The Portland daily press., 1870-10-01
Terms $500 per amman, in adrance.
Letter from the Kennebec Valley.

AUGUSTA, Sept, q, 1870.
10 the Editor of the Press:
The people Of this city, especially those whose
blessings and prosperity depends upon the de-
cision of the Messrs. Spragues in relation to re-
pairing the dam and erecting factories are be-
ginning to be hopeful as the intentions Of these
gentlemen are gradually developed. Some
three or four hundred men, under the direc-
''on OF some of the ablest engineers of the
country have been employed for the past two
months in rebuilding the dam in a much
more substantial manner than the one which
was carried away. Abou, twenty days more
will be required to complete it, when that vast
power will be again available. The work on
the large mill has been commenced and will
be carried forward SO as to complete the first
story before cold weather comes on. Two large
wheels are to be placed in centre of large
number of factories from which the shafting Is
to be carried in each directions for hundreds
of feet instead of having wheel In each mill.
The outlay Of money and the thorough manner
in which the foundations and other masonry
are laid, affords the people of Augusta the
clearest evidence that the Spragues mean bus
iness to the fullest extent of the capacity Of
the water power.
THE IRON BRIDGE.
AS the frame that has supported and sur
rounded the iron bridge, while in process of
building, is being taken away its beauty, SYM
metry and strength can be more clearly seen.
Before passenger cars were allowed to pass ov-
er 1t, the temporary supports were removed
from one Of the spans, about 40 feet long, and
three engines, weighing about 35 tons each
passed over it in close connection so as to get
as much weight in as short a distance as possi-
BILE. The test was satisfactory and the con-
tractor said they might multiply the weight by
six without endangering the safety of life or
property. 1t is most stupendous structure
and will undoubtedly survive any or all who
aided in its construction.
CONSOLIDATION.
While those opposed to consolidation are
talking, those in favor are working. Broad
gauge cars are being narrowed up to suit mar
row gauge, and arrangements are being made
to reduce the gauge from Waterville to Ban
gor, so as to conform to that from Watervile
to Portland on the shore route, so that proba-
bly, by the first of N N1vember freight in bulk
bulk can be taken from Bangor to Boston or
New York, by way of Augusta, without change
of cars. Every rod of the road is to be put in
good condition. before cold weather, under the
supervision of roadmaster Colby, who has os-
cupied that position on that road over a quar-
ter of a century.
THE INDIAN COMMISSION.
John d. Lang of Vassalbol o, one of the In
dian Commissioners, has just returned from
tour of reconciliation ameng several belliger-
ent tribes with exceedingly gratifying results
treaty has been completed with one tribe
and other treaties are being negotiated. Mr..
Lang returns Immediately with material proof
of the good faith of the commissioners and
the government they represent In the name
of humanity and justice every philanthropist
will heartily wish them success in their effort
to save the Indian from the fraud practised
upon him and those inhabitants within their
reach from the horrid outrages to which they
have been exposed.
THE vAssALBoRo' COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
The Vassalboro' Shoe Manufacturers Co.
operative Association has thus far proved q
success. The shoes made give excellent sat
isfaction, as every piece of work is made of
good material and in the mos. substantial man
ner. Sales to quite large amount have al
ready been made, and orders have been receiv.
ed from as far west as Illinois. As this is the
first attempt in this section to test the practi-
cal operation of the beautiful theory of the
combination of capital and labor on the prin-
ciple of equality, its success will prove of in
estimable advantage to operatives of other
trades as well as OF this
NORTH vAssALBoRo' wooLEN MILLS.
The Indebtedness Of Messrs. Skinner & Co.
DUsuuu, tue Norrn Vassalboro' wooden
mills is about $500 600 The amount Of actual
loss cannot at present be determined. Not
withstanding which the mill will be kept run
ming as usual and the help will not suffer loss
to any extent.
THE wATERvILLE BRIDGE.
The work on the bridge connecting Water
vile with Winslow, is progressing rapidly and
is already passable for persons on foot It will
be fully completed and ready for general trav-
| within two months. G.