The Republican journal., 1883-05-31
A Few CITY Topics.


machine, as heretofore noted in our local col
umns. These machines seem to be coming into
use generally throughout the State. The verdict
here and elsewhere is in their favor, as perform
ing the work well, eXpeditiously, and cheaply
Showhegan has bought Eureka Road Machine
which is reported to have turnpiked forty-two
rods i'll excellent shape in less than five hours,
with only two men and six horses. Norrdge-
week was to try one last week. In trial at
Turner Centre, recently, the Eureka was put to
severe tests. 1t was first operated on smooth
ground, and i'll less than three hours a sixty rod
section of road was graded from the ditch on
either side, crowned in the centre, and left in
good shape. Then section of road was chosen
leading up quite steer grade, comprising three
water-eads in its course; numerous boulders
and a ledge occupying prominent positions on
the way, with a road bed compacted with gravel
and small pebbles. Four heavy oxen We're put
upon the machine, which, says the Lewiston
Journal, "after couple of hours trial satisfied
everyone that the system of road-making, now
in vogue in Maine, was liable to experience a
change of base" At present there are three
mounted road machines The Pennock, Eureka.
and Champion. The main principle is alike in
all, viz, the oblique scraper; the difference
comes in the application of the principle, and
in this there is quite diversity. The Eureka
and Champion are larger than the Pennock and
weigh about 1900 pounds. The expression was
general at the Turner trial that better roads
could be made and maintained with less eN-
penSc with machine in competent hands than
by the old system. One man remarked that in
his opinion, with a machine and one thousand
dollars. better roads could be maintained than
with twenty-five hundred dollars expended in
the surveyor system.
Is it not time some action was taken on the
Mayors suggestions with regard to additional
precautions against fire. He wants an express
sion of sentiment from the citizens before steps
are taken either for the purchase of Il steam fire
engine OF the bringing in of water from the
Muck Pond. Both plans have their advocates
but every good citizen will favor whichever
plan is likely to produce the best results for the
least money. This is a matter. however, i'll
which what might be considered extravaganza
would, in the case of Il serious fire, prove to be
real economy. Certainly something should be
done. And this is how they did it in Brewer.
The Bangor Wing says
Pursuant to call. town meeting was held in
Brewer Town Hall yesterday. The question to
be discussed was concerning precautions for
the cNtnguiShing of fires and as the Old hand
fire engine had been condemned it became nee
essary to take decisive action. There was a
great unanmity of feeling and a vote for the
town TO purchase steam fire engine was given
a unanimous passage. The sclectmen will soon
have a steamer brought to Brewer for trial and
if it works satisfactorily they will purchase it.
If Northport Avenue, from the Square to
Little River, had on each side a row of noble
elms such as grace Church and High streets, it
would be worth thousands of dollars TO the city
of Belfast. That alone would give the place
prominence a summer resort, and one OF
moro large hotels would have been built long
ago TO accommodate visitors. And how easily
this might have been accomplished. Even if
the forest trees which sprang up spontaneously
by the roadside had been spared. we might now
have Il shaded avenue where there is only Il
bare and dusty road with un>ightlv rock piles
on either hand. Few realize until too late the
value of a shade tree; but lust think for mo-
ment how our city would look if every tree on
Church and High streets was cut down. Even
the natural advantages of site overlooking the
beautiful bay could not in that event redeem
the place from positive ugne>>. AS it is. 4
village Improvement society. such as have done
good work in Massachusetts, and other States
might do much to beautify the city and thus en-
nance the value of property.
Why not have Il sailing regatta here on the
coming 4th of July: Our yacht fleet has had
some additions the past winter. has had a
thorough Oyerhauling, and in some cases i'm
prOvements have been made. Then Mr. Ma.
cOmber will no doubt have his novel craft
;tloat and it would be Il good opportunity tC
test her speed and other qualities. Races in
different classes might be arranged, 50 as to af-
ford Very pretty sport, and there ought to bt
no difficulty i'll providing suitable prizes. Al
occasional regatta would not only stimulate ;
love for yachting but would give encouragement
to our boat builders and prove attractive to Wis
itors of aquatic tastes. Who will move in the
matter: