davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17

-Syl,anus Poor. Esq Of And)ver,
has been spending the last six months in
the interior of New York State. where
cheese factories abound, and has been in.
terested 20 examine Them, and ascertain
in relation TO their profit, Is investments.
He write: encouragiHgly. and says they
arc discussing ;he question OF establish
ing one in their section. He will impart
his information freely to those interested.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17

The removal ct Nj. sumner iraa
the chairmlnshjp OF tie Committee On
Foreign Relations. o. lhc Republican
Senators, has caused much hi>>JJi>!ac
ton among che te,~ooal friends e, the
senator /, i particularly obiccti .H1Die
20 many. being REGARDED a~ Executive
influence 10 displace Mr Sunni on nc.
count Vi ..i, opposition u the san Do
mingo acquisition.
The democracy, all at once, came {.
the defence OF MI summer, and agc quick
10 discern remarkable merit in him,
just a they dill in senator Fcsscndcn.
when there Wa, q pro>le,, a. making
trouble between him and his former
friends Ii EaS not a vCrT plcasCRt task
for republican, Senators To take the course
they have, in relation to Mr.. :. and /,
may be an iji advised move, which oper.
ated adversely t. .hc republican ticket,
in The New Hampshire election; still sc
think j, safer % deley 10 the judgment OF
The majority, and ,oUceje to them hon
esty and di>jrtere>tcdue>s Ia their cour e.
/; il simply ridiculous to charge This To
the President, dictation. i SENATOR
al majority had better grounds Tor action
than this or they are 80 be pi,icd. indeed.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17

Prof A. Z Herrick has been lectur
ing in Scdgwick. Brooklin. and Other
towns on tie coast.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17
first session of Forty second Congress.

first session OF Forty second Congress.
Monday. the Senate referred various
Hills. Senator Morrill, OF Ne, introduc.
d bill Ia re establish the Office of Sur
.eyor of Passport. \ resolution was
ruhRlilted by Mr.. Anthony, limiting the
business OF The present session OF Con
sre>s. 20 legislation for the protection OF
The South agains; hu kluX OItragcs,
which was laid over ill Tues day. In the
House, Mr.. Hale introduced = resolution
patting salt On the free lists, and it was
passed l4j to 46. Among the bills in
troduced was one l0r the admission OF
Colorado and New Mexico, lhe latter
undrI tho name OF Lincoln. rs States IN
The Union. Mr.. BiaxtOH, OF Virginia.
Introduced bill To- pay Lees heirs $500,
100 Tor Arlington, but ou motion from
bnller The bill was tabled-ll5 - "a
Mr.. Farnsworlh Introduced q resolution
putting coal on the tree list, and 1t was
rasst d-l32 70 %. MI Dickey. OF Pa,
introduced = resolution putting tea and
coffee on the free list. and il passed-l4l
la -. A motion to suspend the rules so
~ to "a clare the 18TH l4th aud 10Th con.
slitutional amendments ratified. and that
40 Stale has the right 10 withdraw its
ratification, tailed To- Secu-e the ncccssa
~ two thirds the vote standing 10 10
IS. A motion of Mr. Dawes. to adjourn
Wednesday, WAS rejected.
CONVERSATION OF CENSUS MARsHAIs.
The followin. is the text os the law
providing for increased compensation in
rertaia cases 10 Census enumerators:
That the Secretary OF the Interior be.
and he hereby is, authorized To increa'e
the compensation Of assistant marshals III
taking the census OF 1870, whenever in
hiS Judgment the same shall he necessary,
provided that in ~ case shall such in
crease exceed 80 per cent. OF the amount
If compensation now allowed by law,
nor shall the entire compensation be more
than eight dollars per day for the time
actually employed. and the joint resolu.
ion entitled "A resolution in relation to
he compensation of assistant marshals
for taking the census Of 1870" approved
Juno 9, 1870, sbe, and the same Is hereby
repealed.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17

