Terre Haute Daily Gazette, Volume 2, Number 192, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 15 January 1872 — Page 1

VOL. 2,

CITY POST OFFICE.

CLOSE. DAILY MAILS. OPES. ji. East Through...7:30and 11 a. p. ni 4:40 p. ID 5: JO a. ra

Way...12:30

5:3 a. ra...Ciucinnati & Washington.. 4:40 p. 3:10 p. in 3:10 p. in Chicago 4:^0 p. 5:00 a. cdOa.m.

St. ljouisand West.

10:10 a. in ..Via Alton Railroad 4:?0 p. ni 11:30 a. in.. Via Vanclalia Kailaoad 4:00 p. 3:30 n. ni Evansville and way 4:00 p. 5:00 "a. Through 7:30 a. 3:31 p. Rockville and way 11:00 a. 0:00 a. in B. T. H. & C. Railroad 10:15 a.

SEMI-WEEKLY MAILS.

Oraysville via Prairieton, Prairie Creek and T! airman's Creek— Closes Tuesdays and Fridaysat 7 a. rn Opf.ns Mondays and Thursdays at 6 p. Nelson— OMoaes Tuesdays & Saturdays at 11 a.

Opens Tuesdays & Saturdays at 10 a. ra WEEKLY MAILS. isonvillovia Riley. Cookerly, Lewis, Coffee and

Hewesvilie—Closes Fridaysat 9 p. nrc. Opens Fridays at 1 p. in. A shboro via Christy'KPrairie—

Clones Saturdays at 1 p. Opens Saturdays at. 12 rn

Wonev Order ofTiee and Delivery windows on en from 7.30 a. m. to 7:00 p. m. Lock boxes and stamp office open from 7.30 a.m. to 8 p. m.

On Sntxlavsopen from 8 a. sn. to 9 a. rn. ^:o Money'Order business transacted on SunL.A.BURNETT P.M.

MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 1872.

TERRE IIALTE & SOUTHWESTERN RAILROAD.

Tlie Court House Crowded.

Spirited Spe.cehes by Various «entlcA a A

Pursuant to the call previously announced through the columns of the city papers, the taxpayers of this city and township concerned, met at the Court House Saturday evening in such numbers as to crowd the court room to its utmost capacity, much interest being manifested. Hon. G. F. Cookerly called the meetingjto order, and ou motion, William J. Ball, Esq., was called to the chair. J. S. Dickerson and P. S. (Prima Donna) Westfall were made Secretaries.

The Chairman, Mr. Ball, stated the object of the meeting as being for the purpose of taking into consideration the construction of a Southwestern Railroad to some point on the Mississippi river, and having a general interchange of views of those who favor, and those who oppose the road.

Mr. Tuell stated that Mr. O. J. Smith would read a paper which would answer some of the questions asked by taxpayers who were anxious to have some light, whereupon Mr. Smith read the foilowiug To the Voters of Harrison, Prairieton and

Prairie Creek Toivnships: In discussing the proposition to tax the property of your townships lor the purpose of subscribing stock to aid in the construction of the Terre Haute & Southwestern Railroad, these questions have been asked:

11

If the stockholders are

unable, after a survey of the route and a full canvassfor subscriptions, to guarantee the construction of their line to Itobinson, Illinois, or to a 'point equi-distant with llobiuson from this city, what to ill become of the tax which may be voted at the elections already appoin ted? Will it be placed on the duplicates of the townships1 Will it be collected, and if so, luhat ivill be done with the money?

These are reasonable questions, and we desire to answer them (airly and squarely. We have already pledged ourselves that "the subscription of stock which may be voted by the electors of Harrison township shall not be used, in whole or in part, unless we are able to guarantee the construction of a railroad across the Wabash river and to Robinson, Illinois, or to a point equi-distant Willi Robinson from city." And now we add this further pledge

We hereby make dfcrselvcs individually responsible that no portion ot the tax which may be voted by the electors of Harrison, Prairieton or Prairie Creek townships as a subscription for the Terre Haute aud Southwestern Railroad, shall be placed upon the duplicates of either or any of the townships named, and that no mouies whatever shall be collected from the property-holders of the said townships for this'purpose, unless we are able to give a positive and substantial guarantee that the said railroad shall be constructed from Terre Haute in a southwesterly direction to Robinson, or to a point equi-distant with Robinson from this city.

This question has also been asked "Why has the Terre Haute & South western Railroad Company not yet been organized in Illinois?" We answer: Our articles of incorporation have been prepared sometime, and can be placed on record any day, for the construction of a railroad from a point near Darwiu, on the Wabash river in Illinois, through the counties of Clark, Crawford, Jasper, Richland, Clay, Wayne, Hamilton, Jefferson, JTranklin, Williamson, Jackson aud Union to a point on the Mississippi river opposite ('ape Girardeau in Missouri, at which lacier place a bridge will «oou be constructed over the Mississippi river. .We have not placed these articles of incorporation ou record as yet because a general railroad law, which simplifies the granting of charters, has already passed the Illinois House of Representatives and is now pending in the Senate. We are positively assured that it wiii pass the latter body in a few days, and we prefer to wait for its passage as a matierof convenience only, inasmuch as we can organize under the laws as they staud now any day that we choose to do BO.

