Did it only depend upon a strip of an old churchyard, thought
Lars, whether the parish should have this great blessing or not?--
then he would use his name and energy for the removal of the
obstacle. So immediately he made a visit to minister and bishop,
from them to county legislature and Department of the
Interior; he reasoned and negotiated; for he had possessed
himself of all possible information concerning the vast profits
that would accrue on the one side, and the feelings of the parish
on the other, and had really succeeded in gaining over all
parties. It was promised him that by the reinterment of some
bodies in the new churchyard, the only objection to this line
might be considered as removed, and the king's approbation
guaranteed. It was told him that he need only make the motion in
the county meeting.
The parish had become as excited on the question as himself. The
spirit of speculation, which had been prevalent so many years, now
became jubilant. No one spoke or thought of anything but Lars'
journey and its probable result. Consequently, when he returned
with the most splendid promises, they made much ado about him;
songs were sung to his praise,--yes, if at that time one after
another of the largest farms had toppled over, not a soul would
have given it any attention; the former speculation fever had been
succeeded by the new one of the railroad.
The county board met; an humble petition that the old churchyard
might be used for the railroad was drawn up to be presented to the
king.
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