Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-02-17

which to build. Thus far we have
not found any people at the south
of us who would be willing to Join
/ in the financing of an interurban. We
are ready to build in any direction
where we can see profit on our in
vestment. For the present, however
we would not like to be bound by
any ordinance promises with refer
ence to interurbans. But we would
not be opposed to a clause in our
new ordinance providing for us TAX
ing care of interurbans from the
limits of the city; that is, we would
allow any such lines to run over our
tracks to any terminal of their
choosing within the city, on the pay
ment of reasonable charge for the
use of our trackage"
To Remove UnsIshtIy Poles.
Furthermore, Mr.. Porter agreed TO
join in the cleaning up of the bus-
mess section, in the removal of I'M
slightly poles and to replace the lat
ter with iron standards for the COM
pany wires. Alderman Elliuwood re-
minded President Porter that recent
ly, in discussing the rates of the
Peoples Power company, that some
time he might consent to a reduction
of the minimum electric light rate
from 81 to so cents per month. THE
Peoples Power company can be de-
pended upon to keep its word" Mr..
Porter answered.
Fairness OF the COmpanx.
In all his dealings with the city CONN.,
ell thus far President Porter has
evinced a spirit of fairness in every
proposition indicating the desire of his
company to cooperate with the cities
OF which 1t forms part to grow. up-
build and develop and beautify. MT.
Porter not only has been just. but he
has been generous in his concessions.
and doubtless will be CONSIDERABLY
met by the council In all the rights
that he is seeking for his company
incident to the contemplated improve
ments In this city.
It was agreed between Mr.. Porter
and the council that the aldermen
should meet at o'clock this afternoon
and go over the route of the planned
extensions of the company in order
that the members of the council might
be thoroughly familiar with the ordi-
nance in rs revised form
Rock Island Southern Right of Way.
Members of the Rock Island Indus
trial commission and representatives
of the belt line board of fncor-
porators held another meeting
with E. C. and Mark Walsh, promoters
of the Southern interurban. at the
Rock Island Club yesterday afternoon.
The Washes were made more con-
versant with the purposes of the belt
line, more than half of the
right Of way of which has
already been secured along First
avenue, and the public demand there
Is for such an independent opening
into the west end factory district.
They were given to understand that the
belt line is to be built. and that no
interference with its plans would be
brooked. The Southern officials re-
iterated their position stated the pre-
vious night at the club that they did
net wish to become an obstacle to any
such undertaking of the citizens here.
and that they would rather appear as
wishing to cooperate in such an enter
prise than embarrass It. The Washes
said that their first hopes were for a
line up First avenue, but If they could
not have one exclusively their own.
they would not be opposed to using
the belt. or of assisting in the building
of the same.
NO Joint Ownership.
Lot,
made plain, would not be acceptable.
The sentiment of the meeting was thar
the Southern should be given all aid
possible in getting into Rock Island.
Fifth and Sixth avenues were sug-
gested, the former being most favored.
This is the route followed by the Law
son enterprise, the promoter withdraw
ing when he found that the owners of
the frontage on Fifth between Second
and Seventeenth streets and north on
the latter thoroughfare to Second ave
nue. would not consent to the opera
ton of freight trains over the line
However. the Southern is asking only
for passenger train rights in the pres
ant instance, all of its freight cars TO
be taken care of on the Rock Island
tracks on First avenue TO Twentieth
street.
Preparing Ordinance.
Several of the citizens at the meet /
ing volunteered to aid in getting prop
arty consent on Fifth avenue for the |
Southern-in fact, w. c. Maucker. the /
original volunteer. is already canvass /
ing the situation and meeting
with much success - and there
IS no doubt that the use
Of this route could be had with /
practically no opposition. The people .
feel that they should encourage the /
Southern. and they are ready to do /
heir part, as is the city council, but /
he rights of the belt line, which is to /
-emain perpetually Independent. must /
not be transgressed. The Messrs /
Walsh said they would Immediately |
prepare an ordinance for both First /
and Fifth avenues, leaving the infer /