Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-05-11
Another Railroad Proiec,.

GRAFTON, May 8, 1871.
MeSSrS. EditOrS:-Having read in your paper
a notice of the movement for railroad accom-
modations" in Upton, | would like to express a
few thoughts and facts in relation to this mat
ter, which seem to me important to be known
and discussed with as little delay as possible. l
have no wish or intention to present or advocate
anything adverse to the interests or prejudices
of any parties or corporations that may, by the
inevitable circumstances of the case, be affected
by the construction of this proposed road, only
so far as the public good may seem to require
Probono publco, is a motto by which, in all af-
fairs involving so much of general interest as
nearly, if not all improvements of this charac-
ter necessarily do, we all should abide.
Taking it for granted, as do, that there is
necessity for this proposed road, will not here
discuss this question, but proceed to present
some of the apparent obstacles TO its being ac-
complished III such manner as will best con-
vene the public, and of course be most likely to
render it a successful enterprise With the sin
cere wish that such presentations may tend to
the removal of all obstacles, and to the adop-
ton by all parties of such broad and concilia-
of all concerned, will state that it is the set
tied determination of at least the most in
huential friends of this measure, as / under
stand, both in Upton and Milford
to connect somewhere with the Providence and
Worcester railroad, and in no case, and for no
consideration, will they consent to connect with
the Boston and Albany road. This being under
stood as an irrevocable determination, it does
not seem essential to here discuss their reasons
for it. While the great majority of the people
OF Grafton feel that they would be better accom-
modated if it could be continued through Graf
ton centre to the Boston and Albany road, and
think it may safely be asserted that some, at
least, OF the heaviest business men of Grafton
can never be brought to acquiesce in its con-
nection with the Providence and Worcester road.
This then seems to be an obstacle to the sue
cessful and satisfactory prosecution of this en-
terprise; and for myself, as at present advised,
| see but little prospect of agreement, unless
some compromise can be effected.
A compromise has been suggested, and one,
too, that ought, as it seems to me, to recommend
itself to all tair-minded persons of all parties.
The only objection to it, that occurs to me, is
that it will require larger amount of funds,
as it will make some five or six miles more road
to build. But if it can be shown, as believe it
can, that the extra advantages that would
eventually accrue would more than balance the
extra cost, the objection amounts to nothing
The proposition suggested, as l understand by
some of the parties in Grafton who are strenu-
ously opposed to running to the Providence and
cfar rnn1 SC 30 .,.rI.n e..
centre, either to New England Village, or
through Millbury to Worcester, independent
OF both existing roads. Some of the
arguments that present themselves ir
favor OF TINS compromise are first, that those
who build the road can then control it. Second
and instead of adding to the power and infiu-
ence of any other, it may be already too over
bearing corporation-would be in diiect COM
petition with them, the tendency of which,
would eneytably be to keep freight and fares at
reasonable rate, and thus promote the public
welfare. 1t is claimed by the friends of this pro-
posed road, that more or less of the business
men of Worcester will aid it by subscriptions to
its stock and by patronages as it is to open
another through line to Boston, more direct than
any they now have, except the Boston and AL
bany, and this, even if it connects at Saunders
vile with the Providence and Worcester road.
Now it seems to me to be a matter of very proper
and important consideration for the citizens of
Worcester, whether If they can afford to aid and
patfOulZe TUdu IrOIil tue metropolis TO the
heart of the commonwealth in connection with
another line-could they not better doubly af-
ford to aid still more direct and Independent
line?
am aware that this idea of competition with
other roads may be used as an objection to the
prospects of this proposed road; but if So it re-
suits then that its friends have to choose be-
tween dependence on the one hand, and competi-
ton on the other. will say that aside from
the spirit of opposition possibly resulting from
the competition of an independent through
route to Boston, there is to my
certain knowledge one road being built
IN this state, that, so far as | am compe-
tent 70 Judge, has not, to say the least, so tair
prospect OF being paying concern as this has;
pIoVided, 1t can be so constructed as to secure
.ne boston business of Millbury, Grafton, Up
p ION ana Milford, and share of Worcester aud
boston business, and the Worcester business of
Grafton and towns below.
&c Uth IN considerations might be urged in favor
now Is the time to "trot them OUT
in view OF the Importance Of this ENTERPRISE.