Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-01-15

towns in our own State for the purpose OF aiding
a corporation in the State OF New hampshire
This was the decision of the Legislature when the
charter was granted, and they will be inclined to
adhere to the same principle now.
l believe, also, the very means which have been
adopted by the corporation, or rather by It's Presi-
dent to obtain this change, will lessen the chances
of success II has always been considered, by all
concerned, that the two routes dverged from each
other near Fairbanks that the chartered route ran
north of the reservoir. The position was recogniz-
ed in the plans and profles when the charter was
Obtained aud when the subsequent surveys were
made. Ii was recognized in the petition 10 the
commissioners, and in the hearing before that body.
But when il was found that the decision olthe COM
missioners was against the change the President
to carry out the threats which had been made be-
fore, put force upon the Wnchendon lines above
the junction, where they are expanding large sum
Of money, with an intent, no doubt, OF having the
plea to make before the Legislature, that this labor
will be lost unless the prayer of the corporation be
granted. And so at the western terminus-a con-
tractor has been put upon the section extending
from Gbsons to Bucks Hill, some three miles
where the route is very expensive, where any man
who will view the ground, must see in a moment
that il the road is TO be constructed through Bald
winville Que half of this heavy expense could be
saved, and the distance shortened nearly half a
mile. must say that ! regard these expenditures,
in the present state of the not only as uwwise,
but as pronigate and reckless. If the Legislature
should not alter the charter the money expended
upon these sections would be lost. ] speak plain
", because know the facts will bear me out, and
that if the Directors or an impartial committee OF
the stockholders would view the premises, they
would come to the same conclusion
Now this attempt to set at defiance the decision
of the Commissioners-th prodigal use of funds
Of the Corporation-this disposition TO extoft an
act from the Legislature, canno, be justified II is
wrong in principle, and is at the same time highly
mpolitic. 1t is an easy matter to get up an OK
citcment in the Legislature against Corporations
and when it can be made to appear that the officers
of Corporation have manifested disposition to
transcend their powers, especially for the purpose
Of controlling the action of the Legislature, it is
rather difficult for that Corporation obtain many
fayors
But what can we expect from an application to
the Legislature If they refuse TO grant the
prayer, we shall be Just where we now are, and
shall find it necessary, in all probability, TO a.
bandon certain portions Of the work, which are
now in progress. But if they alter the charter, our
position may be still worse The best legal adj
vice. now on the files of the Corporation, believe
authorizes the belief that change Of location, by
the Legislature, will render the stock invalid, and
have not paid, cannot be compelled to pay, may
not those who have already paid recover back theiI
assessments know not as any stakeholder would
be disposed to avail himself Of his legal rights bu
it seems to me to be unwise TO put the stock IN
jeopardy. ! am, therefore, Of the opinion that the
interest Of the Corporation requires that we take
the charter as it is, aud prosecute the work witt
vigor upon the chartered route | am desirou.
that the road should be built and built at as early
period as is practicable. And | must comics,
that il appears TO me that iftbe President could fol
short period, forget his darling roads above Win
chendon and below Fitehburg, the whole mattel
might be soon adjusted. IL we look at the inieres
Of the Vermont and Massachusetts road alone, i
10 me that the case is perfectly clear have
gentlemen, spoken thus frankly, because believed
that the case required it, ! am aware that ma,
expose myself to some imputations for know
that every one is denounced who does not fall IL
with the Wnchendon route. But shall give my
self no uneasiness on that account. If any thing
ofthe kind comes from a responsible source il car
be met and If from an irresponsible one, will do
no harm.
Hoping that this Improbable controversy may be
speedily terminated and that the road may soon be
put in operation, subscribe myself
Very respectfully, your ob't servt,
CHARLES HUDSON.
WASHINGTON, Dec. IL, 1916.