This question has also been asked "Why ure the people of Harrisou, Prairieton and Prairie Creek townships solicited to vote subscriptions to this eniusrprise before the line has been surveyed .And before any aid has been asked for jtiiis rafJ,road in Illinois?" We answer: The people of Southern Clark, of Crawford, Jasper and other counties on our liije are most aji^ious for the construction of this roa.d. Tl. ey have already voted iarge subsidies for corporations organized «»rlier than our owu, WTe have positive jassjui\ances of substantial aid for the beucijtt of our railroad, aud that large stock subscriptions can be secured. But the pfior*!# of Southern Clark, and of Crawford and Jasper comities have been disappointed repeatedly in reference to railroads.

rlh?y

point where the urated. W. B. Tuell, Preston Husscy, Geo. F. Ripley, JEtobt. S. Cox, J. B. Hager. F. C. Crawford, S. Ruyse, J. P. Baird, Wm. Paddock,

and 4:40 p. ni

Col. Baird then

enterprise i3 inaug-

Alex. McGregor, J. H. O'Boyle, O. J. Smith, James B. Edmunds, Jas. Seath, Juo. S. Beach, John T. Scott, C. Y. Patterson, Jno. G. W7illiams. announced the follow­

ing resolution: Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting that it is the interest of the people of Harrison, Prairieton and Prairie Cree* townships to vote for the appropriation asked lor the construction of the Terre Haute & Southwestern.Railroad.

Pending the introduction of this resolution, the following discussion was had: Mr. Potter—Mr. President: If the audience will hear me, I will say a few words. I do not appear here to-night as an opponent of railroads. I am as much in favor of all enterprises which will benefit our beautiful city as any citizen. This question has come before this community but recently. It is a question that involves a very large amount of money. It has been but a few days since I heard of it at all. It is of vital importance to the taxpayers of this community that the public money be handled with care. This thing must be carefully considered in their interests. There have been no steps taken to ascertain the ieasibility or the practicability of this enterprise. There has been no time for reflection. Sir, the present motive in this enterprise is money speculation, sir, to add to the pockets of these gentlemen more money than they have now. I have no doubt of it. I will not call in question that motive it is a good one. [Laughter.] I don't object to that they have individual interests largely at stake, will be benefitted in the rise of real estate. I am not going to oppose the road ou that ground at all. Had it not been for private interests we would not have any road between here and Indianapolis. It was a private interest to take stock. It was private interest that started tlie movement, as I think is the case with the proposed Southwestern road. But as I said before, I do not oppose it on that ground. Iam as much in lavorofthis road as any gentleman on the Board of Directors, provided that it can be built in a business-iike way. I want, to see tax-payers protected. To effect this, I want better assurance-that the road will be built in a business-like manner.

Mr. Tuell—It shall not go on the tax duplicate before June, unless before that time the controlling power of the Terre Haute & Southwestern Railroad guarantees that it shall be built as stated in the report read by Mr. Smith.

Mr. Potter—I understand your intentions and that of the Board of Directors in this matter, but do your articles, filed in the office of tho Secretary of State at Indianapolis, state that this road is to be biriit to Darwin or Robinson or is it stated in your articles of association that yon will build a railroad to any point

Mr. Tuell—To a point on the Wabash river in asouthwestern direction towards the Mississippi.

Mr. Potter then read from the statutary law on this point and continued. The statute requires that the books shall be opened for subscription of stock along the line of a proposed road. It must be fairly and squarely done with open books and no individual to have a preference to another in the distribution of that stock. If your association is organized to build and equip a road, show $175,000 of subsosiption and it will look like business. Then gentlemen can talk of it with some faith. [Referring to the statute.] They must also name the place to which the proposed road is to be constructed, and the counties into which and through which it is -to pass. [The speaker read from the same book at some considerable length, and interrogated President Tuell as follows:

Have you done all this? Mr. Tuell—Every single point every thing laid down in the statute has been done. That is, all we could do.

