The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1870-04-06

! In pursuance OF previous notice, Scnae-
fer's Opera House was filed 10 its utmost
capacity on Saturday evening last, to take
steps to further the project of the Pitts
burgh, Canton and Chicago railway, for
which a charter has recently been obtained.
On motion, c. Aultman, Esq, was cho-
sen chairman and r. E. Kuhn, secretary.
The chairman, in few appropriate re-
marks, stated the object of the meeting,
when loud calls were made for Mr. Schae-
fer, who took the floor, and in substance
spoke as follows: ..r
Mr.. scHAEFER's SPEECH.
Mr.. Schaefer expressed himself not only
gratifed at this reception, but especially
gratihed at this large and enthusiastic
gathering of the substantial citizens of
Canton. 1t looked like business and no
doubt meant business (applausel We
might congratulate ourselves on living in
q region Of country so bountifully provi-
ded with all the elements of wealth and
prosperity. IN all these resources which
afford support and employment to man
kind, Stark county ranks second to none
in the State No town i more favorably
situated in this regard than our own little
city OF Canton. (Applause.) These re-
sources need Iurther development, and in
order to do this, increased facilities of
competitive transportation are absolutely
necessary. You all know and remember
that few years ago Canton was destitute
of facilities for transportation-was only
q watering place for wheat teams going to
Massillon on the canal. With q Little en-
ergy and hberality on the part of citizens
Of Canton, the Ohio canal might have been
here. Ten thousand dollars would have
L. 4
way. Those great enterprises were lost to
Canton forever for lack Of little prompti-
tude, energy and hberality. Shortly after
the building OF the old Ohio & Pennsylva-
MIA railroad, Canton took a start. Some
enterprising and industrious mechanics
from Greentown located here-citizens
lent a helping hand-other establishments
have been built from time to time, till
now Canton is an important manufaetur-
ing city of ten or twelve thousand. Give
rs another railway connection east and
west, and we shall soon see our city make
still greater progress. Even now no town
Of its size in the State does the same amt
of manufacturing. Bnt we need, we must
have increased facilities We must do our
duty, every man in Canton must do his full
share-action is necessary-material aid is
needed, and if not attended to at once may
be too late. (Applause.)
Mr. Sehaefer had various points and
railway lines plainly marked out on the
baize curtain, all which he explained,
showing the situation Of Canton and 9th
er points east and west.
Mr. Schaefer showed the importance of
Baltimore and Toledo connection-the
distance to Baltimore was 3S5 miles-to
New. York 560-we had positive assuran-
ees Of encouragement from the gentlemen
controlling the Baltimore and Connells-
vile roads-within FIVE or six weeks the
new road through this section will be loca-
ted, and we must come down with the
stamps But for railways Canton would
now be a dead old town-the streets as
formerly, used for COW pasture. (Laugh-
ter.) He wished no man to 60 beyond
his means-but by q new railway our
property would increase in value, and it
/ would not be money thrown away Town
lots that sold for 500 few years ago now
brought S2,0O0-the lot on which is this
building and the Eagle block sold few
years ago with the old building on for Sc
900, and now the barelot alone was worth
| $44, 600 Cut off this railway awhile, and
where would we be? (Iaughter.)
1t IS true, railroad companies sometimes
put it on-the price of car from Chicago
to Pittsburgh IS $50, and the price of one
from Chicago to Canton Is $S5. This is
because ours is way station-we have
no cOmpetition-at Mansfield men ship
wheat to Philadelphia for % cents bush
el, while at CSnton We pay 80. Mansfield
has the benefit OF competing routes. Mr..
s. sshere read letter from Mr.. Michael
Harter Of Mansfield upon this point.
Canton would save $75, 900 . year if we
had competing lines, and were not at the
mercy Of one road. Wheat goes from oul
neighborhoOd north Of US to Akron tC
market, Just because Akron can pay {
little more. owing TO cheaper freights. Il
it not time for as to open our eyes? Al
our citizens must lend hand, d,-all, busi
ness men, merchants, &c, he who vii
not respond, do as you do to poor preach
er, cut of his Tntions, (laughter) the mer
chant who will not do his part let hin
quit selling tape or 60 to Osnaburg-
daughter and cheers.)
| Mr.. Sehaefer described the route through
the county as of easy grade, and mention
ed the rich coal fields and ore banks tn
new route would open. He spoke also Q
the great travel from the far west, Cali
fornia, &c, that might thus be draw
through Canton. 1t would bring mem
bsrs Of Congress and all these great me-
through here, and we could see them, 20
know loud laughter) The books woul
be opened after little, as advertised, an
! he hoped there would be no skedaddlin
! then. (Laughter.) But ! know one an
! all of you will do his whole duty (AE
+ planse.) --.