The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1910-01-23

the Lorenz franchise case that the May
or was ordered by the Traction men in
the Council to withdraw the suit against
the Traction Company, which he de-
cined to obey He persisted in the pro-
ceeding through Looney & Scheen, and
from the ruling of Judge Murff there is
much cause for action Indeed, an ac-
ton which promises to result in the peo-
pleobtaining their right, unless thwarted
by the Traction men in the Council.
IN FAVOR OF TRANSFERS.
The Caucasian is in favor Of trans
fers, but must insist OH system of
transfers which will transfer
The system proposed is delusive.
The Traction Company intend to
have transfer stations at Texas and
Marshall, Texas avenue and Grand av-
enue, Laurel streee and Park avenue,
or Crockett and Marshall streets, at
which transfers may be obtained. -
What is the practical value of such
a system of transfers? -
The system of transfers which would
be effective and appreciated and which
the public want is the system through
which should be given a transfer by the
conductor of the car to the passenger
on demand at any point on the line, and
by this system who would be relieva
of going to the intersections to obtain
transfers.
A man in hurry would not have
time to waste at the intersections for
a tranefer.
Perhaps the intersection system is
suggested as protection to the Trac-
ton Company from people who would
be inclined to defraud it of nickel
Where is. the man of average intelli-
gence who viii willingly approve such
a system of transfers in consideration
of the grant of the extension of fran
chises valued at half million in money.
THE VALUE OF FRANCHISES.
What is the value of franchises?
In many cities and towns where the
electric system of cars prevail, fran
chises command various consideration.
There are cities and towns where the
franchises are sold outright for a stated
number of years, and there are cities
and towns where there is a fixed pay
nent to the municipalities from the
gross earnings of the companies, which
is generally limited to A per cent. For
instance, in Dallas, Texas, franchise
is wanted by company who propose to
build and operate system of electric
railway Among the stipulations of the
agreement they are to pay to the munich
pality 4 per cent of their gross earn
ings; they must keep the streets in re-
pair, not to the width of six inches as in
Shreveport, but two feet on each side
| of their tracks, and transfers to all con-
Meeting lines as the city may direct.
If in Dallas, Texas, stipulations such
as are embodied in the grant to this
company, which are concede willingly
and cheerfully, why should ne citizens
of Shreveport not insist on and demand
from the Traction Company some sub
stantial recognition besides the mere
privilege of transfers at stations fxet
by this corporation, which practically
operated will prove disappointing to the
people
#, instead Of giving away all its val
liable franchises and grants to corpora
tons, the city were receiving q per cen
of the gross earnings of the Traction
Company as is provided in Dallas, Tex
las, and in other cities, Shreveport wou1t
have some means in its treasury for i'm
provements which are needed, and tn,
people would, in a measure. be relieved
Iof some Of the burdens of taxation.
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