The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-03-27


Renwyck continued:
"a local company has been organ
lied and styles itself the Houston,
Matagorda City and Gulf Railroad
and Improvement company" And
Richard recognized the company with
a thrill of excitement. They're go
ing to get an appropriation from the
legislature for making Q deep water
harbor at Matagorda City. They own
all the land In the vicinity and the
right Of way for branch line to con-
meet with the railroad systems of Tex
as az Houston. Now, this scheme, all
else being equal, would be sweet,
things are not all equal. have learn
ed its details, and l propose to smash
it,"
He spoke with Il savage emphasis.
which revealed his hatred and his de-
termination. If hell has no fury like a
woman scorned, friend turned enemy
is almost as venomous.
'How are you going to do itY asked
Richard. with growing anxiety.
There chances to be a rival COM
pany in the field. my boy, backed by
ey-influence-pull. In fact l or
gained it to make deep water har-
Dor at Longmatt, on San Antonio bay.
I rather think the legislative appropri-
alton will so there"
"And is Longmatt better adapted for
a deep water harbor than Matagorda
Cityp
Much better"
"WhyT'
Because ! own all the land at
-er-do credit to its business acu-
men the committee on railroads in the
legislature agrees with me-
witch MEANS" suggested Richard,
shat the legislature is doing business
at the same old stand"
Mr.. Renwyck laughed.
"That sounds very American for q
foreigner. but suppose we put it lit
tie more delicately The legislature
through this committee can be per-
suaded."
And the other company does not
know this?"
"Not whisper of it,"
"But won't it find out from the
legislatureT'
1T won't. l am certain of those
Texas statesmen. They have been
fixed"
But l thought began Richard,
then stopped suddenly, remembering
that he was not supposed to be up in
American railroading affairs.
"Well?"
that such matters required much
time-red tape-and all that sort of
thing, you know"
"Not a bit Of it," answered the old
gentleman, rubbing his hands in antic-
ipated pleasure. "Now, listen. l have
devised this opposition scheme myself
and know what I'm talking about. In
just two weeks from now the Hous-
ton, Matagorda City and Gulf Rail
road and Improvement company's bill
for deep water harbor at Matagorda
City will be introduced in the legisla-
thAC Nlth 81 SiNoL hOui VI
and referred to the railroad committee
my committee, that is. At the same
time n small and unostentatious lit
tie bill substituting Longmatt for Mat
agorda City will also be quietly slip
ped in by some of my agents. No one
knows me in this connection at all. and
Of course you will respect my conf
denceT'
Certainly"
"Well. this bill will be referred and
forgotten by everybody until the last
minute. when the original bill will be
amended, and the large appropriation
will go to Longmatt. too near the end
Of the session for any change. The
stockholders of the opposite company
are so certain of success that their
first mortgage bonds have been issued.
quietly taken up among themselves
and are rising in value every day. But
wait. When the Longmatt scheme is
assured the bonds of the company
won't be worth a cent. I shall buy
their right of way to Houston for
song, and-well. che state Of Texas will
be greatly benefited. while the other
fellows pay
"Pay Texas?" asked Richard inno-
Gently.
'Pay for the fiddler, my boy-that is.
l." laughed Mr.. Renwyck complacent-
". The old gentleman coolly flicked
the ash from his cigar, turned and
looked smilingly at his young auditor
in assured triumph.
Richard smoked in silence for
time. then presently said. with affect
ed carelessness:
"Mr. Renwyck, what you say is no
doubt based on sound judgment and
business and = er - legislative expert
ence; yet, on the other hand. 1t strikes
me that you are taking rather o heavy
risk for the sake of mere money"
"Ah," cried the old financier. with a
snap Of his heavy jaw. now you've
struck it! And don't mind telling you
the real reason. 1t isn't the money.
Hang the money! I'm doing this to
get even with one man-one man
who represents the Houston, Mata-
gorda City and Gulf Railroad and I'm.