New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-01-31
RIVAL ROADS IN CONNECTICUT.
TWO RAILROAD BILLS NOW BEFORE THE LEG1s

Hartford Conn. Jan. 80 CspeciaD.-The curtain has
been rung up the first Of the biennial sessions Of
the Connecticut Legislature While the Speakers
gavel beats lively tattoo in the House. the corridors
resound with the blinking of Silver dollars and tho
rustic Of crisp green bills Many Legislators look for
ward 10 prosperous session. Undoubtedly the most
important measures that will command the attention
Of this body the two railroad bills already IN
Produced and in the hands of the Railroad Com
mittee One is the petition of the Consolidated Rail-
road Company asking the privilege of increasing Its
capital stock of $40 500, 900 10 amount sufficient
10 pay for the work Of continuing Its four tracks
from New-York to New-IIaven, for the elimination
Of all It's grade crossings (some 500 in NUMBER, and
the purchase Of the stock Of its leased lines. This
hill, with perhaps limitations, meets general
approval and its passage Is favored by almost the
entire State press.
The other bin is that OF tho Housatonic Railroad
Company asking privilege OF increasing IT'S capital
stock 70 -, 100000. II generally supposed, and
stated by the legal representative of the company
at the hearing before the Railroad Committee, that
this Increase Of stock asked for the purpose Of
extending the branches Of tho Housatonc Railroad.
But 1t so happened that in tho Of the hearing
the principal witness for the Housatonic President
william H. starbuck heated By the rafting fire OF a
cross examination lost his temper and blurted out I'm
a loud voice and with bang Of hts fist on the table
before him. that The real object Of the increase Is
10 hulld road paraiel 10 the tonsoiludUu DotNOth
New-Haven and New-York This disclosure on the
part Of their witness threw the Housatonc attorneys
into confusion. Tho plan laid baro and Mr..
starbuck HIS assertion in spite Of the earnest
efforts of his % get him 10 modify his state
ment. Questions Intended 10 draw nom tho witness
Just what the Housatonic meant by extending Us
bE1nches had been put previously TO the witness but
the Railroad Committee had ruled that he need not
answer. Hence the disgust OF his friends and
counsel and the unconcealed deghtof the opposition
when in anger Mr.. starbuck let tho cat out Of the
bag
Time was when scheme to build parallel road
In Connecticut met with the earnest appreciation Of
the public. To-day It's different With better
facilities improved rolling stock stoneballasted road
ways, quicker time and four tracks nearing COM
Fiction, tho Consolidated Railroad has gained the
good graces OF the public. The people Of Connecticut
have not forgotten the note Of warning sounded by j.
Pierpont Morgan Of Now-York, at the meeting Of
leading bankers and railroad presidents when he said
am quite prepared say, in behalf Of the houses
represented here, that they win not negotiate and
viii do all IN their power TO prevent the negotiation
OF any securities for the construction Of parallel
lnes.S ,., x,u .
To secure the passage Of the Housstonic bill a
ohby NAV be seen daily IN the corridors OF the state
Uouse Men familiar with legislative gatherings Tor
wears saw heg never large lobby here In the
Interest OF any corporation