The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1869-01-14

nal report now in hand. There is available Water
Power in this State to the amount of upwards OF
million horse powers-a power equal to that OF
Is 900 900 of men. No one fail to see that the
seat of manufactures of New England Is yet to be
within the limits Of this State. When we consider
that in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, water
power is worth from $3.50 to $4O0 per horsepower,
and rents in some places for $40 per annum Tor
each horsepower, we see how immediate and great
a source of wealth lies in this single item OF onr
natural resources. And it requires only little tore
sight and breadth of vision to comprehend all the
benefits that VIII flow from the full occupation OF
this TO every branch of native industry. other
States are moving in this matter, anxious to make
the most of what they have. Our work shouldnot
stop short of atfording the practical advantages 1of
which it was designed. 1t must be borne IN mind
that the active interest of the several localtes mas
spared us the expense of a photographic Survey
proper, and the work hitherto has been carried on
with great economy. We may with the more free
dom make the moderate appropriation necessary
TO satisfactory completion of the Report which
the accomplished Superintendent now mas III prep
aration.
The Railroad enterprises in the State are now
pushing ON with vigor, but still under disadvantage
I have before ventured the opinion that Inc pur-
dens which the towns were taking upon themselves
to secure the building OF railroads nlgnt De iollno a
too much for them. Consider too that while THESE
loans drain heavily upon home capIal, the pohos
are then sold at a runous sacrifice. Wnen Town
pledges all its available means, and then Is as
counted BY 20 per cent, it to me not an ad-
vantageous way to carry on pubic enterprise.
Pardon me if ] weary you with repeating tnat IL
would seem better that the State should give her
endorsement to such enterprises as she deems VI
tai to her advancement providing by ample re-
srictions against the abuse OF the CONCESSION, anu
securing herself by lien or mortgage against the
actual payment Of dollar on elther interest or
principal. There is railroad i'll this State that
would not pay well upon sic, 900 mile. suppose
the State should endorse the bonds OF a road TO
that extent taking proper security for me payment
the road. The result would be, think that the
bonds would be negotiated at par or nearly 50, ana
outside the State which is the same thing as BRING
ing capital in. Home capital would be left Tor III
| vestment 10 active enterprises. instead of adding
o burden to the people it would actually relieve
them. In my opinion this would be saier. less ex-
pensve, and more effective than our present sys-
TEN, and better than grants of public lands.
What shall we do for our Aroostook road for
example, where we cannot expect nor allow
towns to take the burden On themt How can we
Justly leave Washington and Hancock counties to
cut their way through a difficult country by their
own unaded strength? Or why should a single
city and its neighboring towns assume task which
is for the benefit Of the whole State?
do not pretend to be able to present plan sufi-
cieutly guarded and effective, but submit the mat
ter TO your better Judgment and skill.
Since our shipping interests have SO much de-
clned we not reaping the full advantages from
our wonderful coasts but there is one way in which
we may partly repair the evil; that is by opening
railroads to the sea. Bring hther the products Of
our rich fields and busy factories-the treasures Of
the North and boundess baryests Of the Vest
make our deep harbors the business outlets of the
great lakes-tEe ocean terminus of the mighty
pathways which traverse half the continent; bring
hither also foreign ships 10 exchange here the
products of distant lands, ald you will thus make
us not only more prosperous IN wealth, but in that
higher culture which comes from contact with old
er civilizations, and the broad recognition of other
interests, and other men than those within own
borders. There may be more than a single port
upon shores at which all this may be achieved,
but this will be vital centre which Will send life
through all the State.
There is great need Of n revision of The statutes,
|
the present session
Ny attention has been drawn to a resolution in
troduced at the last session providing for biennial
elections of State officers and sessions Of the LegS
lature. It strikes worthy of consideration.
The people are overtaxed and overburdened with
elections. This weight is felt more business in
terests more active, and the demands for the
products OF industry are multiplied. The respect
for law and its officers is lessened by frequent
changes. The excitement and disorder Of political
campaigns is demoralizing in its effects. change
to biennial system would be avast saving directly
and indirectly. We should be more prudent in
cur legislation and in our expenditure. The fnan-
cial consideration is strong one. The year 1870
would be a favorable time TO inaugurate new sys-
tenn. | commend the matter to your further atten-
ton.
have heretofore remarked upon the desirable
ness of encouraging Scandinavian immigration,
My conviction strengthened that it would be
greatly to our advantage to induce colonies OF these
this State. deem the subject of sufficient impor-
lance to recommend that you appoint committee
to investigate it, and if they find the project desra
bic to report some feasible plan.
Whatever we do to encourage other activities,
must never fail to recognize the vital Importance
Of Agriculture am happy to say that increased at
tention has been given the past year to raising
wheat. Our farmers seem to be inspired with new
hope and vigor If any thing can be done by us to
encourage the spirit of enterprise in this direction
our aid must not be denied. Although the soil OF
the State generally may be better fitted for dairy
and stock produce, still SOILS are not wanting here
that eminently adapted to grain. Skill, too,
will open hidden veins OF wealth, and mind mould
matter at its WILL Nor is our climate so rigorous
as to discourage agriculture. The natural vegeta-
ton of the southern portions of Aroostook county,
compares favoraby with that OF Massachusetts.
l have been struck with the merits of paper in
the forthcoming report of the Board of Agricul-
ture in which are shown with much force tile ruin
GUS results of the destruction of our forests. The
subject does not admit of legislation, that l am
aware of, but il is well for those who have the pub
lie interest i'll charge to bear this matter III mind.
The natural advantages of this portion Of the
country which struck the early visitors to the
tinent were passed over by the accidents Of colo.
nizatiOn or the force Of political causes In the
progress Of civilization these now coming to
claim their true value. and the State is entering
upon course of prosperity such as she never saw
before. 1t will take time to unfold fully the mate
rial resources and set III motion all the agencies
which arc to contribute to the glorious end.
In the reminding spirit of enterprise in the new
courage which is beginning to attract and hold our
youth, and in the opening prospect of brighter
times for our whole people, cannot but feel Pc
cullar ana a1fectlOnate interest. And l. may VEN
ture here to express the hope that those who
come after US will nol suffer the work to flag which
was only inaugurated by bold measures after the
State had lost Its proper place in the of enter
prise.
trust that the result of all our efforts will be
that we can keep our young men and women at
home and rear up generation just and fearing
God, exemplifying in themselves the noblest cul-
ture and doing good works to their fellow men.
CONCLUSION.
would fain linger on this theme; but l am ad-
monsbed that this greeting is also far ewell. I'm
tried, unknowing, and almost unknown, | was
summoned by the people with cordially l could
not fully comprehend, tc this high crust. The hon
or has been twice rep Gated with no less emphasis.
Whether have been faithful and profitable SER
want cannot be judged by the present praise Or
blame. History will write our record truly, and
estimate with impartial hand the worth of our best
endeavors.
would no an, affo o Indifference n nac
however, to close this address without rendering
through you to the men and women of this State
my deep and grateful acknowledgements. To
those ripper III years and wisdom who in my behalf
yielded their Judgment to their generosity, l owe
lasting thanks to those who hestated to trust this
high power to youth and inexperence, | tender
the assurance of my respect; to the Young men of
Maine who have rallied around me as they did
when shoulder to shoulder we stormed the pha-
lanxes Of the Toe, pledge anew here or where
ever, the best part OF my soul. And for you, gen
| tlemen, while give voice 10 these vain thanks,
may also seek a benediction mghtier than that of
! mar