The Farmington times., 1922-11-24
An Agreeably
Meeting

II A mass meeting of businessI men
and citizens of Pennington, which
was held Tuesday evening under the
auspices Of the Chamber of Commerce
of this city in the Masonic hall, prov
cd to be one of the most encouraging
and gratifying meetings that has ev-
er been held since the organization
Of the Chamber The accomplish
ments of that meeting perhaps prom
ises more for the immediate good of
this city and community than has ev-
er before been accomplished at sim
gle meeting of that organization,
which has already accomplished much
good for this community.
1t was special meeting, which had
been called for the purpose of meet
ing and conferring with the officials
of the M. r. & B. 7. railroad, which
owns and operates the electric line
| from Flat River to DeLassus. Messrs.
Richard Doyle, General Manager, of
Bonne Terre; C. M. Swan, Traffic
Manager, with offices in st. Louis,
and his assistant, Fred P. Sachbauer,
were in attendance at the meeting,
which was also ssplendidly represented
by Pennington citizens.
Messrs. Doyle and Swan opened
| the discussion of the matter that has
! long been most unsatisfactory to
them--the question of how the cleo
trio line should be operated with a
degree of satisfaction to the owners
| and patrons. The last and most dras-
tic change in the schedule of cars on
that line had proven altogether un-
satisfactory all round, causing that
/ line to lose practically all of its pas
senger service. The roads manage
ment had about decided that unless
more passenger business could be en-
loved by that line, they would perhaps
soon be forced to abandon it, as 1t
had been losing proposition to them
during their entire ownership, or for
the past twelve years.
They had, therefore, welcomed the
| invitation to meet with the business
men of Pennington, in the hope of
getting some ideas and suggestions
as to how that line could be made to
nav expenses, at least. They were
free to admit having been impressed
with the idea that the people of
Pennington generally were against
them and careless Of whether or not
| that line continued in business, AT
ter MANY expressions from Farming
tonians present, concerning the many
| things leading up to the present un-
| fortunate situation of the electric
| line. the gentlemen present represent
fine the electric line, freely admitted
their surprise and qualification in the
knowledge that it was the heartfeit
desire of our people to cooperate
with that line and do all in their pow
er to help it along, not to retard 1t.
In the general discussion that fol-
lowed many ideas were expressed as
what should be done in order to put
| the electric line on a paying basis,
the principal one being that OF ser
vice-more trains to accommodate
prospective patrons. Also the gene
raj belief was expressed that the best
way to get rid of the bus lines and
iitney competition would be slight
reduction in the fares. 1t was also
freely admitted that the bus lines al
forded unfair competition, as they
have but little or no taxable invest
ment. are not responsible for acci-
dents, and do not so much as pay their
fair share of road taxes, which they
seem often inclined to "hog" from
others.
The fact was developed that all
present were practically of the same
mind-were in favor Of extending to
the electric line everything in their
power in exchange for real service,
which the railway management SEEM
ed pleased to offer. In fact Messrs'
Swan and Doyle each expressed their
pleasure at being permitted to meet
with the citizens of this community
and their qualification on learning
that none but the very best wishes for
the success of the electric line existed
in this community. They expressed a
willingness to cooperate to the fullest
possible extent with our people, with
the intention of rendering to their pa
irons the best possible service, pro
viding only that they be rid of the un-
fair bus service.
A motion was adopted that Chair.
man M. P. Cayce appoint Railroad
committee whose business 1T VIII be
to go further into the matter OF af'
fording the electric line the protec-
tion it needs from unfair and irrespon.
sible competition. The Chair askeC
for a little time in the selection OF
such committee, which was granted
Messrs. Doyle and Swan volunteered
any help in their power to such com
! mittee, and indicated willingness tc
lean largely on their recommendations
, as to the best manner of managin&
that line, in this attempt to reclaim
, that property from the mesh OF deb
, in which it has long been fioandering
1t was truly a get-together meet
, ing, with strongest possible lndlca
, tions that great good will result t.
} both sides Of the controversy. 1t ap
, peared clear before the meeting ad
iourned that the people of this com
munity and the management OF th'
electric line had for years past beeli
! pulling in direct opposition to eaci
other-that they really did not know
one another. Now with every prom
: Use and indication of hearty co-opera
! ton, there is no reason to doubt tina
soon the electric road will be render
: ing SERVICE, which must rebound t.
! the great good not only of the stock
: holders of that line, but to the hell