Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-02-20
THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 20. 1878.
The State Board of Harbor Commits
sioners.

Sl0nerS.
One of the most important measures now
pending before the Legislature is the bill
to establish Board of Harbor Commits
sioners for the State, to be appointed by
the Governor, who shall have power to
protect the harbors and navigable rivers of
the State fronfthe deterioration that they
are suffering. and which threatens ere long
TO render some of them useless for the
purposes of navigation.
1t is well known fact that Maine has
more good harbors and navigable rivers
than any other section Of the country OF
like extent; yet in no section of the coLn-
try have the rivers and harbors deteriora-
ted so fast as in this State, and il is an inn
portant fact that this great injury is most
inflicted by those who will be most damag-
ed by increased difficulty or suspension OF
the navigation.
During the past seven years Congress
has appropriated S745, 900 for improving
the navigation of the rivers and harbois OF
Maine, and 100000 will probably be APP
propriated by the present Congress for the
same purpose. There will be further APP
preparations recommended and made if the
officers of the general Government are not
convinced that the expenditure of money
will be useless in consequence of the en-
tire lack of interest manifested by the State
government to protect the rivers and har-
bors from damage by its own citizens.
Within few years the general Govern
ment has been spending money TO clear
out the distractions In several rivers that
are naturally navigable, but which have
been filed up by the refuse from hundreds
of mills. The general Government ha,
little encouragement to clear out the rivers
when its officers see while they are doing
this work that the same men asking to have
1t done. are continuing the same reckless
policy. The State Legislature should not
only enact laws to prevent this course. but
it should create competent board to en-
force these laws. 1t may at any rate be
assumed that Congress will not continue
the policy of clearing out rivers that the
State takes no care TO protect.
At present the Legislature is asked bv
hundreds of private parties for authority
TO extend wharves. build fish weirs. or con-
struct bridges over navigable waters The
Legislature. ignorant of the merits or de-
merits OF the case, grant authority, and
thus much injury is done to Others, and
frequently the navigation of the river is
rendered dangerous and difficult All
these matters should be referred TO the
Commissioners, who would act for the gen.
eral good, relieve the Legislature of much
work aud not unfrequently of long and ex-
pensive hearings. Any person acquainted
with the legislation of the State can call TO
mind he costly controversies that have
grown out of hasty and impartial legisla-
ton in respect to wharves. draw-bridges.
etc. all of which would have been avoided
II the matter had first been examined BY a
suitable board. such as the present bill
vvutenPlatvs.
This bill is designed to systematic and
harmonic all interests. not allowing
riparian owners to take due advantage of
their neighbors or the public. Our pres
ent system, or rather lack of all system
amounts TO this and no more-that man
shall not destroy harbor until he has
asked permission.
mere are many cases where it is neces-
sary that there be some authority to stop
by injunction or otherwise, injurious or
unauthorized structures. or to prevent any
nuisance and to have the same removed,
which authority. if exercised by a legalized
body would be obeyed. Serious diff
culties now exist for the want Of such an
authorized body.
In other States the system has been
adopted which, working in harmony with
the officers OF the United States, has been
of inealculable benefit in preventing the
injury Of harbors and preserving the safe
navigation of rivers. This is notably the
case in Massachusetts where a law was
enacted with provisions similar to those of
the pending bill.
In speaking of the Massachusetts Board,
Gen. Thorn, United States Engineer in
charge of the works OF the general Gov
eminent says: "In my official relations
with that board during the last two wears.
have more than ever been convinced of
the indispensable necessity OF a similar
board in this State-an intelligent impartial
and experienced board. competent not
only to protect and develop navigation in
all nayigabie rivers and harbors. but also
TO protect and secure other than naviga-
ton interests in their rights and property
in manner least liable to conflict with the
interests of navigation"
This is the highest authority that can be
educed in support OF the bill E; aud In con-
sideration of the fact that Gen. Thorn
knows most of the workings OF the present
lack OF policy. ard has no personal interest
IN the matter except to secure the results
OF his own labors to the General Govern
ment. the Legislature can hardly fail to
carry out his suggestions, derived as they
are from long experience, by promptly
passing the bill.
There is danger that the legislators from
the interior may not fully appreciate the
importance of this measure; but If they
Will consider that cheap transportation is
OF vital Importance 10 those sections pro-
ducing lumber and other bulky staples.
and that at this time a large part of the
State is dependent for this upon the safe
navigation of the rivers of the State, they
will doubtless come to the conclusion that
any movement to improve the present
means of communication is of vital i'm
portance to them.-[ Press.
A Washington special speaking of
Credit Mobilier matters, says it is the uni