The Caucasian., 1911-07-20
THE FAIR GROUNDS BOND ISSuf
AND TRACTION ELECTIONS.

strued.
II can not be charged that Shreve-
port is not progressive.
Any suggestion or intimation that
is a laggard in develop
ment because of the defeat Of the
two propositions of the Traction
Company, is repelled with emphasis
by the vote, about two TO one Ill
number and in assessed valuation,
in favor of the issue of hundred
thousand dollars in bonds Tor the
improvements at the Fair grounds
The Fair Association, through It's
directory, appealed TO the people 10
vote for this issue of bonds, and the
taxpayers, appreciating the needs OF
the improvements, have responded
iavorably and generously.
The people have been given the
assurance that the money accrulne
from this bond issue is TO be spent
by the city, for which there will De
given an accounting of all the ex-
penditures.
The zeal manifested by the Far
Association In favor Of this issue OF
bonds was simply TO secure the bet
terment Of the general conditions at
the Fair grounds, especially as to a
grand stand and band stand, pa
vilion and other buildings, which
will contribute TO the attractions as
well as To comfort of visitors.
The result of this election could
not have been more satisfactory, and
If, through their unselflsh efforts
the Fair is developed into the sue
cess it should be, the members OF
the association and the directors will
be we'll pleased and will feel some
what compensated for their endeav-
ors in this public enterprise.
If the successful result of the is
sue OF bnods is significant SO is the
overwhelming defeat of the tive
propositions Of the Traction Com
pany.
Until the election in January 1910
when the Traction Company met it'
first check by vote of three to one
this corporation had always secured
from the City Council whatever i
wanted and it is therefore not sur
prising that some of its officials ar'
lamenting the change from the OLE
system OF government to the com.
mission form, which provides a ref.
erendum for all grants of franchises
10 the people for approval or dlsap.
proval.
II the old system were now pre-
vailing the Traction Company woui'
have long since secured what II ha'
been seeking, simply for the asking
Fortunately the people have come
ID realize that franchises and Other
privileges have value, such as pre-
vail in Dallas and other progressive
communities, and the end of glvlnt
away franchises and valuable con-
tessions has been reached in Shrevel
port.
Having sustained three defeats
within eighteen months, it is abou
lime that the Traction Compan'
were realizing the fact that they caI
not escape defeat at the hands Of tn
majority or the people for any prop
osition they may desire unless the,
give some equivalent in return.
The defeat of the Southern avenu
extension is not defeat of the fac
tory site. as has been misrepresent
id in public print. The factory sit
has no connection with the propose
Southern avenue extension which o
its face bore a speculation pronotiv
Of the favor of few individuals.
The defeat of the West End lin
extension must be ascrlbed to IN
opposition OF the people to the fur
ther enereachment by the Tractio
Company on The streets and thor
onphfares. The Greenwood road
the most important of the highway
ever which three-fourths Of u
overland traffic into and out
Shreveport, and should not be er
numbered with railway tracks. 81
sides this encroachment on IL
Greenwood road would have opera
I'd against hundreds Of people WI
have invested in lots adjacent
and alongside Of the track OF Il
Traction Company known as u
loop at the Fair grounds whit
would have been removed.
II may be said that the majorll
who voted against the Traction Con
pany viewed the situation practica
II, tilslnoxed by personal friendsh
for any one connected with the con
pany directly or indirectly The O
position was suggested as q publ
duty, protest against the giSil
away of valuable concessions for
song.
III Il ii ng.sier Ia eoIlera*HIaie II