Mr. Potter—Now, sir, this Board of Directors, who propose to construct this Southwestern railroad, represent capital to the amount of a good deal over a million dollars two million I guess, yet they have not taken the first step toward employing engineers to survey and locate this route. Is this not to be done until they get this appropriation of $150,000? Now, sir, I claim that this is premature, and unjust to call upon the tax-pavers, the hard-working tax-payers of this city and township, for aid to that amount inthis' enterprise. It is not true, sir, that there are certain retired men who oppose this road because they don't want to pay the tax incident to the voting of this stock for the purpose of building the road So far as I am concerned, I am ready to pay my taxes on demand. If anybody is to be benefitted by the amount of taxes I am obliged to pay, it is myself. I think my taxes for this road would amount to $150, all told, I would be benefitted about $500 in the rise of real estate. I am opposed to building the road on these unds. I know persons who have been struggling for the last ten years to save their little property from the hammerg of the auctioneer for delinquencies in taxes. I kuow that when the tax-gatherer calls there for money, that they cannot pay it. The laboring men cannot endure more taxation than they are now burdened witli. Therefore, I claim that the imposing of additional tax on the mechanics and laboring men at this particular time is unjust. Now, while the buildiug of this road might be a benefit to this city, even though it could be done in a judicious manner, I am opposed to an undertaking of this kind, as an experiment.- What does our city need most at this tijjie? Is it railroads or something else? What would benefit themcobauics and laboring' men of this city more than a x*ailroad I know that it is held out that this railroad is to the benefit all classes, to make the poor richer and the rich poorer, according to some of the articles I have read lately. [Laughter.] That is a very curious way

of reasouing. a curious to hear [Renewed

have built heretofore

largely upon promises that have not been fulfilled. They look upon this as a Terre Haute enterprise, managed in the interest uf this city, and they demand that we shall show them positively that we b&ve the means subscribed at home to commence the undertaking before they wiil euter into contract as to the aid to be furnished by them. This is reasouable. We can hardly ask distant communities to take stock in this corporation until after we have shown the willingness of our own people to euco'urage it. The road will be built from Terre Hauie to the Southwest, not from the Southwest to Terre Haute, and the first subscriptions should undoubtedly be solicited at the

Mr. Chairman, is not that kind of logic for us in the XIX century? laughter.] It is, and

there is no mistake about it. I look at it that way, and I look upon this scheme as a speculative venture. The President of this organization is an engineer—he is one of the.best engineers in the way of real estate I kuow of in the State of Indiana. [Laughter.] He cau engineer real estate successfully, aud he has been successful. I commend him to the company, and would recommend him to any financial house in New York—or Germany. Whatever he promises to do, he will do it. I have no doubt that he is in earnest in this matter—if he can get the $150,000. [Laughter.] I have no doubt he would have a corps of engineers at work there very soon. Have we uot the Wabash river? and we have four or five steamboats running here all the while— [Laughter] when the water is high enough! [Great Laughter.] You commenced to laugh before (Col. Baird—The water raised!) [Long continued laugh ler.] The price o! corn aud wheat at Hutsouville and York is only about five cents a bushel "different from here,

1 4.

five to ten cents. We will have that freight ou this road when built to D-ir-win. Suppose it does go to Darwin. There is uo*p!ace there even for a blacksmith shop and I doubt very much whether you could ever persuade a mau to go there Irom here to sell that staple article, whisky. (Laughter.) You must build a bridge across the Wabash river. Now, suppose it is advertised in your papers that that it will bring a large amount of iron here. That may be so. We have two competing railroads between this city and St. Louis, the Vandalia and I. (fe St. L. Both are very good lines, and by them \^e cau reach the iron beds of Missouri. I inquire if any engineers can lay out a road by which iron ore can be brought from Missouri to this city any cheaper than these two roads can do it? We already have facilities for transporting the raw material from Lake Superior and Missouri to build up the iron interests of this city beyond the calculation of any man here. What do we need most in this city I answer manufactories. I had a conversation with a gentleman the other day, in the course of which I asked nim this question What do you think of this movement of a Southwestern raiiroad? He said that "this mouey invested in a rolling mill would do Terre Haute ten times more good." It will bring more men here and benefit the interests of Terre Haute a great deal more. We have all the facilities here now to buiid up our manufacturing interests, which I insist will be more valuable tous at this time than any more railroads. Next Monday week, I would rather vote two hundred thousand dollars to the establishment of a rolliug mill thau one hundred thousand to the building of this Southwestern Raiiroad.

Sir. Mack—You have coal miue3 have you not Mr. Potter—Yes but the fact is, I am using all the coal I have got to sell there auyway. [Laughter.] It would help us out of financial difficulty if we could attract capital here, now in the way of manufacturers. We are spending too much capital in the building of railroads. The fact is, railroading and railroaders infatuate us. From what I read in the Evening GAZETTE, railroading in the State of Kansas is carried ou beyond the conception of most of us. I know of one railroad, the holders of the stock of which would quickly take 00 cents on the dollar in gold. You cau count something on thi*. We may build this road and the whole thing may be sold out in a few years. Railroad men understand this. They know when it is time to "stand from under." [Laughter.] 1 have no idea, Mr. Chairman, that these men are going to pay twenty thousand dollars for a road from here to Darwin. I have no such ideas they are loo shrewd men for that. I don't believe that these gentlemen are going to invest a very large amount of money. What are they coming here now for aud asking a vote on this enterprise? If they are not going to put this ou the duplicate, why do they want a vote from this city and these townships next Monday week Have they net got faith in the voters of this city and townships? They ask us to vote now, and give us only verbal pledges. There is time enough six mouths hence— a year hence, to vote on this matter. First, let us have a report from a corps of competent engineers, telling us where the road will be located, what point of this city it will peuetrate, whose interest is it to enhance and advance mo3t. .We wish something tangible before we vote. [Voice: This fellow- occupies so much time that there will be no further consideration.]

