El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1918-10-04


X Mari. also a member Of the firm
is in the army.
Bradley declared that operating costs
have increased largely.
since 1914 the wages Of trainmeu
alone. paid by the Ell Paso Electric
railway have increased over $4,000
annually" said Mr. Bradley. Fuel
costs have advanced over $4,000 per
annum and costs OF labor and ma
terial has gone up in proportion.
Since 1914. when the war started
the company has spent here a total OF
Sl,S1l 900 in new money" he said
BY that I mean money that has been
brought TO FL Paso. This has been
divided in this way. Underground
construction 100000; % new safety
cars $4,000; power station S563.000;
extensions, paving, track. overhead.
s42S,OeO and Sl6S, 900 in miscellaneous
items
Borrowed Money Used.
livery dollar OF this is new and
borrowed money. These expendf-
lures have been made in spite Of the
decreasing revenues OF the company.
Every city in Texas is protecting our
investments and revenues by grant
ing relief in some form.
In Houston an increase in fare OF
one cent has been granted In Beau
mont the same action has been taken.
as II was in Galveston where. in ad-
dition. an increase in lighting rates
was authorized In the cities OF Fort
Worth, Galveston and Beaumont
1itnes have not been permitted to op-
crate and IN other cities. notably Den
ison. Sherman and Corsicana lighting
rates have been advanced to meet the
conditions which obtain all over the
country and which threaten the de-
struction Of those necessary utilities
Cost Advances
me costs Of materials which enter
into the maintenance and operation Of
street railways have advanced from
so to 500 percent
The schedule Of wages fixed by the
National War Labor board will af-
feet an average increase Of 81 cents
per hour for trainmen. In order to
equalize this, wages Of employees in
other departments. both railway and
lighting, viii have TO be made. These
proposed increases will amount to
something over so, 900 year.
1T is impossible for the company
TO make this increase out Of its pres
ent revenues It follows that unless
increased wages are paid. the COM
pany can not assume responsibility
for maintaining an efficient organi-
Zatiou. because the costs OF living
are high and it is our policy to pay
good wages and have contented en-
ployes.
improvements Made.
Many improvements have been
made here. We have laid double track.
put in new boilers, created power
OF the enormous advance in their cost
and in every possible way done all
that lay in our power for the better
ment Of our service
AS TO the service I wish 20 i'm
press upon you that it is as good or
better than that in any city Of the
size OF FL Paso in the United States.
The action sought at the hands OF
FL Paso is not unique. 1t Will set no
precedent Rather IL viii be follow
ing precedents, for in 246 cities fares
have been increased and others are
following suit every day. steam rail
roads have had TO raise both freight
and passenger rates. Express com
panies not only have been compelle,
to raise rates but TO consolidate ana
stop duplication Of service in order
to make both ends meet"
Hints Mt Municipal Ownership.
In conclusion, the car company Of
fetal declared, There is a new set
up coming in the relation Of cities
and public service companies. Whether
u is state or municipal ownership. we
cannot say" He cited the fact that
the city Of New Orleans is preparing
to purchase its street car system.
Might Eliminate Jitness
The members Of the council did not
express themselves except that alder
man ". G. jolly suggested that the
solution Of the difficulty might rest
in eliminating jitnes entirely and
leaving carfare at five cents It was
roughly estimated by the council that
the jitnes earn S146.00O gross per year.
NO action viii be taken at this
time. declared the mayor. and when
we have the people before US. we will
be prepared to do anything within
reason that they demand"