The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1905-11-23
Railroad News.

| From amidst the great clouds OF
railway rumors one thing stands out
very plainly-that the northwest Is
to witness great deal of construc-
tion In the immediate future and
that one or more transcontinenta
lines will be constructed across this
state.
Whenever there is activity in any
field great number OF projects are
launched. Some OF them are bona
fide and Others are simply the results
OF efforts ON the part OF promoters to
catch on" 1t Is never possible,
however, to determine at first which
are without support. In some in
stances entirely independent capital
quietly interests itself In a project;
In Others great railway interests
screen themselves behind promoters
who seem to have nothing upon
which TO stand. In time the wheat
is sifted out from the chat and the
public secures definite information
showing what the standing CT any
given project Is. Again, the great
railway systems often manage to get
their plans into shape before the pub
lie has knowledge of what is In pro-
gress, the first information respect
Ing the project being statement
that road is to be constructed be-
tween such and such points
In the present period of activity
some things have become clear, but
many Others remain obscure. We
know that Hill is going into Port
land, that the Grangeville line is to
be constructed, that the Riparia line
Is to be opened, that line Is to be
constructed into Coos bay, that the
Western Pacific is to be built, that
the Burlington Is to 20 into Salt
Lake, and that some other extensions
are to be made. Rut there Is much
that we do not know. 1t is the be-
lief, apparently well founded, that
the Northwestern Is to extend, and
1T is further believed 1T will go into
Salt Lake, though 1t may come on
westward toward the coast. 1t is al.
SO believed, on apparently good evil
dence, that the Milwaukee is to
build westward. Then there is the
proposed road from Boise to Winnie
mucca and one from Boise to Butte.
There is the talk OF line and
now the Payette valley; of line
from Ontario westward, and SO on.
Out of all the suggested lines 1t is
hoped Boise will get at least one
more through route. 1t will not be
offended IL 1t gets two, but If 1T Sc
cure ones it will be well satisfied.
What the city needs to do in con
nection with the subject is to cast
about and endeavor to bring the at
tention of the railway builders to
this section. This is particularly
true with respect to the Chicago Mil
waukee & st. Paul, which seems to
be setting up pins for a campaign to
carry it to the coast. 1t has secured
terminal facilities in at least one
reports that 1t is looking for "a route
across the mountains. A man be-
lieved tn represent that company has
just complied trip down the Sal
mon river flom Lemhi county to
Lewiston. The trip was undertaken
for the purpose OF determining the
feasibility CT building line down
the river.
The management of that company
should have its attention drawn to
the more southern route and its ad-
vantages. The line could skirt the
Snake river plain. from some point
In the eastern.part of the state, With
out encountering heavy work, pass
through Boise and the great agricul-
tural region which Is about to be ex-
panded by the government project,
and extend on westward through a
vast region of unlimited possibilities
that is yet untouched by railways.
II it 90 nor Inward IL will be in direct
competition with the great systems
OF which Mr.. Hill Is the head, en-
countering their opposition at every
important point.
II has not been long since minor
official of the Milwaukee was In
Boise. lie did not come here on
mission for his company, but he
freely expressed himself as being
astonished at what he observed 10
this section. 1t is altogether prob
able the higher officials Of The CON-
pany do not appreciate the oppor-
tunity that is afforded here for Sc
curing business, and II the facts
were presented TO them IN the proper
manner it is possible they would
keep out OF the canyon of the Salmon
and bring the line through this Sec
tion where there is so much rich
virgin territory to be reached
Rpigq Statesman