The Railroad That Was Promised Finally Gets Its Money

Announcement is made that the issue of $2,500,000 bonds for the Metaline extension of the Idaho & Washington Northern Railroad has been sold to Wabodv, Houghteling Co., one of the largest bond broking concerns of Chicago. The bonds bear five per cent interest.

Regarding the time when construction work on the extension will begin, authoritative news can be given. It is not likely that work will begin before November. Officials of the road do not give out any further news than that the road is to be operating into Ione, 55 miles north of Newport, by November or December 1909.

During the past ten days representatives of the road have been driving over the west side route, taking up the options given on right of way, and buying from parties who had not been seen before. In the party were J. C. H. Reynolds, right of way agent; Mr. Redhead, assistant to Mr. Reynolds; and C. F. Craig, president of the First National Bank of Newport.

Speaking of the trip, Mr. Craig said that the party was very well received by the people owning right of way along the proposed route and by all citizens of the country to be traversed. They found that the people were appreciative of the enterprise of Mr. Blackwell and his associates in giving them the long-looked-for railroad from which they expect so much toward the development of the country. People who have heretofore opposed the project now welcome the road and have assumed a very friendly attitude toward it, making the securing of right of way an easier matter.

In taking deeds for right of way, drafts on the company were signed by Mr. Reynolds and the deeds and drafts placed in escrow with the First National Bank of Newport, drafts to be sent to the sellers as soon as titles are examined and approved.