Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-02-24
THE GARDINER BRIDGE.
Shall the Structure which Spans
the Kennebec be Toll or Free?

A special train from Gardiner last evening
brought up sixty-three gentlemen from that
city who are interested in the question of the
proposed free bridge between Gardiner and
Pittston. An adjourned meeting of the Com
mittee on Ways and Bridges was held in
Representatives Hall, before which they
appeared. -.
II. S. Webster, counsel for the petitioners,
stated that it was their intention of setting
aside the evening for a hearing of the remon-
strants, and that they (the petitioners) desired
that the remonstrants should proceed with
their testimony.
Orville d. Baker, counsel for the remon-
strants, said that the main point was whether
there was not law enough already in exist
ence to cover BY fair provisions the points
raised by the petitioners. In 1869 an act was
passed by the legislature empowering the city
If Gardiner and the town of Pittston, or either
of them to purchase the bridge between the
two places whenever . twO-thirds vote could
be obtained.
Mr.. Knight tax collector Of Pittston, was
the first witness called. Heexamined remon-
STRANGE presented by 1871 citizens Of his town,
and said that more than nine-tenths of the
signatures appended thereto we're those Of
real-estate owners. There are 6S7 polls i'll
Pittston. The number who pay simply =
poll-tax are 2s4, leaving 403 real-estate
owners. OF these latter some lis are on
this petition. The remonstrance provides
that a two-thirds vote shall be required for
action upon the bridge question, as now pro-
vided by Law.
Cross-examined by Mr.. Webster. One
third or more of the persons signing the re-
monstrancc live 10 the vicinity Of the bridge.
L. x,,..
ness in the village.
The feeling among the real-estate owners
outside the immediate neighborhood of the
bridge is unanimous against mourning any
more debt by purchasing the bridge, for the
reason that persons living in the back part
of Pittston. who would use the bridge very
little, would be taxed in the same proportion
~ those who live nearer and use the bridge
daily. Three-fourths of the town lies south
of the bridge, and the population Of that sec
ton 10 largely farmers who are opposed to
buying the bridge.
Mr.. B. A. Cox, toll gatherer on the bridge
for the past season and for seven years di-
rector, was called. He said, the bridge is
500 feet in length. There are five piers,
and draw about $50 feet in length. 1t re-
ouires two men to take care of the bridge. The
bridge is a joint-s.ock company. There are
500 shares owned ny Oh stoCknOtueTs; 81 OF
these, holding l59 shares, are women. The
par value Of . share is 900. Out Of the "a
shareholders, ~ own less than shares. In
1852 . company was started to build .
bridge. Previous to building the bridge. .
ferry-boat piled across the river At this point
to accommodate travel. 1t was almost i'm
possible to get people to take shares in the
bridge. The actual cost ct the bridge was
81, 95447. The gross dividends Of each
wear have been l03 per cent. 1t costa over .
thousand dollars . year for repairs, and
another thousand to keep the bridge attended
Ne proposition has ever been made under
this Law to buy the bridge. nor have the
bridge owners ever been asked what they
would take for the property. OF the 80
Pittston names on the petition for the bridge,
10 paw but . poll-tax. Nineteen signers OF
the petition live outside OF Gardiner or Pitts
ton Mr. Goodspeed, who headed the re-
monstrance, gave ~ q reason that he though
it dangerous precedent for any town to loan
her credit on . majority vote.
Cross-examined. The bridge cost SIC. 900
more than the capital stock. This vas paid
bv the earnings of the bridge. Last year the
bridge paid Is per cent. profit; the year be-
fore, Is. Helped circulate the remembrance.
Don't deny that the bridge would be benefit
10 Gardiner, but would take trade from the
stores Of Pittston. The Law allows sched-
ule Of prices ranging from 1910 Is cent?. We
have reduced the majority Of fares to 10
cents each. or y for dollar.
Mr.. Warren Lewis. one Of the directors o.
| The bridge, vas ths next witness. commit