The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1912-04-16

gers may know where the cars are
bound. The present system of small
signs, which may or may not tell the
destination of the cars, should be abol-
ished and Illuminated signs, visible
alike by day or night, should be in
stalled.
Only by making arrangements with
the head of the street car system.
which is controlled by the T. H l. G.
E. traction company can any one party
or corporation make arrangements for
any additional car supply. In cases
where demands are made on the sys-
TEN for an extra number of cars TO
carry passengers to and from an event
liable to draw a crowd, the local super
intendent informs us he is without
power except after securing consent
from indianapolis. We believe this
should be abolished, and a superinten-
dent placed here 10 be empowered TO
make arrangements of this nature
The local superintendent should be
empowered 10 arrange for extra cars
whenever public sentiment asks that
this accommodation be arranged Many
events. notably the motorcycle races
last fall. dangerously bordered on the
failure line because of an inadequate
car supply to carry the passengers.
The superintendent should also
have power, so We believe. to arrange
for any change in the local car system
or to make any repairs or extensions
necessary and demanded by the pub
lie, through the city administration.
We also believe that inasmuch as the
city policeman at the corner of Eighth
and Main streets from morning until
night is occupied mainly in directing
traffic, as he would not be forced to be
so employed were it not for the con-
gestion made by the street cars, that
the street car company should pay the
salary of this traffic officer. We should
also ask that this be given considera-
ton and that steps be taken immedi-
ately to have this matter brought be-
fore the traction company. 1t is also
asked that this man, who may be ap-
pointed by the traction company or the
city police board as arranged, be plaC-
ed under the jurisdiction of the Rich
mond police department, and be given
police power to more faithfully per
form his duties. This officer is mainly
employed in caring for traffic at this
congested corner, and signalling for
the street cars and wagons to cross ov-
er the crossing. AS this is his main oc-
cupation the city seems to be paying
for a man who really is caring for the
best interests of the traction company.
This should be changed.
If the above suggestions appeal to
the members of the common council
of the City of Richmond and to the
Terre Haute and Indianapolis and
Eastern traction company, we ask that
they be adopted and placed in effect.
as soon as possible. When adopted, we
believe the above suggested reforms
will do much toward placing Rich
mond where she rightfully belongs, at
the head of the state in matters of
public utility We believe that If these
reforms are adopted, the citizens of
Richmond will join hands with the
traction company and cooperate for
common end, the best interests of the
city and the traction company. These
interests must be one. Friction wears
and will wear on both, and an ADJUST
ment of the above mentioned reforms
will result in good to both the city and
the traction company. we believe.
Having investigated the situation
thoroughly and arriving at the above
mentioned conclusion. We as a commit
tee, ask that the above mentioned
changes be made.