Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 35, Number 181, 7 May 1910 — Page 1

AND SUN-TELEGRAM.

VOL. XXXV. NO. 181. BICII3IOND. IND., SATURDAY EVENING, MAY 7, 1910. single copt, 9 Gznrs.

COUHTY BOARD IS CONDEMNED ON FRANCHISE

Representative of Y. M. B. C. and Municipal Research Bureau Committee Asks That It Be Rescinded. CONTRACT IS UNFAIR IS CONTENTION MADE 4f New Franchise Is Considered, Committee Urges It Be Given More Publicity and 1 More Consideration. JESSUP MAKES A DEFENSE APPEARS BEFORE COMMITTEE FOR MR. ASHE AND SAYS CONTRACT IS SIMILAR TO ONE RECENTLY ENACTED. To The County Board In view of the fact that the public had no general knowledge of tire terms of 'the electrical franchise to Robert S. Ashe before it was granted, and that no time limitation was provided for therein, and that the County is not to receive anything for the use of the highways either as a present consideration or a proportion of future earnings or profits: in further view of the fact that Mr. Ashe is not required., to place his. poles, 'wires, and electrical appliances in .any particular place or at any particular time, nor to Ho any specific act under his franchise and that no terms are provided under which, he is o furnish electricity, we respectfully ask that the present franchise be at once rescinded, in order that it a new one is hereafter granted, it may be upon mature consideration; and upon terms which will effectually protect the rights of the public and of all consumer i. . (Signed.) Carl Bernhardt, Chairman of Y. M. B. C. committee; P. A. Reld. N. C. Heironlmus and W. D. Foulke, committee of Municipal Research Bureau. The action of the countv commissioners in granting a perpetual franchise to Robert Ashe, to construct an electrical line on the highways for the supplying of light and power to coriwrations and individuals in eleven of the fourteen townships of the county, last Wednesday, without clauses protecting the public, was discussed this mornlug at a meeting of the Municipal Research committee, at the Commercial club rooms. Condemnation of the franchise granted to Mr. Ashe was emphatically given In a resolution drawn up this afternoon by the committee, which was filed with the commissioners. The committee demands that the franchise be rescinded because it Is unfair, unjust and unreasonable and not specific enough in Us provisions. More Publicity Urged. The committee recommends in its resolution that if a new one is presented that mature consideration be plven the matter; that the public be fully Informed on all of the proposed provisions, and that other matters be embodied which will not. only protect the cltlzeus now, but also in The future. ,. " , . v ; Tho committee severely censured the commissioners 'for acting upon the franchise on the same day of its filing. The committee says that the public, which is to be affected by the franchise, should know before its pasrage what its provisions will be, and b parties to the contract. Tbi matter of representatives ; of county or ' city governments giving perpetual franchises was also very severely condemned. ,: The committee determined to draft a resolution embodying its objection to the franchise and present them to the county commissioners. : The objections are that the county does not receive any remuneration for bestowing valuable rights of use of the highways; that the consideration by the commissioners was hasty. Ill-advised, and that the public should be informed In future when such matters were to be considered; that the franchise was too general and for too long a period; that no provisions were embodied in the document relative to the rates to be charged, and such matters of protection to tho public. . ; , The . committee had a full representation of Its membership present.. Wilfred Jessup, attorney for Robert Ashe who it was intimated, hustled the franchise through, and Carl Bernhardt, chairman of the committee on municipal affairs of the Young Men's r"-'-sm club, alio attended, Mr. I

