The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-06-11
(From The Post of Dec. 4. 1908) NO MISTAKE ABOUT
 THE GIFTS POSITION

The response of the business men of Bridgeport to Mayor Lees re- quest for vigorous support at the hearing before the Railroad Com missioners yesterday on the car barn exits was in every way satfs- factory. Citizens of prominence were on hand to convey to the Commissioners their views on the situation and the congestion which they believe will follow if the spur tracks for the entrance are allowed either at Congress street or Fair field avenue. for it appeared at the hearing that the Street Car Com pany, after annoup cing that 1t had given up the Fairfield avenue idea, had taken it up again before the commissioners.
 There was no note of dissent among the City's representatives, either official or private. The opin- ion was absolutely unanimous that the proposed plans of the Company were seriously against the C1ty'S interests and entirely for the con- venience of the Company. It was and called to the attention of the Commissioners. In all their argu- ments the representatives of the Company showed no consideration except for the convenience of their employer.
 
 it might be just so much dirt which had to be removed in order to make way for the advancing en- gineers.
 This, we believe. is grievously mistaken attitude from the com- pany's own standpoint-from the standpoint of dividends. if we come down to the cold logic of dollars and cents, which the railroad of ficials ought rightly to consider in fthesinterest of the stockholders. Here is a reasonable opportunity to fairly smeet the City and try to make the situation as satisfactory as possible.
 ,< The speakers for the Company said that plans for the barns would improve the street car service and benefit the public. There is no doubt about that. but the Company will also profit. It was held. too. ! that the Company had no hard feeling on the matter. That may be easily believed.
 But above all that. if the speak CTS represented the position of the Company. then that position does not take into the slightest con- sideration the welfare of Bridge port in guarding against traffic congestion
 The Railroad Commissioners can have no doubt about the issue be- tween both parties. The Street Car Company asks to be allowed to lay spur tracks over two heavily. trav- eled thoroughfares because that plan is at present the most con- venient for them. The City insists : that it will be a grave blunder to hamper travel in this way. travel, too. that is constantly increasing, --d it suggests to the Company a thoroughly feasible plan for avoid ing this mistake. It ought not to be difficult for the Corr-'1issioners to make a decision in such a case, that is, if municipalities have any rights which are worthy of con- sideration.
 There is to be still further hear ing The City is asked to prepare for the Commissioners a plan that win provide an exit at Gold street. There are also some boundary lines on Congress street in dispute. It ought not to be difficult for Mayor Lee to satisfy the Commissioners on these matters. He has taken hold of this dispute in so business like a way that he Is no doubt prepared upon every point.
 It is many a year since Bridge port had such a Chief Executive who can fight her battles with that pugnacious persistency that is an invitation to victory of itself.