Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-05-30
THE cARRAHAssErr RAILROAD.
A Strong Letter on the Subject From
Hon. ]. Manchester Haynes.

A Strong Letter on the 6ubiect From
Hon. ]. Manchester Haynes.
The following letter was read at the recent
town meeting in New Portland, it explains
itself:
AUGUSTA. Maine, April 81, 1888.
Hon. W. H. STEVENS,
Dear Sir:-A railroad connecting the
Canada Pacific with the Atlantic Ocean at
some point on the coast of Maine is a neces-
sity from which there is no escape; and
which is freely admitted by those who OBJ
served critically the development of the
railway systems of the two countries.
The discussion already turns on the ques-
ton of the best location for such line, and
several routes are warmly advocated. First,
there is the route from Portland over and in
extension of existing lines to Pennington,
Phillips and Strong; second. the route from
Wiscasset over and in extension of lines
from North Arson and Bingham up the Ken
nebec valley; third, the route from Belfast
over and in extension of existing lines from
Burnham and Dexter to Moosehead Lake !;
fourth route from some point on Penobscot
Bay over the Piscataquis X. X. to Greenville.
1t is well known that there is no harbor
East of Wiscasset that affords safe and free
navigation at all seasons of the year.
PenObscot Bay is frozen or obstructed with
ice in winter and affords no secure anchorage
with great depth of water in well protected
bays or inlets.
Of the several coast termini proposed,
Wiscasset and Portland are the only two
worthy of attention. The line to Portland is
longer than the line to Wiscasset, and the
water front facilities of that city are already
limited by previous occupation. The harbor
of Wiscasset is deep and commodiOus; never
obstructed by ice and invariably free from
dense fogs. Its approaches are wide, with
out intervening rocks or shoals. Guarded
and Illuminated on the East by Monhegan
and its light, and on the West by Seguin
and its light, its entrance is one of the widest
and grandest on the continent. To those who
like to believe that everything is made
for some great purpose, the harbOr
of Wiscasset and the valley of the Kennebec,
for at least part of the distance, would
seem to have been made the natural outlet
of the vast rans-continental traffic of the
Canadian Pacific X. X. and its western con-
nections with the grain fields of the United
States.
If these views are correct, the discussion
of the best route is finally narrowed down to
a line up the Kennebec valley from Bingham
to Moose River, and line from North Arson
by way of the valley of Carrabasset Stream
to Dead River and Lake Megantic.
1t is said that this last route in respect to
easy grades, economy of construction, ETC.,
is incomparably the most practicable. To
determine this question is the object the
friends of the line have before them. In Sc
ON q IT N a
dian Pacific X. r., the first prerequisite
is to determine definitely the location
of the line. No practical steps
towards securing the necessary financial
strength for such an undertaking can be taken
until it is known where the location is to be,
the physical obstacles to be overcome and the
physical advantages to be obtained.
In casting about for the most important
initial step to be taken, at the last meeting of
the promoters of the enterprise of Augusta, |
could think of nothing better than prellml-
nary survey of the route from North Arson
by the Carrabasset valley. The route from
Wiscasset to Arson has already been survey
ed and estimates of the cost of construction
made. preliminary survey of the line from
Bingham has been made and the only part
not surveyed is that by the Carrabassett val
ley.
The Kennebec route presents some difficult
ties which it is claimed do not exist along the
other line, and it is to settle this that the
present survey is proposed.
Very recently the Quebec Central II. X.
has come into new management, and it is ex-
pected that a fresh effort will be made to
push that line to a connection with the Cana
da Pacific at the same point the Wlscasset
road would connect with it.
a.. ba Iishp no tWo
currents of the Canada Pacific II. X. and the
Quebec Genital coming together and pouring
their united volume southwark through the
State of Maine, might in their enrichment of
the border suggest the benefcent progress of
the Overlooking Nile.
IL has not been possible to secure the
present active cooperation of the Canada
Pacific X. r. and the Quebec Central X. X.
because the former road is involved in an
obligation to complete its line to the mara
time Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova
Scotia, on which its subsidies depend; and
the latter is but just entering upon re-
organization but it is believed that so soon
As these two lines are relieved from the re-
stralnts referred to, they will both aid and
encourage the Wiscasset line.
1t is, therefore, of the utmost Importance
thai this line be at once put in such condition
that feasible and practicable route to the
best and nearest seaport can be otered To
these two foreign roads, the moment they
are in condition to desire such connection.
IL were a resident of New Portland or
any town on the proposed Ii e, should feel
that the situation justified me in mourning
the expense of a survey.
If it is made it will be under the direction
of the Carrabassett and Canada h. r., which
will be organized in time for that purpose.
In conclusion let me state clearly the per
sonal relation | desire to hold with you
and your fellow citizens of the subject of
the projected railroad, through this com
muncation. | have, in it, endeavored to
epitomize the hopes aud views which have
heard expressed by others, and which |
entertain myself.
1t is due to me and to you, however, to
state frankly that this enterprise Is stll IN
its infancy. | cannot say that the necessary
funds have been provided for the accom-
plishment of so great work, or that the
source from which they are to come can now
be clearly seen. 1t is my hope and oeief
that if the men and towns along the line of
the road will perfect location with estimates,
secure the right of way, and perform such
other acts as they may be able to perform
and which may be necessary to present TO the
world practicable through line, actually
entered upon, the final construction of the
line will follow as soon as the necessity Tor
it becomes pressing and imminent, when
must be within very short time
With this understanding, commend the
undertaking to your good judgment
Very truly yours,
j MANCHESTER HAYNES