New King Of England and

KING OEORQE V and QUEEN MARY '. . Foulke and Mr. Berhhartlt were selected as a committee with authority to act In the representation of their respective organizations. Declined to Attend. " The county commissioners had expected to attend this meeting, but were advised by Wilfred Jessup whom they met as they were leaying the court house not to do so. He said that the place to transact and discuss the county's business was at the- court house and not at 4 appointed meeting places of other organizations. 'The commissioners sent word, however, that ' if the. committee wished to talk over the matter with them, they would be at the court house' this afternoon and would discuss the franchise in whatever aspect it was broached. Mr.. Jessup as representative of Mr. Ashe spoke on the franchise which the commissioners had granted. Ho said that it was identically the same in its essential points, as that granted last year by ; the commissioners t to Mr. Ashe to construct a line into Boston and Abington townships, because it was copied from -this franchise; He spoke in defense of it and said that it was not crowded through,: he having given the commissioners notice, on Monday. In the communities which the franchise affected, the ' residents had been in full possession of the facts for three years, be said. ' Can Rescind Franchise.. "The county commissioners have the right to rescind the, franchise," said Mr. eJssup. Elaborating on this he said that if the" county commissioners were not satisfied with the provisions of the franchise Mr. Ashe would withdraw from the field, allowing some other individual - or corporation to carry out the scheme. . t - In answer to the objection made that the franchise does not exhibit rates which are to be charged, the attorney said, "True, it does not," and concurred with the committee that the rates might be raised to enormous amounts without the consumer having redress by reason of protection from the franchise. But, he said further, the rates charged to consumers on the Liberty line were less than that paid in municipalities. Again illustrating from the Liberty line he said that at the prese'nt time those benefited were pleased with it There was one kick made by an affected property owner a the time the line was constructed, but he said that this trouble had been satisfactorily adjusted. Buy From L., H. & P. Co. Attorney Jessup said the proposition of Mr. Ashe does not affect the city of Richmond in the least. Mr. Ashe purchases his power from: the Light, Heat and Power Company at the city limits, paying the same rate which is charged to large factories, the amount being measured by a meter at the point where Mr. Ashe's line begins. The city plant could not sell power to Mr. Ashe because it ' was operating to full capacity. In the event the municipal research committee feels that "it should ask the commissioners to rescind ; this franchise. Mr. Jessup said it would have to be done within the next, ninety : days and before any money had been expended by Mr. Ashe in carrying out the terms of the, franchise. Mr. Ashe's attorney said that this was the tightest franchise ever granted by a board of county commissioners, and was as tight as any which will be granted in the future because grantees will -not accept a less restrictive franchise when dealing with such hazardous risks as Mr. Jessup said, was that of his client. Again, In defense of the perpetual feature Mr. Jessup said it was well known there was "no 'such thing -as a perpetual : franchise. The attorney, was interrupted fre

f " ife

quently by members of the" committee asking explanations and in being reminded 'that the committee wascting in protection of its constituents. Publicity Was Urged.' The committee said that such matters should, be given publicity and allow. the public to consider the advisability of such grants, before they were officially acted upon.' It. was " explained to the ' committee that the law is very lame in this respect; as It does not demand , the publication of proposed franchises and also allows the county's officials to give away privileges in one consideration. Mr. Jessup spoke in defense of the commissioners, stating that they were all farmers, and had no training in the matter of transacting such matters of public business. Furthermore the laws do not require unusual qualifications, inasmuch as the salary of $500 a year is all that is paid the commissioners. . . The county commissioners iwere asked for their personal opinions of their action this morning. All were very much surprised and not a little discouraged because their motives have been impugned. They said in defense that, when they passed upon the franchise Wednesday, the one granted last spring was compared with it. The two seemed identical, so far as the essential points are concerned. The commissioners said that , after they had ascertained this, and knowing that no complaint had been made about the granting of a franchise to Mr. Ashe, permitting - him to use the highways in Boston '' and Abington townships, between here and Liberty, they thought this franchise would meet with the same approval, or at least not meet with complaint. . Mr., Robbins, the county "attorney, had inspected the franchise given last spring and bad, approved. PLAII GREAT CAM A Waterway From the North v Sea to Mediterranean Now Contemplated. v American News. Service) Geneva, May 7- A waterway through the heart of Europe joining the North Sea to the Mediterranean and passing through Holland. - Germany, Switzerland and France will be accomplished fact within the next few years.. , The Paris municipality has given the first impetus to ' the international scheme by deciding to open navigation on the Rhone between Geneva and Marseilles, and has decided to construct a barrage and a parallel canal to the Rhone from Genissiat, an hour's journey by train from Geneva. The work will be comenced this summer and completed in 1012. The Swiss association for navigation from the Rhone to the Rhine has pledged itself to prolong the river route from Geneva' to Basle - via the lakes of Neuchatel, Morat, and Bienne and the River Aar, which flows into the Rhine. The North Sea is already connected with Basle by the Rhine highway. : It would cost little to construct a few short canals and deepen the river beds in" Switzerland, and this would have been done long ago bat on account of the opposition of the railway companies in France, Switzerland and Germany. This opposition has now been counteracted, and in the near future a motor boat or a steam yacht will be able to steam through the heart of Europe. i

