Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1867-03-20
Railroad Meeting at Danville.

Railroad Meeting at Danville.
The meeting held in this village last Tues
day afternoon, in behalf of the Montpelier
and ST. Johnsbury and Essex Railroad Com
panies, to connect, also, with Portland, Me
was in every respect, decided success The
object of the meeting, as stated IN the call,
was to have a - free talk upon the neces-
sitv, and the general utility of this grand en-
terprise, as well to devise initiatory and
material ways and means by which the de-
sired end could be accomplished.
/ The meeting was held in our new Town
! Hall, which is both an ornament to our town
and village, and just the place to hold such
public assemblies. The large hall was filled
| to its utmost capacity seats be-
ing provided-and many had to take = stand
ing - seats. There were many of the sub
stantial farmers, mechanics, manufacturers,
merchants and laborers of Danville present,
with delegations from 81. Johnsbury, Wal
den, Hardwick, Cabot, and Peacham.
The meeting was called to order by Hon.
! Calvin Morrill,, one of the Directors of the
! Company. who, after reading the call, nomi-
mated Hon. Bliss Y. Davis, of Danville, as
presiding officer The nomination was at
once confirmed, and on motion of \. H.
Eaton, Chas. l.. Morrill,, Esq, of North
Danville, was chosen Secretary.
The President, in few pertinent remarks,
clearly stated the object of the meeting, and
then introduced, as the first speaker, Hon.
c. W. Willard, of Montpelier. who, upon
taking the stand, was greeted with applause.
Mr.. Willard spoke over an hour.
We cannot give report of his remarks, nor
even a full synopsis of them. He spoke ex
temporaneously, and in general, and yet
practical, convincing manner, exhibited the
great advantages TO be derived socially and
pecuniarily--indiv as communities. as
distant neighbors hitherto, and as State,
in charging our railroad facilities and open
ing to trade and commerce, to Interchange of
social ideas, and practical, business life, the
great resources of this section OF Vermont,
and its future connection with the great
West, and with the Atlantic and the Pacific
seabpards. Reasoning from those grand
stand-points, the speaker presented in for
chile manner, the many reasons for cordial
and hearty cooperation on the part of the
people generally. in behalf of the proposed
enterprise.
Hon Calvin Morrill,, of St. .Iohnsbury,
but native of Danyille, was next called for.
He came forward, amid applause, and in a
very happy manner, alluded to his former
residence and association with the people of
Danville and then. in a speech of about
twenty minutes, in his enthusiastic manner,
portr we'd the advantages, individually and
proposed railroad, urging all interested to
rem er the enterprise material aid, closing
with the emphatic injunction, that by - Il
long pull-a strong pull-and pull alto
getner,' the thing would surely be accom-
plshed Mr.. Morrill, afterwards. in few
remarks, alluded to the people of Portland,
stating that although there was some
seeming divisions and rival interests in not
unexpected quarters. yet the citizens gener
ally, comprising many capitalists; were in
favor of the proposed connection by the way
of Montpelier and St Johnsburv. Mr. Nor
rill also stated that, in due time, our citizens
would be called upon to subscribe what they
could to the stock of the proposed road.
Gen. Pitkin, of Montpelier, was the next
speaker. He spoke briefly, but pointedly,
of the great Importance of the road, not on
ly to those at the extreme points of it, but
to all residing along the line.
Mr.. Linsley, of Burlington, who has been
recently chosen chief engineer of the pro-
posed road, was the next speaker. His re-
marks were also brief, but pertinent and APP
propriate. He said, in substance, that SO
far a practical survey was concerned, he
believed there was - no lion in the way,
no insurmountablc obstacle, though the route
might have to be somewhat circutous vet
the actual route would be finally determined
by a map chart, and therefore, all reports
as to stakes being placed here or there,
might be regarded, generally, as speculative.
j. d. Stoddard, Esq, of St. Johnsbury,
was next called out, and in a few brief, apt,
and facetious remarks, strongly advocating
the proposed road, brought down the house
with roars of laughter. Mr. Stoddards
speech. although well spiced with jest and
anecdote, was nevertheless practical and i'm
portant in many of its points.
Mr.. Franklin Fairbanks, of St. Johnsbury,
spoke briefly, as did also DR.. Billiard The
former gentleman said he was matter of
fact man, preferring to dwell upon facts,
rather than theories and mere speculative
ideas, and in the course of his remarks gave
several instances, within his own knowledge,
of the ultimate benefit of railroads to indi-
viduals and to localities, in increasing man
features, and agricultural interests.
By request of several present, Mr.. n. III.
Eaton then introduced the following resolu-
tions, expressive of the sense of the meeting,
on the important matter before it,
Resolved, That this meeting cordially sym
pathize with the Directors of the Montpe-
lier and St. Johnsbury, and Essex County
Railroad Companies, in their endeavors to
form connecting link between Portland and
the West, and hence across the Rocky
Mountains to the Pacific and we pledge
our influence and material aid for the end
proposed.
Resolued, That the people of Caledon ia
County hail with great satisfaction the pros
poets of re-opening trade and commerce with
Portland, which was carried on extensively v, |
with mutual profit, at an early day.
These resolutions were adopted unani-
mously. After announcements that meet
ings would be held at Cabot and Marshfe i'd
on Thursday and Friday, and at Montpelier
next week Friday, the meeting adjourned.--l
North Star.