City of Chicago v. Chicago River & Indiana Railroad

The railroad company appeals from a judgment in favor of the plaintiff in the sum of $2,000 entered upon the finding of the court. The action was based upon the alleged obligation of the defendant to pay compensation at the rate of $400 a year for license granted under an ordinance of January 11, 1922, by which defendant was permitted to construct, maintain and operate railroad switch tracks at grade across West 47th. street and West 43rd street, at points described in the ordinance. Section 2 of the ordinance provided that the authority granted should cease in 20 years, should at all times…