The Delta independent., 1896-05-20
NORTH FORK aaiLacAo.
lore the neavy Fall Frsis Ship
meats are 0ads.


Fork Valley and Anthracite Railway
company. with capital stock OF slOo, ,o0o.
has been organized to connect the
Hotchkiss anthracite mines with the
outside world. The company will build
in Delta and Gunnison counties, and
will have it's principal office at Hotchkiss.
George II. Duke, Newton NJ. Heistand.
Edward J. Mathews and George II. Mer-
chant are the incorporators- Work will
begin at once This is what 10 spurring
up the ID. Il II. G. people and il the North
Forkers go ahead and grade their line.
so as to hold the rgiht-of-vsy and be
ready FOR an extension OF either the
South Park or Midland they will get q
railroad before snow flies.
The News OF May 3 contains the fol-
lowing on the same subject:
When Chairman Coppell. OF the Denver
& Rio Grande railway. reached New York
ten days ago. he announced that exten-
siye improvements were in contempla-
lion by the Rio Grande system. Rail
road men OF the country were astonished
20 hear that any company was seriously
preparing 10 reach out into new territory
at this time. but the filing of articles OF
incorporation OF two nex branches yes.er-
day prove that MIR. Coppell knew what
be was talking about. The branches
are 10 be known a. the Rio Grande.
Durango ( Southwestern and the Rio
Grands & Delta. Ii the plans are carri-
ed out, the extensions OF the Rio Grande
system will require an expenditure OF
81 .l0C coo to s2.oO0.0UO and will open new
territory to commerce which at the
present time is almost as inaccessible as
though j; were 10000 miles away. Presi-
dent Jerfery gives the assurance that IL
the two lines named are completed, other
extensions will be made until the system
OF the Denver Il Rio G-2nde covers 2.5oo
OF 1900 miles and the rerao;est parts OF
Colorado are reached by the locomotive.
What Colorado nceis." said MIR.
Jcffcry last night. lis more mines and an
increased population in the fertile val
lsys The Denver & Rio Grande Rail
road company is willing to do its share
in the development Of the frui; and farm
ing lands and all il needs is the CO opera
tion Of the people OF the state in order
to accomplish the work.
Mr. Je.fery expressed himself at some
length last night when asked concerning
the new lines.
The principle problem said he. lis
TO enlist the capital necessary for the
building OF extensions. II 10 not an easy
matter to raise 100000 at such q time
a. this. In fact. half tue sum is a great
deal OF money just now. but we have
faith in Colorado and we believe that
the resources OF the state should be de-
veloped without waiting sor future
generation TO undertake the respcnsi-
bility. II is the intention to make as
careful surveys as possible. with as easy
grades and as small degree OF curvature
as circumstances will permit As yet
We have nothing but rcconnoissances OF
the routes outlined by the corporation
papers. but as soon as the weather per-
mits forces will be plcaed in the field and
a correc, data obtained. We hope to be
able TO begin road building this summer
or next fall and we will certainly push
the work with all possible vigor after it
10 once under way.
'The vallsy along the North Fork OF
the Gunnison is one OF the most fertile
in the state. and the coal measures are
pronounced by competent judges TO be
considerable in size and value. The
only means OF cgress from the valley is
by wagon TO Delta. This is too expen-
sivc and in no; weather is detrimental
to the fruit.
III practical line Of railroad can be
constructed in the valley Tor a distance
of fifty miles. there will be prospect
for further extension at an early day to-
ward the Aspen branch of the Denver&
Rio Grande. Perhaps it will be possible
to carry forward the xte nsion next year.
Mr.. Jeifcry stated that he has had the
project in his mind for three years past.
and with the support and kind help OF
the people of the state, outside OF the
financial assistance in the undertaking.
he hoped the branches would be built
within reasonable time. In the opinion
OF Mr.. Jeifcry the energies OF the state
shonld be directed into building new
branches into Inaccessible districts
rather than in building a parallel line to
Cripple Creek.