The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1905-03-16

eight thousand dollars which it was
claimed was due on account Of the
Northern Pacific. which was paid
our OF the treasury on town orders.
HE TINES has taken pains to look
this matter up somewhat and now
that the matter has been mentioned
reels that the careless statements Of
Mr.. Hosmer should not 60 unnoticed.
and will therefore relate the fac.s in
relation to this expenditure of eiybt
thousand dollars, and here is the
story in full:
About April 25th, 1902, the North
ern Pacific railroad people, at The
earnest solicitation of Washourn
people, sent representatives to this
city, for the purpose of looking over
the Battle Axe road, which officials
and residents OF the county were
trying to save from destruction by
the federal courts. Two officials Of
the county had been sentenced to
sixty days each in jail for saving this
road, and six other citizens, one Of
them respected resident of the
town Of Washburn, Mr.. Carl Hirsch.
had been fined $3.50 each. The order
OF the court to tear up the road was
still pending when the Northern
Pacific was interested. The officials
came here, looked over the road.
and decided that they might buy
providing the right of way Of the
old Battle Axe was secured for
them. The citizens met-3OO Of
them in the town hall and dis
cussed the matter. Without dis
senting voice they voted to try and
save the railroad and TO secure. the
Northern Prcific. 1t was known
that large amount of money would
have to be raised to save the pro-
perty. and len to fifteen thousand
dollars was suggested as the
amount that must be put. The
meeting said to the committee OF
citizens: Go ahead and raise the
money, do anything that you cansto
get this railroad here" The follow
ing committee was elected: Capt.
William Q Neil, D. n. Maxcy, Fred
[. Yates, L. N. Clausen, j. E.
Jones. Q. A. Lamoreaux, f. J..
Meehan, A. w Mcleod, E. G..
Stevens. Nels Nelson and John A,
Jacobs. The committee said to the
Northern Pacific railroad that they
would guarantee that the right
way would be secured, and accord.
lying an order OF the United States
court was secured allowing the re-
ceiver to sell the road. June 1th
was set for the sale-but there was
no sale, and why? The Northern
Pacific would not accept any guar
antee OF the citizens committee, but
said: You must deposit ten thous-
and dollars as a forfeit in case of
your failure to secure the right of
way. The sale was adjourned for
one week. Mr.. Hines, the lumber
king, was summoned from Chicago,
and he came here and met the citi.
zens committee. He listened to an
account Of the situation, and
promptly signihed his intention to
aid Washburn. He decided the lake
frontage to the Northern Pacific,
and sparted without remuneration
with property worth perhaps 81 500.
The matter proceeded and the above
men called in large number Of
other citizens and it was unanimous
ly agreed that a town order be
issued for eight thousand dollars. It
was issued. Everyone knew about
1t, end all agreed that It was the.
greatest stroke for Washburn in the
history Of the place, aud at the
nallest, price. The TRANSACTIONS
may have been illegal, but if it was
ii was condemned by no one, but on
the contrary the people in this city
and in the vicinity Of Chairman Rowe
and all along the line. felt like throw
ing their hats in the air that this
splendid thing had been done. And
now comes Mr.. IIosme. with his
issue to collect from the people who
backed the Interests OF the city and
town OF Washbnrn with their per-
sentl financ al responsibility, and
said 10 its town officers, you 90 ahead
aud g.t this money and we will Ser
that you are protected. or we will go
"a ,wll in our own pockets and pay /
Nh. Hosluei SAYS to these men