The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-11-17
Manufactures Again.

To the Editor Of the Press:
The question of the day in Portland seems to
be what shall we do to be saved-from decline
in business. Among the many good sugges-
tions, that most important aad deserving OF
consideration is the establishing of manufac
lures; and herein appears to be the only hope
for us in the future. But the establishing-suc-
cessful estabishing-of manufacturing inter-
ests here will not be SO easily copsummated as
many seem to think. If the walls of Jericho
did fall down at the blast of rams horns it is
no reason why We should expect to build up
our industrial interests with a blast of trum
pets, proclaiming to the world how nice a |
place Portland is IAN incentrcvertibls fact) or |
| boasting OF its magnificent harbor which was |
thought to be the only one on the Atlantic |
coast where the Great Eastern could enter, or
by brooding over the decline of its foreign COM
merce. The times demand something more.
Given, that manufacturing is our only re-
source and safety, all our energies should be
bent toward that end. Confidence is a plant
Of slow growth, and the nom success of manu-
factures here may be said to have entirely de-
strcyed confidence, nor will 1t be easy to re-
store it. This fact may as we'll be borne in
mind-success is the test Of merit. TIE world
worshps SUCCESS There can be, no doubt
many kinds of factories established here,
which can succeed, more especially in lines
where the transportation Of the raw material
and manufactured articles is not great. Where
freight becomes large item of expense it op-
crates seriously against this location because
Of its remoteness from the great business ceri-
tres. Then, too, it will be better, nay, abso-
lutely necessary perhaps, to start In small
way and build up. It would he vastly more
easy to raise $40 600 than 100000, and ten es'
Adjustments of the former capital would pe
quite likely to yield more profit and ultimately
, benefit the place much more than one OF the
latter. The ten small concerns if profitable
would be incentives TO capitalists of limited
, -.e~,s IN Anoa1e in like enternrises. -
Your correspondent 80. d. c." has thrust
at the railways reaching Portland, and is evil
deutly disposed to find fault with the through
connections which he says reduces this place
| to a mere flag station. Now railway and
steamboat companies do not essentially differ
from other corporations in their business poll
cy. Their directors, like the directors in our
banks and other corporate bodies, are presum-
ed to look to their own interests first that is,
make paying dividends Tor the stoekho
1t is their duty to do so, and failing in this I'M
less for good cause, should be supplanted by
, | Others
There is mutual relation existing between
the trade OF Portland and the railways, and
you may rely upon the latter subscribing the
interests of the former if it can be to their prof
it to do so. 20. Z. c." says the Graud Trunk
: can afford to send goods as che lply ~ Boston
| or New York can ship them. This may or
may not be a fact-mofe likely the latter
| Again, "if the Grand Trunk would but adopt
9 | policy in regard to Portland and Portland
, business such as the New York Central road
pnrsues In respect to the trade of the city of
g | New York, not only would our manufacturing
| established but our commerce in a twelve.
month would be quadruped." That twelve.
| month quadrupling is trifie strong-possiblv
| escape from nothing, that by any Improvement
But he errs in assuming that the New York
| Central railroad ever pursued policy pr ,mps-
ed solely by a desire to baid up New York
| city. So far as railway facilities that city has
always been at the mercy of three or four rival
, | railways, and ates of freight have always been
unreliable sometimes low when their roads
4 | would compete for trade sometimes very high
when they would combine t-gether No, the
| New York Central has more soul than any
. | railway entering Portland.
a Portland needs capital and skilled labor for
| the successful operation of the factories it is
felt to be her salvation. at present there is
: a lack of both. Provide them, aud with proper
effort our city will soon be able to rise from the
slough of despcnd into which she now seems
;. fast sinking. PUBLICUs.
, | PORTLAND, Nov. Is 1871.