The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-27
THE l., L. & C. ROAD
DENIAL OF REPORT THAT IT'S STOCK
Is IN SPECTATORS HANDS.
Neither Is Entrance tn the City Win the
Vandaiia Contemp1ated-Chica
& Alton ~ Model Poad.

To the Editor OF the Indianapolis Journal:
/ notice in late issue OF the Journal an
article respecting the l., l.. & c. Railway
Company. which for transformation. would
be difficult TO excel. Among other things
is the statement that majority OF the
stock has gore into the hands of spectators,
etc. Now, the truth is, that every dollar
OF the stock is held precisely as it was
when it was subscribed, more than four
years ago, and by the same parties who
subscribed it. with the exception of fifty
shares, and they are held by two of the
original subscribers, so that the original
subscribers and incorporators have now, and
always have had every dollar of the stock
The projectors of this line have never
had, nor have they now. any other inten-
ton than the construction of the line; first
directly as an independent one from IN
dianapolis to Logansport, aud thence to
Chicago; it never had any purpose of spec
uiation, but grew out OF the desire OF the
citizens of Logansport and the territory
through which It runs to have a direct and
competing line 10 the capital. and also TO
Chicago; that desire is yet strong and ur-
gent with the citizens OF Logansport and
on the line OF the road, and had its promot-
ers not believed they would meet as hearty
a welcome from the capital city as they
have in this city and along the line, they
would have been very far from entering
upNn what the article intmates is specula-
ton. That some opposition would be en-
countered was to be expected; it has al
ways been and presume always Will
be so; all matters of the kind do, but the
clamor for years has been so strong in
this city for direct railway communica-
ton that the time seemed a proper one
when the Incorporation was projected, in
March, 1891 though stringent and continu-
ing depressed condition or the money mar
ket soon after interviewed.
We have never. except during the world 5
fair year. had any satisfactory means of
reaching indianapolis. A morning and an
evening train on the Panhandle was, during
that time run, with great accommodation
between the two cities, which when taken
off only served 10 intensity the interest in
a permanent service 1t may be said that II
a service of that kind would pay why did
not the Pennsylvania Company keep 1t up?
The reason is apparent. With the Pan
handle and Vandalla lines practically one,
and without competition, they nave this
city at their own bidding so far as Indian
apols and Chicago are concerned. We have
always felt that this city is isolated from
the capital and this in measure Is true.
tory between Logansport and Indianapolis,
with severni important towns. notably
Young America, Russiaville, kempton ana
either without railway communication at
all indirect, and no competitions; these
people have no less and perhaps more In
terest than the citizens or L0ganSport II
that were possible Our citizens and those
on the line intervening have more interest
in Indianapolis than Chicago, and the ter
ritory south of Logansport il naturally trib-
utary to Indianapolis, but its business goes
largely elsewhere, so that the projectors
OF this line. the majority of whom, in num-
Der and pecuniary interest, live in Iogans-
port and on the line between here and In
dianapolis. supposed that they would natur-
ally be welcome to that city. where we
entering a territory the least possibly OBJ
jectonable as affecting the travel and
we have spent much time and money in
the matter. We have twice had arrange
ments made to construct the line ana feit
that II was due the city OF indianapolis
trance we could go with the proper assurance
that we were prepared 10 construct the
line. but on each occasion We were denied
/ notice. also. that the article referred TO
speaks OF an arrangement by which the line
should branch from the Vandalia at Cam
den and enter the city by the Vand6lia
line How such a report gained any cur
rency j am unable to say; but 1 90 know
holders neither Jointly or severally ever
heard OF such thing Ii is wholly without
foundation. That thing itself would eyade
viz. an Independent competing line. ap
We are at a loss to understand the motives
which have thus far kept us out OF the
city OF Indianapolis, but i do know that
the fact that the line Ia not now built and
I'm operation is due wholly to the city OF
indianapolis. / trust that 1 may be par
doned this lengthy explanation, but l know
that a large majority OF the citizens OF In
dianapolis desire the line constructed and
cannot understand why Il has not been.
and It Is due TO them, at least, 10 know the
reasons. q. "A. MY ERS,
Secretary l.. l.. a. G. Railway Co.
Logan snort Ind Feb 20.