Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-01-26

EhyetteNbie'
ENTHUSIASTIC RAILROAD MEETING.

Saturday afternoon, Jan. 20, at 2 O'Clock,
Hon d. D.. Harris OF Brattleboro met the
people of Newfane, and eoodly number
from Brooklne at Union hall in Fayette-
willie. The hall was filed and a good de-
gree Of interest manifested by all. At the
opening Of the meeting Mr.. J. j. Green
was appointed chairman aud gave us a stir
ring speech TO start With, pointing out on
the map The location OF the proposed rail-
road, which would be the shortest and
most direct line between water aud water,
connecting, as Il would, the Atlantic with
Lake Champlaiu, aud ultimately with the
great lakes Of the West. A0er porlraying
most foicibly The benefits Of such a railroad
he called our attention 10 a single point
1.-THE great big round dollar" that point
toward which we are all looking, and
proved most conclusvely that even though
we might not realize Immediate pecuniary
benefits, yet the advantages which the rail-
road would bring 70 us would more than
compensate Yes, we might invest our
money aud sink it, still ii would be better
than to have no railroad. He Closed with
an earnest appeal to the citizens Of New
fame to awake from repose and improve the
present most favorable opportunity.
Rev. Chas. Burnham followed with re-
marks showing plainly that we should get
our pay in dollars and cents if this road is
| built, the value of farms being enhanced,
market facilities being increased, homo
market made better during the building Of
the road--and many other reasons were
| given to show that there can be no loss
4 I,af
though there be heavier taxes laid upon us,
the new order Of things would bring more
people into town to help pay this tax. He
closed by saying that the map itself is an
argument in favor of the road.
Mr.. Harris then took the floor and talked
nearly two hours, during which time the
interest of the audience continued unabat-
ed. He compared The communities that
have railroads with those that have not,
and the tendency of the latter is ever to-
ward decline. Mr.. Green then informed
us that Newlane was al its height in 1920,
thus making over fifty years of repose.
Mr.. Harris then asked what could arouse
US 10 new life and activity but a railroad,
and what but this proposed road from Brat
tleboro TO Whitehall, a distance of only
| overcome, save in the mountain division,
and all railroads that cross tue Green
Mountains have the same difficulty. This
company propose to accomplish the feat at
less expense than has ever been done be-
fore ; and after listening TO extracts from
letters written by prominent manufactur-
ers of locomotives, superintendent and
presidents of different railroads in New
York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Utah,
even, where the greatest difficulties have
been overcome, it would seem that no one
could well doubt the feasibility of the pro-
posed route. Other objections were dis
cussed and efTectually disposed of. The
whole line fully equipped will cost only
81, 800, 900, not including the price of land
nor the cost of fences. or this sum $780,
900 must be raised by the towns along the
line, otherwise the project cannot be car
ried out. The remaining 100000 will be
furnished by New York capitalists. When
shall we have better opportunity? Then
came the question will it pay? Surely no
one could hesitate TO reply in The aflirma-
tive amer considering the great amount of
freight that would be most likely to pass
over this road, furnished by the granite
quarry in Dnmmerston, and the slate and
marble quarries on the other side of the
mountain, TO say nothing of the lumber
and coal which would be sent out from
Whitehall now going down The lake to
Burlington. 1t will pay Newfane too, sep
arately and individually, not only in a Pc
cnniary point Of view, but in our social and
domestic relations, for our young men and
madens could then find employment at
home, they are now obliged TO seek else
where. Other towns feel that they will re-
ceive equal benefit, as shown by their read
mess to furnish their share of the required
amount. Whitehall and Granville are not
insensible to what conduces to their own
prosperity and will be ready with their
$4,000. Pawlet and Rupert are also ready.
Londonderry is walked up to enthusiasm.
Jamaica votes next Tuesday. Now shall
Newfane be ready with S42, 800 to aid in
this enterprise? Enthusiasm increased as
Mr.. Harris spoke, and when he predicted
the speedy fultilment of our wishes, APP
plause proke forth and we could almost
hear the whistle of the locomotive aud the
sound of the conductors voice as he calls
out Fayetteville"
Newlane has not voted yet, but when
this question comes 10 the vote we trust
every intelligent citizen will act wisely for
the future, not regarding present conven-
fence. OK