The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1910-06-23
MAY TAKE
OFF ICES
To GARY

On account OF the inability to secure
certain land grants at Joliet, the Elgin,
Joliet and Eastern. Railroad. Joliet's
second largest employer of labor, is
seriously contemplating moving it's
general offices, shops and yards to
Gary.
five thousand dollar expenditure
for extension Of yards and shops was
authorized by the road few months
ago. but work is held up by the dispute
and General superintendent P. f Nc
Manus said today that a complete
transfer to Gary was seriously contem-
plated.
Gary has the facilities and we can
get all the territory for extension work
we desire said Mr.. McManus The di-
rectors of the road are all eastern men,
They are interested in Gary first, and
Gary second, because 1t is the city of
their planning and OF their pride
They therefore look at that city as
the place to build the car repair shops
and establish the general Offices"
The only reason why this had not
been done even months ago, was the
position taken by the chief employees
living in Joliet, who made II plain that
they did not car to go to Gary; that
their home is there and there they
want to live. Included In this argu-
ment. right along. has been the con-
tention that hundreds of the minor en-
| p1oyes now living here and move them
ductors, engineers, machinists and 9TH
ers in the shops.
In speaking of the situation at Joliet
the Joliet Herald has the following to
say:
The removal of the general Offices
and yards to Gary means that instead
of spending a million dollars or so for
new yards and shops and putting an
| other thousand men at work. the com
pany will withdraw that many en-
ployes no wliving here and move them
| to Gary. 1t means that instead of ar
additional 100000 or so a month being
spent for wages in Joliet we will lose
that amount of money now being spent
here.
1t means the loss of still more money
| which will be spent in Joliet IL the
shops are establihed here. The life o.
a car without extensive repairs is bu
three years and all the equipment mus
be replaces partially rebuilt thai
often.
Should the ~ reduce Joliet to
way station" there is little question
that much of the product now coming
from the Steel mills at Joliet will b,
abandoned here and be diverted t.
Gary.
The move would be a catastrophe
it would strike such a blow as scor,
of panics would not equal
The difference between the II" stay
ing in Joliet or going to Gary means
at least $4,000. 900 year to Joliet O
five per cent on $40O0o0oO What tn,
increase of 100000 a month spent II
wages means to every storekeeper
eery mechanic. every laborer; what /
means for city improvements. any read
er can estimate for himself VIVA
the sudden withdrawal of 100000
month from circulation means. will
make any person in Joliet who stop
to reflect. shudder.
The city can have the increase 70
the asking If it will close Meeker ave
nue. and allow the u" to build it
shops and yards.
1t will lose 1t and probably eventual
~ 100000 a month more at the drol
of the hat, if the privilege is refused
The officials of the E., J. & E., VIII
are enthusiasts over Gary. want t,
make the move. Those friendly t
Joliet are able to put the improvement
here if the city will permit. The Gar.
people only waiting for the excus
to force the move.
It is said that the property owner
on Meener avenue now favor the plal
of the u For some reason a few
aldermen are holding out The opposi
ton of these men may drive the rail
road headquarters from Joliet.
The opposition is not to be tolerate,
a minute longer. 1t is time for an up
rising. The council and the highwa
commissioners can settle the matter Il
short order. If they do not express
/ Willingness to act the citizens shout
gather this week in mass meeting
4 which will compel action.