Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-11-01
Railroad Hearings.

The joint committee on railroads met in the SEN
ate chamber Wednesday evening to give public
hearing on Senator Hogans bill in relation to the
notice of proposed changes of time in running of
passenger trains, and on senate bill % and house
bill 14S, relating to the organization of railroad
companies after foreclosure.
The time table" bill was first taken up. The
bill provides that all railroads in the state shall
give written notice to all connecting roads at least
ten days before proposed changes in time and
also post up printed notices of the same in their
depots and pos.-ufices along the line at least six
days before change. Superintendent Hobart of
the Central Vermont appeared 10 oppose the bill.
He stated that compliance with the provisions
of this bill was utterly impracticable, owing to
notices Of proposed changes by connecting lines
without the state, to which the law would not APP
ply, being given at so late date, often only two
days in advance.
The chairman, Senator Ide, read letter from
Superintendent Jewett Of the St. Johnsbury and
Lake Champlain railroad, expressing the same
views. No arguments In favor of the bill were
presented.
In regard to the other bills, which provide that
the present law shall extend to equitable as well
as legal mortgages in the reorganization of rail
road companies after foreclosure, somewhat
protracted bearing was had. Mr.. Fifeld first
stated the purpose Of the bill to the committee,
which Is, in substance to provide a means by
which a railroad company may mortgage after
foreclosure, and stated that the law was necessary
to carry out the late decision in the famous Lang
don suit. Colonel Albert Clark Of Boston and
Mr.. j. A. Brooks, president, appeared for the
Vermont & Canada railroad, for the purpose Of
opposing the bill They reviewed the old cases
and the position OF the Vermont Canada road
and claimed that the bill, If passed, would de-
fraud them Of their rights, and that the legisla-
ton was premature. Mr.. Fifeld, as he said in
reply to Mr. Brooks, appeared in his own behalf
as the representative Of the Langdon Interests
He said that 1t was for the interest Of his clients
that the bill pass in order TO give them chance
to protect themselves by an organization without
which they would be at the mercy of their adyer-
saries lie, as well as the chairman of the COM
mittee, very pertinently asked Mr.. Brooks in
what respect the bill would wrong them rs in the
event of their ultimate success they would not
need It and in the event of failure 1t could not
harm them in the least, while it was of import
ance to his clients as affording them the only
means for protection and reorganization. There
was little sharp questioning and answering
between Mr. Fifield and Mr. Brooks which ere
ated considerable amusement among the specta-
tors. Mr. Barrett of Rutland appeared for the
Worcester Safe and Deposit Trust Company and
urged the passage of the bill with an amendment
which should give the power to a majority Of
each class represented In equity mortgages in
stead of a ma jority OF the whole, else one elias.
might be crowded out and the minority uninstly
dealt with. Hon. W. c. French of Woodstock
said that he did not appear in any particular in
terest, but favored the passage Of the bill witt
such An amendment rs would better serve th'
rights of the minority. The hearing will be con
tinued at an early day.