Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 May 1901 — RAILROAD COMING. [ARTICLE]

RAILROAD COMING.

Surveyors Now Here Running Two Lines. The surveyors of the proposed east and west railroad, of which mention has previously been made in the Journal, reached Rensselaer last week, and have since been making their headquarters here. They arrived in town from the west, and ran a line througn town about two blocks north of the Monon railway. A second line has also been surveyed through town on Vine street, which is the first street south of the Monon.

The commercial club called a meeting at the court house on Friday evening, at which time R. A. Hamilton, the chief engineer of the road, met our citizens and gave an outline of what the company proposes to do. The road is to run from Toledo, 0., to the Mississippi river, either at Keokuk or Keithburg. Rensselaer and Marion township can secure the road on very reasonable terms. Owing to being bound up with the Gifford tax, Marion township can vote but one-half of one per cent, to aid another road, which would amount to about SII,OOO. For this sum and the right of way through the township the road will be built. A 100 foot right of way is asked through the township and less through Rensselaer. The road will also pass through Newton and Hanging Grove townships and assistance will be asked from each’

The railroad committee, consisting of Warren Robinson, F. B. Meyer and L. H. Hamilton were instructed to appoint two other members and at onoe go to work and get the feeling of our citizens on the proposition. Mr. Hamilton, the engineer, states that the money is all ready, the company organized, and that there is no doubt that the road will be constructed on some line at an early day. SIO,OOO has been set aside to make the survey with. Thia looks like the best chance that Rensselaer has had for years to get another road, and there should be no trouble to raise the necessary money.