His Consort

ANOTHER GRAFTER ADMITS THAT HE RECEIVED BRIBE Michael Link, Illinois Leqisla tor, Breaks Down and Says He Was Paid-to Cast Vote for Lorimer. HE GOT SAME AMOUNT AS PAID THE OTHERS Returning of Indictments by Chicago Grand Jury Has i Thrown a Great Scare Into the "Boodlers." (American News SeVvice) Chicago, May 7. State Represent tive Michael Link of Mitchell, 111., broke down today and made a - com plete confession to the state's attorney of accepting bribes for voting for United States Senator Lorimer, substantiating the previous confessions made by White and Beckmyer. He got the same amount as the others.: Link is a democrat. Indictments against three democratic members of the Illinois general assemblyone for. bribery and two for perjurywhile causing consternation among some politicians is .. taken by others as a hint for legislators to appearand tell what they know of methods whereby William Lorimer was sent to the United Spates senate. . Jury Is Working Hard. The grand jury proceeded with the investigation today with renewed energy and there were promises of more indictments. Representative Lee O'Neill Browne, leader of the democratic wing of the state assembly, indicted on fifteen counts for ' bribery, said be would come to Chicago at once and furnish bond. Representative Robert E. Wilson who denied Tiaving paid money to Charles A. WTiite whose confession started the investigation and Representative M. S. Link, who swore that he did not participate In tbe distribution of the corporation . "jackpot" under indictment for perjury appeared at the criminal court early and furnished bonds. HADLEY AS SPEAKER The committee on arrangements for the Memorial day service, to be held in this city on Monday, May 30, will meet Wednesday evening to complete details of the affair. Col. Hadley of Danville, IndL, will be the principal speaker. The committees are well pleased with the progress so far made and predict one of the most , successful observances of the day ever held in this citj. ,

GEORGE V IS FORMALLY PROCLAIMED THE RULER OF GREAT BRITISH EMPIRE

III BOO PESTH II LOCAL Mill MEETS THEO. ROOSEVELT Walter Elliott of. This City, a Vaudeville Star, Writes to His Parents Regarding the Occasion. . OVATION TO COLONEL WAS REMARKABLE ONE People Cheered Themselves Hoarse and Mr. Elliott Could Not Attend the Reception for the Crowd. Walter Elliott, who has earned a world-wide reputation in vaudeville, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Elliott I of this city, was in Buda Pesth. 'Aus J tria-Hungary, at the time ex-Presiden Theodore Roosevelt visited that plact and in a letter to his father, be de scribed the " welcome which was be stowed. He also .inclosed a clipping from a London daily giving an account of the visit. ' Had it not been - for the foreign tongue spoken by the natives of that country, Buda Pesth could not have been distinguished from an American city on the occasion of ' Roosevelt's visit. American flags were displayed from every business house and vti the residences in the poorest sections of the city were gaily decorated. Mr. Elliojt said : that .there .was nothing like the demonstration given the 'visitor and he does not, believe it possible for the United States to give a more enthusiastic welcome, when Roosevelt arrives, here, and concludes the most triumphal tour ever taken by a leader of the people. Describes the Banquet. On the night of his arrival, Roosevelt was the honor guest at a big banquet-; which was attended by the majority of the dignitaries of AustriaHungary and many from other countries of Europe. The hall would accommodate more than a thousand persons, but it was practically Impossible for a late arrival to gain access. Mr. Elliott endeavored to attend but could not get within a hundred feet of the entrance. However, he was one of the American colony of Buda Pesth who was able to meet the former chief executive, personally. The London dally gave much space to the occasion and the article was in every way conducive of engendering the utmost Interest of the public in Col. Roosevelt.' .The correspondent had as his lead the address of wel come, delivered by - Count Apponyi, which is as follows: What London Paper Says. "To the world, you not only represent a maker of peace, but you are also the greatest and most efficient force for moral regeneration and liberty living, in the world today. Although a private citizen, you are getting a reception differing from the reception of kings. In that the welcome to you springs spontaneously from the hearts of the people." - In reply, Col. Roosevelt spoke extemporaneously and discussed the history of the country and what it stood for. The correspondent in describing the reception said, "The address was one of the most inspiriting speeches he has made in the course of his trip." In regard to the . welcome given by the Hungarian Parliament, lie says, "It was a remarkable and unique occasion. When Mr. Roosevelt finished, the 200 Parliamentar ians, who had listened breathlessly to him. cheered until they were hoarse.' Relative to the street reception given, he says, "Deafening- cheers were raised at every appearance of Mr. Roosevelt, outside his hotel." TO Al) INSTITUTION Minnie Verdella Stevens, a minor, and alleged to be .feeble minded, will be placed in the institution for the feeble minded at Ft. Wayne as soon as possible. A petition asking that this be done was filed with the county clerk, this morning, by Mrs. Elizabeth Candler, probation officer. It is believed that with the proper treatment the unfortunate young woman may be greatly improved. THE WEATHER. STATE Rain tonight and Sunday, partly cloudy.' LOCAL Rain tonight an probably Sunday. Not much change in . temporature. - -

