South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-04-06
TIME RIPE FOR
UNION STATION
OFFICIAL OP INION
Six Members of Mayors Spec
iaI Committee Praise News
Times Suggestion of Merg-
ing Two Railroad Lines.

That the time is ripe for track ele-
walton in South Bend along with the
merging Of the Lake Shore and Grand
Trunk lines through the city with a
union depot the COntemplative idea,
- the general opinion of the six mem
bers Of the special committee appoint
by Mayor Keller 20 confer with
the railway officials. The member OF
the committee vere sounded during
last week regarding various suggest
Ions relative 40 the proposed merger
~ the two railways. Two mergers
have beeE suggested. on proposes
joint right of way Of the Grand
Trunk and Lake Shore along the Lake
Sfore right of way from Arnold ST.
Co Miami thence north 20 the present
Grand Trunk right of way. The
News-Ttmes suggested that the mer-
ger in stead OF stopping at Miami con-
tinue east 20 some point beyond Mish-
awake and then north 10 the Grand
Trunk right of way in the vicinity Of
Granger.
The latter plan was preached 20
the committee and was heartily en-
dorsed. II viii be brought before the
committee at its meeting 20 be called
soon and perhaps given first choice
~ the proposition Of merging proves
at all feasible. Committee men stated
that they have heard the plan COM
mented upon favOrablv since it's pro-
pOsal and see in il many advantages.
The possibility OF enlisting Mishawaka
support in view OF giving that city a
union depot is a factor to be cOnsid-
erede the men stated. Also il is be-
lieved that the obtaining OF a right OF
way through the farm land east of
Mishawaka would not be so difficult
as II would be through the city from
Miami St across the river
Up TO Railroads.
Ell T. Seebirt, city attorney and
member Of the board. believes the
plan as suggested by the News-Times
as an ideal one without question.
But as to its feasibility and prac-
ticability II would be difficult to say"
he said. However before any route
can be suggested TO the railroad il
must first be determined whether the
one will agree to enter into a PROPOSE
tition with the other regarding right OF
way accommodation. AS / understand
now the Lake Shore states that its
present facilities are being taxed to
the utmost. And the matter of secur-
ing another right of way by the
Grand Trunk parallel 10 the Lake
Shore would have its property draw
backs. on the soi1th the big factory
buildings would have 10 he cOntended
with while on the north valuable bust
ness property would be involved"
Atty. L. NJ. Morris. president Of the
board of safety. likewise praised the
News-Times suggestion of merging
the Lake Shore and Grand Trunk
east beyond Mishawaka and thence
Forth tO Granger Mr. Morris stated
that he had heard che plan comment
ed upon favOrably by many since its
appearance. 1T Will probably be a
pretty hard fight to get this started
but we might as well go at il now and
go at IL right" said Mr.. Morris. 81
think now is the best time in the
world TO go after the elevation and
merging proposition"
City Engineer William Moore also
believed that If the use of the Lake
shore tracks can be obtained by the
Grand Trunk the practical plan would
be TO continue east beyond Misha-
waka and thence north again TO the
Grand Trunk tracks.
Lang Likes Idea.
Herman +. Lang, president of the
city council and also member Of the
committee. said: The plan of con-
tinuing a merger looks ell right 10
me. 7 think il would work out sat
isfactorily"
Chairman OF the committee. J. A.
Swygart. approved of the extension Of
the proposed merger TO Mishawaka
but is dubious if the two roads can
ever reach an agreement at merging
lie did not wish to express himself
further until a meeting of the COM
mittee could he held TO discuss the
matter in full. Mr.. Swygart intends
TO call a session within a few days.
HAS AMBITIONS.
OMAHA, Neb.. April 6. - Charles
W. Bryan. brother of Secy. Of State