Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-04-17
LET P. S. GIVE US
VALUE FOR RIGHTS"
Would Also Obliterate Charter
Right of Gas Company to
Open Pavements.

Not altogether satisfied that the
innovations and proposed changes in
the trolley system will benefit the
city alone, Commissioner Charles #.
Kraemer. of the Board of Works,
this afternoon advised that body to
go slow before granting any conces-
sions to the Public Service He in
sisted that the city should not give
anything away, but that 1t should
receive value in return for any con-
cessions that it grants the trolley
company.
1t was suggested by Commissioner
Kraemer that it would perhaps be
advisable to confer with the Public
Service officials before taking any ac-
ton on the application of that cor
poration for additional concessions.
President Thomas N. McCarter,
just a few minutes previously, sub
mitted to the board a plan to reroute
tho various trolley lines in several
sections of the city. 1t was on this
plan that Commissioner Kraemer
cautioned the members of the board
/ against hasty action.
ADMIT Need OF kelieI.
That there is immediate need of re-
lieving the congestion in several parts
of the city, DR.. Kraemer admitted,
but he contended also that the elab-
crate plan submitted by the Public
Service would serve of more benefit
to the corporation than to the city.
Throughout this lengthy explanation
of the proposed plans, he said not a
word is mentioned about what the
city is to receive in return.
ITO my mind there are a number
OF important matters that should be
adjusted" DIR. Kraemer said, before
we go on record as favoring any of
these grants. We should receive at
least a fair return for the many
privileges that are asked for, and I
would, therefore, suggest that we
secure the adjustment of the follow
ing matters before taking definite ac-
ton:
l. The obliteration Of the Charter
Right the Public Service Gas Depart
ment insists upon, by promiscuously
opening up street pavements, all over
the city. whether recently laid or not,
without regard for season or traffic
conditions: ignoring the city's street
opening ordinances;' proceeding with
cut any permits; using the city
streets for their gas lines, carrying
gas to the adjacent suburbs; leaks in
these pipes. necessitating the opening
of our city's streets at a great incon-
venience to the property owner on the
street. and a serious impairment to
4 .N,1te faIx he
replaced as they were before.
For Fair Per Cent. Tax Levy.
2. A fair and honest Interpretation
and method of leyying the 5 per cent
tax. which under the present exist
ing circumstances, based upon car
mileage. must be conceded by anyone
conversant to be absolutely unfair
and in the interest of the company,
and an excessive annual loss to the
city treasury.
8. The establishm ent of a transfer
system which will be generally under
stood, without any legal loopholes,
liberal to the public and disable at all
intersections.
4, The abolition, gradually, of the
heavy and cumbersome cars. which
are now COlltCutu 10 ne llle pTllCipfti
noise producers, and detrimental to
property interests on streets through
which these lines run, for smaller
ones that can be easily handled and
make better Roadway,
s. The abolition of the Broad and
Market curve.
6. The thorough understanding of
what rerouting changes are con-
templated and what schedules are
being suggested for these lines.
z. The exact influence these pro-
posed changes will have upon the
present existing conditions at the
Four Corners, both on Market and
Broad streets
s.. better understanding with
reference to the burylng in conduits
of their wires, which is becoming a
greater menace from year TO year.
.. The serious effect upon the water
mains and house service pipes by
electrolysis, caused by the electric
current running off onto sase from
these rails and wires, eating up the
pipes and causing the city much loss
as well as the individual owner.
Wants Abandoned Tracks Removed.
10. The removal of useless or aban-
doned tracks.
II. The immediate repair of the
pavement between tracks and on
either side thereof under control of
the company; if not repaired within.
given time, same should be done by
city and charged to company.
ut behooves us to use the only
expedient at hand to give and take.
added DIR. Kraemer. 'if the company
wants to be fair with the people of
the city from which they derive their
revenues, and these are growing from
year to year, as the city grows, they
should concede in return mutual
understanding and settlement of at
least some of the questions mentioned.
MY views may be arbitrary. in the
minds of some, but my experience has