Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1873-08-27


from the commissioners, to take steps to Sc.
cure railroad connection with the northern
part OF the State. The meeting was called
to order by Gen. Pitkin, and Hon. Joseph
roland was called to the chair. Samuel
wells, Esq, spoke in favor of narrow guage
road connecting with the Lamoille Valley at
Morrlsto"n, and continuing thence north
ward to North Troy, there to connect with a
road to be built from Richmond, P %. He
thought the road north of Morristown would
be built, that the Black River Valley people
would 60 to Marshfeld, and that our only
chance to reach the northern part of the
State was by this route. The sum of five
thousand dollars per mile is needed to put
the grading of the road in such shape that it
would be finished and run by parties upon a
first mortgage. Of this Montpelier should
contribute $4,000 and Worcester stands
ready with $4,000 or $4,000, Middlesex
with $4,000, Elmore with $40, 900 or SIS
QUO, and Morristown with $4,000. The
disten to make the connection by way of
Gilmore pond is 20 miles.
Hon. Joseph Poland thought the apparent
apathy of the meeting was not from want of
interest In the road but because people did
not see their way clear to the method of rails
ing the money. He thought the old mistake
made when the st. Johnsbury connection
Was lost shou Id not be repeated, and urged
the people not to be respondent because bur-
dened already by heavy railroad taxation.
Cyrus Brown, Esq, of Worcester, said his
town, though poor, was ready with more
than her proportionate share, comparatively
speaking. He thought Montpelier had been
able to build her churches and other rail-
roads because she had been reservoir for
the neighboring towns. She had grown rich
from their trade and now she ought to come
with liberal hand and help them to get out
into the world. She needed this railroad
connection to secure interests already here
as we'll as promote new ones, Mr.. Brown
wanted to see more life and energy.
Gen. Pitkin said he was ready to do his
share in giving money to the enterprise
which was the only speech he had to make.
Dr.. Fairman, of WoIcott, was called on
and made coed argument in favor of the
Black River route by Wolcott. He said the
towns beyond Wolcott had given up the idea
OF connection with Mansfield. and were
now ready to Join hands with Montpelier.
narrow guage or broad guage He thought
railroad would be built in five years from
Morrlstown to Waterbury, whether the one
proposed from here to Morrisyille was built
or not. and that nature would carry the prin-
clple trade by the Waterbury route. He
thought it doubtful whether the thirty-seyen
miles from Morrisville to North Troy could
be built; didn't see where the money was
to come from.
Fred E. Smith called on Hon. c. W. Will |
ard to speak for him, and Mr.. Willard said |
he was In favor of building road to the
north and was ready to contribute his share
by subscription or by taxes, as the citizens
Of the town should think best: that he pre- |
erred always the method by subscription and |
not BY bending; to pay what was to be paid
md have the real estate clear. Railroads |
were public benefit, not profitable to the
holders of common stock as an investment
out as charging the business and value of
the country through which they pass. The
merits OF the two routes he was not familiar
with but was impressed with the statements
ba
meeting was called in the interest of the
Morrisville route.
Gen. PItkin said this was not SO and Mr..
Wells said that he had stated that the
Black River Valley route was given up be-
cause the first intimation he had heard to
he contrary came from DR.. Fairman speech.
tie was glad to find this was not So A COM
nlttee was appointed to nominate commit
Tee to solicit subscriptions. During their
consultation Hon. c. H. Heath spoke earnest
y of the necessity of moving on in manuiact-
lres and means of commercial intercourse.
tie thought it was rather the men who were
looking forward to the fortunes to be made
who push such enterprises than those who
are content with counting ample gains of
the past. Montpelier needed to stir herself
to make safe her present advantages and she
might become busy manufacturing place
and center of business lie wanted this end
Of the proposed road built let the other light
where it would. He called on c. G. Putnam
of Middlesex who said he would rather work
for the road than talk for it. The canvassing
committee was then appointed, consisting
OF z. p. Pitkin, Charles A Reed, Samuel
Wells, T. o. Bailey. Fred E. Smith, L. B.
Cross and S. W. Brock.