Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-04
Daily Arnnrbrf Aournal
AU q U 3 II A.
SATURDAY MORNING. Feb. 4. 1871.
REPORT OF THE RAILROAD COM
NISSIONERS.
~ U G U 5 T A


The annual report of the Railroad Commits
sioners gives a thorough review of the condi-
ton of the railroads of the State. Itpresents
n state of things in relation to the important
interes. with which it deals which is encour-
aging and generally gratifying. We notice
briefly some of the principal facts.
The Androscoggin Railroad has been ex-
tended within the year across Sandy river to
Pennington, where a passenger depot and
freight house have been built. The road has
had l25 tons of new rails and $4,000 new
sleepers. The work of rebuilding the abut-
ments of bridges of stone instead of wood will
begin this season. The Commissioners say
new station house should be built at Leeds
Junction. The business and credit of the
road are steadily growing under able manage
ment.
The Portland Saco and Portsmouth Railroad
has had but little done to it the past year, but
is in first class condition. 1t is one of the
most successful roads in Maine. The Com
missioners suggest that the increasing bust
ness pressing toward Boston from this State
may soon require further facilities. The Bos-
ton and Maine has been kept up TO its usual
high standard.
The Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad is
now opened to West Baldwin-33 miles-and
graded,to Fryeburg, so miles. 1t is a sub
stantial structure. The business is already
considerable and increasing. The Commits
soners think it must command in future a
very great business, and when completed and
connected with other roads as designed will
make Portland the nearest ocean depot for the
West. Its management is mentioned in the
highest terms.
The Portland and Oxford Central Railroad
has been extended from Hartford to Canton
Village miles-the past year. Wood is to
give place here 10 stone in the abutments of
the bridges. The track is good but the roll
ing stock not what it should be.
The Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad has
been greatly improved the past season, and is
now in fair condition, with business increas-
ing. The construction of the road has been
instrumental in starting a number of manufac-
turing and other enterprises ard opening new
slate quarries. The company propose to ask
the legislature tor a renewal of the charter to
Moosehead Lake, and the right of extension
to the western boundary of the State
The Portland and Rochester Railroad is now
opened 10 Springvale, distance Of SO miles
by rail from Portland. The masonry on this
| road is spoken Of as excellent, and the ditch
ing superior. The road will be opened to
Rochester early in July Of this year, when its
! friends anticipate laage increase Of its local
business and an early through connection by
| way Of Nashua and Concord with the South
al West.
The Bslfss, and M0osehe&A Lake R&ilTea,s
er.eD3. from Belfast 10 Barnh2nn, 90 mica
wi4ere !. connects with tie Maine Central.
II is L TIE E4sin well made, bus. come If tie
tjes age Inferior AID tie di,ching IL not con-
ple;e. IL noticing tAis road the Communion
ers hnd il appropriate 20 suggest, they did
in previous report, that there ought 70 be a
State policy and power somewhere 10 locate
roads where public necessity and convenience
require and not allow the location TO depend
upon rival interests and communities 10 the
prejudice of the public good. They speak OF
the difficulty which this road has in relation
to its lease to the Maine Central, and their de-
cision in the case, but hope that some arrange
ment can be made which will be honorable
and satisfactory to both parties.
The Atlantic and st. Lawrence Railroad, or
as it is generally called the "Grand Trunk,
has been improved the past season by re-
newals and repairs, to large extent. The
road everywhere needs more gravel. The
bridges upon this road are of the most sub.
stantial character. Considerable outlay has
been made at Portland for the renewal of the
Boston wharf and shed, the erection of car
shops, and structures for water supply. The
trains upon this road are heavier than those
upon any other in the State, and the wear is
large and constant. In 1862 its gross receipts
were S735, 403 and in 1869 they were 81 055,-
$50. Its large and increasing business de-
mands the greatest care to keep the road in
order.
The European and North American
Railway is completed as a first class road to
Mattawamkeag, 5s miles; only sc miles re-
main to complete it to the border, and this is
all under contract and much of it graded, and
will be completed next sumner. This road is
important as link in the extension of rail-
way communication from Halifax to San Fran
cisco. 1t will make a line of railway across