Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1878-01-31
Further Caution as to Rail Road Pro-
jects
Editor HERALD /:

Editor HERALD:
In the issue Of the Grant County ADVOCATE
Of December 18th. ult there appeared com
municat ton on railway matters apnlicable to
! Grant County, which embraced series of ten
interrogations very important for Mr.. Presi-
dent Williams of the Tomah and Chicago Mar
row Gauge R. r. to answer; and eoualy inn
portant to certain line of localities in Craw-
ford county, and in Grant county. to have
fully, and fairly answered Nearly two months
nave elapsed, and as yet, no answer has made
its appearance.
Mr. Williams cannot plead ignorance, for
we have knowledge that this particular copy Of
the Advocate was placed in his hands some
weeks since; and he must be aware, further,
that the larger part of that communication
embracing the ten interrogatories, was lately
copied in the Prairie du Chen Union over the
Endorsement of highly respectable and re-
sponsible citizen of Crawford county
Mr. Williams should consider that he does
not stand before the public in the attitude OF
private citizen, intent solely upon the man.
agement of his private affairs barred by their
nature from public inspection Whether well
advised, or otherwise whether stimulated by
desire to promote the public welfare "a de-
sire which must always be respected even if
misguided-or, whether solely governed by a
desire 70 enrich himself at the expense of the
public. Some 6 or years ago, he selected the
Klckapoo valley as a field for inviting the set
tiers 10 build Narrow Gauge R. Il. from To
nah to Warzeka at their own expense but
subject to his exclusive direction and con-
troll. The plan was, and yet is good one,
and the success which has so far followed his
efforts on its behalf, can only be interpreted
under the rule of public infatuation which
amounts To a cOnfapious distamt,ar in al To-
caiities where local r. r. projecrs are under
discussion
Leaving his work in Crawford county IN an
entirely disjointed and sadly incomplete state
Mr.. Williams has now transferred his labors,
his solicitations, and promises all of the sane
nature to Grant county in order, if possible, to
secure aa.tinaatioli OF hs 1fnc from Waus
zeka TO some varying and intangible point on
this side of the Wisconsin river to be deter
mined hereafter by the largest offer in the
way OF local bounty which can be wrung from
rival localities.
Having voluntarily taken this late attitude,
he has thereby given the public especially in
terestcd III his plans an undoubted right to de-
mand asquare exhibit of his motives, detailed
estimates OF cost, expense of maintenance,
revenues and the resources now in hand and
TO be provided to complete and put in running
order the whole projected line in accordance
with his plans, as suggested by the iuteroga-
tories of the AdUocdte. To remain silent in
view of the magnitude Of all the interests in
volved, would be to treat an interested and
intelligent public with incivility. Mr.. VIII
liams at his age and with his experience,
should have discovered THAT the true foun-
dation of public confidence, is square dealing"
The writer admits, that by fault of inherit>
ance, If it be faulty he belongs to that small,
rather select, and certainly much abused class,
which, in all public affairs, stands rigdly upon
the observance of the prophecies and makes
itself uncomfortable when public interests are
in any wise placed in jeopardy He would not
lose penny by rivalry in trade, or transpor-
tation Facilities in the event OF the complete
success Of Mr.. Williams present r. R plans
His landed Investments would suffer no depre-
citation; bu. might, if at all affected, appreci>
ate in value in such case He cannot there
fore be justly accused of harboring selfish
motive-the usual counter thrust of men called
to account for public acts. Besides, his long
and varied experience in this calling, pointing
all one way and governed by the same rule,
has taught him not to count, in the way of
compensation, upon any considerable measure
| of gratitude on the part Of persons and local.
ties benefited by his sacrifices He cannot
complain; it has been the way of the world
| from the beginning.
If Mr.. President Williams should still refuse
the desired information, would it not be well
| for the citizens Of Fennmore and other towns
equally interested, before taking upon Them
selves any risk or burden at his instigation, to
| send a suitable committee to the Kickapoo
| valley to gather and report upon the condition
of that work, and such other facts pertaining
thereto which NAV she'd light upon their own
| interests 10 prospect, as reflected from those
| which are visible and tangible to be found in
that quarter, as may seem to them to be wor-
| thy of notice?
| CAUTION.