The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-27
New Railroad Projects,

A dispatch from Martinsville, Ind, says:
SHOULD one-half of the railroads now prom
Used this county be built in the next three
years there would be plenty of work for
all Iahorers in the county and a great num-
Der could be imported. Franchises of all
kinds have been asked for, but not one
of the applicants has yet asked for a sub
sidy, as that would kill any project of the
kind in this county. In the minds of the
people the best opportunity for a real rail-
road now offered is from the Monon lines
through Hall, Monrovia and other thriving
villages in the northwest part of this coun-
ty. Three surveys nave been made through
this part of the county in years past, but
the party now going through hat part Of
the county has all the appearance of men
meaning business. They reported that they
were working for the Monon and survey
ing a route from Cloverdale to Indianap-
oils.
1T is already known that a line is to be
built from Switz City to Cloverdale, both
of which towns are on the Monon. This
line will pass through some of the richest
coal fields in Indiana, and the Owen county
fields are as yet practically undeVeloped,
coal only having been taken from there by
road wagons. Fatricksburg is the center Of
this field. A representative OF the Monon
NF&o IL AAAAO @ wv Nt~S9 CoO CgAAA
the merchants OF that city to prepare to
bid on contracts for furnishing supplies for
60 men. He said hat the work on the Switz
City ana C1OVerdale line would be in
progress within two months or as soon as
the contractors now at work on the stone
quarry branch near Bloomington had COM
pIeted the work there. When this road is
completed the MOnon for the first time Will
have access to the coal fields, of which
they have always been within seven miles.
From CIoverdale to indianapolis, through
the northwest part OF this county is the
nearest route from the Monon ROAD to that
city. 1t is known that the road has long
ii be built it Will allow them to enter into
the coal transportation business, together
with a good opportunity to light for the
Indianapolis ana Louis Vile and Chicago
freight. This branch Will open some OF the
finest farming country in this county, which
has been without railroad facilities.
The other prospects are numerous cleo
trio roads. The first talk came from W. x.
Bells, of Indianapolis, who is largely in
place. He has associated with MIN F.. j.
ScholZ, jackson LanderS and others, and
they propose TO build a line from this city
to indianapolis by way Of Wayerly. They
have asked for a franchise in Marion coun-
" and will ask for one in this county. Mr..
BELLS has expressed a perfect Willingness
10 give a bond TO fulfill the conditions Of
any franchise granted
Another road was suggested by Daniel
Leslie and AL Moore, of Indianapolis, who
claim TO represent unknown Chicago and
indianapolis capitalists. They changed
their route several times and left d very
indefinite application for a franchise on file
with the County Commissioners
"A branch OF w. II. Plckens's DanVille'
line was the next TO claim attention. If
the line from Indianapolis to Danville is a
go he romiS to run a branch from Belle
vile down through Monrovia, Hall, Little
Point and other villages in the northwest
part Of this county. This talk is considered
absurd. as the people Of that part of the
county have no desire for railroad connec-
lions IN that direction.
The last plan has been disclosed by
Joseph Elliott, j. II. Harrington, Sterling
II. Holt and other Indianapolis people. They
have applied for a franchise to build a road
parallenng the Indianapolis & Vincennes
and passing through the same towns. Their
application is before the County Commits
sIoners and they have been given one hear
ing. Their plan Is not popular, as the peo-
pie think there is little prospect of a road
promoters otfer to give a bond for fulfill
ment if the franchise be granted.
The feeling here against electric roads
Is not very strong, but there is a strong
feeling against allowing them The privilege
Of using the gravel roads and bridges. as
many of the roads in this county are mar
row. The County Commissioners have an
ounce that they will go slow in the mat
ter ana Marion county must act first, and
then the franchise granted in this county
will be one depending entirely on fulfill
ment, and a bond Will be required in addi-
ton. Ii the Pennsylvania Railroad carries
out what has been announced as its inten-
ton of running steam motor cars between
this city and Indianapolis many will doubt
less cease 10 care whether electric lines are
built or not