The Republican journal., 1871-06-01
Railroad improvements.

Darius Alden, Esq, leadlnS director
in the Maine Central Company, and Ed
win Noycs, Esq, Superintendent, were
in Belfast on Monday, looking over the
depot grounds and water front of the
city, and considering the business capa-
blitics of the location. In course of an
interview of some hours duration with
these gentlemen, we learned that the Cen
trail Company believes Belfast to possess
great advantages as a water outlet for
the country above. They are disposed to
make the most of these advantages, and
to bring hither such heavy classes of
frcighting as they can command, and to
give this locality all the profit that
will naturally accrue to it from such bust
ness. In doing this they desire to have
the good will and cooperation of the
property-holdcrs and business men of
Belfast, in the improvements Or advan-
tages they may suggest or undertake.
And they desire that the class who, while
business facilities and improvements are
being created and carried forward, insist
upon growing at the promoters of them,
shall be reduced to the very smallest
number.
For instance, the Railroad Company
perceives that to conveniently tranship the
freight to and from the up country, will
a,fna lat h1 n
is now at their disposal. They desire to
continue their road along the wharfage
front OF the city to the Sanford landing,
and to give the intermediate property
holders the benefit of loading and I'M
loading ears upon their premises and
wharves. But while comforting these
benefits, they do not wish to be taxed
heavily for it, They hold, and we think
Justly, that while building the road at
their expense, the real estate owners, in
consideration OF the advanta ges to them
resulting, should give the right of way
across their premises. The larger part
OF them have already done so, but few
are stubborn, and in the opinion Of the
public, unreasonable in the matter
That large business is to be done from
Belfast to the interior we have the best
reasons to know. There are projects and
plans for railroad extensions and connec-
tons, not known 10 the general public,
which are in contemplation by men with
brains and purses capable Of carrying
an important point in their programme.
We are not Yet authorized to say it,
but we feel very sure that at an early day
the proposition will be made to extend
the track along the whole front of the
city, provided there are no land damages
to pay. We want our people to he con-
sidering the matter And let it be re-
mcmbcred, while this plan is under con-
sideration, that it is not the only resource
of the company. Ii controls the dockage
from the depot to the bridge, with legls-
Iatiyc charter to build wharves. The
whole water front to City Point is virtually
at its disposal. But the business of the
company is to transport goods and passen-
gers, and it will not engage in wharfage
unless driven to do so. Where its track
is, there will be the point of transhipment
whether above or below the depot. If
there are any who doubt the feasibility OF
loading large vessels above the depot, let
them call to mind the thousand tons ships
that discharged their cargoes while moor
ed to the bridge. And let those who are
doing business below consider the heavy
expense OF trucking from the depot 10
their stores. compared with the running
of loaded ears TO their doors.
We throw ont these suggestions for the
consideration Of those interested in bust
ness and property al the lower part OF the
city If by the stubbornness Of a few
holders of intermediate property, the road
is kept at its present terminus, a serious
harm will cnsuc to the best business por-
ton of the city.