The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1870-11-19
ottawa, osweso & F. r. v. r. r.

Ottawa, osweso & F. r. v. r. r.
The announcement having been made sew
ersl weeks ago that this road has been sold,-or
leased for % years, which is the same thing
to the Chicago, Burlington Il Q II. r. Com
pany. various questions suggest themselves in
which the people of Ottawa naturally feel a
deep interest. When does the Burlington
road take possession; what are the terms of
the lease how are the interests of the original
stockholders, of whom Ottawa is one to the
amount of si5OOOO, affected how is Ottawa
to be affected locally &c, &C., are questions
that meet one at every corner. After pros
ecuting our inquiries in various quarters sup
posed 10 be able to shed some light on the
subject, we have come to the conclusion that,
for the present at least, the public Will have
to wait awhile before they are fully enligthen-
ed on the questions suggested. All that the
parties contracting appear to be willing to
divulge now is, that the Burlington company
will take possession as soon as the Fox River
read is completed, which will be as soon us
the bridge across Fox River is finished, for the
track is laid to the bridge from both ends;
but, while it is hoped the bridge will be com.
pleted within three or four weeks, it mag
take six months as rise of a foot or two IN
the river Just now might put off the work
until low water next season. Further. we are
assured that the interests of the stockholders
are not sacrificed, but duly taken care of, and
strong confidence is expressed that before
half dozen years elapse, Ottawa will be able
to dispose of her stock dollar for dollar, and
finally, that Ottawa having contributed so
largely towards building the road, is to be
favored in the matter of fIeights and fares, and
to 'such degree that she will find her invest
ment in the road profitable even before her
stock yields any money dividends.
These assurances are pleasant enough as far
as they 90, though we must be allowed to say
that if backed by little documentary proof
they would be more satisfactory. We pre-
sumo, when the Burlington company are fairly
in possession. the City authorities of Ottawa
will make it their business to look into the
matter, and if the assurances alluded to above
are found groundless, the reputation of the
Burlington company for honor and fair deal
ing is such, that we have no doubt Ottawa can
make terms with them that will make it q
matter of important advantage to her to have
this road passing through her limits.
AS to the Fox River Valley road ultimately
becoming paying institution there can be
no doubt, if her finances are managed with
ordinary prudence and common honesty.
The road passes, its whole length, through a
thickly settled and wealthy country. Unlike
most western roads, it has not the country to
make through which 1t passes to or build up
The villages are bullt--the local or way bust
ness is already there, awaiting the advent of
the cars. And in addition to all this ordinary
business, upon which most railroads alone de-
pend and thrive, the Fox River road will have
the immense coal business of the vast
VermilliOn coal fields thrown into her hands
to whose capacity there is absolutely no limit.
With advantages greatly inferior to these
the Burlington road is now dividing 80 Der
cent. annually on its capital stock. Managed
with equal prudence and skill. the Fox River
Valley road, IN half dozen of years ought to
pay fully as well.