Jasper County Democrat, Volume 16, Number 88, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 February 1914 — Letter Concerning Interurban. [ARTICLE]

Letter Concerning Interurban.

Remington Press: The Press has a letter from Burton O. Smith, general manager of the Insurance Trust Company of Ohicago, in answer to a letter of inquiry from the Press asking concerning the reliability and responsibility of the Indiana Northwestern Traction Co., who propose to build a line twm wavs through the town. This letter is on file at tfieHFress office and may be seen by anyone interested. It speaks in highest, terms of the company and 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., I 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 other departments. “Mr. Wilson, the engineer, is the consulting engineer c f t M !*nc"a Surety Company of this city, *-v whom he is highly regarded. In a similar capacity he has constructed a large mileage of interurban lire in your state. “From my knowledge of the met? conditions and general merit o' the enterprise. 1 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 should be in successful operation in your immediate locality and considerably beyond that during t(he present year.

“I understand some local prejudice exists by reason of previous efforts by other people to construct this lipe, and 1 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. “The whole affair is as T understand it, up to the local people. I have been aixproacPed in connection with the handling of the bond issue which the company expects •to put out when a sufficient mileage ,*•» built to justify and for this reason have looked into the matter more carefully than otherwise would be the case.” B. O. SMITH. —Advertisement. All Rubbers and Shoes at greatly reduced’ prices at Fire! Sale.