Mr. Potter—Just have patience, my friend, aud I will soon be done. [Voice Upon my honor ray patience is all expended. Great laughter.]

Mr. Potter—The Illiuois Central Railroad will bring ore to Effingham, and I think Mr. McKeen would be very glad to hitch on to and bring it over here. We already have enough facilities to get ores here for the next twenty years. I don't expect to live that long, though many of you wiil, perhaps, noneof whom in that time will be \ery likely to see a bridge across J,he Mississippi at tlie proposed terminus of this road. There is one now commenced at St. Louis,-which it will take four or five years to complete, at an immense cost. I understand it has already cost over ten millions of dollars. Just as soon as it is done the iron ore of Missouri wiil come here without breaking bulk. It will reduce the price fully one dollar per ton, I have no doubt, and our coal will be taken from here to all points in Missouri. It is to be taken there now, but not so largely as it will be when that bridge is finished. I believe I have said just about all I want to say just now. [Great applause.]

Mr. Potter then stated he had some resolutions to offer, pending which Mr. Tuell said, Mr. President: I have one remark to make in this connection. Before this meeting adjourns I shall be able to show that WB can bring iron ore here fifty miles shorter than any railroad in Terre Haute.

Mr. Potter—You cannot do any such thing. [Laughter.] Mr. Tuell—I have a man here who will make the contract to build the road.

Col. Baird—Mr. President, I don't know really, whether my opinion is worth much on this subject but I wish to say one or two things in answer to Capt. Potter's objections. In the first place he starts out with the Idea that there is a "nigger in the wood pile" somewhere in this movement, and then turns around and thinks we won't pay what We subscribed. If anybody ever heard of a subscriber to a railroad company's enterprise, making anything thereby, I don't know who ever did it. The tweuty thousand dollars which we subscribe here is in the nature of a gift. I never expect to make anything from my subscription, except what the enterprise benefits me as a citizen of this place.

Mr. Potter—Have you your books open in which your subscriptions are recorded. Mr. Baird—We have filed our subscriptions.

Mr. Potter—Have you invited capitalists in this city to subscribe? Mr. Baird—I think Capt. Potter's ideas are running on banks all the time, for fear they will "gobble up" this stock and take it away from us. [Laughter.] Captain, we have provided ourselves with a book for your own special benefit. [Renewed laughter.] You cau subscribe if you will.

Mr. Potter—I will subscribe one hundred thousand dollars! [Applause and shouts of laughter. Messrs. Baird, Tuell, Judge Scott, and other gentlemen advancing ou the invincible and irrepressible Captain with the paper, and asking signature oneJto hundred ousauddollars worth.]

Mr. Potter, ddntinuiug—Did anybody ever see a railroad subscription book in that form? [Voice: Put down your name!

Mr. Baird—This is a paper gotten up in couformity of law. We have our uames subscribed for certain amounts on certain conditions, etc., ete., as the statute provides. It is under the seal of the State, signed in regular form, ill any railroad company ever did. Now the Captain asks this question in substance, as I understand him: Why don't you go ou, build this road and have this taking of stock voted on afterwards?

ri

.r-f .w

TERRE HAUTE, IND.: MONDAY AFTERNOON, JANUAKY 15, 1872.

We are willing to give $20,000 to build this road. W?e cannot do it entirely. We want, to know what tho people will do first. Though this i.« placed on the duplicate, not a dollar of it can be used until a train of cars is run over tlie road. It may be that this stock will not be worth tne hundred cents on the dollar. I don't think it will be. The Captain, while he has the utmost faith in our integrity, don't believe we will ever pay it. It is kind of "damuing a fellow with faint praise," to say he is a nice man, but don't live up to his contracts. [Laughter.]

My name is here, and I expect to pay $250. I don't expect to get it back again, of course.

Mr. Hanna—The road from this city to Iudiauapolis (I. & St. L., of which Mr. Hanna is the official attorney) was built under precisely the same kind of an organization as this one proposed Here.

Mr. Baird—This is the kind of paper in all cases, is it not? Mr. Hanna—I think it is, in this State.

Mr. Baird, contiuuing—Capt. Potter thinks rolling mills and manufactories good things. They are good things. Anything that will attract capital, mechanics and other laboring men here, helps our town. We want all these kind of works here we can get, and we want any and all things which will attract people. If our mechanics, merchants and farmers don't succeed well, the city will not prosper. This road will advance the best interests of this city, and in that way alone do we expect to get our money back.

True, the merchants will be benefitted and make more out of it thau anybody else. It gives employment—to railroad operatives for instance. Ail enterprises that attract laboring men aud capital here benefits the city and all of our citizens of course, some more than others.