The County temperance Meeting,
at tie Court Hose, on "Wednesday even
ing Was wol attended IIerrick Davis,
Esq Of Bryant Pond called To order,
and uomina:cdJ ;. Hobbs. chairman
The meeting was addressed by J. p.
Swa.cy, Esq, OF Canton, Hcriek Davis,
ESQ, Gen. Perry. OF ONloId, Mr.. Knapp,
If East Liyermore, J. 5 Wright, Esq
Of Dixicld MishjlI Mason. oil Bethel
and 6. D. Bi>boc. ESP. Of Bucklicld.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17
Have You Heard From Paris
THE HOME OF GOV. PERHAM,

ct two Custom House Officers. one
cx.Caslom House Officer, five Post
masters. tour County Officers, and
the Editor Of the Radical County
Organ, and heretofore casting 4 clear
Radical majority o: 200?
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17

The Largest March Meeting ever
held in Paris.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17

Only three Of the candidates Tor Town
Officers who were nominated IT the
Radical caucus elected, Niz: Mod
orator, Treasurer and Town Agent.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17

There has been a heavy earthquake
at the Sand Sich Islands.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17
0rfora 4emotrat.
PARIS, MAINE. MARCH Il. 1871.
A Big Splurge.

The last Oxford Register comes out
with an article headed by cut OF jack
tar. mailing the national flag to the mast,
the display lines being SCI ridiculous that
we give them rerbatim ct laeratim
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17

Returns Thursday morning, make it
doubtful about three democratic members
Of Congress being elected. Small runs
ahead of The Governor ticket, and may
be elected
The New York herald., 1871-01-05

owner or property can discover o vacant spot be-
needs no prophet to assure that rAe four per cent
tax will expand TO Ave next year as
the three per cent tax OF the year before swelled
10 four this year; and another such rise would
simply stop all building, drive our few corporate
tax paying institutions away, and leave us thousands
OF OLD houses uninhabied, instead OF thousands OF
new houses built and occupied. The present il evil
IDENTITY the turning point In our city's career. The
city Is staggering under load which, In the face Of
the warnings have uttered IN previous messages, 1t
was madness for any man in public 0flice 10 have
wantonly increased during the past year. With the
meeting OF the Legislature we shall soon see whether
the load is to be lightened or made more heavy. A
bill Is threatened already TO repeal the most consd
erable direct saving Of last year by restoring the
pOlitan standard. II this Ii the kind OF legislation
we are TO expect, men OF limited means had best
next years taxes.
TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT,
the Mayor concludes as fOllows"lt ID idle TO hope
for substantial reform, or for much longer post
ponement OF an evil day for Brooklyn unless we get
a law emphaticay iorbidding any more ssne OF
ever until our present debt shall be at least onena
paid, and bringing every local authority under the
body who, whatever eur own faults, as In the mat
ter OF the gas lamps can at least claim that what
ever we do is In public sight, and would be far
without our public action and approval here
not dollar could be spenJ nor an executive
exactly where to look and we know that they are
looking the solicitations OF interested parties would
no longer avail 10 induce unnecessary expenditures,
against the interest OF an 0vertaXed city and the
sentiments OF a critical constituency. To the polit-
cal majority OF your honorable body-men OF innu-
enCe In the party locally dOminant-I say, IN con-
clussn. and In all moderation. that II we stand up
against Tor anything less than the present public
demand for o radical local Tefirm we can SO stand
only until our constituents get their next opportu-
nifty TO sweep us into deserved political oblivion.
We did not make the difficulty and what temporary
alienation OF 1t was had last year was the work OF
the party now In power; but II reforms far more
thorough still are not made this year, the people
Will forget who caused the trouble originally, and
punish only those who having the power OF cure,
exercised It with heItatng and insufficient hand.n
The New York herald., 1871-01-05

