Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-20
MAYOR DIGS FIRST
SPADEFUL FOR TRANSIT


/ Continued from Page One
| waiting automobiles in front of Inde-
pendenCe Hall.
From the platform in front OF the
scene of the ground breaking the Mayor
delivered his address. EXtollng the work
done by Director Taylor and predicting
the future prosperity and development
which will follow the completion of the
transit program. the Mayor put it plainly
to the voters that the battle was not
yet won If they failed to awaken to the
realization of their duty and vote for
the transit loan at the special election.
IF we in Philadelphia do not have the
democratic government to which we are
Justly entitled" he declared, the voters
alone will be responsible. The apathy and
indifference of the citizens is one of our
greatest dangers in Philadelphia"
THE MAYORS ADDRESS.
The Mayor said
"Mr, Taylor. ladies and gentlemen, and
my fellow citizens: This is indeed an
auspIcious occasion, for the greatest his
toric associations of Philadelphia centre
here in independence Square, where we
are standing to take this step.
For many years we have been look
ing forward to the time when it should
he possible to go to any part of Phila-
delphia to any other part directly on
high-speed lines for single 5-cent fare
We are now about to realize our hopes
The completion of this program, which
We are entering upon today, will mean
tine development of the outlying districts
of Philadelphia.
1T will mean that those who now live
in the crowded and unhealful sections
will be able to rear their children in
Gods free and open air. 1t will mean
that our city will be one of the greatest
metropolises of the world, and in America
equal to New York.
we as citizens are proud of Philadel-
Ehia ! do not know of any city I'm the
world where | would rather live than
right here where | have been living and
working for more than 30 years, But when
we visit New York and Boston and the
other great cities we have had TO be
ashamed of the backwardness of our own
city
NEED OF SUBWAY LOOP.
but when this system is completed,
and particularly the subway delivery
loop, l can say that we will no longer
need TO be ashamed With our historic
associations, with Independence Hall and
with our real rapid transit system we
viii rank first.
But, my fellow citizens, want to
warn you that you must still decide
whether or not we are 10 have real rapid
transit If you don't go TO the polls on
April 20 and vote to pass the S6,OOOO 600
transit loan, rapid transit will be some
thing for future generations and not for
US.
Every vote counts. Your vote is inn
portant The Indifference of our citizens
has been their besetting fault in the past
III you do not get real democratic govern
ment here II is the fault of the voters.
At the last election nearly 100000 forgot 10
go 10 the polls, so that 1 urge you to re-
member that the hnal decision OF rapid
transit still rests with you.
when / throw the first shovel OF earth
the greatest project that PHILADELPHIA
ever entered upon will be begun. l want
now TO thank you. Mr.. Taylor, the other
directors and the ladies In this party, Tor
the part I'm this movement you have
taken"
DIRECTOR TAYLoR's SPEECH.
Director Taylor opened the ceremonies
with brief address, in which ne pre-
sented the Mayor with the shovel spe-
cialIy designed for the occasion. Director
Taylor SAID;
Ar. MayOr-The way Is now clear
for you 20 start the construction Of
the fgcilities for the Drainage of ths