Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1871-04-14
From the Chicago Railway Review.
John Gregory Smith and Vermont
Railways.

Our remarks upon "Vermont Railway Con-
soliiation' in the Rcuiec Of the 9th inst -,
rather naturally suggest the query, how Yer
mont, considering her size, situation, popula-
ton and wealth-a small, isolated and agricul-
tursl State, Of but little commercial importance,
and exporting but few surplus staples SC
quired and wields 20 much power in the railway
managements of New England
Her position, lying in one of the great path
WAYS of commerce between the Northwest and
the Atlantic, has had much to do in endoyinp
her with this power. But as much, or more. is
due to another happy fact. The projectors, the
fathers and sponsors of Vermont railway enter
prises, from their very inception, and their sue
cessOrs in management to this hour, have al
ways been men Of great abilities and unques-
toned integrity and honor. To such men, for
example, ss Charles Paine, John Smith, and
Lawrence Brsinerd, founders Of the Vermont
Central, and Timothy Follit, the brothers John
and Harry Bradley, Of the Rutland and Bur
lingtou K. R's-all now ACKNOWLEDGMENT
owes her railways, snd to them much Ct her
prosperity.
They assumed the abors Of procuring the
charters subscriptions to stock, and took heavy
responsibilities many times and their successes
were owing 10 their characters There we're
giants in those days '' Nothing less than the
high characters Of those men could have pre-
vailed over ibe deprecated prejudices Of Old
fogies in the Legislature Of Vermont, in the
struggle TO procure charters, which we're strenu-
ously resisted.
Aud the mantles of these railway eiers have
well fallen upon their successors, now managing
thosa great corporations. The virtual consolia-
ton Of those tEo reilroals-the principal ones in
the State-hss brought them mainly under the
general management and control Of Hon. John
Gregory Smith, ex-G1vern0r # the State, and
President of the Vermont Central railroad, and
also Of the Northern Pacific Railway.
No man could have better schooling for his
lsborious sud sponEhlesfositiou. Bred law
yer, and for several years partner with his
houore1 father in a large and successful law
practice, they both abandoned that profession to
assume the Heighuer cares AMI lsbors Of railway
management. la this they became associated
(amoug others) with Hon Charles Psine, ex-
Gov, etc, aud Hon. Z. Brainerd, whose brilliant
and accomplished elles, daughter, became the
wife Of MIR. j. g. Smith. Mr. Smith (senior)
lived long enough TO see all his railway projects
succeed, To leave his son well yersed IN all the
details and duties Of their management, ami the
Vermont Central become thoroughly systemizei
and popular road. He died in the fsll Of sjS
TO the Poignant regret Of the people Of Vermont
sm5ug whom be had 50 long held 4 commanding
position 8, man both Of honor and sbil!ty,
welding An influence in the welfare Of his state
which is felt 10 this day
We alluded above to the struggle had ia the
Legislature TO procure the charter Of this road.
Few who were not cye-WitnCsscs can appreciate
the difficulties sai ieicscy Of the situation. A
charter was finally granted in 1917, we believe
stating from recollection. At that time there