Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-01-06

puTsults-ln our aDllify 10 make tne very rig
or Of our climate and the sterlity of our coast
contribute to our wealth by furnishing unlim-
tied supply of ice and granite, unsurpassed in
quality by any in the country; and in our wa
ter power, unrivaled in extent and adaptation
to manufacturing operations, we have resour-
ces which, if properly developed, will furnish
profitable employment for all the increase of
our own population and large immigration for
centuries to come. That the labor and capi-
tai necessary for such development would be
advantageously employed there can be no
doubt.
AGRICULTURE.
The idea entertained by some that farming
is not paying business, and that farmers are
obliged to work harder and for less compen-.
sation than persons engaged in other pursuits,
is incorrect. 1t is true. that fortunes are some
times made more rapidly in other kinds Of
business. 1t is also true that they are often
er lost. There is no business among US that
is so sure to furnish an abundance of all that
is necessary to ensure real independence and
happiness as farming. Nor is it necessary
for farmers to 60 out of the State to find de-
sIrable localities for this business. Some
western farmers do better than ours others
not so well. On the whole, it is probable that
our Maine farmers make nearly, and perhaps
quite as much money according to the amount
invested, as they would in the west, and en-
JOY very much more of all the comforts and
conveniences of life.
Between three and four hundred townships,
equal to seven or eight millions of acres, COM
prising some of the best soil in the State, are
still untouched by the hand of cultivation.
Increased facilities for communication and
transportation will soon make portions at least
of these lands especially desirable for farming
purposes, while the increase of manufactures
a nd pn wi a du hnr
ket for all farm products at fair prices. We
are furnishing some good horses and other
stock for the market. These sell at prices in
dicating that, with greater care and attention,
this branch ofbusiness may be pursued with
advantage, and become a source of large in
come. There is no reason why the agricul-
tural operations of this State may not be very
largely and proitably increased.
WArER-PowER AND MANUFACTURES.
One of our greatest sources of prosperity
lies in our immense water-power, large
amount of which is still unoccupied. The de-
velopment of this waiting agency through the
establishment of manufactures, will add large
TO the success of all other branches of bus
mess. The facts recently laid before the peo-
Nple through the photographic Survey, can
not fail to attract attention to our wonderful
capacity for manufacturing pursuits. In this
respect, Nature has dealt literally with US,
and given us advantages unrivaled by any
State in the Union. Much of this unoccu-
pied power is already accessible by water and
rail, and the extension of our railroad system
will reach the balance as rapidly rs it can be
occupied.
We cannot afford to ignore the conditions
of success. The achievement of our grand
possibilities will not come unbidden. If we
would win the crown we must run the race.
The State that adopts stand-still policy in
this day of great enterprises, and rapid devel-
opment, will, as she deserves, be outstrip-
ped by her more enterprising neighbors.
1t is a reason for congratulation. that these
advantages are beginning to be appreciated
by business men and capitalists, and that, en-
couraged by the liberaliiy of our laws, q large
amount of capital and labor has, within the
last few years, been attracted to us, which
has found profitable employment In variety
wise legislation and judicious use of the ad-
vantages at hand, to foster and encourage this
important interest.
1t is believed that the law authorizing towns
to exempt, for limited number of years,
manufacturing property from taxation, and
the special acts authorizing them to aid such
enterprises by gift of money or loan of credit,
have contributed to the benefit of the towns
exercising such authority, and the State. I
suggest that it would be well to authorize
towns ly general law, to encourage the estab-
lishment of manufactures by subscription or
loan of credit. Under certain limitations,
see no reasonwhy this authority may not safely
be given. ANY intelligent community may
safely be trusted with what relates to its own
interests. Instances often occur in which the
aid of few thousand dollars will secure the
investment of capital, and the establishment
of business that would attract population and
capital, and increase the taxable property of
the place SO as to reimburse, in a few years,
many times over the amount originally given,
PROTECTION TO INDUSTRY.
In this connection deemit inappropriate
to advert to the subject of protection to our
industrial pursuits. do not advocate what
is termed high tariff. The present tariff,
except as it has been recently modified, was
made to correspond with heavy internal taxa
ton, and should now, as it undoubtedly will,
be materially reduced.
"Reyenue REFORM" in its practical sense,
cannot be too strongly urged upon those who
make and administer the laws. But the term,
when used to express the views of some Of
ts most demonstrative advocates, is somewhat
vague and indefinite. 1t is made the watch
word of men who entertain all shades Of
opinions on revenue questions, and especially
of those who advocate absolute free trade.
revenue REFORM securing tne stricteSt economy
in sii our expenditures and providing for the re-
moyal Of National taxation from the necessa-
ries Of life, and the productive industry Of
the country, the reduction or entire removal
of duties on such needful imported articles a.
do not come into injurious competition with
our own productions, should receive our ear
nest support. 1t is delusive TO suppose
that the necessary expenses of the Govern
ment and the interest on the public debt can
be paid, and moderate reduction Of the
debt provided for without heavy taxation Of
some kind. A policy that will bring the pro-
ducts of European labor that may be had for
fifteen to fifty cents per day into competi-
ton in our markets on equal terms with our
own labor, should and will be repudiated BY
the American people. What we need ID .
policy that will secure, not less, but more pay
| to our own laborers.
| The laboring men in this country occupy
a position in society entirely different from
the workingmen of Europe. They are the
equals of their countrymen who are engaged
in other pursuits. We cannot afford to a.
low their degradation through the influence