Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-01-26

partial Justice. However. It must be
assumed that the Council acted just
~ then. and the conditions which
make their actions right and lust
then continue today. The contin-
uancc OF the G-cent fare would not
add TO the revenue of this company
80 AZ to enable II to make good tho
deficits which have accrued under
this rate OF fare. This offered con-
cession. therefore. presents no relief
TO the conditions which have made
necessary reduction In wages.
The second proposition is the
elimination of jitneys.
The Federal Electric Railway
Commission. In it's report to Presi
dent Wilson. declared that street
railway service and jItncy service
csnnot permanently exist and pay
their own way in competition with
each other under any ordinary urban
conditions. This seems to be we'll
established by experience and by the
conditions inherent In local trans
portat;on service.
This seems to be cntirnly over
looked by the Council In its dealings
with the transportation problem In
this city. though. in most cities o.
the United States. the principle has
'''H ''''bHiGtu anu dctGu UDOn
the regulation and control and sub
s,an,ial exclusion of jitncy or bus
service. If tho elimination OF fit.
ncys in competition with the Vir-
yinia Railway and Power Company
~ not in the public interest. we re-
spcctfully say that IL should be en-
forced regardless of the fact that it
may cnurc tn the benefit Of the vir-
ginia Hallway and Power Company.
Wants Motor Iius Line.
The third proposition Is that the
application of this company for a
motor bus line will be taken up by
the Committee on Streets itnmcdi-
ately and disposed OF. What d!spo-
sition IL TO be made. Is not Indicated.
and this proposition can hardly be
accepted as holding out to~this com
pany any relief or revenue with
which to pay wages. and make good
deficits already accrued
These are the promises held out TO
this company in consideration OF
which the Council dema nds reinstatc-
rncnt o. all employees at old wages
and an arbitration OF wages.
This company cannot consider re-
instatement Of former employees who
abandoned their posts Of duty on tho
night OF January II. To do this
&
miss from it's service $50 men in
Richmond alone. who have in good
faith. entered the service of this com
pany at trying time. and would
compel disturbance in the posi-
'ions Of those who have remained
faithful In the performance of their
duties. This company. from It's
standpoint. would not consider such
action just or honorable. and under
no conditions will II consent TO dis
pltce the faithful and efficient men
who are now Iaboring to perform
public service and meet the demands
OF the Council that transportation
service shall be restored.
AS we advised you. IN response 10
your Joint resolution Of January Is.
this company cannot submit 10 arb,-
tration the question of wages to be
paid to It's employees. unless the plan
for arbitration would include clear
and definite provisions. with due au
thnr!ty OF law, that the company
shall be assured the ability TO meet
tho just obligations OF the street
railway company. including wages
which may be proposed.
Says Fare Here Smallest.
Your Honorable Body threatens TO
compel this company to perform its
tIaHhIoTtatlOn services upon rates
fixed by ordinances OF twenty years
ago, and which now prevail in no
ether city hi the United States OF
like size as Richmond and under like
conditions This action would be n
serious embarrassment in performing
the service which. by your action In
your previous resolutions. you have
demanded. Such action In the reduc-
ton o: the revenue of this company,
II II would not result in entire sus-
pension OF service. would certainly
enforce greatly reduced service and
further reduction in the revenue from
which we could pay wages, and n
consequent further reduction in
wages. II IL is to be the policy of the
city of Richmond by such acts to
force its will. regardless OF right and
Justice upon those engaged In per-
forming public service, and invest
ing capital in this city. II Is well that
there may be no uncertainty about
H. and while those who have AL
ready invested may be beyond pro-
lection. II is but fair that n Warning
be given to those who may yet be
free. Private capital already invest
ed may be destroyed, but private
capital which is yet free can NOT
be compelled.
In Need OF Extensions
This city is in need OF adjustments
ana extensions OF its present trans
portation system. which will involve
large expenditures. Since the organ
Ration OF this company II has been
apparent TO those in control tb,t
there were certain adjustments nee