Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 February 1914 — THE INTERURBA SUBSIDY. [ARTICLE]

THE INTERURBA SUBSIDY.

(Remington Press of Jan. 29.) The Press -has a letter from Burton O. Smith, -general manager- of the Insurance Trust Company, of Chicago, in answer to a letter of inquiry from the Press asking concerning the refliability and responsibility of the Indiana Northwestern Tracton Co.,- who propose to build a line two ways through the town. This letter is on file at The Press office and. may be seen by anyone Interested. It speaks in highest terms of the company of its general manager and engineer. The Insurance Trust Company is the company that has been asked to handle the bonds .of the traction company in case the road is -built, and has made a close examination into the conditions and the men behind the movement. This letter is in part as follows; “Replying to your favor of the 17th inst- 1 am personally acquainted with all the gentlemen actively identified with the building of the Indiana Northwestern Traction Company’s proposed line, and know them to he, capable, responsible and trustworthy. “Mr. T. S. Roberts is a man of large and successful experience in this line of work; is possessed of substantial personal means and has strong financial backing. “I had occasion to make Investigation regarding him and was advised by several banks that he was considered good for any contract or agreement he might make. “Several others actively identified with the undertaking have been selected by reason of their experience and fitness to handle otherdepartments. Mr. Wilson, the engineer, is the consulting engineer of the Illiois Surety Company of this city, by whom he is highly regarded. In a similar capacity he had constructed a large mileage of interurban lines in your state. “From my knowledge of the men, condition and general merit of the enterprise, I have no hesitancy in assuring you that if the local attitude is favorable and reasonable support is extended, the line will be promptly built and shodld be in successful operation in your immediate locality and considerably beyond that during the present year. “I understand some local prejudice exists by reason of previous efforts by other people to construct this line and I venture to advise your people not to confuse those men or methods with the present ones in a way to prejudice their attitude at this time, and thereby injure their own interests as I believe would be true if they as a result failed to secure the line, - ■-■■ y - The whole affair is, as I understand it, up to people. I have been approached in connection with the handling of the bond issue which the company expects to put out when a sufficient mileage is built to justify, and for this reason have/looked into the matter more carefully than otherwise would be the case. B. O. SMITH.”