Queen Alexandra This Morning Showed the Greatest Fortitude and Spent Some Time in Prayer in Her Private . Chapel in Buckingham Palace: Royalty from All Over Europe Will Attend the Funeral

IIDBLES PAY RESPECTS

While Great Bell of St. Paul's Cathedral Tolled Throughout Today, the Millions in London, Hushed and Sombre, Paid Honor to the Memory of Dead King With Tears Condolence of America Received.

(American News Service) London, May 7. George V. was formally proclaimed king of Great Britain and Ireland, and of the British territories beyond the seas, and emperor of India, today. The proclamation in accordance with precedent was delivered from the steps of the Royal exchange and of St. James palace. . .. ., This ceremony preceded that of taking the oath at St. James palace before the privy council. - The king was pale as he drove to St. James palace. The first word of he coming of royalty from all over he continent reached London today, vith news of the depasture of Queen laud of Norway, youngest daughter if Edward. It is expected that she vill arrive by Monday at the latest. . Queen Emma Arrives. The first of the continental royalty q reach London was the queen moth 3T of Holland, Emma, who entered the 3ity at 7 a. m. Queen Alexandra this ' morning showed the greatest fortitude. Though carefully watched by her physicians. she bore up under the blow with cour age.. At Buckingham palace - it was announced that the condition of the Dowager Queen was as satisfactory as could be expected! -V. .V '. .. " " - : This-morning, immediately on arising, she attended a brief special service in her private chapel.' the Rev. Canon Edgar Sheppard conducting the services The cueen was some time in prayer: She conquered her emotions, and no sign of the intensity of her feelings marked the serenity of her features.' Private Service Held. At 1 o'clock this afternoon a special private service in connection with Edward's death were held in St. Paul's cathedral. This morning it was announced that Edward's body hati not been removed from the death chamber on the first floor of Buckingham palace in the northwest corner, overlooking the terraces. Marlborough house still the official residence of King George. Today it was the center of the official and social world. A terrific jam of notables of all kinds gathered . there, to pay formal respects to the'new ruler. The line of vehicles extended for blocks about the -grounds and the crowd at the entrance of the bouse was so great that many were compelled, to wait half an hour or more before gaining admittance: ' . , Call Ceremonious. i The ceremonies of the, calls were the most perfunctory, being no more than signing the visitors book, - except for a few personal friends of King George and Queen Mary. The king today himself directed the dispatching of official , word of his father's death to all the monarchs and presidents of the world. Scores of messages of condolence from the world's rulers have already been received. Among the early callers at Buckingbam were Whitelaw Reid, the American ambassador and William Phillips, secretary of the United States embassy. The ambassador's call was a personal token of America's tribute. The message of President Taft had already been received.. . t ; , MAY CONVENE MONDAY. I .on don, May 7. Announcement was made this morning that there was little probability of the special meeting of parliaments being convened before Monday at the earliest, owing to the absence of Premier Asquith' and Reginald McKenna, . the navy secretary. The incoming of members of parliament began today, the members' not waiting for official word of the death of the ruler. The nation's legislators are called automatically by .tho death of a king, that they may take the death of allegiance to his successor.. . . The ceremonies were originally fixed for this afternoon. The absence of Speaker Lowther. of the commons, however, and the inability of the premier and Mr. McKenna to reach England from Spain, where they have been on tour, in time, led to the arrangement for postponement. - LONDON MOURNS TODAY." London, May 7.While the great bell of St. Paul s cathedral " today tolled constantly, speaking the sorrow of Great Britain for her well beloved king Edward VII, the millions of this city, hushed and sombre, paid honor to his

