Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-04

our State, when completed, of COG miles, and
is occasioning developments and investments
all along its line. The road is ably managed
and promises well.
The Maine Central and Portland and Ken
ncbee have been consolidated within the year.
The Maine Central is now being extended
| from Danville junction 10 Cumberland, and
its gauge the entire length of the whole road
will be made to conform to that of the Port
land and kennebec. The Commissioners
| speak of the new arrangement with approba-
ton. There will be no changing Of cars nee
essary after leaving Bangor until arriving at
Portland, no transhipment at Portland neces-
sary, no embargo Of gauges, but unobstructed
and quick communication, and cheaper,
quicker and easier means of conveyance to
market. The Maine Central was wise, say
the Commissioners, ''to harmonic its inter-
ests with the Portland and kennebec, for it
thereby reaches Portland through it by Ugh
teen miles Of new road instead of thirty and
saves half n million of dollars or more in the
not being obliged to purchase depot grounds
and buildings at Portland" The new man
agement is adding to its trains to accommo-
date the public, and adopted the liberal policy
of uniform rates of fare for winter and sum-
mer. The Commissioners have no fears of
bad results from consolidation of the two
roads, but think the State may well ex-
pect from it "that fair and enlightened policy
that best consults its own good in most pro-
noting the good of others" The Maine Cen
trail paper has been much improved this sea-
son and so has the Portland and Kennebec.
The latter company they say is entitled to
great credit for the new iron bridge at Au-
gusta, and Mr.. Patten of the Directors is
commended for his business capacity in max
ing the contract and overseeing the work of
erection. A full description of the bridge is
given. Its entire cost is not far from Sll0 000
The associated company embraces the best
railroad experience in the State.
The Dexter and Newport Railroad has mar
rowed its gauge to correspond to that of the
Maine Central. The opening of the Houlton
branch of the st. Andrews Railroad, which
has been opened this season from Sebec to
Houlton, is considered to be move in the
wrong direction. The Somerset road has had
some 1885, 900 expended upon it, and the
work will be vigorously prosecuted next year.
The Knox and Lincoln Railroad has required
a greater outlay than was at first anticipated,
but is near completion, and will be of the best
character. 1t is thought trains may run to
Wiscasset this winter, and the whole road be
opened in the early summer. 1t will cost
more per mile than any other road in Maine ;
but the,,road will be built, and will have great
business.
The report gives history of the accidents
which have taken place upon the roads in the
State during the year. No life of passen-
ger has been lost. The fatal accidents have
been to employees. The necessity of care
and vigilance in the officers is enforced, and
the responsibility of making judieious selec-
tons of officers and persons to manage trains
is urged. The Superintendent should devote
himself entirely to his business, and his SUBJ
ordinates should be chosen on account of their
fitness, and not for favoritism. The follow
ing shows the railroads in the State: