Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1896-09-30
SPRINGFIELD ELECTRIC ROAD.
A Times Representative Writes Of the Condl-
tion Of the Road--Many Rumors Without
Foundation. .Strlngency In the Money Mar
ket the Only Trouble.

ket the Only Trouble.
The many contradictory rumors regard
ing the condition of the Springfield electric
road prompted TINES representative to
learn as to their reliability. Among other
rumors was one that an Injunction had
been served to prevent the completion Of
the road on the New Hampshire end. This
was at once proven untrue and wholly with
out foundation. Some difficulty was expert
enced at first in laying out a suitable route
through Charlestown village to the terminus
but that trouble was adjusted without fric-
ton. 1t is said that since then petition
has been circulated by Charlestown people
asking that the route be changed to run
down Main street. When asked about
this Col. w. ii. II. Slack, one of the
directors of the company, said he had no
direct knowledge of such petition,
though he had been told that one was be-
ing circulated. However, the company
would adhere to its present location unless
the petitioners find some way to overcome
the grade crossing Of the Boston & Maine
railroad at the entrance to the village. ~
Regarding another rumor, that the bridge
over the Connecticut river had turned out
to be bigger expense than was antici-
pated, Mr.. Slack stated that as the bridge
was built by contract, the cost was no
more nor less than was expected. The
purchase price of the old bridge was
S8400. The Berlin Bridge Co. constructed
the iron work for 1926, 600 and the grouting
and rebuilding of the piers and abutments
was by contract-so much per barrel Of
cement used. This part of the work alone
was OF uncertain cost, as no one could
foretcll how much material would be used.
But the expense was not far from the esti-
mate, the total cost, including the purchase
of the old structure, being about $4,000.
The only rumor for which it was learned
there was any foundation was that the rails
would not be delivered except for cash
payment. That is correct They were
bought for cash, and no diff 'ulty was ex-
pected in paying for them; but because Of
the stringency in the money market it has
been impossible to float the bonds of the
road as yet, and the rails are lying at
Springfield station until the cash is forth
coming.
Meanwhile work is not at standstill
The grading is nearing completion; the
feed wire is nearly all strung and part of
the trolley wire is in place. The new
bridge near Gould's Mills is being put in
place and work on the power plant and car
sheds in Springfield vii age is progressing
If the company were now in pos
session of the rails, they could be laid long
before the power plant and bridge would
be ready. 1t is hoped by the directors
that the bonds will be disposed of soon,
and that the road will be in operation with
in few weeks. In event of the election of
Mckinley, of which there seems little
doubt, the money market will be much
easier and the bonds will no doubt find
ready sale. But at present everybody is
holding their money until the stability of
the government, and with it the financial
interests of the nation, is assured before
making further investments.
Rumors have been rife of dissolution in
the board of directors of the road, and of
the efforts of one man to inancier the
scheme, but there is apparently no truth in
any such reports. Matters are moving as
smoothly as could be wished, with the ex-
ception of the inability to secure the
needed funds.
There has been not a little talk because
some of the promoters of the road have not
subscribed SO heavily for stock as they had
led people to believe they would do. Only
100000 in stock has been subscribed, be-
sides the 100000 voted by the town but
the latter is not to be paid until the road is
in actual operation. Some men who at
first proposed to take $4,000 each in stock
only took $1,000; others only $500; some
took none. The estimated cost was $145, 900
and it is proposed to float bonds to the
amount of 100000 to complete the work
and provide working capital. If that can
be done, verything will be all right; if
not, the present stockholders must go into
their pockets for more stock subscriptions,
as so much has been already invested that
they cannot afford to let it drop now. That
the money will be procured somewhere,
there is no doubt. If not this fall, then
next spring; but there seems to be no fear
on the part of the promoters but that the
road will be finished and in operation be-
fore snow flies.
The power plant, which is being put in
by w. III. H. Slack, who has contracted to
furnish power for one year, consists of
25O-horse power water wheel which will
run one dynamo in "cab hollow" A
duplicate plant is located next to Slack
Bros shoddy mill and will be run by
steam, with 350-horse power to drive the
dynamo. The water wheel is in place and
nearly ready to start the engine and boiler
for the other plant are expected in day or
two and together they will make plant
that will be unexcelled in the state. Being
some distance apart. it is difficult to con-
ceive of any calamity that would render
both useless at once and either will furnish
all the power required for the perfect
manipulation of the road under the most
adverse conditions.
Confidence on the part of the money
lenders and patience on the part of the
company and its expected patrons are all
that are now needed to make the cars go.
They can't run on wind and they can't get
the rails until they procure the money.
But as soon as the missing link turns up,
Springfield people will have the pleasure of
witnessing dozen trolley cars and a
couple dozen ruuaways pass their doors
daily.