The Republican journal., 1872-09-05
What Mr.. Hale has done, and what Mr.
Pike is ready to do.

Our readers who can recall the very
large amounts expended by the General
Government on the coast of Name NAV
well wonder sometimes at the neglect
which some of the most important points
experience. In Belfast, for instance,
where dredging is needed, As we'll as a
breakwaterto protect from easterly storms,
not a cent has been expended within the
memory OF this generation. Upon the
hennebec river, between Gardiner and
Augusta, they have been at work for
twenty years, removing rocks and deep,
ening the channel. For several years past
a large force has labored upon the Penob-
scot river near Bangor. Very large APP
preparations have recently been secured
by Mr.. Hale for various places in his dis
trict. The Bangor Wing of March 30,
says
Mr. Hale has had inserted in the river and
harbOr appropriation bill the following items OF
appropriations for Eastern Maine, viz: Nara.
guagus river. $1,000: Sulvan'> river, S25 900
Marhias river.
Besides there are large appropriations
for Rockland and other places A survey
of Camden has been ordered with a view
to expenditures. The Boston Journal
gave list of harbor improvements to be
made, among them the following
Improvements on Narraguagus river $4,000
improvements of sullivan river and Sullivan
Falls $4,000; Penohscot river, $40 900: Ken
nehec river, 5000; ROYALS river. $40 900; Port
land harbor (bpk bavl $4,000: Saco river
$1,000: Richmond island. 0000; removing
rock in Wells harnor. 500 900.
We find no fault that any of these things
have been done, but on the contrary re-
loice at it. We are glad of any improve
rivers. But we do say that something
ought to he done for Belfast harbor. which
by the action OF drainage is becoming
seriously shoaled And break water i,
needed to protect shipping from the sud
den and heavy southeast gales. A worC
from Mr. Hale would have given us these
But Mr.. Hale has never been in accnrC
with Belfast in politics. and therefore
don't like the city. He had much rather
place all the money elsewhere, than allow
Belfast to have her share. 1t is clear that
we must look elsewhere for tavors of the
kind.
gentleman who feels an interest in the
welfare OF Belfast recently wrote to Mr.
Pike, asking how he felt upon the subject
The reply is 50 ready, warm hearted anC
generous that we copy it, He says
CALAIS, Sept. ., 1872
DEAR SIR: Yours of 2Slh is received.
certainly recognize the claim which Belfast ha,
upon the expenditures now being prOflIsely
made by the general government. for river ant
harbor Improvements. The best natural har
bors we have are liable to become obstructet
by shoals formed from the washingS of the sol
and the drainage OF cities. AS witness the recpn
digging out Of Portland harh0r. The growing
Importance OF Belfast; her large shipping in.
terest; the opening of railroad communication
with the upper country, which must increase
her commercial importance. Joined to the enter
prise and thrift of her people, constitute strong
claim upon the harbor improvement fund
Should il be my fortune to again serve the Dis
trict in Congress. | should deem it my duty IL
press the claim of your city ID this regard, and
have no doubt that lis justice would be recog
nized. Your truly, +. A. PIKE
1t seems to us that the people of Beltas
who want to see justice done to our city
should support the man who is willing te
aid in the work. From such a man we
have something to expect-but nothing
from the man at whose hands there has
been only studied neglect