Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-03-05

cause we felt that it would be for the business
interest of Brattlcboro to have a competing
railroad interest centreing here; and this
feeling was very generally shared by the peo
pie up the West River valley. Negotiations
were entered into by the management with
both companies, and we have every reason to
believe that all possible efforts were exhaust
ed to induce the Connecticut River company
to take lease of the new road. That COM
pany failed, however, to make a definite
proposition, the situation grew precarious,
and, the New London company being finally
ready to lease and complete the road, an ar
rangement was concluded with them, and
| this arrangement was ratified by the stock
holders at their annual meeting on Monday
| by practically unanimous vote. 1t is, there
fore assured that the road will be completed
and operated, and that the money of the
stockholders will be saved. We are also as
sured that the new management will not only
not interpose any obstacle to the pushing
through of the road to Whitehall but that
the lessees are anxious that this should be
done
In view of the charges of corruption, swind-
ling and dishonesty, which have been made
against the management of the road, it is well
to especially note the fact that the stockhold-
ers unanimously passed vote, in full meet
ing on Monday, fully and unequivocally en-
dorsing the directors in all their action in be-
half of the road. And not only this, they un-
hesitatingly endorsed the settlement made with
Harris Bros. q Co. Despite the outrageous
charges of fraud, swindling and irresponsi-
bility made against the Messrs. Harris Bros,
we believe, as every man who knew the facts
has believed from the first, that Harris Bros
& Co. have acted in perfect good faith in this
matter from beginning to end. We believe
that they felt perfectly assured year ago,
and up to last August, that their arrange
ments were such as would enable them to
complete the road in first-class shape, upon
terms and within the limits fixed in their con-
tract. And when, through no fault of theirs,
it became impracticable for them to complete
this contract, they stood up TO the rack like
men, made the necessary concessions in be-
half of the company, and cheerfully pocketed
their loss In addition to the cash. they were
they return $25, 500, and relinquish all claims
for percentages Cat 10 per cent earned by
them on the work DONE but retained by the
company under the contract and they also
relinquish their claim for extra work done,
which amounted to between $1,000 and $4,000
1t is, therefore, evident that aside from the
sum received by them in their settlement
with the iron company, Harris Bros. have il
any case sustained very considerable loss
Tothis extenttheyare certainly responsible
We have no doubt the New London North
ern company will complete the road in a sat
isfactory manner, and operate it for the ben
eft of the West River valley; and that
through the medium of the road the residents
of the valley will reap from it every advant
age which has been claimed in its behalf
We heartily congratulate our friends up the
line on the brighter days in store for them.