The Somerset reporter., 1885-07-08

We ar leased 10 announce on Tue re-
c-ip, OF 'IrmatiOu from source which
we deem sllictly reliable, that preliminary
steps were taken, some ten days ago, to-
ward the realization of that much agitated
enterprise, the Bancroft and Houlion Rail-
road, surveying having been commenced
from the first named point. This is 10 &C
cordaDce with the predictions which we
have all along forecast and maintained, de-
spite the adverse criticism Of the Somerset
RHPoRrDR. To the very positive cores
poudent Of the above named paper we pre-
sent our compliments, with the hope that
he may be one of the first to acknowledge
the reality OF and pass judgment on the
road-bed stability aud rolling stock quail
ties OF the Northern Ar"ostook Railroad
Aroostook Republican.
assure the Republican that 1t is the re-
cipieDt of my most earnest wishes Tor its
prosperity, and if this road is built, by
the opportunity of purchasing the first
ticket from Bancroft to Houton. In the
mean while, lets not get too excited during
this heated term, for it's liable to burst US.
As think have remarked before Skow-
hogan must be u great town. l Iearn new
characteristics or it every day. | never
yet have been aole to get TAR from it but
that if even casually mention the town
some one will jump up and ask do you
know so and SO? Why its real metropol-
tan. You go to Liberty and they will say
do you know Mr.. II. who used to have 3
nice farm heref How a those boys who
used to be such roguesg In Uuity they
ask how is Mr.. W? He surveyed the rail-
road through this town and we know him
we'll. In Troy they ask for Mr.. S. VINO
was born in that town and afterwards
moved to Burnham and SO on to Skowhe-
gan. In Buruham they inquire Tor Arthur
w. who they remember pleasantly Every
town in the state inquiries for Mel M. In
Abbott they inquire as TO the prosperity OF
the X. boys who was born there. Some
one else in Piscataquis wants to know
about Dr. L. who was in practice there for
years. In Garlant they ask about Dr. X.
who located there short time and made
lots of friends. In Athens they ask for
their old citizen Mr. d. In Dexter they
ask for Mr.. NJ. and his sons who are nov
IN business in S. In Vassalboro they ask
for Messrs L. P. and SO it goes almost
without end.
To one who has not visited Portland, to
examine the city, for ten years, it is an en-
trely new place. Large brick business
blocks have taken the places OF tumble
down story and half buildings, new
streets are lined with modern styled resi-
dences, showing the skill, if not the taste,
of the architect. But the greatest change,
is in her pleasure grounds. Ten years ago
the only breathing spot Portland had, was
little spot in the GENRE of the city, which
had two noticeable features, one was the
beanpole looking trees without limbs or
leaves, and the other, WAS Its signs, waru-
ing visitors TO keep off the grass. As
there was no grass, the signs were consld-
cred huge Joke. Now this is all changed.
These barren looking poles, now have
large far extending boughs covered with
thick foliage of green, which almost shuts
out the light of day. The surface is COW
cred with carpet of green, and in the
centre, Is a beautiful fountain, which cools
and refreshes the entire place. But this Is
but one of the things of beauty, which are
a ioy forever to the citizens OF Portland.
The bigges, and best thing OF the sort Is
Deering Park, which ten years ago, as
cow pasture. 1t has now been presented
to the city, for public park and already 1t
has been greatly improved, but the work
at this place is but just commenced. Ponds
and fountains have been built, and oeauti-
full drives, wind around among the OAKS,
making one of the finest drives on hot
day to be found anywhere. The two prom
euades, at each end of the city, have been
greatly improved, by shade trees, and they
are now much frequented escorts. The
views from each of them is unexcelled.
Lincoln tree which was planted but few
years ago, as a memorial to the lamenten
Lincoln, and which is decorated each me-
mortal day, stands in front of the school
building on Cumberland street, is nov
good sized tree, and will ever continue 10
be an object of great interest.