Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 July 1879 — DELPHI AND INDIANAPOLIS. [ARTICLE]

DELPHI AND INDIANAPOLIS.

The Railroad Meeting on Saturday Lott. Delphi Times, June 27th. A meeting of those interested in the eariy completion of the railroad from Delphi to Indianapolis was held at the office of the I. D. & C. Railway on Saturday afternoon. A number of the leading citizens of Delphi and Burlington town, hip, as well as a representation from Clinton county were present, aud the greatest interest was manifested in the proceedings. James Odell, Esq , was called to the chair and Will F. Garis appointed Secretary. By request, Dr. J. T. Richsrdson explained at length the object of the meeting. Some days previous a meeting had been held at Westfield, Hamilton county, where was organized the Delphi & Indianapolis railroad company. The capital stock was placed at SBOO,OOO, of which nearly all had been subscribed. The articles of as sociation had been filed with the Secretary of State. The uext mftve is the location of the line. The neees ity for prompt action was imperative, and the main object of the present assemblage was to provide means for bearing the expense attending the final survey. The Dr. further detailed his recent experience with the people of Frankfort, in an attempt to work up a sentiment in favor of the completion of the I. D. & C.. by that route. The Doctor did not draw a very flattering picture of the prospects in that di reetion. Frankfort has about all the burden she can bear, and since the development of the scheme to baild a blanch of the L. M, & B. from there to Indianapolis has been developed, her people are inclined to turn a cold shoulder toward the narrow gauge.— His own opinion was that the peo»le of Delphi do not want a road to Frankfort. For himself he had always favored the route by Burlington. The formation of the new could be accepted as an abandonment of the line via Frankfort. Action upon the right-of-way must be had at once, a i the proposed Frankfort and Indianapolis road will enter the city on the same line as the narrow gauge, and should the F. & I. obtain the first right-of-way, the narrow gauge would doubt less flud that the second right-of-way would be found both difficult and expensive.

The Secretary read a letter from Major Palmer and Calvin Fletcher of Indianapolis advising prompt action. The writers also said that wl ile the friends of the proposed road at the State capital were not as yet numerous, they were earnest, and would give the builders every assistance in their power. Colonel Yeoman followed in an instructive address, in which he explained the futilityfof ever hoping for a rail road thro’ to Indianapolis. Delphi would havp little or nothing to gain from such a road in local trade. The Colonel also detailed at length the superiority of the Burlington survey. First, the road can be built cheaper; second, more aid can be obtained than for a road to Frankfort: third, it will pass through a section of country which has nevei yet been developed by railroads; it will meet with no competition, and will open up a section of country which will be largely tributary to Delphi. He also insisted that the right-of-way from Westfield to ludianupolisshould be secured at once. Col. Yeoman explained why the organization of anew company became necessary. The charter of the Indianapolis, Delphi and Chicago railroad calls for a road to Frankfort, and when it was determined to change the route, an entire new i ornpany, working und er a separate charter, became necessary.

Other gentlemen, among whom were Dr. C. Gard, of Middle Fork, Clinton county and O. M. Barnard, of Burlington, spoke at length. The only fear that these gentlemen had was that Frankfort, finding the road likely to go elsewhere, would reconsider their determination and offer such induce ments as wouid secure the changing of the line to the original route. After ihe matter was thoroughly explained to them, und they were assured that the two comDanies were hs distinct as the Union Pacific from Julius Verne’s “Railroad to the moon,” they were enthusiastically in favor of going right ahead. The conference gradually changed into an experience meeting, during which nearly all those present gave their ideas of what was best to do.— Finally, at a late hour, the meeting adjourned, after securing enough of funds to start the surveying party out. The surveyors, under command of Engineer Will F. Garris, left for Indianapolis on Mdnday evening, and will at once begin the location of the Hue. They expect to be absent about five weeks