The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-04-01
LEASED LINES
IN CONTROL
Must Indorse B. & M. Bill
to Pass in New Hamp-
shire
IN. H. RAILROAD"
is POSSIBILITY
Complications in New Plan
for Assessment-May
Extend Legislature

Concord, N. H., April New Hsmp-
shire developments yesterday in the Bos-
ton & Maine reorganization were few
but important. The trustees and attor-
neys of the Boston & Maine and leased
line representatives were again in coli
ference until midnight. George p. Nor
ris, counsel for the Concord & Mont
real, presented series of amendments
to the commission bill, which were de-
signed to make that measure passable In
New Hampshire. The amendments were
considered in detail, but no conclusion
was reached, and the task was assumed
yesterday morning, but objections arose
from the Boston & Maine trustees of
such a nature that they will not be
ready to present before to-day TO the
judiciary committee. The hearing sched-
uled for yesterday afternoon was cam
eelled, because the committee was not
ready; but the conferences with the
trustees were still in progress.
The statement sent out Tuesday night
that Mr.. Morris was drawing a fifth bill
is incorrect. His efforts have been d.
rected to making the commission bill ac-
oeptab bic TO the leased lines i'm this state.
TO the Boston & Maine and TO the leRis.
lature. As amended, the bill provided
for an assessment OF the Boston 4
Maine stock. William b. Lawrence,
whose representative, Conrad w. Crook
er, appeared al the hearing yesterday
afternoon, is prepared TO resist this as
sessment, claiming that it is unconsti-
tutional, and ii the bill passes he Will
bring an action. probably in the federal
court, to test its validity. The other
amendments which Mr. Morris prepared
yesterday morning and which have the
approval OF the Boston & Maine repre-
sentatiyes, are designed to afford great
err protection TO the leased lines.
Genera Edwin q. Eastman, who has
had charge of the Boston & Maine bill in
this state, told his colleagues early IN
the proceedings that no bill could pass
in this state which did not have the APP.
prevail of the leased lines. Yesterday he
stated that the Boston & Maine, SO far
as New Hampshire is concerned, is in
the hands Of the leased lines. They are
TO make bill and the Boston Maine
can only assent 10 its provisions as far
az they protect that road. II is now
ease, be said OF protecting the Boston { 1
Maine. He thought the leased lines
would have a bill which they could ae.
cept. "and certainly" he said. they will
see that their own interests are properly |
looked after"
The so-called Eastman bill which the
judiciary committee fsyors. and which
they will pass, with possibly one or two !
perfecting amendments, provides that In
,ase the Boston 4 Maine fails 10 effect /
4 reorganization or otherwise avoid the 1
termination OF the railroad leases. allows
The Concord & Montreal and the North
arn railroad to form the New Ham,,-
shire" railroad. II was sought by the
Boston & Maine trustees to put this on
IS rider 20 their amended commission
bill. but this attempt has been given up.
The Eastman bill will be passed as 4
sort of insurance of the railroads named
N case the other bill fails, and that II
now placed before the committee on its
merits.
There is a question whether the leg
stature may not be Obliged 10 extend its
session for another week. When the
ouch resolution went through for adj
ournment on April 2. most of the mem
,ers believed that no harm would be- done
{ there was no Boston & Maine legisls-
ion. Yesterday the sentiment had
hanged and a majority would like TO see
done TO avoid a receiyersiip.
While matters are proceeding rapidly, :
here are other measures which must be
naeted beside the Boston & Maine re.
organization and the result may be- an
lther week Of sessions.