The Portland daily press., 1873-06-04
A Down East Letter.
calais prcsent and prospective a good
route and n model steamboat ine.-
Down East for Judge Kent.
CALAIS, June I'd, 1873.

CALAIS June I'd, 1878.
Messieurs of the Press:
The waters of the St. Croix are running to-
dav neither blood nor rum, but millions of
timber from the mighty forest; and this state
of things is just what makes the peaceful
thrift and prosperity of this stirring town.
1t may not be definitely known to many of
your readers what is occurring in this section
at present and what is likely to occur in the
future; and, therefore, will not be amiss for
your correspondent to say something abont tbs
matter.
1t is now settled beyond doubt, by those best
authorized to preaict, that the most populous
and important city of Maine, save Portland,
and possibly Bangor and Lewiston, is destined
to exist at this point. The community of
Calais and Midtown with St. Stephens on the
opposite side of the river, numbers already
about fifteen thousand people and at its pres
ent rate of growth cannot fail to increase its
population by one half within another decade
Situated as it is on the tide waters of the St.
Croix, yet at the head of navigation and in a
district remarkable for water power and farm
ing capabilities in its connection as
the outlet of eastern Aroostook it COM
bines the three leading pursuits agricultural,
manufacturing and commercial, by which
the majority of mankind obtain lveli-
hood and accumulate wealth. In addition TO
these advantages it is one of the natural gate
ways of traffic between the State and the lower
British Provinces The long wide straight av-
enues, bordered by costly and beautiful resi-
dences in both Calais and st. Stephens tell
.of, n nd pt itv he op1u
essential lack for the future, is railway COM
munication with other points. This is already
begun but much more is in contemplation. All
this, you will say, perhaps, smacks of local
rhapsody, but time, the great arbiter you know
win decide, possibly within the present genera
ton.
AS yet the principal mode of communication
between here and the outside world is by wa
ter, the Calais and Eastport steambo.t COM
pany running o line to connect with the Inter-
national line at the latter place for st. John,
Portland and Boston.
1t has long been favorte trip for the Epleas-
ure Tourist, as well as the business man, to
take one of the splendid sea-going steamers of
the International line at either the above mem
toned ports, and going far to sea fiom the
shore, through the watches of the night, rouse up
to find himself in the morning entering the
peaceful waters of Passamaquoddy Bay; thence
sailing up to old fashioned Passport whose
forts and block-houses. famous in story, stand
frowning on heights above the town. Connect
ing with the up river boats there, the voyage is
of the pleasantest, touching for an hour or
more at the old English town of st. Andrews,
and then passing up through the maelstrom,
and past the celebrated breakwater erected by
the government at a cost of $40, 900 during Mr.
Fullers term in Congress.
From the latter point there can possibly be
no damage, so efficient is the said break-water
in keeping out the turbulent pillows of the riv-
er, till you arrive at the Calais landing. To
those who have experienced the charm of this
excursion nothing need be said; but shall take
| the liberty to advise the traveller, uninitated,
| to come here before going elsewhere and GER
tainly before he can hope to die happy.
BY the way l came near leaving out what
| you and many of your readers may think to be
more important than anything else contained
herein. shall therefore tell you it after the
manner of a woman, in postscript way, that
this county of Washington is going to send
delegation to the Bangor Convention on the
10Th inst, the majority of which shall be
largely for Kent as against all Corners The
other gentlemen candidates, Messrs. Dingey
and Stone have some friends in the county, but
| chiefly in the interior or back towns. Calais
together with all the larger towns will 60 sol id
for KEN and peace. Let us pray for SO desira-
BILE state of things. ROUNDABOUT.