Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 60, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 March 1914 — MONON HAS RIGHT IF COURT APPROVES [ARTICLE]

MONON HAS RIGHT IF COURT APPROVES

Public Service Commission Sees No Objection to Monon Buying The Gifford Railroad. The Public Service Commission of Indiana will interpose no objection to the purchase of the Gifford railroad by the Monon railroad. That was the decision rendered Tuesday, which amounts to the opinion that there was no stifling of competition by the purchase and that it was in no manner in violation of the" state commerce laws. Attorney Kurrie, who made the offer for the Monon, to give $95,000 for the road, was notified in Chicago, and he communicated with Attorney Moses Leopold, for the estate and it Is quite certain that the Monon will make the claim that it is entitled to the road by the terms of the option signed two weeks ago. In the meantime T. S. Roberts, president of the projected interurban, who had made a bid of $9,500 higher than the bid of the Monon, is in Chicago, where he went with the presumed intention of securing more money to put up as a forfeit based upon- his good faith and ability to comply with the terms of purchase. The Republican learns that Mr. Roberts Tuesday telephoned to Attorney Dunlap, stating that he had been told by Judge Hanley, who i® in Kentland, that any amount of money which Executor Gifford- was willing to accept would be sufficient as a guarantee. A telegram came for Mr. Gifford and is in possession of Attorney Leopold, unopened. It is understood thfft Judge Hanley had given Mr. Roberts until today (Wednesday) to raise the money for the purchase and that he will come from Kentland this evening to see what has been done. Presumably if Mr. Roberts does not appear with the money and if there is no other proposition on file that looks substantial, the sale to the Monon will be given the approval of the court The Indianapolis Star states that the Monon Will use the road to relieve traffic congestion on its road. This plan will insure the extension of the road to the north this year, making a connection with the Monon railroad at some point probably near St. John. It Will prove a great step toward the development of the Gifford country. From the standpoint of Rensselaer’s interests, it would be better if Mr. Roberts bought the road, provided he connected the pro.posed road through this city with it. The purchase in either instance will give Executor Gifford money to pay off a number of troublesome debts and greatly advance the settlement of the GiffoM estate.