Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 April 1901 — THE GIFFORD RAILROAD. [ARTICLE]

THE GIFFORD RAILROAD.

The Rensselaer Branch Has Not Been Abandoned, A STATEMENT FROM MR. GIFFORD. Has Not By Any Means Given Up the Project and If the Road is Not Built It Will Not Be His Fault. B. J. Gifford has written tne following letter to the Journal in reference to the publication that he has abandoned the Rensselaer branch of his road, which is self explanatory: Kankakee, 111., April 1,1901. Mr. Leslie Clark, Rensselaer, Ind. My dear sir: I have yours containing a clipping from the Democrat headed Clifford Railroad,” and inquiry touching the truth of the statements therein. Replying thereto, would say there has been no “give up” on my part and such statement is entirely unauthorized. The Democrat has fought this enterprise from the beginning, and this is only a snarl from a fallen foe. I have already spent on the Rensselaer line much more money than the entire election expenses in Marion and Barkley townships. The road may not be built, but if it is not built, it will not be my fault and I shall be the chief loser thereby. The only “scheme” involved appears to be a scheme on the part of the Democrat to arouse, if possible, a hostility to the enterprise sufficeint to drive me from the undertaking. And their lack of confidence in the “promises of this promisor” is a matter of regret, but this promisor hopes to maintain nevertheless a reasonably fair financial standing. That the Rensselaer line has its difficulties is well known, yet it is not considered impracticable in view of

the aid promised. And I most deeply regret my apparent inability to build the road and to please the Democrat at the same time. Yours truly, Benj. J. Gifford.