The Parker post., 1917-08-11

forests on the continent, was submit
ted to the Arizona corporation com
mission for its approval and author
ity to organize and transact busi-
ness today. The petitioner is Rev.
William V. Shenk of Globe and it Is
said that eastern capital Is interested
in the undertaking.
The petition proposes the forma-
tion of a $5O,0O0,OO0 corporation to
carry out the plans outlined and
which include, in addition to the
projects mentioned above the con-
struction of a dam on the Colorado
river about so miles upstream from
Arizona boundary line, the
erection of a gigantic hydro-electric
plant and the construction of a NAM
moth port at some point on the Gulf
of California.
The hydro-electric plant which
would develop 100000 horse power,
would not only furnish power for
the railroad, but would also provide
current for cities, towns, mines and
industries along the proposed route
Of the railway.
The northern terminal of the road
will be in the southwestern part of
Colorado in the great bituminous
coal region, now held by the govern
ment. The proposed route continues
south through portion of New Mex
leo into the great timber districts of
northern Arizona. The line would
cross the Santa Fe at some point east
of Holbrook and would continue into
the White mountain at that point
Continuing south, the line would
enter the TOntO basin, crossing over
into the Verde district and finally
down through the Salt River valley
where it would either connect with
existing lines or continue on down
into the Gulf of California.
Such line, it is set forth, would
provide shorter route for Arizona
products and shipments as we'll as
cheaper freight rates for all COM
modities via the Panama canal.
This company would be directly in
charge Of the electric railroad but
would operate, as supporting COM
panies, the hydro-electric plant on
the Colorado river, the coal company,
lumber company and a townsite COM
pany.
The southern terminal of the road
would be at some point on the Gulf
of California where the corporation,
by q separate financing scheme,
would cause to be constructed a port
with sufficiently docking facilities
and the like to handle all possible
merchandise.
1t is proposed to raise 100000
Immediately for the purpose of en-
ploying an engineer to sketch the
route and complete other details
prior to instituting actual construc-
ing works. After this work is COM
pleted it is proposed to sell bonds to
the extent of $4,000. 1000, to draw
five per cent interest. The sum to
be thus derived will be utilized in
the construction of the railway, pro-
viding electrifcation, install stations,
railroad yards, round houses, repair
shops, side tracks, spurs, acquire en-
gines and rolling stock and the like
Such railroad as proposed, it is
pointed out, would undoubtedly cause
to be opened thousands of acres of
tillable land in this and adjoining
states and would afford excellent
transportation facilities for the COM
munities through which it would
pass. Incidentally, it would estab-
lish direct communication between
many of the more important sections
Of the state.
The matter is being given due con-
sideration by A. A. Belts, the only
member of the corporation commits
sion at present in Phoenix No ac-
ton will be taken until. at least one
other member returns.