The Blackfoot optimist., 1916-12-07
TRACTION PROJECT HAS
A BRIGHT FUTURE

If there is anything to thorough
enthusiasm for project, and per-
feet unison on the plans of pushing
it to absolute completion, then the
meeting Of the stockholders of the
Pocatello Traction & Interurban Rail-
way company, held Monday afternoon in
the rooms of the Commercial club,
spells everything for success
Nearly 60 stockholders were present
to listen to reports, arrange for i'm.
provenient on the bylaws, increase the
directorate and materially advance the
capital stock. The spirit of optimism
prevailed in every particular, and eve.
ry factor of interest from Ashton on
the north, to Preston on the south, ap.
pears to be aligned on the basis of
pushing the enterprise to completion,
and the best Of assurances indicate
that the project is safely on its feet,
after good many years struggling
for existance.
1t was the largest stockholders' meet.
ing ever held by the company, and in
stead Of meeting in one Of the small
rooms Of the offices, as was the prac.
tice for considerable period, when it
was hard to get quorum, the session
developed into one Of activity, and the
members of the organization present
represented unit imbued with the idea
that the road must be constructed, and
vouchsafed every support, personal and
otherwise, to the end that the neces.
sary prliminaries be speedily consum-
mated and big interests allied with the
projected line, which will eventually
connect Salt Lake with Yellowstone
and possibly other points in Montana.
President Richard Douglas resided,
and Secretary f. J. Merrill gave an
extended report Of the status of the
company at the present time, as near
as he could from a cursory glance at
the books Of the late Clark Gibson,
secretary manager, who died a short
time ago. Tribute was paid Clark Glib
son for the earnest and conscientious
work he had devoted to the cause of
the organization, and it is felt at this
time that large measure Of the pres
ent success of the enterprise is due to
his untiring efforts.
Had Long Fight.
1t is REALIZED that the little organ.
ization that was first promoted and
advanced by J. d. Browning and 9th.
ers, and later brou ght into greater
being by Carl Barnard, Dr. C. E. NJ.
Loux, and other associates, has reached
status that is commanding the at
tention Of some Of the best big inter
ests in the country.
The secretary showed balance of
| $S,6l5.13 cash assets available at the
present time, with all bills paid. Up to
November $1S,O03.25 had been collect.
ed ON promotion work, and $lO,53S.12
expended in salaries, expenses and gen
eral operating charges. Some assets
had been added since that time, max
ing the cash balance as first quoted.
The company owns Pocatello fran
chise, certificate of public conven
ience and necessity and other hold
ings and Secretary Merrill gave AL
elaborate review of the approximate
cost of the line, and going into details
in response to questions. He cited the
first struggles of the company, and
the possibilities to be achieved from
earnest and consistent operation along
every feature of the promotion. Sub
scriptions, tonnage, right Of way mat
| ters and other items must be complet
ell, and the pledge sufficient to satisfy
the bonding people who must event
ually take over the holdings. Surveys
will also have to be made, and extended
preliminary reports as to the feasibility
of the line had already been completed
1t was cited that the cost of the
road, or such portion of it as at pres
ent contemplated, would cost in the
neighborhood of $1,250,000.
| Directorate Chosen.
1t being the regular meeting for the
election of directors on motion a nom
mating committee was named, compos
ell of Frank c. Bowman, James Sid
doway, John l.. Moore, w. II. Jack
son, James Duckworth, c. A. Smith, .Jr.
and Hugh Gettis. The committee late,
reported on the following nomination.
for directors:
James Siddoway of Teton.
c. a. Smith, Jr., of Menan.
George Il. Hill Jr. of Rigby.
+. r.. Shuttleworth of Idaho Falls.
Soren Yorgeosen of Shelley
| A. Whitten of Blackfoot