Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 August 1899 — GIFFORD’S RAILROAD. [ARTICLE]

GIFFORD’S RAILROAD.

He WHI Bring It Here for $13,000 and Free Right-Of-Way,—Thence to Remington and the Coal Fields. Through the personal efforts of a few of the prominent citizens of Rensselaer, notably W. B. Austin, B. J. Gifford has signified his willingness to change the proposed route of his railroad from McCoysburg and thence south to Wolcott and Lafayette and south along the west bank of the Wabash to the coal fields, by coming east from a point near what is called the old Continental survey, running through Rensselaer, thence south to Remington, and thence south to Lafayette or, perhaps, to Fowler and southeast to the coal fields. To make this change Mr. Gifford asks for free right-of-way and $12,000 through Rensselaer and free right-of-way through Remington. Whether or not he asks for any cash from Remington and Carpenter tp., in addition to right-of-way, we have not learned. The The north outlet of the road is expected to be at Hammond, eventually, where it will connect with some of the lines running into Chicago. Several meetingshave been held this week to discuss the matter, the largest one probably being held Thursday night, at which time the sentiment of those present seemed to be practically unanimous for the road and that the best way to raise the cash necessary was by voting a tax of about 9 cents on the SIOO in Marion tp., and Rensselaer. This would raise about SIB,OOO it is said, which would give Mr. Gifford his $12,000 and leave $6,000 to pay for securing right of way, which might not cost, however, one-half that sum. Committees were appointed to confer with Mr. Gifford and secure the right-of-way, to secure the necessary 25 signatures to call an election and for various other purposes. The advantages another railroad would be to Rensselaer must be apparent to all who have given the matter much thought, although we do not look for the great things to come from it so speedily as many of the enthusiasts. It is not likely it would amount to very much for some years to come. The tax voted to secure the road would be paid back in a few years in the road’s regular taxes and the location of the line through here would no doubt give thp town a boom which would help to fill some of the now vacant workingmen’s homes, something greatly to be desired. It is practically assured that an election will be held as soon as the necessary notice can be given, that the vote will be largely in favor of the project, and that the road will be built at least as far as Rensselaer ere snow flies.