The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1884-02-23
RArLRoAp MATES TIE WoR

4 SILL NroAS1 OS.--DuSiut>S III Tait-
road circles this week has been very
quiet The officials of the w. Va. l.
Pa, are absent, but we learn will re-
turn to-day. They report everything
to be working satisfactorily, and an
nounce that active work viii be com
menced in few weeks. 1t is not
known yet what is doing on the in
side Of this enterprise, but from what
is visible, we are sure plenty of work
is being done. The industry and
zeal the gentlemen have shown de-
serves success and is not often de-
feated. We believe that by next
week, we can give all the information
necessary concerning the prosecution
of this work.
To-day is the time fixed BY Council
to reconsider the vote by which GER
tain privileges were granted this
company to construct its line through
the borough limits. We have not
canvassed the matter any but we
will assure all that the council will
take no action whatever that will
delay or embarrass any railroad. The
council will give to any road anything
within its power. We say this in
simple justice 10 the members of that
body. They were soundly abused
by persons who misunderstood their
former action. They did what they
believed to be the best and we think
conscientiously
The f., M. & p. representatives
have been quietly pursuing their
work here since last week, buying
rights OF way and completing prelim-
mary matters. The chief difficulties
they have to meet are with property
owners. The gentlemen who are
managing the affairs of the company
tell us that every right of way be-
tween the state line and Little Falls
could be settled and paid for in one
day, but for the exorbitant prices de-
manded by many land owners. 1t
is said that the right of way for this
distance ii paid for at the prices
asked would cost as much as the
construction Of the road. We regret
that such is the situation, yet every
citizen has right to put any price
upon his property. While he has the
undeniable right, in many cases it is
unwise to exercise it to this extent.
The company asks for no property
at less than it is worth. In most
cases they offer from 90 to 80 per
cent more than the cash value of the
property they want. They don't ask
and wont have something for moth
ing. They desire to pay for all they
get. Where reasonable terms can
not be secured, they will eventually
be forced into legal proceedings, and
in that event OF every 10 cases will
fare worse than to deal with the
officials now. Notwithstanding this
the right OF way agents are plodding
along with rs much patience rs could
be expected and will try to arrange
amicably with all before resorting TO
harsh measures.
This company has opened an office
in McGrew's building for the con
venience of its engineers, where they
are now engaged doing Office work.
A small contract on this line above
town was awarded TO gentleman
named Foster few days ago. who will
we learn begin work this week. II
the rights Of way can be arranged
without resorting to legal proceedings
force of several hundred men will
be at work as carly as the weather
will permit.
1t is now reasonably certain that
one or two railroads will be built to
this place within year. With the
cooperation Of our people, it is abso-
lutely certain. Yet they can easily
delay and possibly defeat the enter
prise.
The Fairmont Inder SAYS: The
b. 4 0. has made no effort to procure
rights Of way on the west side Of the
river between Buffalo creek and Lit.
tie Falls. At the latter point they
bought strip of land subject to the
privilege Of free right Of way granted
w the IdHu HOlutT W Iuc. W. u. q
P. Co, on which strip the last named
company has men at work excavat-
ing the road bed. The impression is
gaining ground among our people
that the b. Il o. will yet abandon the
route on the west side and continue
up on the east side to the mouth Of
Buffalo and there cross over to the
main line. Ii this is done, and it's
the hope that it will, there will be
nothing in the way Of the w. Va. &
p. to the point where the river is to
be bridged, two miles above Morgan
town.
The engineers of the w. Va. q P.
Co. are still engaged in perfecting
the lines Of the road below Fairmont.
All Of the rights of way in Marion
county not yet secured will be con-
demned, for which purpose proceed
ings will be instituted at the March
term of Court. Everything is being
put in shape for the work OF construc-
ton on an extensive scale just as soon
as the Directors shall announce their
readiness to let the contracts. Messrs.
Lowndes and Wilson are still in the
east, but are expected home within
the next week.-Inder.