The Portland daily press., 1863-03-05

come now to the closing question, which /
shall discuss very briefly. An objector APP
pears and says, admitting what you say is
true, that the Dry Dock is needed, and also
the probability that it will pay, still the nayi-
CATION interests are so depressed, the ships are
doing so little that there is no money to start
such an enterprise, and no courage either"
Now believe the latter statement may be
true, there may be no courage, but doubt
very much the truth of the former-that there
is no money. There is money enough, and.
among ship owners here and in the vicinity TO
carry through the project
Pray, how muchis wanted to construct Dock
large enough to take in the largest ships and
steamers that float except the Australasia and
Great Eastern, including the purchase of a
large aud every way desirable lot OF land?
Why, probably, the comparatively small sum
OF s75 900 would cover the whole outlay And
this is not wanted at once. A considerable
time would elapse before it would all be called
for, as small assessment at long intervals, as
the work progressed, would be made. We do.
not, howeyer,rely entirely upon the owners of
shipping. There are scores of mechanics Of
small means who viii gladly invest to the ex-
tent of their ability in this enterprise. At the
meetings which have been held to consider the
subject, at least one-third OF the number pres
ent consisted Of mechanics, and it has been
sore disappointment TO them that nothing has
been done thus far.
Nor would it be desirable to confne the
either AS owners or employees. A call would
be made and have no doubt, responded to,
upon the philosophical men of the city, both
of large and of small means, for aid. And
more than this, there is reason to believe that
If wanted, Boston capital could be had without
offers of very liberal amount have been made,
il parties here would commence the undertake
ing. l do not believe it will be necessary to
accept any such offers. Only let the detsrmi-
nation aud perseverance, which have carried
forward in our city enterprise of far greater
magnitude, be enlisted in this undertaking and
success is the certain result. "Where there is
a will there is way" We can do this with
out neglecting any other enterprise which is
projected for the benefit of individuals in the
city. We say success TO the Portland Shovel
Co., and the Horse Railroad Co., and 10 the es-
here or in our vicinity.
l contend there is money enough for all
these aud more too. Probably there never
will be time when this project can be CON-
pleted with so little difficulty as the present,
when there is SO strong disposition TO make
permanent investments.
Only let there be combination of those
whose immediate interests are involved; let
the mechanic, trader, importer, ship-owner,
re Al estate proprietor, invest each according TO
his interest, and none in large amounts, how
soon would the matter be accomplished! How
soon should we see scores of men employed
in excavating for the foundation, and in franz
ing and putting together the structure which
would be the instrument of employing perma-
nently one hundred families, and would in ev-
cry way add to the prosperity of our city, as
well as be monument of the enterprise and
wisdom of its proprietors.
Why then should the consideration of this
enterprise be longer delayed? Why should it
any longer be looked upon ata distance? When
it is presented to notice why should we hear
only careless opinion,-"wel, there ought to
be Dry Dock here'-whie the matter is al
lowed to drop?
/ say there is no reason for delay, none for
hesitation longer than careful examination
would require. And il it can be done, ought
it not to be done? Is there not responsible
ity upon us to do it, or ut least to make a Wig
orous attempt? say yes!
would call then upon the active and pub
nc spirited men of the city, to move, without
any further delay, in this matter, and to imi-
tate and exceed if they can, the courage, the
perseverance, and the prudent management of
those men tmost of whom have passed away)
who projected and successfully carried thro'
the enterprise of the Portland Marine Railway
Co.; an enterprise which has LEFT its mark
most beneflcially upon the interest of our ci-
ty. have performed my selfimposed task.
Shall it he in vain? Bed
OF Cotton is selling at Nashville, Tenn, at
IS cents per Mound