Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-12-04
MANY COUNCTLMEN
FAVOR ERECTION OF
MUNICIPAL STADIUM
John P. Connolly and Presi-
dents of Both Legislative
Branches Among Those
Expressing Enthusiasm.

Quick action by Councils to provide for
erection of the great municipal stadium
here, according to plans outlined by e.
j. Berlet, at the Jovlen Leagues meeting
in the hotel Adelphia yesterday. is for
shadowed by the kindly feeling Of many
Counolmen toward the project.
John p. Connolly, chairman of the
Finance Committee, whose approval will
go far toward assuring favorable action
on the stadium ordinance George Nc
Curdy. president of Common Council and
Harry C. Ransley, president of Select
Council, were among those who declared
themselves heartily in favor Of building
the stadium.
According to Mr. Berlet, an ordinance
providing funds for the stadium will be
introduced in Councils within few
weeks.
NATURE OF THE PLANS.
These plans for the stadium provide for
building new commercial museum on
the Parkway conversion of one Of the
Commercial Museum buildings into COM
bination convention and exhibition hall,
onorth OF the Pennsylvania railroad tracks
and east Of the Girard avenue bridge
The stadium would seat 81, 900 to 100000
persons and its cost probably would not
exceed 100000. Promoters of the plan as
sert that rentals would repay cost Of the
structure within six years and that it
then would become source of great
revenue to the city.
The stadium would not be a burden
to the taxpayers" Mr. Berlet said today.
THE city would be able to rent the stad-
ium for games and meets OF all kinds
and the revenue would be large. The
stadium Is not to be classed with ordi-
nary city improvements. You cannot
collecN money for a parkway or mu-
scum, but the stadium will be for rent,
IL our ideas are followed out, and Its
cost will soon be repaid to the city,
Influential members of Councils virtu-
ally promised vigorous support for tue
stadium ordinance.
"You cannot overestimate my interest
in the matter" said George McCurdy,
president of Common Council. "I have
believed for years that a stadium was
Nsomething Philadelphia needed very bad
ly. / will do everyqthing In my power
for II. OF course 1t would be impossi-
Bile to forecast the fate Of an ordinance
providing for the stadium, but j should
say there would be many Councilmen
in favor OF It, The work would require
the employment of hundreds of workmen
and at this time there are many in need
of aid. The stadium would be a great
thing for Philadelphia"
JOHN p. CONNOLLY FAVORABLE.
John p Connolly declared:
II am in favor of anything that will
aid in the development of Philadelphia.
ha1taVa a stadium pTOUld ha ~
advantage to the city. am heartily
in favor of project that holds promise
OF aiding the city"
Sentiment in both branches of Councils
equally was favorable. Harry C. Rams
ley, president of Select Council, replied
briefly but with emphasis.
"A stadium" he asked. "I am for
1t. I am decidedly for 1t. stadium
would be a great thing for Philadelphia.
Colonel Sheldon Potter. OF Select Coun-
Gil declared Philadelphia was very much
in need of q stadium.
"a stadium not only would provide
place for playing all big baseball and
football games, but encourage athletic
activity in Philadelphia" Colonel Potter
said. IT am convinced that few things
would be Of greater benefit to Philadel-
phia. Every one needs exercise, and the
presence of great stadium in the centre
OF the city would inspire many to take 1t
up. Besides that, the stadium would be
an important factor in developing Phila-
delphia. AS an advertising feature, II
would count heavily for the city"
Henry j. Trainer. OF Select Council, said
he would support a stadium ordinance II
some one got II in shape"
II don't know anything about the de-
tails of the plan" said Mr. Trainer. "but
1t sounds like a good thing. If the plan
takes shape I'll be for It,"
Robert d. Drtpps, minority leader OF
Common Council, believed Philadelphia
needs stadium. '1 should want to know
the sequence of the projects the city now
has under consideration" said Mr.. Dripps,
but II the stadium plan did not threaten
10 interpose itself before something more
vitally concerning the city I would be
very strongly In favor of it,"