The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-09-02

was swiftly borne through the pleasant seem
cry which borders the line of the road in
Westbrook and the villages of Congin, or as
it is now called Cumberland Mills, and Sacca-
Kappa The wonderful improvement which
has taken place in those villages marks the in
creasing enterprise of a vigorous population.
They are spreading themselves over fine ter
ritory in the valley of the Presumpscot river,
and having water power unsurpassed for its
uniformity and steadiness, and enlarged facili.
ties of communication must grow in wealth
and become an important accessory to the bus
mess of Portland.
The new bridge over the Saco river. at
which the extended road commenced, is a
structure that does honor to the architect and
will repay examinations; the railway Is sup
ported on elevated granite piers above the
reach of the highest freshet and rests upon
solid and durable foundations; and the frame
work Of timber. by it's massive dimensions,
conveys at once the impression of security.
Beyond this, the road has been completed
ten miles to South WATERFORD, which is TWEEN
ty-eight from Portland and blu. four miles
from Alfred village. 1t passes over a level
country admirably suited for the structure,
aud the rails, weighing Sc pounds to the linear
yard, are substantially laid upon as fine a set
of cedar sleepers as were ever placed upon
road. The whole work is well done, under
the superintendent of John F. Anderson,
Esq, chief engineer, and N. l. Woodbury.
Esq, the able and indie fatigable President of
the corporation, whose eye and hand are con-
stantly directed to the interest of the compa.
ny. And this, in measure, will account for
the fact that the road is constructed at the I'M
usually small expenditure of $4,000 mile,
which is, however, aided by the auxiliary, and
very vital fact, that every thing is paid for
work and materals-in cash, so that the low
est terms for all that enter into the construc-
ton of a railroad are obtained.
The station buildings at Hollis centre, East
and South WATERFORD are neat, convenient
and substantial buildings, furnished with the
necessary accommodations fer passengers and
freight. 1t is satisfactory to observe that the
road in being rapidly pushed toward Alfred,
the rails having been already laid mile be-
| yond South WATERFORD in the beautiful val
| ley in which lie the quiet ponds and streamlets
skirting the hills made fertile by the skilful
cultivation of the shakers on the east, and OF
the thrifty farmers and manufacturers of AL
fred on the west. The scenery as you emerge
south from WATERFORD is exceedingly interest
| ing, opening varied landscaps of rich inter
| walls, and hill rides occupied by handsome
farm houses, forests, and rich farms.
The road will be completed and opened to
within half mile of Alfred village, 80 miles
from Portland, by the second week in Septem,
Der; thus furnishing facilities to the market in
Portland, to productive region of country
which will largely increase the value OF prop
erty in the central and northern towns of the
county of York, and add as well to the prosper
ity of Portland, which will find a new and in
creasing source for its trade. At the three
stations in South WATERFORD and Hollis, easy
communications are had with Limington
Cornish, and Limerick, and the southern tie1
of towns in the county of Oxford. At ALFRED
there will be opened new line of intercom
munication between Portland and Parsons
field, Acton, Lyman, Shapleigh and Newfield
which cannot fail to be greatly beneficial t.
both town and country, increasing the value
of property multiplying the sources ofsupply
and giving fresh encouragement to manufac
turers and other branches of productive indus
try, which will far more than repay the high
est rate OF in terest on all the capital employed
in building the road even if dividends dc
not Immediately follow the increasing traffic
When the line touches the village of Alfred
no time should be lost in continuing the roat
to Rochester, distance of from 16 to 1S miles
from Alfred, thus bringing that thriving towr
and the whole of the adjacent territory il
New Hampshire, within fifty miles of Port
land or two hours aud a half in time, by rail
Who cannot see the vast benefit it must be t.
this city to open such a line of com munic2tior
to such a central point, both of business ant
pleasure travel, through the very heart O
York county to the productive country thai
borders it Oh the west7 But the benefit does
not cease here am told on good authority
that assurances have been given from undnnht
ed sources, that the moment it is determined
| by this corporation, to commence on the exten
sion from Alfred to Roc hester, company al
ready chartered in New Hampshire, will begir
the construction of road from Nashua t.
Rochester, to form connection with the
Portland and Rochester road. This when fin
ished, will form the only remaining link of .
straight and uniform line between Portland
and New York, which can be passed over in
one day, without break of gauge, or change Of
cars or freight At Nashua a connection i,
| formed with the Nashua and Worcester, which
connects with the Norwich and Worcester and
with the Boston and Albany roads, and thus
will complete grand line of intercommunica.
ton by rail from the British Provinces on the
far east to the gulf OF Mexico on the South and
the great Pacific Sea on the West, without in
terruption-a consummation devoutly to be
wished Let a strong and united effort be
made by individuals, this city and the towns
on the line, to accomplish this great and de.
sirable object. ssa w. Is