and Della
ware Bay Traction Company be ex-
tended one year from October first.
This was carried unanimously.
Council 10 Favor OF Longitudinal SIeepers. J
With the time-limit disposed of,
came warm and lengthy discussion
over the construction of the track in !
the town of Smyrna. There was a
marked division of sentiment regarding
the. use of Longitudinal sleepers" and
cross ties" Everybody wanted to
talk at once and President Reynolds
reynolds rap for order was paid no at
tention. Finally Mr.. Stockly gained
the fioor and moved that the ordinance