The Republican journal., 1881-10-27
The Aroostook Extension OF the Maine
Central.

The Aroostook and other state papers
continue to discuss the projected enter
prise of the Maine Central Co. The
Pressure Isle North Star has received
new light upon the subject since it pub
llSheu the article we commented upon
last week, and now gives the scheme Il
cordial support After stating that the
route so far us reported by the engineers is
entirely feasible, that the money is ready
to be used. and President jackson saws
the company have fully decided 10 pro
coed With the undertaking, the North
Star concludes as follows
The policy of the Maine Central appears to be-
TO extend its line through the state 10 this county
thus ensurlng for all time to come "A larger freight
business than can be afforded by similar area
anywhere Ill New England This is a gigantic I'M
dertaking for New England railroad company
and one that may well amaze our people, but that
II can be successfully carried To completion none
can doubt. That it Will be begun we have the pos
tive assurance OF President Jackson
The people of ArooStOok very naturally feel Il
profound interest in the proposed opening up Of
this immense territory, There is now no such
body of fertile land living uncultvated this side of
the great West \ county equal i'll extent to the
whole state of Massachusetts, with soil equaied
only by that OF the Connecticut valley, its vast
water power waiting to be utilized its valleys
and hlsides covered with timber of every kind
known to our climate and with rapidly increas
ing population II has more to give the state than
is dreamed Of by those who have never been with
III our borders That such a corporation as the
Maine Central should seek to reach here for future
wealth is not strange 1t is only strange that this
great work has been delayed long
Referring to the opposition Of the Ban
gor newspapers the Aroostook Republic
can says
If Bangor is awaking from its Rip Van Wrinkle
sleep. glad of it, What we need aud
what we confidently expect. not the result of
any sentimental feeling on the part OF capital but
because seliinterest will bring it about. is rall
road which will furnish Us the necessary facilities
for the shipment OF our products to market, and
that, too, at an early period If Bangor doesn't
wish to be left out Ill the cold, she should
promptly take measures to protect her Important
railroad and business interests, as the Wing and
Courier saws she VIII do
The AroostO0k Pioneer, after mention
of the work allotted to the surveying
parties, who are expected to accomplish
their tasks in about two months, adds
Following are the distances between Portland
and points IN Aroostook, as now travelled and the
miles saved by the proposed new road. as given us
by President Jackson. Of the NJ. c.. From Port
land to Pressure Isle, IL by proposed route !63
Portland to Houlton, BOG by new route 22S To
one unacquanted with the roundabout way Of
reaching us by rail the difference Is surprising
To reach Houlton from Bangor, one has to travel
sixty eight miles to gain thirty five To Pressure
Isle it is still worse. The distance from that
town to Houlton by post road is +! miles by rail
100. better day is dawning-let us rejoice.
The Pscataquis, (Dovcr) Observer
says: "The people Of this county hail
this great movement with joy, and speed
the time when it may become a reality"
The Washington Correspondence of the
Philadelphia Press OF Saturday says:
'AIr. Blaine will not surrender the State
Department portfolio until after Congress
meets in regular session in December.
When he rendered his resignation he de
sired It's acceptance at the earliest con
venience Of the President 1t is well I'M
derstood that he has no intention Of re-
manning in the Cabinet, although it is no
secret that President Arthur has request
ed him to do so. There is considerable
uncompleted business in the State De
partment which should be brought to IL
conclusion by the present Secretary, and
at the request of the President to-day he
agreed to remain at his post until the
regular session OF Congress meets 1t is
now understood that some time in De
cember ex-senator Freinghuysen will be
nominated to succeed him.