Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 September 1878 — The Indianapolis, Delphi and Chieago Narrow Gauge Railroad. [ARTICLE]

The Indianapolis, Delphi and Chieago Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Indianapolis Sentinel, Sept. 12th. Those who are not familiar with the system of Indianapolis railroads wo’d at once suppose from the heading of this article that there is in existence a road of the above name. So there is; but in an incomplete state. At present the road is in successful operation from Monticello. White county, north to Bradford, on the L N. A and C- railroad, a distance of 10 miles. The contractors, Messrs. Yeoman, Heeler & Co., began the work at Bradford, in November, 1877, and completed the road to Rensselaer, a distance of 16 miles, in 95 days,and opened for business in the following Feb ruary. The work on the second division, between Rensselaer and Monticel o, was commenced on the 2d of May, was finished August 11, and three days later trains were running from Monticello to Bradfeid.

Work is already begun between Monticello and Delphi, and will be completed by the Ist of December, making a distance oi 40 miles in all. It is the intention of the contractors to complete short divisions and put the same propeily into operation, but at this rate it will require at least three Years from the time of beginning to have he whole of the road complete and in successful operation. That portion of the road already completed gives entire satisfaction to those who have personally aided the enterprise, and to the taxpayers who voted for a levy in its behalf it is a source of gratification, as it opens to them a rnark't for their produce, which is in itself an item of Interest to both ends of the road. The contractors and board of directors, of which the Hon. John Lee, of Crawfordsville, is president, at present have control of the construction of the road, and anticipate that ‘when completed between Indianapolis and Chicago, it will be the cheapest and most popular route between those two great cities, it being thirty miles shorter than any other route. Its advantages to Indianapolis as a local road can not be overestimated, or fully appreciated, by the business men of our city, as it will place the agricultural resources and business of a country to the northwest to the distance of a hundred miles or more in easy daily and cheap contact with the business interests of Indianapolis, which is at present entirely shut off, except by indirect and circuitous routes.

It is not the intention of the parties to approach the people of this city for pecuniary aid until they shall have completed tne road to Frankfort, at which point they will intersect the east and west railway. When there they will confidently rely upon the popular character of the three-foot road to so commend itself tc the best business minds of Indianapolis as to receive their confidence and pecuniary aid and support. That portion of the road which is in successful operation is doing a lucrative business in moving farm and manufactured products. The track is smooth, the cars commodious and comfortable, while the speed at which the trains run compare favorably with some es the best roads in the state. The rails are laid on ties the same size as those used on the broad gauge, except in length. They make a solid road bed. The rolling stock is built on the same principle and pattern as used on the broad gauges, while the cost of construction is considerably less and the running expenses less, consequently the cost of shipping and transportation will be recuced.