Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-05-30
The Track situation.

The Argus has always believed in
extension by the city of such facili-
ties as are sought by those already
here for the betterment of their SER
vice and of holding out to such roads
as may desire to come into the city
every possible inducement. The Rock
Island has asked the city for an ordi-
nance permitting it to straighten out
certain of its tracks running along
First avenue in the vicinity of Twelfth
street. Out of this application has
developed anew the agitation of the
factory district track problem. it be-
ing held that in view of the fact that
the Rock Island is seeking accommodate
tons at the hands of the city II should
be willing TO consent in the same con-
nection at once, and for all time, to carry
out the oft-repeated promise to adjust
| the situation in the lower end factory
district in way that will give
other roads already entering the city,
or those that may come hereafter, ac
cess to the industrial center. In the
same spirit that The Argus believes in
granting to any road already here the
opportunity within reasonable bounds
| to arrange the track rights it already
| enjoys, does it still maintain that the
down town track question is one of
| first Importance to the city's industrial
progress.
| In an interview printed in The Argus
of yesterday General Manager Mel
choir of the Rock Island stated en-
phatically that the rights his company
now seeks by ordinance in no respect
involve the question of track privi-
leges in the factory district, and that,
furthermore. the Rock Island had not
only sought to dispose of the entire
question with exact fairness to the
other roads entering the city, but had
made overtures TO the other lines
which the latter have not seen fit to
avail themselves of.
/, There has been so much in the way
of statement and counter-statement on
| this proposition that the public mind is
NATURALLY somewhat confused. Certain
it is that the subject has been one of
of the railroads, whether this applies
to any one or the railroads as whole.
On every possible occasion for some
years The Argus has urged the settle
lment of this question, attempting in the
same connection to explain the signifi-
Icance and the Importance of competi-
tive tracks to the development of the
factory district in the west end, and
consistent with it's past position, in the
light of late developments, it feels
!, that the quicker the subject is
settled the better for Rock Island and
for all concerned The Rock Island de
clares it is acting in the utmost good
faith in the premises and has made a
business-like and reasonable PROPOSE
ton to the other roads, providing foi
an equitable and reciprocal arrange
ment, which, to say the least, has beer
treated with indifference.
The question as it presents itself is
one affecting the best interests o.
Rock Island, and SO viewed, it shoul(
; be the disposition TO force definite ad
: Indication of the whole matter, thus
, ascertaining which if any of the cor
t operations is presenting the obstacle tt
agreement, and at the same time Civ
r ing to any road that is acting fairly
, toward the city every encouragement
in the betterment of its facilities with
in the city.
The Argus hopes the situation tina
, has been developed will result in
clearing away of the entire west en-,
track situation, and the opening of tn
: territory either now so occupied or Sc
e aside for factory purposes in such
y manner as will result in mutual goos
. feeling, mutual advantage and mutua
Iproft.