Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-01-05

Falls, and 1t does not need a prophetic
eye to see chat very close relations be-
tween the two systems will be established
with the chances very strongly in favor of
ultimate consolidation. 1t is significant
in this connection that the stock Of the
F'itchburg has advanced from par to 1903
during the past few weeks.
The relations between Vermont and the
| Ogdcnsburg road which have been of a
somewhat intimate character during diff
fcrent periods in the past, are now es-
tablisbed on firm and enduring basis.
| Tho business firm of Bradley & Garfield,
| for many years one of the most flourish
ing concerns in the Champlaln valley,
were interested in the building of the Og-
dcnsburg and Lake Champlain railroad
| in 1S49, while the Rutland and the YER
mont Central were wagng their famous
contest to see which should first reach
Burlington. Subsequently Bradley & Cam
field established line of propellers be-
tween Ogdensburg and Chicago, later
operated by the Central Vermont railroad,
but then known as the Northern Trans
portation line.
u
construction of a railroad into Chicago
from the East the Ogdensburg and Lake
Champlain road enjoyed fourshing
traffic in Western freight, and owing to
it's connection with lines leading into Bos-
ION its securities were long a favorite
form of investment for capitalists of the
New England metropolis. During a con-
siderable period Hon. William A. Wheel
or, Vice-President of the United States
during the Hayes administration, was
president of the Ogdensburg road. Later
it had a somewhat checkered career and
it was subject to rapid changes of man.
agement.
On June l, 1886, shortly after the Ogdens-
burg road had secured the bridging Of
Lake Champlain and the building of the
| Lemoile Valley extension as a connection
with the ST. Johnsbury G. Lake Champlain
at Swanton, the line passed under the con-
troll Of Central Vermont interests, and was
leased by the Vermont road for a period
of 20 years. On June 10, 1888, the CONSOLE
dated railroad assigned the lease to the
Central Vermont railroad company, and
the Ogdensburg remained an important
feeder to the former line until 1896. when
under the receivership of the Central Yer
mont the lease thereof was surrendered.
In October, 1896, H. Walter Webb was ap-
pointed receiver of the Ogdensburg road,
but after a period of litigation and the
bringing of foreclosure proceedings, Char
les Parsons gained possession of the road
and he has continued to operate it under
different forms of control including re-
ownership up to the present time.
The Ogdensburg line now becomes a link
in a system oflake and rail transportation
which we believe is not only to gain an
important share in Western freight traf-
fic, but which is also to contribute in
marked degree to the upbuilding of the
material interests OF the Champlain Val
ley in particular as well as the Green
Mountain State and Northern New York
in general. 1t means the permanent iden-
tification of DR.. w. Seward Webb and of
the large Vanderbilt interests with this
section. and the development of enterpri-
ses on a scale of which our people have
not yet dreamed