The Streetcar Franchise Fight That Put Seattle’s Council on the Spot

A resolution passed by the house of delegates ordered the Seattle City Railway Company, operating the Yesler Avenue line, to begin at once the construction of its double track in accordance with the franchise granted by the city council. The petition of Fred K. Sander and eighty-eight others asking that the company be made to comply with the ordinance accompanied the resolution and was read.

In explaining the resolution, James gave a short history of the company and said it was time that the property owners along the line—who had subscribed fully $900,000 in subsidy, more than the original cost of the road—should be recognized. He said he was not championing Sander’s cause, for he considered that Sander had feathered his nest well out of the road, but the cause of the property owners who paid their good money to help the road and who should receive what was due them. They had subscribed with the understanding that a double track would be laid, enhancing the value of their property.

Voigt said he was heartily in favor of the resolution and thought it time that these outside money sharks and capitalists, who come into a new town to double their money, be made to spend a little in return. If the road were in the hands of home people who spend their money and live here, he would favor granting a little further time, but he was tired of encouraging outside vampires.

Little said he had spent most of the day investigating the question and thought the resolution should pass unanimously. He dwelt on the point that the city needed money badly to help out its enterprises, and if any money was to be made, street railroads would get their share. Crichton and Chapman also spoke in favor. Crichton said there seemed to be a misunderstanding throughout the city, that the property owners along the line had come up with subsidy money like men and had not been treated fairly, and that it was time they received some recognition as had the bondholders of the road. The resolution passed by a unanimous vote.

When the matter reached the board of aldermen, Jordan moved that the resolution be taken from the table so the citizens gathered in the lobby could be heard against the proposed extension of time. Sweeney moved to refer it to the railroad committee. Jordan protested that the citizens had assembled to address the council and should be heard. President Miller demanded to know what the council had done to cause an indignation meeting. Sweeney’s motion carried, and Sweeney, chairman of the railroad committee, said the committee would be glad to hear the complaints of any and all citizens. A motion then carried inviting all persons with a grievance against the proposed extension to appear before the railroad committee, which would meet the next afternoon and give a full hearing.