Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-04-08
@ailp &ennsbef Jonrnal.
Augusta, Friday Morning, April 8.
River TRANSPORTATION.

1t has been claimed by most railroad
men that transportation by the great nat
ural water courses of the country cannot
compete with railroads in the carrying
business. In large measure the claim
also has practically been conceded by
business men, who have allowed the riv-
ers to be neglected as highways of COM
merce and travel, and placed their de-
pendence upon railroads. But there is a
growing opinion that it is mistake to
abandon or neglect or be needless Of the
facilities which rivers afford for transport
tation. 1t is believed by sound men in
business affairs that they should be utilized
more than they are for that purpose. and
that properly used they will reduce the
price of freight and travel and bring about
a healthy competition with railroads
which charge exorbitant rates and have
almost monopoly of the carrying bust
ness.
The operations Of Captain EaGs upon
the Mississippi, through the jetty system,
and the enterprise of Jay Gould in the es-
tablishing Of barge line from st. Louis to
New Orleans are producing something of
a revolution in favor of river transporta-
ton. Mr.. Gould is one OF the greatest
railroad owners in the country. He owns
a controlling interest in nearly all the
roads leading to and from St. Louis, and
these, stretching out into the west and
regions, he proposes to make feeders to
the barge line which he has established
upon the Mississippi, and render that riv-
er the principal carrier and outlet for the
products of the country threaded by his
railroads.
An exchange says: a few days ago a
single tow-boat. appropriately named the
Jay Gould, left ST. Louis for New Orleans
with barges containing 23l 900 bushels of
bulk corn, and 10000 bushels of bulk
wheat, equal to 5000 tons of grain
in a single tow Twelve ether tows
in single week went down the riv-
err. carrying an average of l75 900 bushels
each and aggregating %, 1874 tons of grain
in bulk. The cost of transportation to
New Orleans is eight cents bushel, Just
a quarter of the railroad rate to Atlantic
ports. Railroad pools cannot longer ar
~bitrarily determine the price OF our food.
River competition means lower rates to
tide water and increased consumption Of
American grain in Europe If this new
barge system of transporting grain to
tidewater proves rs cheap and otherwise
successful as is anticipated it will be a
timely and inestimable boon for our en-
tire Northwestern country"
This is an example which suggests that
other rivers. even such as are no larger
than the Kennebec and Penobscot, may be
utilized more than they are for channels
Of business. Why is it that railroad
ireights in the summer season are less
than in the winter. upon the Kennebec.
only that one steamer plies from here to
Boston while the river Is open for navi-
CATION and by competition causes reduc-
ton of rates? With increased facilities
for water transportation. giving us steam
lers to New York. and possibly other
points. which we might have. there could
be more businesses here and reduction Of
rates for freight and travel that the public
would appreciate. These highways made
by the Creators hands ought not be for
gotten or neglected. for if properly used
they may be rendered wholesome compe-
titors to railroads and bencfactors of many
communities.