Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1891-02-26
RAILROAD RACKET.
The Mason City s Fl. Dodge Engineers
Out-Audubon an Objective Point.


Out-Audubon an Objective Point.
There has been so much of unfound-
ed rumor and confusion of ideas with
reference to the southwestern railway
heading toward Council Bluffs that we
are glad TO be able to give an item of
what has all the appearance of being
well authenticated news
Mr.. "A. II. lIogeland, an engineer from
st. Paul, was in Audubon Monday, hay-
ing driven across from Coon Rapids in
looking up route favorable to the
course of the Mason City Il TT Dodge
railroad running toward Council Bluffs.
The gentleman talked freely of his mis-
sion, and seemed very well pleased with
his course thus far.
The road is now in operation from
Mason City in Cerro Gordo county, to
Lchigh, Webster county, the latter
point some fifteen miles southeast of
1T, Dodge. The directors have auth
ori2ed an extension of the line from Lee
high to Council Bluffs. The direct line
lies through the western part of Green
county, striking Coon Rapids in the
southeastern corner of Carroll, thence
diagonally through Audubon, south to
Valley, thence through Pottawattamie
to the BlulIs City.
Mr.. llogcand stated that his trip
from Coon Rapids here had surprised
him in that he found it much more ia
yorabie TO the line that he had been led
by rumors TO presume. The greatest
difficulty will be experienced in getting
from Coon Rapids to Viola township,
where 1t crosses the divide on section
III, thence west striking the Botna river
ut Buucomb school house, thence down
to Jack O'liricn's, and west to Audubon.
The course west of here is wholly un-
known rs no examination Of the coun-
try has been made. The fact is patent,
however, that u line west to the Indian
Valley will occupy territory that is
wi bout transportation facilities.
The engineer stated that in the con-
templatcd plan Of the line, Audubon il
m objective point, and that in all prob.
ability nothing but insurmountabl dis
adv ntages would divert their course.
He did not wish TO be understood as
stating conclusions, but simply opinions
which would in time be acted upon by
the proper officers.
The line is entirely separate from the
Winona Il Southwestern, though both
are heading for Council 3luiIs, but
while these projects are under way there
may or may not DO "a consolidation.
The course which IL has been presumed
the Winona Il Southwestern would take
lies somewhat north Of this, but il is TO
such an extent paralleled by established
lines that II would seem improbable
that it will be followed.
A surveying party win very soon fol-
low the steps of Engineer llogeland, or
rs soon asspring opens ut least, but how
soon the surveying party will be follow
cd by more practical operations is MS
yet unknown. But the most skeptical
must admit that the project has very
business like aspect. II has been long
talked of In railroad circles, and tho
reasonable conclusion Is that line will
soon DO built through the country that
promises u good business.
There is every reason to believe that
the road will come through Audubon
county and to Audubon IL II is ever
built, With two companies directing
operations towards the Bluffs, the indi.
cations almost amount to assurance.
Railroad operations have attained that
independence which causes them to
build through territory which promises
the greatest amount Of business, and
reference to the map warrants the con-
clusion that the northern line talked OF
would run through territory already oc-
cupied and could oply hope to get por.
ton that business. Coming through
Jefferson, and Coon Rapids to Audit
bon line Is made which is only inter.
puptcd by abrupt intersection with tho
older lines. Should il come to Audi.
bon we shall have better communica-
tim with through lines than ever before.
Perhaps town of competing proper
tons would be built up on either side,
but communication would be estab-
lished with territory not now reached,
resulting eventually in IN increased
volume and better trade The land in
the outlying townships would be largely
increased in value, and thus the whole
county benefited.
1t will be well If Audubon, Coon
Rapids and jefferson join hands in Civ
ing a welcome to the contemplated line.
Mr.. llogeland occupied some time in
looking over Audubon, and pronounced
IL one of the beat towns of its size that
he had ever seen, speaking specially Of
the good business blocks and residences
and the general appearances of thrift
and enterprise, the public improve
ments aud volume Of business. 1t is
only fair to say that he possessed the
faculty Of quickly grasping the situa-
ton.
"Prest w. A. Stevens, of the Mason
City & Fort Dodge railway, says that
the stockholders have so amended the
A. q T., 4 A..