Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-01-15
CITIZENS DEMAND
VOTE ON TRANSIT

| united citizenship would hsht al oppo.
sition until construction Of the high-speeo
system was begun, and the prolonged az.
| plause and cheers which greeted this
declaration proved that he would have
adequate support.
George II. williams, president Of the
committee OF League Island employees,
under whose auspices the meeting was
held, extended his thanks TO the people
for their cooperation and explained
briefly the need of better transit facilities
to and from League Island. He said the
men often had asked the Rapid Transit
Company TO make better arrangements,
but could get no satisfaction. A little
snowstorm last winter, williams de-
cIared, delayed traffic to the yard TO such
an extent that 65 per cent. OF the men
lost a days pay.
The Rev NJ ]. Mcsorley then offered
a short prayer, in which he expressed the
hope that all concerned would deal with
the mighty project with prudence and
justice for the greater happiness of the
whole city.
VITAL TO THE NAVY YARD.
Construction OF the high-speed system
at the earliest possible moment was
urged by Captain William 8. Benson,
eommsndant of the League Island Navy
Yard the next speaker. He said:
"As an officer Of the national govern
ment feel It is my duty to advance the
navy yard in every way My impression
is that Philadelphia has not been fair to
the men OF the yard. Many Of the men,
who are not Obliged to report for work
until O'oioois In the morning are there
at 1850 0'olooIs because they do not care
to take chances Of being late.
Last winter many lost hours and
others lost days because OF the made
quate transit service There are 2500 men
employed at League Island at present.
and soon there will be double that num-
ber.
'Tt should be borne in mind that
League Island is the base Of the reserve
feet and the marine corps Frequently
orders are received to move large bodies
of men at short notice. and the impor-
tance of proper transit facilities readily
is seen.
"Then, too. when the yard is devel-
oped, IT. will bring many more enlisted
men here, and there should be means of
going to and from League Island as
quickly as possible. You can realise that
we are greatly interested and feel that
you will welcome our aid and co-opOra-
tion.'
The audience showed it's approval by
hearty applause
Captain Benson then introduced Con-
gressman Graham. chairman of the
meeting.
MR.. GRAHAM's ADDRESS
Mr. Graham was warmly welcomed.
After explaining his belief in representa-
tive government, he said
"The town meeting is greater than
Councils, greater than the Legislature,
people is the voice of power. Philadelphia
Is a great giant who has been asleep, but
is awakening from his lethargy and be-
coming active. We need increased transit
facilities. We want a subway on Broad
street 10 the navy yard in order that we
may keep League Island one OF the great
est naval bases in the United States Bet
ter service also is required for Frankford,
Darby and other sections. We, as Phila-
must act in this matter as a
unit. Every part of the city is Interested
in every other part, I want you to speak
everywhere you 20 with voice of power
for an Improvement in this direction
which will be lasting.
The cost should be borne by the city
no that every man can have his share in
the result when 1t Is accomplished. We
are not advocating an attack upon exist
ing Investments, ] appeal to you as
Philadelphians that your civic pride shall
bring you warmly, earnestly and posi-
lively to the support of the project which
will benefit all. Philadelphian's history
shows n record of patriotism and emer-
gency which cannot be eXcelled by any
other city in the world"
MESSAGES FROM HIGH OFFICIALS.
When the cheers had subsided. Mr..
Graham read messages expressing a sin
oere hope for the success of the project
from Mayor Blankenburg. Governor
Tener, Governor-elect Brumbaugh and
United States Senator Penrose.
The Mayor said ne was with the meet
ing In spirit II not in person. MI Brum-
baugh expressed himself similarly SEN
ator Penrose advocated special cleo
tion TO obtain transit funds and the con-
struction of the proposed system at the
earliest possible moment.
Director Taylor who had been sum
moned outside to address delegations OF
several thousand business men and
trade union organizations from North
and Northeast Philadelphia, then ap-
peared and was introduced by the chair
man. Prolonged applause greeted him.
Mr., Taylor launched right into an array
OF facts which held the earnest atten-
tion of the audience He made no at
Tempt at oratory, but drove his truths
home by statistics
The Director declared that any one who
dared to interfere with or retard the
cty's development would face the wrath
Of the people He called attention to
the fact that many thousands of men
were out OF work who did not want char
ty. They want employment" he as
setred, land the city can give II to
them by immediate construction of the
high speed lines
He said inactlon on the part OF the
Union Traction Company would force the
aity reluctantly TO obtain an independ-
ent operator to equip and operate the
'lty-owned system In competition with
the existing system. His address fire.
luently' was interrupted by applause.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.
Al the conclusion OF Director Taylor's
address. workman OF the League Island
Navy Yard asked Congressman Graham
10 present the resolutions which was
adopted
The parade before the meeting was
ed by the marines and bluejaekets OF
he Navy Yard and was in charge OF