Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-09-02

of Colby University, has been appointed AS
| sistant in the Franklin Family School for
Boys at Topsham. The fall term of the
school commences Sept. 4th. The house
| has been fitted up in fine style.
Auburn and LewIstom-The Possibilities
for Augusta.
| III recent visit to Lewiston and Auburn,
we were more than ever impressed with the
wonderful growth of these sister cities. 1t
must excite the lively interest of all who see
in the prosperity Of our Maine towns and cities
the evidence that the resources of the State
are being developed. 1t is no figure of speech
to say that within twenty years the dense for
est has given place to cities that are still
growing with constantly accelerated rapidly.
The two places are just now pushing forward
on their own responsibility, the work of build
ing the Auburn & Lewiston Railroad, which
is to extend five miles from these cities and
connect them with the Grand Trunk line.
The piers on which the bridge will rest for
crossing the Androscoggin river at this point,
~
most substantial structures. Some feats of
engineering have been displayed in their con-
struction (such as saving off the piles under
water that have astonished some foreign
engineers, who were present to witness the
operations. The iron bridge is ready to be
put in position on the completion of the piers.
a large force of men is engaged in grading
the road, and it is expected that the steam
whistle will be heard on the new extension
about Christmas time. Merchants and man
uiacturers expect that the road will pay for
itself in three years in the lessening of the
tariff on freights. Some of the large manu-
featuring corporations have been able to make
satisfactory terms with the Maine Central,
the road, and say that it is a needless ex
pense; but the two towns are almost unani-
mously in favor of pushing forward the enter
prise, and the road is bound to be built. 1t
will be leased for q long term of years to the
Grand Trunk Railway Company.
The immense Barker Mill, recently erected
on the Little Androscoggin in Auburn, is 300
feet in length, five stories high, and will be
lively with its machinery in few weeks. 1t
is near the new railroad and will be greatly
convened by it. The city is attending to a
thorough and extensive system of sewerage,
and is now building brick drains through the
principal streets-a measure that Augusta
might safely and judiciously initiate. The
81 l;,,;r in
Auburn. The business Of manufacturing has
been successful and an extensive new factory
is now being built in the vicinity of Ara Cush-
mans large establishment devoted to the
same business. Many of the elegant residen-
ces Of the business men of Lewisto are on
the Auburn side.
We shall not undertake to speak in detail
of the marvellous growth of Lewiston, even
for the past year or two of the enlargement
Of the Continental Mill, by the addition of
some 800 feet, making it the largest factory in
the State, if not in New England; the cree
ton of city building that is every whit a
quarter of a century ahead of the times in all
OF its appointments the laying out and adoru-
ment of public park, or breathing place for
the people, right i'll the heart of the city, and
consecrating it to rest and pure air before
land becomes so valuable that business shall
lay its grasping fingers upon it; the building
of churches, school houses, public sewers I;
laying out new streets and Strengthening old
| ones at considerable expense; the purchase
of machinery for the crushing of stone which
is used in macademizing the streets; and, in
brief, all the improvements that an enterpri-
sing and go-ahead people would be likely to
engage in. Progress and thrift are exhibited
in every direction. There is no building now
for the time being, to be torn down by and by,
but enterprises of that kind are prosecuted
with view to their permanency and endure
| ance, and most sanguine faith that Lewiston
is to Lecome great city.
1t does not require very keen perception
to see that manufacturing has brought Lewis
| ton to its present condition and renders thu
future most hopeful and cheering. The pos
sibiities for the growth of Augusta are fully
as great, if not indeed greater. There ar
natural obstacles that have been conquered a
Lewiston that do not stare as in the face here
| Tbev have to denend entirely pron ra;lroa