Some people say he is sound--some not.

He has some very good franchises covering a large portion of the city, but they are only twenty-year franchises, and they will all run out by 1903 at the latest.

As I understand it, he has managed to stir up all the local elements--some very powerful ones, too--and he is certain to have a hard time to get his franchises renewed.

I don't live in Chicago, of course.

I don't know much about it, but our Western correspondent tells me this is so.