A few years ago, a fifteen acre tract of land that I know of, sold for $4,500. It is to-day worth $15,000, aud rose in value because of the building of the Danville R. R. Let us see aboutCapt. Potter. Anything that shortens the route by which iron ore can be brought here and coal taken to Missouri, will advance our interest as a city and individually. Even though it should not be shorter, it will create competition to reduce rates.

Before the road which Mr. Hanna represents,was built to Indianapolis, sales of freights were in the hands of one company, and the merchants and others of this city were at the mercy of that company. Since then there is competition and a reduction of rates. I am willing to pay my taxes on any railroad in any direction running 25 to 40 miles, even if it don't go auy further. If we cannot build this railroad wc will uot put this upon the tax duplicate at ail, if we don't succeed in gettiug our charter in Illinois.

Mr. Potter—Unless you can raise the means "to build this road you will not have this put on the tax duplicate at all.

Mr. Baird—Yes, sir. Mr. Potter—I wish to ask whether there is any assurance how you are going to raise the money at anything like a fair rate of discount.

Mr. Baird—Even if not, I am in favor of this, if the bonds were not worth 10 cents on the dollar.

Mr. Hanna—They are building roads all through Illinois where five thousand dollars a mile are given.

Mr. Pottor—Where? Mr. Hanna—Mattoon to Decatur, Paris to Danville aud many other roads in Illinois.

Mr. Mack—I did not hear the first part of this. I do not kuow whether this road is likely to be built to the Mississippi river, but if it don't go but thirty miles from this city, it will be a source of wealth to us. I don't want to be taxed, it is true, but the amount of taxation will return to me aud to you all in a multiplied ratio. By building railroads car shops must be built to supply them with rolling stock. By this means the laboring men are given employment. Railroads roll wealth wherever they go. Now, a man who is worth oue thousand dollars, the taxes in two years' time would amount to about $15. I think it would benefit every one that much. It is good for us and our children. So far as the taking of stock is coucerned, I don't wish any. I wish my tax to go as a donation. The law gives us stock if we sign this subscription. We will get work shops. Why, I owned some lots in tiie neighborhood of Collett'schops, and sold some of them recently. I afterwards learned that they were worth double wh&t I sold them for. The Captain has interests at Brazil. If you get hold of one of those fellows, he don't think about any thing but iron and coal. [Laughter.]

I want to see this town made the "hub," around which railroads shall be the spokes. We want this road as one of the spokes. It will develop the country. I have no fears but that these gentlemen will stand up to the contract.

Mr. Potter—Can you show any authority where they are compelled to perform that amount of work?

Mr. Mack—That is the law. They can't go back on the law if they should be disposed to go back on their pledges.

Mr. Bartlett—I am a small man but have a few words to say in relation to this mattar. I have traveled over this country. The people there wish this road. There is an east and west, and north aud south road contemplated through this county, which they will assist. But if they can have the assurance of the people of Terre Haute that thisroad is to be built they will abandon the other enterprise and do their part towards building it. They say if the people of Terre Haute intend building this road, that they will strike hands with them. If the tax-payers of Terre Haute will vote for that road, they will turn attention to it. If we fail to vote for this road, the trade of all that rich country over in Illinois is "dead letter" to us.

A motion being made for a vote on Mr. Baird's resolution, Mr. Potter arose and stated that he would like to introduce a preamble and resolution, whereupon Hon. J. T. Scott moved that the same be offered as a substitute to the resolution of Mr. Baird, which was seconded by Hon. G. F, Cookerly.

Mr. Potter—I don't wish to be opposed to railroad enterprises, but I think that this is not the proper time to ask this subscription. I think the time not auspicious. I know mauy men whom 1 would dit-1 ke to see have additioual burdens of taxation bj' the voting of the amount of stock called for by these gentlemen." They cannot raise enough now to lift the mortgages on their property, and pay the regular State, couuty and city taxes, which are burdensome enough.

Mr. Potter then read the following preamble and resolutions WHEREAS, An election is ordered for Harrison township, to vote for or against an appropriation of $150,000, to aid in the construction of the Southwestern Railroad, and whereas it is proposed to raise this money by a direct tax of one and a half to two percent, on all the real and personal property of the city and township within two years, thereby increasing'largely the taxes of town and city and

WHEREAS, There are good and sufficient reasons why this tax should not now be imposed on us, and why the vote called for is premature therefore, 1. Resolved, That white we declare our­

selves to bo in favor ot evary ontprpriso which promises to be of benefit to all classes of our citizens, and especially to tho growth and prosperity of our beauti fill city, we can not vote for this appropriation until we can nave more substantial assurances that our money will secure that end. 2. Resolved, That we counsol and advise the taxpayers and all others, to with hold their votes in favor of the appropria tion, until the corporators shall first have opened books for private subscriptions, and given evidence that they themselves, and maay others along the line of tho proposed road, have made liberal and bona tide subscriptions, and paid into some bank a fair percentage of tho same and further, until said corporators have caused a complete and thorough survey of the route, and made estimates of tho cost of the work,

including

a good aud sub­

stantial bridge across the Wabash river at some definite point, also of all other costly bridges andtres'le work on the route, and taken all other preliminary steps to enable the company and others to form an opinion as to the probabilities of finishing tho work. 3 Resolved, That when such preliminary work shall have been accomplished and the whole route determined upon, including the point on the Mississippi river, and reported upon by competent engineers, we shall be in favor of such^a work, provided there is a fair prospect of raising money on the bonds of the road, without yielding to ruinous rates of discount. 4 Resolved, That we believe it to be the duty of the corporators and other capitalists* who are disposed to subscribe to the stock of the Southwestern Railroad, to expend at least to tho amount of one-half of their subsciiptions before calling on this cifcv and township for aid by taxation.