TO HEW SOVEREIGtl

memory in tears. The steady knell of the giant bell sounding above all others seemed like the beating of the nation's heart as George V, the sailor king, was acknowledged successor to Edward the peacemaker, who lay dead at nnplrlnvhsm .QilAnfr ,wiw.t 4ltlt the streets. The usual sounds of the metropolis are still; from one end of the city to the other from one end ot the empire to the other, whither the sad news had gone, the people mourn. A pathetic incident that occurred aa soon as it was known that the king had died at 11:45 o'clock, last night la typical of the nation's sorrow. Woman Kneels in Mud. The crowd that bad waited all day ' long without Buckingham Palace for word of the ruler's condition, had Just received the last news. 'Then unmind-' ful of the mud and water of the pavement, an aged woman knelt and with hands uplifted prayed for the soul of the ruler. The crowd bared their heads : and bowed as they saw the simple act. A day of bright sunshine opened the reign of George V. This morning came bright and clear after the drlsxle and rain which drenched, last night's crowds, all unmindful of their own ' discomfort while they awaited the last word from the death bed where 'the heart of the nation. was centered. . The vast majority of Lon4an.'a jaIlt. lions knew nothing or the lose of their ruler till this morning when - mournIng borders and turned rules of . the newspapers told the story that could Spread Consternation. The news that Edward was no more after a serious illness of but three days, spread consternation. The newspapers were absorbed by the crowdi by the hundreds of thousands and before 9 o'clock the morning papers had been exhausted. - Then came the evening papers in tremendous Issues telling of the accession of King George. , At railway stations and tramway terminals the people gathered in groups. There was but one topic. Many gave -way to their grief, and the sight of men weeping as well as women was common. Before the day: was' far advanced mighty tide of humanity was weeping to the heart of the city coming forth most part through tbe great Liverpool and Cannon street stations. - Wait for Bulletins. In the center of London they gathered at the newspaper of flees, ' about bulletin boards or walked slowly about the city. There was no buoyancy in the crowds. They trudged with a semblance of weariness. The chief point of Interest was the' Mansion 'House, Hour by hour a close iuukAH throne" of hnmanitv slawlv nmmm glancing as they did so at the formal tidings of the king's death. A sheet of foolscap, on which were hurriedly , scrawled a dozen words. told the story to the great concourse in tbe hearts ot the empire. T. R. AS THE EI1V0Y Agitation to Have Him Represent U. S. at King Edward's Funeral. ARRIVES IN STOCKHOLM (American News Service) -Washington, May 7 The question of appointing a special representative of the United States to attend the funeral of King Edward was much discussed in official circles today. One plan that met with a great deal of favor, was that Theodore nooseveit be made the special ' envoy of tbe United States. If he is In England at the time of the funeraL : ,. In .absence of any news of the official program, the state department, has yet taken no action. - . REACHES STOCKHOLM9 . Stockholm, May 7. CoL BoosevtsK and his party arrived here at 8:39 o'clock today from ChrlstlaoJa. The rat'irtrstwub w sbb ivmu sjbw tf on try Prince WiEUm and eCSsLJ dignitaries. , Then fee was takea tx tle royal carnage to tne paiace wzra ww pi isWii vtrq. w mu uwwf

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