The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-04-21


 that they had to sacrifice so much.
 MT. Durand, of Great Harrington, M ass, said he represented 348 shares of stock which cost himself and his wife at least $200 a share He had respect for those who think the gov- ernment has persecuted the road and respect for those who criticize the past management of the property. But he felt that the stockholders should now stand by those in authority and ratify the agreement which has been made by the officers with the depart tn1ent of MT. Bura1ld rladz a plea for ratifi- cation 4 3Ii1 sfn& out that public opln 3on. tie temper of the people and drift Of legislation have all contributed to the conditions which are now being consid cred. He said he Believed in railroad monopoly in New En gland he believed that the idea of absolute monopoly of the New Haven road in New England was 3 sound one be- cause of it's "econonic aspect
 But under the policy pursued by the government. he said. this has be-. come impossible. s
 PLEADS FOR A REST.
 Mr. Durand said he believed govern ment had been prosecuting the road and demanded everything possible. The directors, he believed. had made the best bargain possible and he asked 1Ik nope would De neld fOuI TOT a more favorable decree if the matter went into the courts. MT. Durand urged that the agreement be heartily flied. What we wanx for the New Haven road is rest and the opportunity to af- tend to restoration of the property, . said MT. Durand in closing,
 MT. McClfntock. of Springfield, who represented 1 ,500 shares said that he knew the sentim ents of those holding the shares. He said the stockholders are facing a condition, not a theory. | We are here to discuss purely a business proposition" ]" he said. We must swallow our pride We must do 1.-the best we canaunder the eircum- stances We ought to see the wisdom kof the negotiations entered into by the officers of the hoad. It Is all well enough to say Fight but the govern ment has been shghting g other organize lions just as strong as the New Haven road and in no instance has the gov ernment come out second best What I fight and did not come out on top | The government is bound to get It's 1 pound of flesh. .s's
 l MT. MccIintock said it is true the lgovernment intends to take away the subsidiaries of the road.
 GOOD OLD TIMES AGAIN.
 MT. McC1intock said that if the case lrgot into the court snof8ne would i0noN how low the stock would be forced It might be forced to s10 a share ana
 then other people not the presen stock kho1ders, would be picking up tn, \ stock. He predicted that the goot 1 old times would come for the road.
 i've have been wandering for years J It is a good idea to come back to oui l old position,ss he added.
 j BeniaTnin Siiverthau. recognized 1 took the floor, after MT Elliott hat I said that he was a registered stock I holder Mr. SfIvert11au said he un l derstood railroading and offered $5. \ GOO gold medal to any one who coul 1 prove that he was not one of the bes
 informed on trolley matters in tn I country. Laughter greeted this and Safttr he began to tell about the splen
 did development of the road. tn cheapness Of its rates, the member
 began to get restive and tried | Il o11fz zxxrF1e ef f7. said.