Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-08-17

streets to the Western Union Whe" III"
own bill does the same thing.
"If this we're q business Administra-
tion, this agreement would nave oee"
signed long before this.
with one rush. the workmen or the
telegraph company yesterday tnreM
ditch across Broad street from tne We, We,
TO the east side, In which VIII oe Ihlu
the pneumatic tubes for delivery o'
messages. ,,
said:
"trnless the Western Union Company
acts quickly We are prepared TO go ,nto
court and seek an injunction, Each
day OF delay is twenty -four hours in
the company's favor
Traffic Blocked
Traffic was blocked and confusion
prevailed at Broad and Chestnut streets
North of the Chestnut street car
tracks at both east and west curbs holes
, were dug. Just in front Of the traffic
semaphore another large obstruction
was blocked off. AS n result, cars pass
ing north and south were made to go in
single file. The automobiles in avoiding
and passing these distractions lined up
frequently for several blocks, in turn
slowing up trolley service.
The members Of the business men $
association are now anxious TO divert
the tube system 10 SAMSON street. and
contrary to the claims of the telegraph
company they assert Sansom street Is
comparatively clear Of distractions
under ground.
Councilman Hall stated today he is
going TO sue Alexander Martin, an
Optometrist. 1928 Chestnut street. for
criminal libel unless Mr.. Martin: by
Monday. retracts statements he made ~
meeting of the Chestnut Street AS
| sociation on Tuesday.
| While discussiong the Western Union
conduit at that meeting, Mr.. Martin
was quoted as asking: ,
What is behind this action? Why
should semi private corporation get
this privilege. What are the Council.
men getting out of this? Did you ever
see a politician do something for moth :
ingI'
civilly as sued the Chief Executive of
this city because I will get action In
few months on q criminal action In.
stead Of waiting for n year and hall
as have done In the case OF the
Mayor said Hall.
II don't mind honest criticism, but
when public officials are accused In this
way the persons responsible should be
held accountable"
Richard Weglein. president of Coun
ell, wrote to Mr.. Martin yesterday con :
cerning the same alleged remarks. Mr..
Weglein said that unless he receives n
proper reply by tomorrow he will con
suit his attorney.
"Misqu0ted," Says Martin
MIR. Martin denied today that he haC
limited at graft on the part of Coun-
cilmen in connection with the conduit.
II made no such statement. he as.
serted. what ] said was: why are
Hall and Weglein so interested|
still stand by that statement,
Mr.. Martin said he had received th'
letter sent by Mr.. Weglein, but hac
not opened II.
II do not intend to reply. / have
been misquoted and so far as ! am con
cerned the matter is closed" he said.
A decision TO fight TO <rho last
ditch was reached by the board o
directors Of the Chestnut Street Asso
citation at n hurried meeting in th
Adelphia Hotel today.
Mr.. Chapman was authorized to ap
point committee with full power II
prevent the tearing up Of Chestnu
street 'in any manner they deem nd
visablc." This committee. which vii
De appointed very soon by the president
Is npt to ask the issuance of an injunc
tion.
! j. p. Haines, publicity director o
the association, announced that only on
councilman was needed 70 sign the pc
tition for special session Of Council
to repeal the conduit ordinance.