Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-08-31

mOnLnS, ana VINO mas Deen ABROAD our
ing the time that the franchise discus
sion has been in progress, pompously
asserted that there was no reason for
delay. He thought Eve should act and
act prompt and get the work started"
Clark Confesses He Dossn't Know.
Altho Mr.. Clark confessed he knew
but very little now about franchises,
nor did he expect to know any more,
he voted for the adoption at once. He
said that if he thought he would know
any more about 1t by delaying action,
he might be in favor of postponing.
but he was no mind reader, and he
didn't know the real intentions Of the
two sides interested. His friends on
one side would come to him. he said.
and say one thing, and his friends on
the other side would tell him just the
opposite. If he knew just what should
be done 1t would be a wonderful re-
lief" He was not sure, however, that
the contract specified sufficient time for
the one who elected to build a new
plant.
Mccarten With Gregory.
Mr.. McCarten expressed the same
opinion as did Mr.. Gregory, and said
one that the council should take ample
time to consider. He thought the
N members Of The council had sufficient
ability to act intelligently on the ques-
ton, at least to grasp the meaning af-
ter careful consideration. but he did
not think that it was possible to get
the full import of the subject with
one or two readings
| "Squandered Enough Time"
| Mr.. Herman thought the council had
already ''squandered enough time" on
| the franchise business, and that 1t had
been understood in caucus just what
would be done, and that this UNDER
standing was exactly in accordance
with what had just been read. He
thought that the contract, as now pre-
pared, was up to both companies to
sign, and If they couldn't meet its pro-
visions, they should let it alone. He
didn't think there was any contract
that could bind them down too strong
ly. Herman doubted if either side
would sign, but the council was hooking
out for the interests of the majority OF
the citizens, not any individual.
Gregory Pins Herman Down.
Mr.. Gregory rose to assert that the
contract as presented was not fair to
both Sides He also said that the con-
tract was not in accordance with the
unders landing in the caucus, and that
the members knew it. In the caucus,
Gregory explained, it was understood
that both sides were to put up a bond
of $4,000 that they would elect to do
one OF two things, but that they would
not have to elect which they would do
until Within thirty days following the
vote on the franchise by the people.
Now the contract calls for the CAPT.
talists to elect within thirty days from
the present time what they will do, be-
fore they know what they are going
to be called upon to do, and before the
lquestion has been submitted to the
people. Gregory declared it absurd to
require any one to take such a posi-
ton Upon asking Mr.. Herman II he
did not have the understanding in, eau
GUS. as the speaker had just outlined
Mr.. Herman admitted that he had.
Mayor Has Word.
Mayor 1ngledue begged the councils
indulgence for word and rose to his
feet as tho he were addressing sem
ate assembly. He said that never 1lai
he seen a contract that gave the people
too much protection. The fault before
had always been that corporations
were given contracts that afforded too
many loopholes What Marshalltowr
needs is to put in this Improvement to-
day, not tomorrow. 'eThen you ask me
to wait for some man to see If he car
|scrape up the money; DIT is preposter.
GUS"
) The mayor said that here was {
man, standing at our door wanting II
spend half million OF dollars to Civ.
us cheaper power and cheaper light,
and gas. Why wait to see If the othe
man can do as we'll? The mayor CLOSED
by expressing the wish THAT he fopet
the council would vote down tn,
amendment and get busy to do some
thing for Marslralltowr,. Having thu
admitted that the purpose of his con
tract was to freeze out all competitor
ito his favored group he confirmed /
again today in conversation ON tn
, street.
i. Van Law Shows Up Unfairness.
Senator c. Fl. Van Law. who repre-
sents the Mcbride interests, addresse
the council showing how unfair tn
capitalists who elect to build ne
plant in that they must put up a bon
Of $150.o00 to complete the work with
in eighteen months, regardless OF in
! functions. strikes, or any other della
over which they might have no contr,
e whatever. Van Law said that half
r lawyer could delay the proceeding
a eighteen months. and then the $3.50
e 900 would be forfeited He said h
: people were not objecting to placing
e sufficient bond for the faithful pei
9 Torrance Of their contract. hut no S,
q of business men, wanting to invest car
l. ital, would sign a contract to forte
e $4,000 against an injunction ths
3 any one could bring to delay them. M
Y Van Law cited the clause in the frar
t cfise ordinance adopted by the counc
for the Marshalltown Electric, Sire
e and Interurtban Railway Company, IL
n Hamilton Browne Company which e,
3 empted the company in the event
injunctions, strikes. etc. What we Of
q ject to-" said Mr.. Van Law, "is not Il
: bond that we will do the work, but tn,
, we viii DC held liable for the hazar.
r of the delay from litigation"
It Northup Explains Contract.
: City Solicitor F. e. Northup explain
o ed that he had taken Mr.. Van Law
It own statement for 1t that there was n
n much danger Of litigation, because II
n city could not grant an exclusive fral
chise, and as far as an injunction 81
y was concerned company building
d new plant might instigate proceeding