Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-01-05

duty. We shall thus transmit rich inheri-
tance to the future occupants of American
soil.
The information that We gather from the
statistics of agriculture is very gratifying and
furnishes conclusive proof that the vast in
crease of our population belongs to the pro-
ducing classes. Along the Atlantic coast
where commerce, manufactures and mercan-
tile pursuits are largely represented, popula-
tion shows an increase, during the last decade,
of only 1876 per centum, while the central
belt and the transMississippi region, which
represent the farming and producing interests
of the country. have increased in population
S6i per centum. The acres cultivated in
the United States have nearly doubled in
ten years, and the total amount of cereals
produced in 1879 was 1867, 731 .9o0 bushels
over the crop of 1869, or nearly 100 per cent
increase. In 1860 we produced five and one
half bushels of wheat to each inhabitant :;
it is now nine bushels, and is increasing in
the same ratio. Formerly, France was king
in cereal productions now the United States
leads the column and is prospectively the
most powerful of all nations of the globe.
There are over four million farms in the
United States-an increase of fifty-one per
cent during the past decade. The increase
of the number of farms is relatively much
larger in the Southern States, where former
ly Immense landed estates were owned by
single indiv iduals.
The census of the district of Maine in the
year 1900, gave population Of l5l,7l9-
which shows an unexpected increase of over
55 per cent between that date and the first
enumeration of its inhabitants under the
Federal constitution in 1890. In the wear
1920, when Maine became sovereign and
independent State in the Union, the population
was Unexpectedly large, being 29S, ,269. For
the four following decades from 1920, the
decennial increase of population was as
follows: In 1880. 33 per cent; in 1910. 26
per cent; in 1850. l6 per cent in 1850, per
cent; so that the population that year was
62S,279. In 1870 the census showed an
actual loss of 1864 inhabitants. The result
gave rise to anxiety in regard to the future,
and speculation in regard to its causes. 1t
was. however, explained that the great loss
of life among the brave soldiers of Maine
during the civil war and other circumstances
had contributed to this result. In 1870, in
crease of population again commenced, and
we now have population of GAS 1886. which
shows a gain of % 900 over the census of
1870, gain of 4 per cent over the last
census, and an addition of Is per cent since
1919.
The valuation of the real and personal
of the State, measures its aggregate
wealth, and the large and rapid increase that
we have made in valuation Constantly ad-
vancing the past sixty years. represents
better than population, the material condition
of our people and the general prosperity
of the State. In the year 1920, when
Maine became an independent State,
our total valuation was only $40. .962. .77S;
in 1880, S2S ,S07, ,6S7; in 1910, 500, ,246, ,2SS
in 1850. SlO0,O37 1854; in 1860, Sl62, I5S, ,5SI;
in 1870, 1924, ,S22 800; in 1880, our valuation
reached the sum of S235, ,97s, ZIG, an increase
of SIC per cent since 1920.
The increase of the number of miles of
railroad in Maine during the past decade in
dcates a condition of increasing prosperity.
In 1870 we had 1865 miles of railroads; we
now have 1913 miles. The railroad has been
extended into Aroostook county, "the garden
of Maine" bringing the productions of that
rich soil into the great markets of the coun-
try. This has contributed very much towards
increasing our population and valuation. In
this connection, can but congratulate the
people of Maine on the excellent manage
ment and condition of our railroads. For
further particulars and statistics, refer you
to the report of the Railroad Commissioners
The census of 1880 showed that there were
in the State of Maine, 64.309 farms. an in
crease of 4,495, or per cent during the last
decade, and that 60, ,52S of these were owned
by the farmers who occupied them, the bal
ance being rented for money or worked on
shares. This certainly precludes the posi-
blity of any immediate danger from non
ownership of land, or from landed aristoc-
racy.
The numbering industry of the "Pine Tree
State" has a high claim on our consideration
The number of establishments devoted to this
industry are s4s, employing $3.50 men, and
the total value of all products in 1880 was
81 933, s68. Maine holds the rank of seventh
State in the Union in the value of her lumber
products, the States of Michigan, Pennsylva-
mia. Wisconsin. New York, Ohio and Indiana.
in the order named, taking the lead. The
Forestry Bulletin from the Department of the
Interior estimates the merchantable pine
standing on the large rivers and tributaries
of our State. May 3lst, 1880, at 5,O0O, 900
feet, and spruce, 1000, 100000 feet. Conse-
quently with wise regulations for its use.
Maine has the prospect of prosperous future.
for many years in its lumber as a source of
industry and wealth.
The ocean, river, and lake fisheries Of
Maine are becoming an increasing industry.
The industrious and hardy population of fish
ermen on the banks of our rivers, and espec-
tally those who gain livelihood amid the
dangers incident to the high seas, add much
to the productive wealth of the State, and are
entitled to the grateful consideration of every
citizen. Maine leads the column and stands
at the head of the great fishing industry of
the country In 1880, the number of persons
employed in the industry was 1862 the
number of vessels engaged was 6O6; the cap
itsl invested was SO, 454 1902; value of fishing
products in marketable condition was SO, 739,-
224. The value of the same products in 1870
was only s979,6l0.
1t is estimated that the number of our pop
ulation who are largely dependent upon the
fishing industry for livelihood will not fall
short Of As. 900 men, women and children,
which is equal TO about "a per cent Of our
population, and when, to the result of this
labor are added the expense of transportation
and profits of handling, and the product is in
the hands of the consumer, it represents an
industry of nearly 81, ,0O0, 900.
The gathering and storing of Ice is COM
paratively new industry in Maine, but is
profitable one, and gives employment to
many. The ice harvest on the Kennebec
river and vicinity in the year 1880, amounted
to l,000,000 tons, an increase of 750, 900 tons
over 1870.
The quarrying, cutting and shipping of
granite in the hands of our enterprising cit
izens has become one of the most important