Beef in bba slow Of sale bu steady value.
bbs AT from $40 30 80 tor plain and $o 8 for
extra do.
RioE.--Carolna firm, with = moderate demand. A
few small lots sold within the OF 61c aTkc for
common TO prime Rangooa nominal
STEAEINE WAS slow OF sale and heavy We beard OF
business Fair and prime lots quoted at lhc. aN2o.
SEEDs.-Idnseed remansd dull and uomnayat S2 Is n
x3lgp, gold duty paid. Clover dull and lower;
small sale was made Al IKE, which the closing price
for round ios Timothy unchanged
SUGAR The market for trle active the.
demand being chey from rehners and ahou. price
realized. The sales 10 hhds. pri ate terms
and 300 boxes al from sac to l0c Fair to good refining
Cuba quoted at sc. and No. ~ boz about l0c.
We quoe Hard, lac. 4ac.i soft white 1899 ID &C..
extra u. 13c l3iac.
TALIow.-The demand moderate, ami prices
steady especially for prime The sales were 10000 lbs
$40 9c, almost all at the latter ngure.
WnIskEY;- Receipts, tA bbls. The business was only
$50 bbls. ai s2c. sasc., chiefly at 92sc. s11sc.
The New York herald., 1871-01-05
4 Big THING ON ICE.

Brady's skating Rink, in Jersey CITY. was on Tues
day night the OF a dsgraceIul row. A colored
man named Ray was skating, when he was ap.
preached by Mr. Brady, VINO ordered him or the ice.
Ray replied that he had purchased the ticket at the
door, and was therefore as entitled TO remain
any other person. After some further
wrapglng Mr. Brady told him he should
leave, but Ray positively refused. Mr.. Brady
then seized nm by the throat and attempted TO drag
HIM on, when cry OF Indignation lose nom seve-
raj bystanders, and Mr.. Brady desisted. Ray vas
soon after set upon by Melgs the ticket seller and
three or lour others, wno dragged aud pulled him
in every direction, one OF them striking HIM a
heavy blow on the head but they were
not able 10 drag him of the Ice. Two
policemen were brought In by Mr.. Brady,
bat when Ray made his statement they concluded
he was right and refused to interfere. An aflldavt
was made 10 taesc facts yesterday by Ray, before
Justice Allen who issued warrants for the arrest OF
Messrs. Brady, Meigs and others concerned. Ray Is
man OF more than average intelligence, and Is de-
teruined 10 bring the matter before the Grand Jury.
As the trustees of the rink ara republicans is cer
tam they Will take action In the matter.
The New York herald., 1871-01-05
DMEsTIC MARKETS.
N-e,~~~~s~~~>N~~~~-~~~~~

OswEoo, Jan. l. 1871.
Flour steady and unchanged sales 200 bbs S6 rs for
No spring, S7 for winter 80 30 for white, vs. 70
for double extra Wheat quiet no. Milwaukee club 81 81.
Corn dull sales OF lots at 7Sc Oats dul sales of
lots Of OHIO at So Barley held at sSc for choice Canada
Rye and peas inactive Buckwheat dull saes OF load
OF Canada At 70c Corn NEAL ~ % for boed; ~ Is
unboted, per cwt. Mil fesd unchanged; shorts, $2i
shipsuas @26 $2s; middlngs, $50 $Ss PER ton RaiI
Albany 5sc grain and mill feed to Boston, VI New
York, 80 so; To Albany, S5 ~ per ton.
CHICAGO, Jan T. 1s7I
quiet; spring 81 II 81 afternoon fairly active.
but unchanged. Corn easier sales No. 43c. 443c
afternoon unchanged. Oats steady at 3gc $3.50 for No.
g. Rye firm 75c. for No g. Barley, 721sc 73c. High
wines ut o5c. bound. Provisions and
steady Mess pork 86 So Lard lac Dressed hogs quiet
at b 20; live hogs lower saet 40 30 SO 2b Cattle dull
and lower sales at 3 S6 10 Recepts-b0O0 bbs. four
77,Ouo bushes wheat; $4,000 bushels 2000 bushels
oats 5000 bushels rye 200 bushels barley, 000 hogs
Shpmens5U0J bbls -four 900 bushels 900 bushels
oats, S,o0O bushels barley, 5,o0O hogs.
LoUIsvILIr, Jan. T. 1871.
Tobacco Sales 81 hhds, at So 30 ss 90 Tor
good lugs Y6 70 low to leaf. Bagging
dull. Hemp and tax held NJ 25c. u 26c.
WILMINGTON. Jan. 4. 1871.
Spirits OF turpentne quiet Strained rosin 81 a5
Crude turpentne hrmer at 81 W q 81 3D. Tar quiet.
SAVANNAH, jan 4, 1871.
Cotton very dull Holders Arm. Mddiinss Ia4ac. Ne,
receipts, 4ia3 Exports the Continent, 1sO7
coastwise, ,l34 Sales, 900; stock. 1896
NEW ORLEANs, jan. Z, 1871.
Cotton weak but in fair demand. M,ddlings, t1.c. n
l4c. Net receipts, S2y6 $500 Exports TO Great
britain, 6,559 Sales. 1850; stock, 225,2l2.
The New York herald., 1871-01-05
STREET QUOTATIONS.
Half-pasr Five O,(,lOf.lx p. NJ.
COMMERCIAL REPORT.
"WEDNESDAY, Jan. 4-6

