Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1870-05-05
RAILROADS AGAIN.

So long have the people in North
western Wisconsin waited for railroad
10 give them an outlet to eastern markets
during the winter season, it is not at all
surprising to know that it is the ali-ab-
sorbing theme of interest. The eastern
road under its multiform nsmes has
promised relief as often as change OF
charter has been granted. these many
wears. Yet now, ia the year 1870, we
have to travel westward through Mime
sofa, when We visit Milwaukee or Chiea
90. At this writing the West Wiscon
sin appears to be controlled by active,
earnest railroad operators, who by action
promise the solution of that long mysti-
fled uncertainty, to wit: the terminus OF
their road on tho west liue of the State.
The indications now are that this uncor-
tainty wall become certainty sometime
during the present season. The comfa-
to make connection with ST Paul road
at tire nearest point. We are satisfied
that the West Wisconsin company re-
greet that they did not, las. year. adopt a
more southern route. Such a route
would have shortened The road many
miles, and ensured to it The bulk of the
frcigbliug and travel from the upper
Mississippi during the winter season, at
least.
True, our neighbors up the lake have
located (ou paper their ambitious little
town on the = most direct line to ST.
Paul, etc., and our friend, the General,
at Somerset, is firm in tie faith that his
lodge is on the only through line to the
Pacific. But The good citizens of Pres
Colt have also carefully studied the maps
and, of course, settled all necessary and
important connections in manner quite
satisfactory. Let those laugh who win.
Our convictions are, and have been,
that II is the intention of the builders of
the road to mako ST Paul on the short
est feasible route. Everybody who has
looked into the matter at all knows " hare
that route lies. Yet, as is also we'll
known, the road by some misconception
or ehlcanery was turned, las: year, ont of
Its true line, too far northward. The
company is beginning to see its mistake,
and Is now seeking TO regain the lost
ground by selecting the straiehtest and
most direct line TO the Minnesota rail.
roads just opposite Prescott. We are
credibly informed that it is the earnest
desire of Mr.. Humbird, the chief build
er and stakeholder of tho road, to now
make the most southern line westward
of the Menominee river. Under such
instructions the corps of engineers are
now at work on this line. The road all
the way from the east to the Menomiuee
river has had no grade greater than So
feet to the mile. The topography of the
country west Of the Menominee presents
serious obstacles TO so low n grade aud
may turn the road far to the northward.
This is termed the backbone of the
whole route. 1t will require the great
est engineering skill to overcome its ap
parent barriers at the established grade.
But We believe they can lie surmounted,
aud that Mr.. Roberts, the able chief en-
gipeer. is fully equal to the emergency.
The road being under the control of
earnest and fair minded railroad men. in
the main, we feel assured that they will
study the best interests OF tie company,
aud the road will not DO again diverted
from the proper route.
GREEN Bay AND LAKE PEPrx Rail-
wAY.-A bill granting lands to aid in
the construction of this road, passed the
Senate on the Goth ut. An important
amendment was offered and adopted to
strike out of the first section the words
I" in a westerly direction 10 point on the