Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1912-09-28
LYON AND RAMSEY MIX
EXCHANGED nor WORDS OVER
fKOGIiItSs on TIiE PROPOs-
ED FRANCHISE
A PECULIAR FRANCHISE
Under II MI Profits Would 60 for tho
tso OF The sands Springs chill
drcn's Home.

Charslng delay for some reason
unknown 10 him, ana very evidently
limiting at the thwarting OF an early
election call, Thomas D. Lyon, rep
resonung the Sand Springs Railway
company, had quite lively tit with
John r. Ramsey city attorney. be.
fore tho city commission yesterday
morning
Clearly was Mr. Lyon poeved over
what he considered an unnecessary
delay on the part OF the city attorney
In making a report on the proposed
electric Hight franchise which the rail.
way company Is seeking to obtain in
the city Of Tulsa. Mr. Ramsey was
not In the commission room when Mr..
Lyon first brought the qucstlon up
before the commissioners, with May
or Wooden absent.
Demanded Action.
II would like some action by the
commissioners this morning," said Mr..
Lyon, "on the proposed electric light
franchise whereby the Sand Springs
Hallway company is seeking TO fur
nish electricity TO the people of the
city Of Tulsa. A copy of the fran
chise has been In the city attorneys
hands for week. and the matter
seems TO be delayed there. Inasmuoh
as there nre no legal questions con.
cerning II TO look up, and as Mr..
Ramsey understands we are In a hur-
ry, It seems to me that there has been
some kind Of an avoidable delay. We
could go ahead and force the COM
mission TO call a special election for
the purpose of submitting the fran
chisc to the people OF Tulsa by get
ting out petitions bearing 25 per cent
Of the names Of voters at the last gem
eral election. 1t isn't at all neces-
sary that the city attorney make any
report on the franchise"
Ramsey Called in.
Then some Of the commissioners
thought It would be mighty nlco
thing to have Mr.. Ramseys opinion
to stack up alongside Attorney Lyons
80 he was called into the commission
room from his office. Mr.. Ramsey
hadn't been before the commission a
half minute before he said he had not
had time to make report on the pro-
posed franchise, that he had only
read 1t over once, but that the one
reading convinced him he would have
objections to certain portions Of II.
Before the commission can pass
a franchise it must be approved by
the city attorney according to the city
charter" said the city attorney.
"I think the election ought TO be
called, and | think the commission is
in shape to call It today" said Attor-
ney Lyon. "As the franchise clearly
outlines it will reduce the cost Of
electricity IN the city of Tulsa on an
average Of one-third in respect to
present electrical charges in the city.
and as the commission can be forced
to call the special election whether II
wishes to or not, don't see the logic
in keeping on delaying the call. The
city attorney HIS had this franchise
for a week and 1t looks like that Is
time enough to get report on It If
delay wasn't sought"
Ramsey Wanted Time.
II am taking my instructions from
the commission" said the city attor-
ney. II have been under its instruc-
tions, working on street paving and
waterworks ordinances, which were
wished pushed. one reading Of the
franchise. however, dlscloses objec-
tions to me, and | don't think any
harm would come TO the city to take
plenty Of time to look into tho diff
ferent phases OF such a momentous
proposition as this The time has
gone by in this city when franchises
should bc granted just because they
are asked for and plenty q time
should be taken by this commission
to examine into all franchises about
to be granted TO public service corpo-
rations'
Attorney Lyon clearly stated that
there was no desire TO slip anything
over" on the city; that whatever ac-
ton the city commission would take,
the special election would have to be
called upon petition Of one-fourth OF
the voters, and again called attention
to the material reduction in rates to
be charged.
Tilt Number Two.
at doesn't provide any way for the
consumer to have the use Of u meter"
suggested the city attorney.
such regulations as that are well
known to be governed by the city
said Mr.. Lyon.
but you'll go into the supreme
court with the question when 1t comes
up declared Mr.. Ramsey. The only
l(nufiuupd IN papc 5l