"WEDNESDAY, JAM 4-6 p. NJ.
CoFFEE--There good business transacted in Rio,
the demand being entirely from the trade and the
hrm There sold 1898 bags ex Wavelet 32l7
Eclipse, and in Philadelphia $3.50 bags ex Caro-
line private Other kinds were quiet,
except ~ Domingo, which continued In fair de-
mand. AHSut 1000 bags sold private terms.
CoTTos-There was good degree OF activity in the
ke for this staple The demand all classes of buyers
beng decidedly active but with fair offerings Prices
heavy and declined Isc pound, the closing
weak at the decline For future delivery demand
more active but paRs were weak and some saes were
.de at reductionU &c. Th5 sales the spot 1851
bales nncudng 1856 to arrivel Of which 1859 for
export 1851 for spinning a9a III on speculation The
as follows January, S0o at 4c loo at IA ial5c; Fec
ruary 7eo at l5pe March, $40 at l.;sc 100 at 10 6e.
April, 100 at II ldc, 100 al l5s6c, 49h l5Lc 400
Is slice; 500 free board Mobile private terms 2OJ do
Charleston, private terms Total 500 bales Also late
yesterday January go at fsc 800 at Il l56c., 1900
l5c February 500 a. 5sc 800 at Is sisc; March, 700
bales Grand total s5lO bales We the quo
The New York herald., 1871-01-05
BROOKLYN'S BURDENS.
Annual Message OF Mayor
Kalbneisch.
shat Pure Little Town Across tho Water Only
eS0,607,55l Behind = The Commissions
Complained Of as the Cause Of tho
Defcit-"Go Slow"

Mayor Kalbneisch delivered his annual statement
before the Common Council the city OF Brooklyn
yesterday afternoon relative TO the government,
1nances and improvements going on there. The
statement begins by asserting that we can look
back upon the annals Of the city's history for the
year just expired with satisfaction. The public
peace and safety has been rarely disturbed. The
public health has been maintained, notwithstand.
ing the almost unprecedented character OF the pre-
vailing weather. The fears Of malignant epidemics
so sedulousy disseminated during the latter part Of
che summer proved unfounded. The city for
considerable time was exposed to great
peril Dy "rhe outrageous conduct OF the
contractors employed by the Health authorities OF
the neignboriny city, who persisted in throwing the
ofal and dead animals Of New York into the waters
which wash the shores OF Brooklyn. He recon-
mends the Kings county delegation to urge the pas
sage Of law forbiddlng the repetition OF such an
outrage. "The progress Of the city amazes and gra
titles US, as ever anew we stop to observe 1t. But
the city cannot grow SO fast as do the burdens an
utterly reckless policy has laid upon It," The ratio
OF the city's growth from period to period will be
seen as follows
norpAu y arrvr or poprrr Arrou AVN
The New York herald., 1871-01-05
FINANCIAL and COMMERCIAL.
WALL STREET,


