The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1910-05-18


drawn when Mr.. Markmueller learned
that. in the opinion of the council. the
$4,000 would be no more of a criterion
of the conpany's stability than $1,000
forfeit money.
Eugene Purtelle, the president OF the
company. who was at the meeting last
night, stated to a TIMES reporter that
the Fayette street route was perfectly
acceptable to his company. he, too. be-
ing under the impression that the loop
clause did not apply.
On the vote for the acceptance of the
amendment, all voted in favor with the
exception of Councilman Kane. who
said that he had heard no objection
about the line coming down Russell
street. and that he himself as a prop
erty owner. did not object to 1T. All
the councilmen were present.
Mr.. Stinson said to THE TIMES to-
day:
Upon reconsideration, relative to
the loop amendment, I believe it would
be business suicide for us to accept the
franchise with that amendment. and l
do not believe that the company would
accept. 1t would be a different matter
If the council were to make it optional,
like in the Gary & Interurban franchise.
whether we should use the loop or
not"
Another Franchise.
Mr.. Kane was again the only objector
to the Hammond. Whiting & East Chi
cago railways franchise, which gives
the company an extension of 500 feet
on State and Sibley streets, from Nor
| ton court to the State line in order
| that the company may connect with
| its proposed Harvey line, known as the
Eastern Illinois. The franchise went
| to its third reading and will in all
probability be passed at the next meet
| ng.
| Il don't see why this company should
| receive any more favors from this
| council said Mr. Kane, they have
never given any satisfaction. and have
never attempted to. Their cars are so
dirty that you must almost hold your
nose while riding in them. Five or six
years ago we heard a great kick about
granting ffty-year franchise to this
company, but now nobody seems to
care. Once they get their tracks down,
| nobody can get them out Let them
| build their Harvey line first and then
| We'll be ready to grant them a fran
chise
! Mayor Becker answered Mr.. Kane's
argument by saying that he had drawn
| the franchise in answer to the demands
| of the business interests of the city,
and that the company absolutely reject
ed the first franchise outlined by him.
| He argued farther that the franchise
has a provision by which it is forfeited
If the company fails to connect with
Harvey within year. He sad that he
had put in all possible provisions to
safeguard the city.
The life of the franchise is for a pc
Rod of fortyf and expires along
with the main franchise that the COM
| pany has in Hammond
The Gary & Interurban Question
The provision under it's franchise UNI
der which it must use 6 81 inch rail now
being used, and the advisability of paw
ing between the tracks with asphalt
| macadam came up for discussion Be
cause of a present physical impossible
ty the company is unable to put down
the high rail. President Frank Gayit
was present and spoke for the COM
pany. He said that inasmuch as there
seems to be a desire among Sibley
street property owners that his com
pany pave with asphalt macadam be-
tween the tracks instead of brick, that
his company would be willing to incur
the additional expense provided its pres
| emit tracks could reman intact. especial
ly since they would be sufficiently high
for the asphalt macadam. He asked
that this provision be stated in the
franchise, but there was some objection
and it was finally agreed that this dis.
cretionary power be vested in the board
of public works.
Invitation Received
Councilman Hower's request that the
city hurry the completion of the Indi
ana boulevard pavement could not bt
acted upon for the reason that the cit,
has no Jurisdiction. this have been re
linquished in favor of the county com
missioners.
On motion of Councilman John Papp
the city attorney was instructed to tax,
up the question with the Nickel Plat
railroad of erecting safety gates on Co
lumbia avenue.
communication from the Rev. p
M Elliott, chairman of the conrnitte
on invitations. on behalf OF the local G
A r. post for the Memorial day exer
cises, inviting the mayor and city coun
ell and city officials was accepted an
| placed on file