Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-02-10
naiIp Aennebrt Sournal.
From the Maine Farmer
DISCrS,IJN OF A LOCAL QUESTION.


city, Augusta was the headquarters for the
trade of kennebec, Somerset and large
part of Franklin counties. That was IN
the DAYS when trade took its natural ana
most direct channel. and before the con-
struction of lines of railroads, which have
since interrupted these natural courses OF
trade. and changed the whole business re-
lalions of different sections. The build
ing of railroads has diverted trade into
artificial avenues; aud because one road
has turned business into new channels, it
is good reason why the same means
should be adopted by these localities to
regain that which has been taken from
them, TO develope new industries and in
crease business of every kind.
Take map of Maine and look at that
large territory which formerly comprised
the section which naturally sought Augusta
as its business centre. 1t comprised that
large portion of Somerset county which
now has an outlet by the Maine Central
at SkowhegaD, and on the "back route"
via. Lewiston, together with a consider
able portion OF that territory which is now
attracted towards Pennington, and has
its outlet over that branch of the Maine
Central. These two lines of transporta-
the sections into which they extend. that
they are doing a good business. and will
long continue TO retain the same. But so
far as Augusta is concerned-and for Il
moment we ask pardon OF our readers for
discussing local question: should be
looking about to see if it cannot secure to
itself by a iudicious and honorable course,
the business and trade which has been
taken from it by divertng avenues of
transportation.
Between the termini of the lines of
transportation just named, is a section of
Maine embracing parts OF kennebec. Som
erset and Franklin counties, which COM
prises population of between twenty
and thirty thousand inhabitants; and
whose natural centre of business is the
capital OF the State. This region is one
OF the most fertile and prosperous sections
of the State, Astounding in rich deposits Of
slate, granite. lime, and other useful.nin-
erals with available and unlimited water
power, the best farming and grazing Sec
ton of Maine (the Dead River Valley
and Offering to the intelligent mechanic
and industrious farmer comfortable and
independent homes, and to capitalists rare
opportunities for safe and profitable in
yestments. This section is the natural
business feeder to our city; and we may
as well have its trade, as to have it grasped
from US by other localities. Through
part of this fertile portion of Maine. a rail-
road is now In operation for the distance
of rs miles, from North Arson to West
Waterville. At North Arson, we are in
formed, business has never been so good
as since the completion of this road one
hundred men are attracted to that place
on business, where formerly not ten men
were to be seen in its streets. This whole
territory, its people and its business, want
to come to Augusta-it is the capital of
the State, the legitimate centre of its bus
mess. As II now Is, the trade from this
section is taken by other cities-Lewston
and Portland-when it should come 10
Augusta. The distance from West Water
vile to Lewiston by rail is AZ miles; to
Portland rs miles; TO Bath 100 miles
The present passenger tariff from West
Waterville to Lewiston is 81 05 to Port
land 1926; to Bath $40; to Boston (by
raiD $40, and to Boston by Portland
steamer g.. 95. From West Watervile to
Augusta, the terminus OF the Somerset
Railroad. the distance, which has been
already surveyed for a road, is but nine
teen miles. With this road built on the
narrow guage the passenger tariff from
West Waterville to Augusta would be but
80 cents; and for seven months In the
year over the popular Kennebec Steamship
Co. s line but Sl.75 to Boston. When this
road is completed passengers on the line of
the Somerset railroad could iiiAugusta at
low rates OF transportation. have four or
t..rx for k,.pt nd IL.
same day; while by the present line to
Lewiston and Portland, it requires two
days time to visit those places or even
Augusta, and cities on the lower Kenne-
bee. OF the 1868 passengers who went
from West Waterville to Lewiston in 1875
and the 1913 who went from that place to
Portland, it is safe to say that very large
per cent, went on business, and would
have come to this city with the cheap ia
cilities which this road would have afford
ed. Is not their business, and the bust
ness Of this section of thirty thousand in
habitants In the upper valley worth some
thing 10 Augusta. the capital of Maine,
and ID it not worth trying forP
West Waterville is neat, thriving aud
enterprising town--the seat of large man
ufacturing interests--and in the midst of
a growing and prosperous community.
How would that place be benefited by d.
rect rail connection with Augusta Let
US see.
The freight transported by rail to West
Waterville is largely coal and iron, for
the use of the manufacturing establish
ments at that place. This heavy material
is taken from vessels at the ports OF Bel
fast, Portland aud Bangor, by rail to West
Waterville. In lSz4-which was fair
year tor business on the Maine Central
their reports show that there was trans
ported. of freight. between
Portland and West WaterviGe, 3O6S tons
Bangor l.l57 "
Belfast % OS3
or a total of $500 tons. The distances
this freight must be transported by rail,
are,
Portland TO West Watervile, rs miles.
Bangor =" 90
Belfast " 80
An average freight tariff per ton between
the above points would be So. 90, or a total
sum per annum of SIS, 1924. Now, when
vessels are loaded for the coast of Maine,
they can enter one port as well as another,
and shippers will always and invariably
seek the shortest routes to the point OIL
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