Mr. McLean—I hope neither the original resolution or amendment wiil be put until there is a more general expression of feeling and opinion on the part of these men. It is a very large and respectable meeting. It represents the most of the wealth of this town, and the expression of opinion haa b^en too limited to have a proper vote on these resolutions at this time. I have been a citizen of Terre Hau'.e about 33 years, and I think I will live about 50 years longer. [Laughter.] Since I have been a citizen here I think there has not been a public measure to effect the general prosperity of the city which I have not uupported, and I must say that there has been no enterprise recently developed in our section of the country in which I felt a deeper or more lively interest than I do in the building of this Southwestern Railroad. [Applause.] I am a slight taxpayer here, in addition to being a small owner of real estate. I am also to a certain extent a bloated bank stock-holder. [Laughter.] Not so much bloated in that way as I would like to be, however. My taxe3 on this raiiroad movement, if carried out, will amount to about $500, aud I am williug that it should bo $1,000, if necessary to its success. I dou't want any stock. I have $2,000 in the Opera House which has not paid mo anything yet, at all. [Voice: Republic Insurance Company? Laughter.] I believe my friend Grain is the only victim of that in a manner that would bring tears from the heart of astone.g[Renewed laughter.] Yet he can console himself that it is bread cast on the waters.

Mr. Crain—I would about a= leave have stoak in the Republic Insurance Company as the Southwestern Railroad. [Laughter.]

Mr. McLean, continuing—I don't care how far the Southwestern Railroad penetrates. I care not whether it goes beyond Centralia or Robinson. All that country is as rich as the sun of heaven ever shown upon. It is filling up rapidly and we waut its trade. I simply make these few remarks because I desire to give you an expression of my opinion as a taxpayer, which I long have been aud always expect to be. I express my opininion in favor of it. I hope others will do the same. I thiuk every railroad built in this city for years will be 10 per cent, increase iu the value of our property. [Applause.] I believe the property of my neighbor Potter's will be enhanced in value at least 10 per cent, by the building of this Southwestern Railroad, while his tax wiil not reach one per cent. If the road is to be built, the people over iu Illinois, will drop the North & South road aud support this one. I think I know something about the people there. I have been in "them neck 'o woods" myself. I know that they are willing and anxious to make this investment. We believe there are gentlemen here from thafcsection of country and we shall hear from them ere these resolutions of Col. Baird aud Capt. Potter are presented.

Hon. H. D. Scott—Mr. Chairman, I wish to say one word, I don't like Capt. Potter's resolutions, though I like the Captain's speech very much the most of it suits me very well. I like to hear both sides of the question. I like the way Mr. Potter takes an interest in this matter. I am in favor of this road. The people iu the township named will be equally benefitted, and that is one reason I like it. Hitherto, railroads have been constructed more in the interests of the city, and I am pleased to see the township have a chance. As to the organization of the company, an organization must be effected in Illinois and Indiana, because, under different laws, then the organizations can be united. We must make the first movement in favor of this road, and when the people along the line thereof see that we areln earnest, there will be found by the hundreds men who wiil give dollar for dollar for the bonds of thisroad.

Hon. J. T. Scott here read the- statute in relation to the point raised by Capt. Potter, from page 394, laws of 1869.

Mr. Tuell—There is a gentleman here from Crawford county who can speak for his section of the country.

Dr. McCord—Mr. President, I came up here from Crawford county merely as a spectator, and not for the purpose of making a speech. I am not an uninterested spectator. I live on the proposed line of this road. The people there are waiting for me to get back and give them a report of the meeting. There is more anxiety about it than any occurrence siuee the last Presidential election, I believe. [Applause.] We have few people there iu a place. There is no place where such an enterprise as this oan be started but Terre Haute. I don't see how it is possible for Darwin, Hutsonville, or York to start such an enterprise as this though they can and will help it along when it Is started and comes towards them. When they are reached by the enterprise they will not let it stop. Mr. Bartlett gave a fair- representation of the feelings of the people down there. They feel more interest in this road thsui any other, because our natural affiliations are with you people of Terre Haute. We have tra !ed with you for years. We like your business men, and they gave us the "right hand of fellowship" as though they like us. We have other friends, but we love you best, and stand ready to help you in this enterprise.

