Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-16
State. We have got the best State in the

years.
Mr.. NEALLEY hoped the matter will be set
tied now. 1t has been talked over enough,
and we fully understand it. The only ques-
ton is whether the public necessity requires
the road. Is opposed generally to parallel
roads. 1t seems that these two parallel roads
have plenty of trade and business over them,
and from Berwick they have to run in on one
road But this road is now too much taxed
and there is need of two lines clear through
Has no objection to a consolidation of roads
There is difference between a consolidated
and leased road. If we are to grant this
charter, just now is the time, because the
public necessities require it. Is opposed to
the extreme competition that makes weak
roads, but a fair, healthy equitable competi-
ton is necessary for the public good, and fol-
the good of the roads.
Mr.. FOSTER favors reference to the next
Legislature. We should deal with this mat
ter as with all others, as the councillors and
guardians of the interests of the State. This
subject is of so much Importance it ought to
be deferred. The law requires notice Of such
petitions for charters, &C., to be published,
but it was not done in this case. If the par
ties were all agreed. the committee might
consent to override the law, but in this case
no attorney to look out for the interests of the
State was present. For this reason, if for no
other, he deems it his duty to insist on a re-
ference to the next Legislature.
Between Portland and South Berwick is the
op,let-the great gateway for the most of the
railroad lines of the State. and it is for the
interest of the State TO control this outlet. as
the nower il now in our hands. This is no,
only a triangular but quadrangular contest
The favorite party is ninetenths of the peo-
pie east of the line of the State. Is not in
the interests of either of the railroads, but OF
the peopIe.
Referred to the evidence before the commit.
tee. Don't believe the Boston & Maine would
mt their money into such a road if the char.
ter is granted. They would only enter a new
contract. and the object of the charter is &c
give them mower to make a good contract
What benefit would il be to Maine if they nut
into Maine . 600 600 of dollars? II will he
IN the detr;ment Of our State. II is n cheat
a delusion and a snare when it is asserted tc
be nj volue to Maine.
Has not much confidence in connection,
Thinks two roads running through to Portland
from Boston would be likely to combine. and
the people of Maine would have to nav too
large an Interest
If this chatter is granted the road should be
moro upder the control of the State than any
other in Maine. because it is. so to speak. the
fishing ground of the State and a larger
amopnt ~ FREIGHT would mass tbrouph than
in anv other nlac.
Mr.. Vosr thinks he is so situated rs 70
look unon the ouestion dispassionatelv Does
No, think the p &p. stands in anv bette,
LIGHT in Maine. than the Eastern on the Bos.
ton 4 Maine. The Eastern Compsnv owns
nearly half the shares of the p s SP and
are able 10 control il anv time. Referred 70
the lease of this road and the object in ter.
minatine il. If we grant a charter TO the B
on IN canal fnot;no We sbonJd nor legislate
in the interest of any corporation.
There is traffic enough to support two
roads as is proved by the reports of the Rail.
road Commissioners. and Of the P. s. & p.
The public requires further facilities for
travel through the State. There is benefit
to the public in competition. Referred to
the building of the International Telegraph
lines to prove it. The doctrine of consolida-
ton as applied to the case under considera-
ton, is observed. Thinks the terms of the
charter osahe Northern Aroostook Railroad
Company, means consolidation.
The only argument against the bill is neg
lect to give order of notice. A due notice
was given and an opportunity has been given
for all interested parties to be heard. A
been in attendance.
Mr.. HOLLAND wished to submit few re-
marks in behalf of the committee. The hear
ing on the question was long and tedious, and
was ably argued by counsel on both sides.
Every member of the committee unanimous
ly gave leave to the parties to bring in bill
for road from Berwick to Portland The
amount of business is so large between these
points on the p. S. & P. that they have not
the means to carry it on, and another road is
needed rather than a second rail. What was
meant by the Kennebec Senator's remarks
when he said the outlet was the States ''fish:
ing ground" was that it is the fishing ground
of the Portland Kennebec Company. Let
us grant charter and all can then fish there
Hopes a charter will be granted.
Mr.. M,Sor moved to adjourn. Lost
On motion of Mr.. FosTrR. the question o,
reference to the next legislature was taker
by yeas and pays with the following result:
YEAs-Messrs. Cleayes. Foster. Fnller
Kinks, Minot, Morris, Perley, Sawyer-s.
NAYs-Messrs. Bartlett. Caryili. Dudley
French of Franklin, French of Somerset
| GRAY, Hayford, Hobson, Holland, Lane
Mayo, Nealley, Nickels, Roberts, Rolfe
Smart Smith of Knox, Smith of Lincoln
| Spaulding, Torrev, Vose. Webber-22.