The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-11-10
LANE WILL STAND BY WEATHERLY IN WADUCT MATTER Citizens Express Views on Subject Which Has Been
 So Long Delayed TIME FOR ACTION
 ALREADY AT HAND General Opinion Seems to Be That Roads Have Had Plenty of Con-
 sideration From People
 of Birmingham

Commissioner A. o. Lane will unques- tionahly stand directly with Commissioner James Weatherly in solving the grade crossing problems here and providing l viadnets which have been delayed time and time again. He said yesterday that l force should be used if the railroads per- sisted in their indifference. their delays and their bickerings.' However, Com missioner Lane suggested an anicahle settlement if that is possible rather than hasty war which might possibly precipi- tate long legal battle.
 He said yesterday that he had been in- formed that the railroad engineers that are engaged in working out the details of the general viaduct scheme would have their report ready soon. T cannot say what they will recommend to us.p said Judge Lane, but am told they will have a feasible suggestion to offer which will be subject to whatever changes we think proper to make"
 Settle It on Broad Basis | The commissioner of justice said in speaking further about yiaducts that the situation here should be treated in a broad, general way. We should in my judgment make the railroads go over head" he said. ''Of course am not an engineer and cannot say what difficulties would face them. However, other cities l have for all time to come solved the via- duct situation by compelling the roads to build above the street. That to my mind is one of the best solutions of the whole matter, In that way we will have the issue settled for once and for all"
 The railroads and the city, according to Judge Lane, are tackling a big proposi- tion, and there should not be exacted any unreasonable haste. He said:
 But If this committee does not report soon and tell us what in their judgment should be done, then I am willing to use force to compel the railroads to give Birmingham that grade crossing protec- tion to which we are entitled. l am my self somewhat disposed to be annoyed by the indifference they seem to have dis played in many instances. There is no excuse for it except the gigantic pro- portions of the task and that should not be an excuse for all time. I am told that the report may be made soon, and then we will go right after the settlement to which the people are entitled.''
 Statement Arouses Interest | The strong and uncompromising state ment of Commissioner James Weatherly yesterday morning caused unusual inter- est over the city. The railroad repre- | sentatives that he accused of being re- sponsibe for the delay at Norwood did not come to see him on that subject, but were in the presence of the com missioner on the smoke situation. They were willing to help in that matter The officials of the Frisco and Illinois Cen tral had not heard yesterday from their respective executives in regard to the steps that MT Weatherly proposes to take unless some work is done at once It is believed, however. that the railroad rep resentatives that have caused the Nor wood delay will indicate whether they will proceed or cause suit this week. With Commissioner Weatherly and Judge Lane both disturbed over the at titude of the roads it is probable that the grade crossing issue will be brought to a climax soon. Mr. Exum is out of the city, but he is as eager as the other two commissioners to see solution of the danger, and worked while mayor zeal ously to that end.
 Citizens Express Views In reference to the grade crossing dan ger as it now appears several citizens yes terday were inclined to agree with the l commissioner chat enough delays had been experienced.
 "I think the commissioners should solve the grade crossing danger without further delay" said w. J. Conniff. There has been enough risk run here. The railroads, I am sure are willing to be reasonable about the natter
 | R. G. Pierce, well known real estate man, said: "The constant dangers here on account of grade crossings has been shown to be real in hundred horrible ways. Deaths, cripples and grief Lave come and something should be done with out further delay. If ground were broken tomorrow this city would still expose it's people to death and accident many times | before the crossings were fixed.
 | H. S. Ryall, who now resides at Roe | buck Springs, said yesterday: "The dan | ger at the Sloss crossing is unusually great. The delays there to the people who | reside in the eastern part of the city and the dangers they run are enough to cause
 
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