Yesterday. I had along interview with the President of the road to run from Paris to Vincennes. We have pledged to give them $5,00J. We have more to give aud will give it fo some good road to yours, if you decide to build it, which matter we leave with you to decide among yourselves. Circumstances are sucli that we will havo railroads if we don't pay a single cent for them. However, wire willing to help build thisroad,

Mr. Parker—I have been doing business here for the last ten years with Tuell, Eshman & McKeen. They have reaped the benefit of nearly all my trade, and did we have this road they would get more of it. I kuow the people of Crawford county, and feel an interest in them, and as my friend Mr. Bartlett says, they are in favor of this southwest road. I, too, have interests in that couuty, and if this road is built will be taxed therefor at both ends of the road, and shall be very willing.

At this juueture, on motion of Hon. B. W. Hauua, Capt. Potter's substitute or amendment to Col. Baird's resolution, was tabled by a large vote.

The original motion of Col. Baird was then taken up and passed, by even a stronger vote than tabled the amendment of Mr. Potter, amid general and enthusiastic applause.

The meeting then adjournsd. [NOTK.—Wegive the above report from our phonographic notes as near verbatim as our time and space would £.dmit of, this morning. In some places where we condensed, we did not use the exact language of the speakers. We make this statement in justice to the gentlemen and ourselves.—CITY EDITOR

The Yery Latest News

(UP TO 3 O'CLOCK P. M. TO-DAY.)

By Ike Pacific mul Atlantic Telegraph.

Stokes' Line of Defense shadowed

&c„

&C.4

in which sentiment the whole com mini- inglon, 14th Tho peace aiui religious ity iu which I live, is with nie. We an- aspects of the Indian question were condoing what we can. We want s^nl

our money with your people. I \Y }out action, do you wif'h us to do so giegationa! Chinch to-nigh., tinder the Dr. Mitchell—Mr. President: We are auspices of the Young Men's Christian here not to influence you in this mutter, but we hav« a splendid country, situated iu one of the best and most fertile parts of Illinois, ?.s well improved and under as high state of cultivation as any part of that beautiful prairie State. We wish to come and trade with you. Therefore, we want a Southwestern road. We feel that this is our market. If you will but give us this road, we will come here to do business and ship our corn and wheat here, for our people are anxious to know if you are in earnest in this matter. We are not able to do it ourselves, unaided. If you are willing to do your part our people are willing to do their part. We must have fhe road, and you must help us to build it.

Fore-

Disastrous Fire in New York City.

Tremendous Explosion of Benzine During the Fire.

Clean Sweep of the Custom llouse Ollicials in Prospect.

&c.

NEW YORK, Jan. 14.—The French Consul were entertained at dinner at Delmonico's last evening by a number of French residents of this city.

It is stated that Stokes' counsel are busy getting up their line of defence and will proceed on the ground that Stokes shot Fisk in self-defence. It is also stated that distinguished surgeons are prepared to say that Fisk's death was not caused by Stokes' bullet, but by the med ical attendants probing his intestines for the bullet. The counsel for the prosecution are also at work. Several of the Erie directors and a host of lawyers are now at Albany, for the purpose of drafting a bill to alter the law relating to the challenging of jurors in criminal cases when impaneling a jury.

About 11:30 this morning, a most disastrous fire broke out on the corner, of First avenue and Thirty-second street, in the planing mill of Tife & Diiffee. It spread rapidly. The police and firemen were soon actively engaged trying to quench the flames, but the wind blowing hard, rendered their efforts almost abortive. All the available force of the Are department and several platoons were on the spot.' The buildings were soon wrapped in flames, which made a clean sweep of the entire block surrounding Thirty-first and Thirty-second streets, and extending from First avenue to Walter & Co.'s sawing and veneering establishment, and the varnish factory and stone yard of M. Tilden Blodget.

At 3 o'clock A. M., an explosion occurred amidst the burning buildings. The firemen, police and citizens all scampered away in haste to getbeyond harm. The fire thus gained headway, and flames shooting to great height were carried over into the stone yard of Mr. Blodget, where one hundred barrels of benzine were stored away with a large quantity of Varnish and other inflamable matter.

NEW YORK, January 15.—Edward S. Stokes, the murderer of Fisk, still maintains -the same calm demeanor and speaks more confidently than ever of being able to make a successful defence. Yesterday wastt solitary one for him, for beyond the chaplain no one is allowed tc vi3it the prisoner on Sunday. He has not yet been indicted, but the DistrictAttorney has prepared the document, and it is probable he will be to-day.

Appropriate services .were held on board the Russian vessels Alsi'ck and Svetlana yesterday, in honor of the birth of th« Grand Duke Alexis. The occasion was also celebrated at the Russian chapel, Second avenue.

A special dispatch from Washington to the Tribune, under date of yesterday, says a rumor is afloat to the effect that the President will, immediately afler the Senate Committee returns from New York and submits its reports, make a clean sweep of all the principal officials connected with the New York Custom House, filling their places with men of prominence in business, and eminent integrity, who have not been active in behalf of either faction of the Republican party in New York, and that he will follow this move by the dismissal of his whole kitchen Cabinet, sending Porter, Dent aud Babcock back to their regimentis.

