St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-12-08
DUAL ELECTRIC LINK.
Another Lightning Line to
Connect st. Paul and Min
neapolis. .
The Northern Pacific Tracks
to Be Used for the New
Purpose,
And a Fine Station to Be
Erected on the Broadway s.,
Property. i
L,
t.
The True Explanation Of the
Recent Visit Of Henry
Willard.

About two weeks ago the GLOBE pub
lished an article relating to the reported
consolidation of the st. Paul Gas Light
company and the local interests or the
Edison Electric Light company. 1t was
stated that Henry Willard, who was in
the city at that time, was concerned in
the deal, and that his presence here
meant the carrying out of this plan. The
story was afterward denied, so far as
the consolidation scheme went, and 1t
was stated that he was simply here to
dispose of his gas company stock. This
explanation was accepted by the public
.as satisfactory, and after a few days
gossip about the matter was dropped.
But yesterday an entirely new eXpla-
nation of Henry Wizards late visit to
the city was given, and by one who has
made a careful study of the subject
since that time. He has not only studied
it from standpoint of everyday lnfOr-
nation. but some important real estate
transactions that have taken place
lately apparently confirm the opinions of
the gentleman in the fullest sense.
These real estate transactions are not of
a mythical nature, either, for they can
be confirmed by reference to the books
of the register of deeds.
1t is well-known fact that the North
ern Pacific, as well as Henry Willard.
own considerable property Oh Broad
way, and they, or their agents, have
been adding to these holdings for long
time past. The exact object of these
purchases is not known to many, and
it is highly probable that the number, If
known, would not exceed the number Of
fingers on one hand.
When asked for an opinion OF the
probable object of this accumulation of
property. the gentleman interviewed
said he thought he could make very
close guess, and the peculiar twinkle in
hif eye seemed to indicate that he knew
pretty nearly what he was talking
about and that the late consolidation
story had considerable to do with it. -
The plan, as outlined By him, is that
it is the intention of the Northern Pa
cific at very early date to build large
depot somewhere OH Broadway, where
they can consolidate a large tract OF
their holdings for the general use OF
the road, and next year, in connection
with the Edison company and the St.,
Paul Gas Light company, own and
operate an electric short line be-
tween the Twin cities. An cleo
trio short line from Broadway to
Minneapolis over the Northern Pacific
tracks could be run at nominal cost.
and the electric plant once established
at that point it would be an easy matter
to divert it to many other uses. Be-,
sides this, the Northern Pacific has long
desired to build large and commodious
depotsomewhere in the vicinity of the
location mentioned.
Ever since Tom Lowry started the
lnterurban line the short line business
of all roads between the Twin cities has.
been practically dead, and the roads
operating have lately cut the price of
trips very materially by issuing com
mutation tickets, and even at that carry
but very few passengers. The cost of
operating is too great to allow OF any
further cut. The Northern Pacific is
in just thesposition to build and operate
an electric short line successfully, and
the financial and transit success Of the.
interurban line sets an example that is
attractive to capitalists.