"WEDNESDAY, Jan. 40 T.. NJ.
On Change to-day wheat was steady aud frrs
Flour was IN better demand and shade higher. The
cotton market was duh and steady until near the
close, when it became heavy and prices declined
about &c.
THE EXPORTS or THE WEEK.
The aggregate amount Of exports, exclusive OF
specie from the port OF New York to foreign ports
for the week ending January s. 1871 was s. ls7 7a9
MONKY STILL ACTIVE.
The money market was still active at seven cur
rency to seven gold, bus modification was just
rerceptible In favor OF relaxation, compared with
the previous day. Borrowers on government col
later als were rather freely supplied at seven cur
rency, but loans on pledge OF stock colaterals COM
manded both rates alternately. Discounts are as
yet without movement OF any moment and rates
continue to be quoted Sk per cent.
Foreign exchange was dull on the basis or lOsTs
100 for prime bankers sixty-uay sterling.
GOLD HEAvY-11o& Al1Ok.
The dealings in the Gold Room were on very
limited scale. There were quite number OF sales
OF "odd lots" representing the gold received for
coupons bought by the bullion dealers in the street
before ana since the government commenced paying
the January interest. Otherwise speculative opera
tions were tame and light The course Of the mar
lyart oNA tn
The New York herald., 1871-01-05
Making . total Of .S574,4sl

STREET LIGHTING.
Unless some change Is made In the present mode
OF ighr IL win cost the city for the ensuing year
not less tlan S750,O00 $780, more than was re-
quired ten years ago to carry on the whole city gov
ernment. t Att
The,dlspensing with gas,ight on bright moonlight
standing chat large saving might be efected
without the least Inconvenience resulting from IT,
Another remedy Is suggested by the gas companies,
namely, that OF reducing the size OF the
Shis some other paL is adopted the better that
we may save ourselves the disagrceabIc necessity
OF being compelled to again apply to the Legisla-
ture for authority to raise large amount OF money
means should also be provided to the full
supply OF gas contracted for anu thar the gas fur
nisliel is OF good quality. This subject Ia OF con-
siderable Importance. both III q pecuniary poinr
and as 1t effects the comfort and travel.
TIE PARK COMMISSIONERS.
Abiding to this body the Mayor says:-sIt has in
voved our city IN a debt greater already than the
whole cost OF our magnificent system OF water
works, and instead OF q completed park, at mode
rate cost for which the site chosen afforded peculiar
advantages, 1t has treated us as yet only 10 what
one OF public Journals with truthful satire, de-
scribed as little more than new branch OF the
Coney Island road II we are 10 have any reform
OF local aduirs the present, should suppose, Will
be the last reference need make to this last OF the
special COMMISSIONS
Having reviewed the evils OF the commission
tystem ne continues:
HOW rHE CITY CAN REDUCE ITS TAxKs.
or more importance now tnan TO inquire how the
city became 50 entangied Is TO discover how II can
extrcatc Itself. believe, IN all candor, that while
the task Is quite feasible now, set II IL be postponed
the result VIII oe most disastrous to every property
interest In Brooklyn. Another four per cent tax we
three or up beyond I'VE. II are to 20 on as now,
"repavngn vacant new streets before they are
paved or built upon, and erecting additional gas
lamps wherever the ingenuity OF an Interested
The New York herald., 1871-01-05