NEW YORK, January 15.—The following is a special to the Times from Wash-

=NO. 192.

shiercd 5n b,k. mee(= at li Coi

Association. Rev. Dr. Rankin presided, and addresses were made by Secretary Delano and Messrs. Brunot, Stuart and Farwell of the Peace Commission. A large audience was present including the President, Vice-President and other prominent citizens.

Senator Sumner will make his speech to-morrow on the Supplementary Civil Rights Bill. He has prepared himself with great care, and an unusually elaborate effort may be expected.

NEW YORK, Jauuary 15.—At a late hour last uight, afire occurred at No.s. 264 and 266 Water street on the third floor, occupied as a storehouse for rags and paper by E. M. Taylor. Loss $8,000. During the fire, John Castle, foreman of No 12 engine, fell from the fifth story of the buildiug and was seriously injured.

NEW YORK, Jan. 15.—The following is the Herald's special from Washington, January 14: It is understood upon excellent authority, that the Secretary of State is much distressed at the advance reports which have reached here, of Prince GortschakofPs reply to his father's dispatch to Minister Curtin oil Catacazy's matter, and that his mortification is the greater because his own judgment was against the tone of the dispatch from the first to last, and especially against its questionable accompaniment from the moment of its publication.

The dispatch was recognized here as tlie handiwork of Assistant Secretary Davis, aud some of the best friends of the Secretary, upon iis appearance in the Seuate, hastened to assure his that he had been most unfortunate in yielding in this matter to his Assistant. Worse thau all the letter has not been sustained in those higher quarters, where support is so uecessary just now, and though, as with ail important papers, it had been submitted to the Cabinet, the Cabinet is considered exultated by the impeded rule that the head of each department is the best judge of the proper tone of its official communications.

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 14.—SpeakerCarter has been served with the following, which is also communicated to Governor Warmoutli: HEADQ'RS GULF .OF NEW ORLEANS,

January 14, 1871.

Hon. Geo. W. Carter: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, which was hauded me by your messenger last night after 12 o'clock. In reply to your communication I will state that in a conflict between the Executive and Legislature of a State where it is difficult to decide which is] right, I have recognized throughout the necessity in the interests of a Republican form of government not sidiug against a Legislature and the propriety of not interfering with its organization in any manner. I cannot therefore consistently give you the aid or advice asked. I wiil further state that I had decided not to bring troops again to this city during the present imbroglio, unless ordered to do so by the U. S. Government. The parties having a right to a knowledge of this decisision being informed some hours since-

I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. EMERY, Brevet Maj. Gen. Commanding.

CHICAGO, Jan, 15.—The new temperauce law is the subject of animated discussion in the saloons aud hotels, and i* loudly condemned by those who claim that it interferes with their business.

The lower class of saloon-keepers who would find it difficult to obtain the $3,000 bonds required, are especially loud in their denunciations, but the better class of people, as well as many who drink in moderation, think that such a law will do muqh good.

The Germans of the North Division held another meeting yesterday to protest against the proposed fire limits ordinance. They are terribly excited as the most of them own small lots, on which they can manage to build frame cottages, but cannot possibly erect brick houses, and therefore would be left without houses if the law passes.

TRENTON, N. J., January 15.—The inauguration of Governor Parker takes place to-morrow. Everything has been arraigned to make it one of the grandest affairs of the kind yet witnessed in the State.

THE MARKETS BY TELEGRAPH.

THE

Cincinnati Market. CINCINNATI, Jan.

15.

COTTON—Steady at 21c. HOGS—Firmer receipts 40,000 head prices, [email protected].

PROVISIONS—Mess pork, dull at $13.00 @13.50. Cut meats, 12c. WHISKY—One cent lower, with sales at 83c.

Other markets unchanged. River falling, with 13 feet of water in the channel. Weather clear and cool,

New York Market. NEW YORK, Jan. 15.

COTTON—Quiot, middling 22c. FLOUR—Dull. WHEAT—Steady, [email protected]. CORN—[email protected] OATS—54 (a, 56c. MESS POKK—New, 514.25 COFFEE—18@22Kc in gold for Rio. WHISKY-Quiet, 92c.

LEGAL

Notice of Application for License.

undor-jgnctl hereby give notice that tney will make implication !o tlie Loaiu ol County Gonin isMoucrs t.'ic-ir xt lcgular in&btUig, for a license to sf-Jl intoxicating li

situated on the south side of Ohio, between Third ami Fourth strcols, in the city of Teire Haute. Harrisou township, Vigo county, Inciiana.

November 25,1871.

i'lOWE & CO. 25-3w

APPLE PAREBS,

1|. H. 1VHITTKMOBE

.. Manufacturer of

apple pare:

Afcd Paring, Coring & Slicing Machines, Worcester, Massachusetts,