May Widen the Gauge

LASS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/22/2008 at 17:16:22

Maquoketa Record
April 30, 1907

May Widen the Gauge.

Mr. E. Lass of Chicago, superintendent of Maintenance and way, for the Milwaukee system, arrived in Bellevue Wednesday morning in his private car and went over the narrow gauge on a tour of inspection. He was accompanied on the trip by Supt. Stapleton.

This was Mr. Lass’ first trip over the narrow gauge and his recommendations will undoubtedly be carried out by the company. It is believed that he will favor widening the track and making of it a standard line.

Cascade is considering an inter-urban proposition at present, over $3000 being subscribed for a line from that city to connect with the Dubuque-Maquoketa-Davenport line. Should this be done it would seriously cripple the business of the narrow gauge and it is thought that the Milwaukee company will hasten to widen or at least place the narrow gauge in such condition that the road may be able to hold its business.

It is said that the visit of Mr. Lass is of more importance that could be the visit of any other official of the road and that some radical move for the betterment of the narrow gauge system is about to be made. –Bellevue Leader.