Year: 1876

Ns
Island, has been retained as attorney for
compainants.


Tie Rodmau Avenue Switch.


The proposed new switch along Rodman
avenue past the post Office and acros
Main street to the shops of the Moline
plow Company is the all absorbing TOPIC
of conversation among business men ard
as the matter is discussed the opposition
TO it becomes stronger and many express
themselves as thoroughly antagonistic to
the proposed measure, A careful can
vass among the business men and citizens
develops united opposition to laying track
on Rodman avenue, and pretty general
feeling against a switch on any street
There are however a number of cur think
ing men who would sanction a track either
down White street and across Main street
through the yard of the NJ line Paper Go
or along the north side of Main street to
the shops of the Moline Pow Company.
The opposition to laying track on Rod
man avenue is almost universal and many
reasons are given why a switch should not
be laid On that street. The principal OBJ
iections seem to be the following:


First: The danger to which children
| would be exposed.


Secondly: The switch would interfere
with travel on Rodman avenue and ruin
the handsomest street in Moline.


Third: 1t would materially damage
property interests on MaiD street.


Many other objections are raised, some
IF personal nature, but the above are
the most general and about express the
sentiment of large proportion OF the citi-
zens of the city.


The first objection is one that calls for
more thon ordinary attention and is en-
titled to careful consideration. The point
is we'll taken and there is no question but
what accidents would happen no matter
how careful the railroad or plow com: anies


might be to avoid the same. If there is


anything that calls for care it is the pro-


lection of lite, especially should care be


taken to guard the little ones who thought
lessly or otherwise run into danger without


stopping to consider consequences. This


is the spirit CT the average boy of the day.
The second objection is also sustained by
t nearly every one, as it is universally ad
mitted that Rodman avenue is the only
' drive Moline has, and the ci izens take
: pride 10 keeping it free fro., railroad
: tricks or distractions of any kind. 1t wa
t also understood when the government
authorities built the bridge and causewa,
that Kodman avenue should be kept clea
r of obstructions By some it is said tha


an absolute guarantee was given to thi


effect Certain it is that Rodman avenu,
: is the only good thoroughfare the city ha


and the citizens claiui It should be s.


maintained


: The third objection comes principally
Q from property owners and merchants o.
: Main street, who are impressed with th
;, belief that a switch along Rodman avenu
:. would ruin the business Of Main stree
+ and drive it elsewhere; that it switc


was laid as proposed, the crossing at Rod
: man avenue would at times be hlocke
. with cars thereby impeding teams an
d ! M aking it unsafe for travel. The bushes


men also claim that property will yer


materially aepreciate ifthe switch is laid a


at present proposed.


i. The measure meets with strong oppos
It ton, ana its ultimate adoption is now cor
% side rcd at least uncertain. 1t is prett
i. evident that the voice OF the people
It uoitedly against switch along Rodma
,e avenue, although a great many woul
. favor a Switch along the north side


Main street to the Moline Plow Company


shops, hut not to cross Rodman avenu,


No question, in years. has provoked mor
le general discussion than the Rodman avenu
u switch and although some oppose it o
IS personal grounds yet the majority of tho:
ID who oppose it are actuated by hone
We motives


The above review Of the question e,


presses the true septinegt OF the citizel


as nearly as can be ascertainea from
- careful canvass of the business men of Il
ty city. There would probably be very litt
SO opposition "a laying switch along Ma
ps street. whereas the eoasumuiation of Il


measure now pending in the council wou


undoubtedly be hotly contested. 1t is


be hoped that the council will wei.
er well the subject and net legislate hastil
th The wishes Of the people should be 4
of paramount consideration and no. the me
ed qualification of personal desires. Ever
1as body is interested in the success of Q
he manufacturing institutions and but Fl


would refuse them public aid when it C


be given withnt conflicting wit b pub
to interests. bat tie people are opposed
,rk yielding control of their affairs to any CO
on pany OF Individual Our aldermen shou
ers act carefully and rot rush this ordinan
lite through without 6rst consulting public