Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 21, Number 68, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 May 1900 — A Good Railroad Meeting. [ARTICLE]

A Good Railroad Meeting.

The Sentiment Was All lor tli ( Road. There was truly ‘‘large and" enthusiastic” railroad meeting at the court hoilse, last night. Mr. Gifford was present and explained the conditions and prospects of his road at great ! ength and in a very satisfactory manner. He showed that it wbu'd cost him a good dea more to build into Rensselaer from the northern route hence he asked for a larger bonus., But he thought it would be so muoh bettera Rensselaer and Marion township that the people could afford to pay more for it. From the tenor of his remarks it was perceived that he considered that his former offer was for $30,000 from Rensselaer and Marion township, alone,- and the wording of his written proposition may admit of that construction. He is determined to build on south towards the coal fields and stone quarries, at the rate of 50 to 100 in ileg a year; and perfers this route to any- other, as taking him through two such good towns as Rensselaer and Remington. His two per cent, proposition wat really only a suggestion. He standson first proposition of : 30, 000, if people want it.. Take such action as you think is to your interest after having the facts. As to thonline by McCoysburg lie said he would not abandon ic but may not build it now, may be finished by some others. He repeated that he was ready to stand by his $30,000 proposition if the people Wanted it. Whatever sum is voted whether 1J or 2 percent it will be a 3 a donation, but he will give any person or persons a chance to take stock on the same basis as he gets it, and can have a year or two to decide if they want it. If Marion and Barkley vote 2 , per cent, and Capenter votes but 1| percent, the road will be built but will go from here to Remington on the most direct and cheapest line. On motion a vote was taken to show sentiment of people present, and it was unanimously in favor of the project on the new route and at 2 per cent. On motion the committees as heretofore named were continued with instructions to confer with in the other townships interested. On motion a committee of ten from Marion is to be appointed by the chairman to confer with like committee from Capenter, Jordan, and Barkley townships and all to agree on a day to take a trip over the route of the Chicago <fc Wabash Valley Railway, as far as completed, to which Mr. Gifford heartily assented and guaranteed free transportation for the party and their wives, sisters, sweethearts, their cousins, and their aunts. Many questions were asked and satisfactorily answered by Mr. Gifford, and the general sentiment was enthusiastic in favor of the enterprise.