Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-02-19
NO. 43.
JOTTLNGS FROM WATFARER.
To the Editor of the Journal:

To the Editor of the Journal:
RocKLANp, Feb. 14th, 1872.
A paragraph or two with the readers of the
thought that presses for utterance has refer
ence to the wonderfully improved means for
reaching this part of the State, especially in
winter.
THE KNOX & LINCOLN RAILROAD
is blessing indeed. The days of staging
from the Kennebec to Rockland, thanks to the
pluck and enterprise of the towns along the
line Of this road, are well nigh ended True
the enterprise was an expensive one; but fer
all that it must pay in the end. 4 measure of
such obvious public utility will be sure, in the
long run, to vndicate the wisdom of its pro-
jectors. The road from Bath to this city 10
a miles in length and cost S51, 900 per mile.
There were three and half miles of truss
and pile bridging and five draw-bridges to
build, to which must be added 10000 yards
OF executing. The road is already doing
heavy business and appears to be under ex-
eellent management. 1t is the testimony on
all hands that President Moses and Superin-
tendent Coombs serve the public with ability,
as well as with hearty good will, proof OF
which Is seen, in part, in the character of the
men they provide for conductors and for the
various other posts of responsibility. Sue
cess to the Knox &1incoln Railroad.
! DIX ISLAND.
This island covers an area Of about fifty
acres, and may be said, with almost literal
truth, to.be one huge granite boulder. 1t is
moreover granite of the first quality. This
our government at Washington has found out,
and to such purpose that there are here to-
day about 200 men quarrying and cutting
frpt . b.,,1l Nn..r
York, structure of such magnitude and style
of finish as to cost upwards of $4,000, 900.
The treasury building at Washington was also
transported stone by stone from this island,
which until within a few years, was deemed
comparatively worthless. 1t lies some twelve
miles south of kockland and is reached by
means of q little steamer which plies daily
between the two points. 1t is owned by a
company who are ably represented by d. H.
Smith, Esq, and who contract with the Gov
ernment to furnish the granite and the need
ed facilities for quarrying and cutting it. The
Government, on the other hand, is represent
ed by Il. l.. Fogg, Esq, who is superiutend
ent and time keeper, is put in charge of
very important trusts, to the discharge OF
which he brings both fidelity and skill 1t is
very interesting to visit the "sheds' and wit
ness the many forms of grace and beauty
which this hard, rough material is made to
put on. Each separate stone is here cut to
its exact proportions, so that on reaching New
York, there is nothing to do but to raise
it to its place in the growing structure
thus literally realizing in these latter days
the triumph of art anciently displayed in the
building of Solomon's Temple. Would space
in your columns permit, the reader should be
furnished with more elaborate description
of this Island as respects both its material
and social aspects. Such description would
well repay a careful perusal, although moth
ing short of an actual visit to the spot could
give one really adequate idea of the many
points of interest that cluster around it,
Not the least attractive Of. these points has
reference to the measures taken by tfiis inter-
esting community to supply themselves with
religious instruction on the Sabbath Large
ly made up of foreigners, many of them
from Scotland. it is much to their credit that
they are unwilling during their enforced sep
aration from family and friends, to dispense
with the weekly observance of public wor-
ship. 1t is doubtful if any community in the
State take more interest in listening to the
ministry of the Word They have volunta-
rily subscribed among themselves sufficient
sum to pay generously for preaching, the year
round. In this effort they are heartily sec
onded by Messrs Fogg & Smith. Mr.. Fogg
is at great pains to secure the services OF min
listers of different denominations in the State,
SO that every Sabbath day the large hall, pro-
vided for the purpose, is thronged with atten-
tive listeners. The singing is good, the ap-
pearance of the congregation devout, and al
together it is pleasant sight to behold.
Some of your readers, in their summer
rambles may elect to visit this most interest
ing spot, and see for themselves what l have
not the space to describe. WAYFARER.