Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-01-02

the Atlantic and the rivers emptying into
it. Not less important than our gran to
are the slate quarries in Piscataquis coun-
ty. These must very soon make large
and profitable business. 1t has increased
very much the last year, and drawn the
attention of monied men. so that the val
ne of lands in the slate region has been
considerably enhanced The opening of
the new railroad to Dover, with the pros
pect of an extension of the Maine Central,
and the building of road to Mooschead
lake, give the slate business an impetus
that is being felt in all that section.
Shipbuilding, which was formerly one
of our largest interests, but since the war
has been decaying, has shown no signs oil
revival in the year past. Some vessels
have been built, but the number is small
| in comparison with other years. Many
of the builders have faith that wooden
vessels and sails will hold their way
| against iron and steam, and in that be-
| lief will ask relief from Congress. and il
it is obtained will go forward again with
vigor and confidence. Our fishing bust
ness, being mostly confined to our own
waters, has rot been much affected by
any acts of the Dominion of Canada, or
the ratification of the treaty of Washing
| ton.
In the increase. management and i'm
provement of railroads the year has been
one OF mark. The opening of the Euro
pean and North American Railway to
travel, making our State part Of the
great international route connecting Eu-
rope and Asia, is an event over which we
NAV rejoice. The progress and projec-
ton of lines westward from Portland,
bringing us nearer to the wheat and corn
producing States. reducing the cost Of
TRANSPORTATION as well as the time and cost
of travel, are facts OF importance to all
sections of Maine. The extension of the
Maine Central from Danvlle junction to
Port land, the completion Of the Knox and
Lincoln road, and the road connecting
Bangor and Dover are fruits of the year.
The good effect of consolidating the Port
land and Kennebec and the Maine Central
is visible in the increased number of trains,
the introduction of luxurious cars. the &C
commodations for night travel the re-
moval of the restrictions, endorsements
vexations and cost of the two gauges,
t now reduced to a uniform gauge. Acct
dents have been frequent, fortunately with
but little loss of life, and compensatng
somewhat for the damage done, by i'm
provement in roads, bridges and manage
ment.
In its educational system the State has
done nobly. The means adopted to ele'
vate the standard of teachers, to invigor.
ate and render more thorough the super
vision of the schools, to inspire scholars
> and instructors with energy and zeal, &c
improve buildings, interest parents, and
, get the largest profit possible for the
money expended, have proved successful
laying foundation upon which the State
may build all that it may properly be re.
quired to do in educating the children who
are to WELD its powers-to be the State.
Under the administration of Governor
Perham the affairs of the State have been
ably and prudently conducted. His mes
sage will soon be before the people, and
present gratifying exhibit of the condi-
ton of the State institutions, and matters
connected with his office. The policy of
the State government-liberality and en-
couragement to enterprise, the fostering
OF home pride, generous inducements to
capitalists, support of schools, temper
ance, religion, morality. industry, aiding
immigration to settle upon and improve
our wild and waste lands-this is estab-
lished, aud its influence is doing us good
in all parts of the State. We have only
to continue as we have begun, advancing
upon the work of 1871, to reach that pros
perity TO which our advantages point.