The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-02
A NARROW GAUGE VISION.
How the Peoples Railway Scheme Is
Regarded in the East.
Interesting Interviews Concerning the Pro-
ject-A General Idea that 1t Is
Good Thing to Avoid.
New York Special.

New York Special.
The story telegraphed from indianapolis,
published in the morning papers, to the eff
feet that a new railroad company had been
organized under the name of the People S
Railroad, with capital stock of $500 100000
to be II 900 miles long, running from this
city to San Francisco, and the shares of
which were to be sold at S. each, created con-
siderable amusement about town to-day.
Ex-Mayor Henry Traphagen, who is men
toned as one of the directors, said
This is the first intimation have had that
had been elected to such position really
know very little about the scheme. Some
weeks ago a Mr.. John d. Harrington, OF 731 y
Jersey avenue, Jersey City, called on me- and
after showing me a lot of circulars and going
into an explanation of the scheme, which |
could not at all understand, asked me if [
would lend him my aid, name and influence
to help the company along. He pictured the
project in glowing colors, and said that all
who went into it were sure to acquire wealth
speedily. ] told him my influence or name
would not count much, but l do not know
that | refused to allow my name to be used
l certainly, however, do not think the
scheme a practical one. l was asked to
attend the meeting held at indianapolis on
the 26th instant, but 1 did not My election
as a director is a surprise to me-
Mr.. c. NJ E. Schroeder, president of the
Germania Savings Bank, of Jersey City, also
was surprised, when informed that he had
been elected a director. The scheme, he
said, was good and wise one, and ne had no
doubt but that 1t would be profitable to the
investors The road he said, would cost
about $35, 900 a mile. Forty pound steel
rails would be used and the cars would be
built cheaper than those in ordinary use,
and "h-.,ing the support of all the people
along the line, it cannot fail to pay" The
road was to be built on the 'installment'
plan. He had first heard of the scheme
through John D. Harrington, with whom he
was well acquainted. He had not attended
the meetings of the company" nor had he
met any of the members except Mr.. Harring-
ton.
While the reporter was talking to Mr..
Schroeder, a gentlema an entered, and, over
hearing portion OF the conversation, re-
quested the reporter to accompany him to
the office of Dr. W. J. Cadmus. 4 few doors
below, who, he said, could tell something
about the concern. DIR. Cadmus said:
This thing, | am satisfied, is a wildcat
scheme. 1t was started by men who are con-
nected with secret organizations One of the
directors mentioned is Robert J. Breckin-
ridge; he is the treasurer of the Knights of
Honor of the United States. 3. F. Nelson.
another of the directors, is supreme repOr-
ter of the society. Judge Hoke. another di-
rector belongs to Louisville KY. He is one
of the leading men of the Knights of Honor,
and Is past supreme dictator of the order.
l don't believe these men knew their names
were to be used in connection with the
scheme. John D. Harrington has been con-
nected with the different organizations
throughout the country, and is a leading
spirit of the scheme here. They sent me
circulars, and tried to induce me to use my
influence with the Knights of Honor, of
which l am the State medical examiner; but
l saw through the thing at a glance, and re-
fused to have anything to do with it. l am
perfectly well satisfied, from my knowledge
OF the scheme that it should be given wide
6ar