The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-01-28
WANTS $4,000.
Union Pacific to Build Road in Six
Months If Money Is forthcoming.

Union Pacific to Build Road In SIX
Months If Money Is Forthcoming.
The Onaga (Kas.) Republican says:
If Onaga will give the new railroad
$4,000 it will guarantee to have its
line in operation to this place within
six months. What do you think of
the idea? 8
Tuesday night Land Commissioner
McAIlaster of the Union Pacific rail-
road met a umbe of the CONNER
ciaI club railroad committees
many as could. be got together on so
a notice. He came in on the
freight train direct from Omaha.
At the meeting but little time was
lost in preliminaries. McAllaster on
coded that the getting of a right Of
way through Pottawatomie county to
the west side of Onaga was not a
feasible plan for Onaga to accomplish,
and frankly said so. He said the cost
of the right Of way in Pottawatomie
county would be $40, 900. more than
had been appropriated for that pur-
pose. This sum would have to be
raised by Onaga or the citizens along
the proposed line, if they expected to
get the railroad. The benefits they
would derive you'd be much more
than the amoun asked. So far as
the bonds already voted were con-
cerned, his company tic not want
them. nor any part thereof. The re-
strictions and conditions of the bonds
were such that the Union Pacific rail-
road would not agree to, especially
that part which requires a exchange
of stock for the bonds. After much
talk n various propositions had been
discussed, Mr.. McAllaster made a
proposition. in substance, as follows;
IF Onaga viii give us $40, 600, or
the right of way from the east side of
own to the west line of the city, we
will build the road and bind ourselves
to have it built to 0naga within six
MONTHS
He further said that for the present
tho rad wa ~ lin o. No q rra OlD10nfC
to build beyond Onaga; that was a
question for the future. This means
that Onaga for a time. at least, will
be a terminal. Mr.. McAllaster said
the road intended Building here, but
was under the impression that the
improvements would be of consider
able magnitude. If the people along
plans of the company for the town
Will be made public, so the people may
know just what thew will get.
In the discussion the fact was
brought out that the Union Pacific
had three different routes surveyed
through this county, any one of which
was practical. This set everybody to
thinking, and passes the question up
to the people with a hard-pressure
bearing.
Judging from what we have heard
many of our citizens say, it is safe to
believe that it will be a business prop
CRAN-OHA - ~ IL IL
tire $40, GOO, if the citizens along the
line south of US will not assist. It is
the opinion of all the railroad men on
the L. X. & W. this this would bring
THEN division here. and that the L.
x, & w would be operated from here.
Such being the case, 1t would be bet-
ter than if the line went on.
The proposition seems fair. as h
plans as outlined show that the pro-
posed line will add about $4,000 to
the assessable value of Onaga. Mr..
McAllaster will furnish the plans
showing this, and none of the money
asked for will need to be paid over if
the road is not built in six months or
the plans not carried out.
Mr.. McAIlaster said this road would
Civ a guarantee that none of the
bonds voted for the Topeka, Frank
fort e. Northwestern would be taken
by the new line. 50 there is no danger
of a double payment.
Mr. Ayers. the right of way man,
will be here Monday. ready to buy the
1and for the roadbed, if satisfactory
arran gements are guaranteed.