Wheat dull and lc lower, No sprlng being offered
the close a. ~ a. though generally held at 81 49, The
comprised abou; 5000 bushels mainly old wheat and small
s q nsw 5re II = 0f S old sg .pras II 4s s
81 aS winter, 81 81 IS tor white do. Rye Was duh
D h a sales
a. &C. Sc for western sc Sso fo oso Both bares
and malt were dun ana unchangcd
HAymrae esmsnd was tar and prices were strong,
70 - y 90 saspPns ping, was wa quoted at 81 ~ long rye
Hore-rbc demand was still very isa. and price, were
heavy esf ,l rresaar with cona1adec offerings Common
HEMP was neglected. ana prices were nominal at yestsr
aoAssFs s,il negee,ei prices were nominal at
our quotations Domestic was quiet but steady. We
s4c 2oc musooyaao refining .2c SOC. muscovado gro
cery, sO SOC Porto Rico aoc Ssc English Islands, ssc
NAVAL srogrs-The demand for spirits ,urpentue was
Prices saies very light being only bSi. a, isc
c the market closing at about the latter price for
ehantable lots in yard. kosn quc. very
strained, when was quoted at - 80 ~ ss few small
81 70 Sc % tor No. - IS for pale and s. q 81 for
extra do ard window glass Tar nominal
selling at &c. s3c in casks Lard was du and
withor, sales Other kinds dull and nominal our
quiet, the demand being very light and we heard of no
M the sns for ns1 ss o G
balance OF this month Crude in bbs dull and
Nsphha was neId at aJsc, but the Inquiry was small
and sales reported There business
transacted IN rehned when held with rmness 2jrc
The sales about 5000 bbs s. W. 23c, 1000
the price, 200 do. Canada private 800 do
high "a &C.. and 01u do 2ixc. The demand
entirely for export For oobing lots moderate demand
prevailed at sc &c In Philadelphia the market quiet
Tor spot but active for futures, about yesterdays
closing prices Sales 10000 obis for March and Apr OOe
each month"; at fc We quote january first hail. 2ssc
21,sc, do, las. half ass.e, and March, 2elc a 24c
fRoyIsoNs Receipts, 2a65 bbls. pork 1857 do beef
g packages cut aug bb and crces lard and l67
With improved demand and very light offerings
pork both the spot and for future delivery de-
cideiy nighsr Lots on the spo. were he'd at 9 %
for city primo There sales reported for
future delivery; the asking prices SIS - q
sle Dressed hogs were more sought alter and
and western. 7c. 7c Live hogs duh At csc.
C. for far TO prime. Lard rather active and
prices better for Western snd city saes s terces on
The spot at l2c. FOR prime Western aud Aso ao
for Guy alse 20 ierses !or January at Ese 80 do cr
ycsegay) $50 do for February at l2 and $50 do for
March at ac Cut meats dull and nominal the qros
mons published in our report For bacon the demap
active but prices favoring buyers About 4sp
short RIB and long clear sold private teUns We
long clear, lie; short do, l05c sbrt clear
l0Ac, llc short rib, i0c love. OF beef Sams
sales were made at from so SSl for COMMON choice.
Beet n tierces quiet aud unchanged
within the range OF $50 s2 toe prtne sdd India
The New York herald., 1871-01-05


The Southern State bonds. while In the main dull,
were irregular In the prices OF such transactions as
took place. The Tennessees were better in both
issues, the South Carolinas heavy and the general
list steady. The following were the closing street
prices:-Tennessee ex coupon, 63ia q "a; do, new,
63t4 a63h Virginia, ey coupon, 81 67tkj do. new
ca Go; do. regular stock, old. so SOY; Georgia
skies, 70 70; do. sevens, 81 SO; do. sevens. Old,
So u 90; North Carolina, ex coupon Az a 10; do,
funding, 1865, 80 81; do. do, 1865, rs q 30 do,
new, y a "a; do, SPECIAL tax, Is 10; Missouri
sxes Sgia S9s4; do, Hannibal and st. Joseph,
S94 q s95l; Louisiana Sizes 81 a 671s; do new 6S a
"a; do, levce skies, II 70; do do, eghts So &c.
do Peniteutiary sevens "a II; do. railroad elghts,
so a 81; Alabama nves, 70 IL: do. eIghts, 90 e7
do. railroad eights, "a 81; South Carolina sSes
SO SO; do, new. January and July, 63 a cay; do.
do. April aud October, GA &c; do. regular STOCK
old 65 10; Arkansas sizes, 55 a co; do seyens IS
63.
THE CITY BANK SHARES.
The following were the bids for the city bank
shares:---New York, 1872; Manhattan, l5o Union l4O
America, 141; City, 20; Tradesmens, I47; Ma
tonal, 1l6; Merchants Exchange, 994; Leather
Manufacturers 200; state of New York. ila;
Commerce. III: Broadway, 200; Ocean, 10; Mer-
camille, l2i; American Exchange. 112; BanK OF
the Republic, lo7; Bank OF North America, l04;
irving uSs; Grocers', lis; Market, 124; Nassau
lo6Is; Continental, ss,s; Commonwealth, 95; Park.
1855; New York National Exchange, 100; Central
National, l03 Fourth National, l05; Ninth National,
lIo}a; Tenth National. 122; Gold Exchange, 70.
THE RAILWAY MORTGAGES.
The following were the bids for tho railway mort.