The Somerset reporter., 1890-07-24
SELECTED.
into the Heart Of Somerset.

During conversation yesterday with
Hon. William Atkinson of North Arson,
that gentleman gave us many facts of
interest relating to the extension of the
Somerset Railway and It's prospective in
crease Of business; which are of such a
nature 10 not only to mark a positive era
In the Industrial development Of Somer-
set county, but must also be encouraging
to the owners OF that road.
The total length of this line Is now
forty-two miles. From Oakland to North
Arson the road is hrst-class In every
respect, and from North Arson to Scion,
which forms the first extension Of the old
line, It is also good for new road. That
portion from Scion to BiDgham-over
which regular double train service for
each day was commenced on July 18th
is just completed and when the road bed
is settled together will be In fine condi-
ton. This line goes through a good
farming region which Is well fitted to
support the great business sure to be
located along their road. At Norridge.
wock are various manufacturing indus
tries; at Madison are three large wooden
mills now In successful operation, besides
the immense pulp mill now building by
the great syndicate composed of ex-
Secretary Whitney. Don Dickinson and
other capitalists, while at Carratunk Falls
In Embden; mammoth pulp mill Is al
ready In successful operation. At North
Arson new dam is being built across
the Carrabasset, which will be we'll stock
ed with machinery at an early day; while
at Bomazee Rips in Norridgewock is
fine sit. for dam and other large indus
.-iaa. Ca A ..siin strsam ahont half
mile from Bingham village is water
power Of considerable Importance which
will not long remain untitled. From
Bingham to The Forks. distance of
twenty-three miles, the Kennebec is raft
navigable, and with comparatively
small outlay could be made navigable to
stearn-wheel steamers. The towns of
Concord, Pleasant Ridge, Bingham and
Moscow have great wealth of hard
wood lumber, which manufactured into
the various articles Of merchandise now
in so large request by the needs of our
advancing civilization, must not only
make great deal of business for mills
yet to be built, but largely increase the
carrying trade of this road for genera
lions to come; SO that 1t has before 1t
bright prospect of being a source Of pro-
at to its bond holders. and at the same
time largely increasing the population,
wealth and industries upon Its line.
Incidentally, In connection with the in
creased business of the Somerset Railway
are the bright prospects now opening for
the early building Of the Link Road"
from Norridgewock to Skowhegan. This
Is an enterprise in which citizens of the
latter town are deeply interested, and re.
cent events show that they are wide
awake for its active completion.
Naturally following the extension of
the Somerset, is q revival of interest In
the contemplated Carrabasset and Quebec
Railway. We have reason to believe,
having closely watched the development
Of this great scheme from It's inception,
that this line will be built 10 the near
future, and when completed must add |
largely to the value and income Of the |
Somerset. We believe the public mind |
has now generally settled upon the fact
that the Carrabasset and Quebec line IL |
the proper route to Canada and the great |
Northwest when grades, distance and |
cost of construction, are taken into con
and they are all in its favor. |
simultaneously with its extension north
ward is also the building of the line to
Boothbay and Wiscasset; and we are in
formed that the road will probably be
surveyed this fall, from North Arson to
the Canada line. While 1t may be some
years before the Somerset line is extend
ed northward from Bingham, unless
made part Of the great Canadian Trunk
Line, its present extension to and termi-
nus at that point will accomplish a vast
work in the development Of the great
water power and other resources of the
best part Of Somerset county. The Jour
nal has only words Of welcome and en-
for these enterprises. So
far a. the welfare Of our great State Ia
there can never be any rival
lines of railways or rival busienss enter
prises. What helps one, helps all, and
we rejoice At the pushing ahead of these
great enterprises In the interest Of man
ufactures and transportation In all Sec
tons of the State-Ke nnebcc Journal.