The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1891-07-02


A large and enthusiastic meeting was
held In the interest Of the Skowhegan and
Norridgewock railroad project Friday
evening. The showers late in the AFTER
noon and the threatening aspect Of the
early evening undoubtedly prevented a.
large gathering as there would other
wise have been. but the hall was well
Ii ed and the best Of feeling prevailed.
Geo. b. Stafford, chairman Of the citi-
zens committee called the meeting to or
der and named L. T. c, 50. a.
chairman. Mr. Coffin on taking the chair
explained the object Of the meeting and
outlined the plan for the construction Of
the proposed road to Norridgewock for
which the town is asked to vote aid to
the extent of SIS 900.
Hon. S. j. Walton spoke earnestly FOR
the project, explaining quite fully the
detrimental effect of inactivity on the
part of the people Of Skowhegan upon
our business interests.
l.. W. Weston could not see why any
arguments were necessary TO cause citizens
OF Skowhegan to embrace the very favor
able opportunity TO secure this road. lts
advantages must be so evident he could
not comprehend why it should meet any
opposition.
j. o. Smith enlarged upon the advan-
tage to the business Of the town 1t must
be to be connected directly by rail- with
80 miles along the upper Kennebec filled
with tiourishlng towns in which are mag
nifcent water powers and indirectly with
other towns and plantations tributary to
these villages.
Geo. Is. Stafford said he had recently
made his first visit through the splendid
country that this short piece Of rail was
to bring to our door, and was surprised
at the evidences Of push and thrift mani
Tested on every hand. He warmly advo.
Gated the small appropriation asked to
secure what must be Of great advantage
Lewis Anderson said he had not until
recently given this project the attention
1t merits. His business was such thst 1t
would not be effected by 1t but he WAS
tage to the town and therefore wss In its
favor.
Hon. A. X. Bixby spoke earnestly for
the proposition to aid the road. The
amount asked for is very small in compari-
son to the advantages to be derived. 1t
is repeatedly asked him by up river gen
tie men: Why will you not give us the
means Of reaching your town by rail, so
that we may go to your place to trade in
stead Of going by you to other places.
He spoke of the extent OF summer travel
and believed this road would help Show
hogan to more Of it,
DR.. s. F. Conant said he had for Is
years been urging the Importance of good
circulation and this principle we want to
apply to this case. He had been many times
impressed while standing at the depot at
Waterville to observe the large number OF
people who come from Somerset towns
via Oakland, and go from the Watervile
station down town. They do not do this |
for fun. There is business In it, a large |
part Of which Skowhegan ought to have
and, with the Link" would have.
f. N Merrill, Esq. had hitherto been |
strongly opposed to the town loaning its
credit for any purpose. Our situation is |
remarkable one and our business inter
ests are suffering. This road would not
restore our former mercantile prestige
owing to change in methods OF transact
Ing business but it would help greatly
most IL not all lines. The M. c. Com
pany does not make this offer for this
road alone but 1t expects extension, and
in time direct line through to Canada
and the great West. With proper safe
guards thrown around the transaction, 80
that In no event the town can be roped in
for any further sum, he would be In favor
Of voting the $4,000 asked for,
Forrest Goodwin Esq. made an enthu-
siastic speech for the project. The action
Of Eorridgewock, Arson, Embden and
other towns. he said, had been pointed to
with horror, but this was In no sense
parallel. To make 1t so would be TO ask for
100000 from Skowhegan. The building
of the road, the expenditure Of 800, 900
would make things boom and Skowhegan
people are smart enough 10 get double the
money out of 1t the town Is asked to put
in. He earnestly advised citizens to vote
the small sum asked for and sustain the
reputation Of Skowhegan as a live, pro-
gressve business town.