The herald., 1898-08-17
THE SHORT LINE COMING


that the Rio Grande Western railway IL
to be extended to the Pacific coast. as.
Stunning that an outlet to Underwater
would be sought at Los Angeles, by ex-
tending that branch Of the system which
is now being operated to Maryvale, in
Southern Utah. The Geographic an.
nouncement did not warrant this as
sumption, but well-known railway off,
cial. in the confidence of the general
manager of the Rio Grande Western
yesterday confirmed our view. He is no,
willing to be quoted, but declares that
the extension of the road to this city
has long been contemplated.
1t now seems that the Western is not
to have a clear field, and that another
road will at once be pushed In this d.
rection. This is the Oregon Short Line
whose southern extensionl-the Utah
Southern--is now operated to Milford, a
point fifty miles west of Maryvale,
terminus of the Western. The Short
Line extension has for long time been
and fifteen miles, from Milford, Utah, to
Phoebe, Nevada, and eighty-five miles
of this route-bringing it practically to
the Nevada state line-is to be utilized.
Utah and Montana parties have raised
$500, 900 for this work. and the Salt Lake
Herald of the 18th announces that it will
be begun without delay. The Short Line
is back of this enterprise, and will OPP
crate the road as soon as completed.
The journal quoted has this to say,
among other things, Of the undertaking:
This is the most important piece OF
railroad news which has been given out
| in Utah for a year, perhaps more. and
| Mr.. McCune and his associates are to
| be congratulated on their enterpris.
| and the successful termination OF the
negotiations which make 1t possible for
| a new line In the southern portion OF
| the state. The Importance of the en-
| terprise cannot be over-estimated. II
| will open new country and develop
mining and agricultural interests which
have hitherto been handicapped be-
cause of excessive charges for hauling
| ore and produce by wagons. 1t will
distribute lot of money among the
people of the state and make times bet
fer. But beyond this there is another
consideration. 1t brings this city eighty
Ave miles nearer Los Angeles, and II
| is believed that very soon the distance
intervening will be covered by line
which will place California at our
doors, as 1t were.
| The purpose of the Vanderbilt inter-
ests to secure an outlet at some point
on the Southern California coast is we'll
understood In railway circles. No route
seems more feasible than the surveyed
and partially constructed line from NIL
ford to Phoebe, and thence southwest
to Los Angeles. Eighty-five miles OF
the distance Is to be covered without
delay. the funds having already been
raised. The proposed route of the Rio
Grande Western will not conflict with the
local traffic of the Oregon Short Line.
The one will be pushed southwark to
the Colorado river and come in from
| the east. the other will be built west
ward from Phoebe and reach Los An
geles from the north. Each will tap q
virgin country, rich in mineral resources
The one can no more afford to tie ur
at Phoebe than the other can stop al
Maryvale. The construction of the Sar
Pedro breakwater and the speedy in
auguration of work on the Nicaraguar
canal are likely to hasten the extension
Of both to tide-water at Los Angeles.