The Portland daily press., 1873-10-29
[From the Dover, N. H. Enquirer.l
The Fight Between the Boston & Maine
and Eastern Railroads.

Editors of the Enquirer: Now that the war
between the Eastern and Boston and Maine
Railroads has reached point wherein divi-
dends are becoming only matter of recollec-
ton, perhaps it may be as well for small stock
holders in both roads, such as l am, to say a
few words in relation thereto 1t is true that
our interests are small when compared with
those of some of our associates, but 500 to a
man with only $1,000 is just as much as SIC, 600
to a man who has 100000, and we may. under
these circumstances, be allowed to free our
minds.
In doing so, however, do not care to be under
stood as favoring the claims either of one road
or the other nor do | care a continental about
which is right in the contest between them.
only claim and urge the fact that the warfare
now existing is preudicial to the interests of
both; that it was entered into unwisely; that its
objects thus far have been to crafty personal
spite and possible prejudice to the jeopardizing
and detriment of the interests of those who
have depended upon their investments in these
roads for a stated income
Why, Messrs. Editors, let me ask your read
ers, why shall two lines of railroad, whic h, if
the distance between them were averaged,
would only be abont four miles apart, be made
to run counter to each others interests in all
their transactions with their stockholders and
the public? To explain my meaning more
clearly why should fourteen men composing
two boards of directors, be granted the power to
wage personal warfare and injure and Emay
haps destroy the interests of those who really
own the $685. 900 worth of property possessed
by both companeso 1t seems to me, and to
others in the same position as l. that thisScom-
plexion of affairs has been put before the pub
lie long enough.
1t seems to me, as a stakeholder in the Bos-
ton & Maine Railroad. that the rash expend-
ture in building the extension from South Ber
wick to Portland might have been avoided if
the directors of that road had studied the inter
ests of their constituents. 1t seems to me. as
a stakeholder in the Eastern Railroad, that sew
eral of the recent injudicious acts of the drec-
tors of that road might have been avoided if
the directors had consulted the interests of their
constituents. 1t seems to me as stakeholder
in both roads, that our money has been wasted
by both boards of directors in futile efforts to
do nobody any good. And it seems to me, as
member of the body polite as well az a railroad
stakeholder, that the sooner affairs are brought
to a crisis and this eternal warfare is ended
the better for all concerned. l frankly confess
however, that every means which have been
brought to bear upon the present Boards of
Management to accomplish this end has proved
futile and of no effect; and therefore all hopes
OF relief under existing circumstances are vain
and delusive Why not, therefore, gentlemen,
and l say it in all candor and fairness,-why
not, therefore, at the forthcoming meetings of
both corporations, elect new board of direc-
tors for both roads. In saying this, too, am
actuated by no feeling of hostility to either
member of the existing boards as individuals,
but in their official capacity they have proved
unfit to the management of our interests. L
trust this matter will be considered in its true
light, fairly, frankly and with candor If the
large stockholders will but unite and come to
the assistance of us who may be deemed the
smaller fry in the pan, we can succeed in the
overthrowing of the old boards and inaugural
ing new regime. pledged to the interests of
the stockholders of both roads as well as the
public, who are alike concerned in the estab-
lishment of peace.
With respect remain,
A STOCKHOLDERS IN BOTH ROADS.