Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-01-18
MAYTAG ANSWERS CRITICISM.
Replies to Rhodes Committee Concern
ing Highway Controversy.

IVY RUNWAY NOHHT0VOVSys
Editor Times Repubican:-When I
was asked about the controversy at
Rhodes 1 did not suspect that l was
ask for space to reply.
The Big Three committee says that
there will be many peculiar cases
arising from the rebuilding of the Mil
waukee railroad thru Iowa, but none
will have the peculiar aspects Of the
change OF the highway south Of
Rhodes. Such remarks lead people To
suspect graft, so will give few de-
tails to make things a little more
clear.
When the railroad company filed
its petition and profile. asking to
change the highway viaduct over the
tracks $50 feet west, the committee
flied protest. A date was set to meet
the committee at the site Of the pro-
posed change. The chairman, not the
board, called for petition. At a
stated time the PETITION was filed, and
hearing held in the supervisors
room. and the compliments were
heard one at time. and none of them
could explain satisfactorily why the
change would not be the safest route.
MIR. Long became SO excited that he
left the rooom with his remarks UNI
finished fifty minutes before his train
was due, fearig he would miss the
train. Nothing was done at this meet
Ing.
Hoping that compromise might
be reached a change was suggested.
bringing the bridge nearer the straight
road.
THE board again went to the site,
and during the discussions l referred
to the c. A. Coppersnith accident at
Newton two years ago. when two
people were skNiea instaGpy at grade
not as bad az This one would be II
the road was~4sfe straight. I also
quoted minor accidents, continually
arguing in favor of the change, and
insisted that 1t took but one accident
to kill from one to half dozen. A third
proposal was offered. bringing the
bridge less than 100 feet from a
straight road.
I'm regard to the Rhodes fair inter-
view. I absolutely deny making any
positive statement that l was going to
vote for the straight road. nor did l
| make such statement at any time.
am not a topper. nor Il wind jammer,
nor a wishy- washy WOO. When l am
compelled to decide case. try to use
my best judgment and have got the
backbone to vote my convictions.
Yes, Mr.. Keen was with them from
start to finish. and after the vote was
taken, Mr.. Keen said he would ex-
plain his vote. He said he always DID
think the change would be the best.
but voted for the straight road be-
cause the people down there wanted 1t.
MY first letter to Mr.. Pike was pub
lished, and with the false and miscon-
strued statements. might leave DOUBT.
but if the second letter to him had
been published there would be none,
but such is usually the case when
man or committee or men seek to be-
little or SANDER another.
1.-The committee says the thinking
public is watching its public officials,
and our people are not adverse to re-
/ buking those with whom they are not
satisfied Alright boys, any old time
you can show any graft. hop to 1t IN
| the proper way. Don't let your preju-
dice get the best Of you and go to
i press with false and mlsconstrueo
| statements to wreak vengeance on
! man who is acting for the general pub
| lie and trys to see farther than his
nose.
THE road in dispute is Level
stretch mile long or better. save a
| little dip Of about six or seven fee'
about the center. There is a railway
cut nine feet deep about half way w
| the little raise. The law requires a
twenty five-foot clearance Tor ar
! overhead crossing above the rail. This
t with two-foot girder and three-incr
| cover would obstruct all view from
| either side. The change is not square
| turn but an angle. and leaves a clear
view from all points.
I'D. C. MAYTAG"