The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1892-03-24
Condensed MIX.
MEETING THURSDAY ENTNiNG IN G, A X,
HALL.

MEETING THURSDAY ~ ENlNh IN VI "a ~
HALL.
The Board of Trade held another meet
ing last Thursday evening, to consider
the Condensed Milk Factory project
Vice President Stafford presided, and call
ed upon Ansel IIolwsy, who was one OF
the committee appointed to solicit sub
scriptions Of stock.
Mr.. Holway said that the farmers OF
Skowhegan were all of one mind, they de-
sire to see the project successful, and will
take some Of the stock II the enterprise
can be started here. Mr. Holway report
ed $1,000 subscribed, and Albert Jewett
about $1,000.
Hon. A. X. Bixby, being called upon
expressed his interest. He was strongly
in favor Of the enterprise because 1t is
for the interest of Skowhegan to locate a
factory here. There is no question but
what there will be factory in Somerset
county and Arson and Norridgewock are
more alive to the opportunity than Skow-
hogan. Wherever these factories have
been built, there has been an increase of
business, the farms have increased In
value, the market for feed is more lively
etc. Such factory in Skowhegan will
be q mutual benefit to both merchant and
farmer; and each should put his shoulder
the wheel. In other states. the stock
OF these factories sells at 800 per cent
aud they must be successful.
Lewis Anderson considered 1t to be as
sumed that the farmers generally desired
the establishment of this factory, because
they would directly derive much good
from this increased market for milk.
Further, all the farms would be improved
by the increased consumption of the hay
on the farm. He said he had good authority
in saying that money could be made
In selling the milk at 8 cents. The
only doubt, then, to be met, WAS with re
gard to the manipulation OF the stock and
the financial management. This must be
| considered. The business men think it 8
farmers matter, but enthusiasm begets
enthusiasm. II the farmers take the
initiative, the business men will do theil
part.
While the speaker did rot wish in the
least to throw cold water upon the pro
ject, he considered 1t very natural and
proper to weigh well any enterprise In.
volvipg $4,000. There Is a factory al
Newport, and they want one at North An
son. Skowhegan had better let the mat
ter simmer little, and meanwhile look
into the project very thoroughly. II this
factory can be properly managed, 1t will
redown to the good OF the community
Perhaps 1t would pay, even il the stock
holders did not get back a cent; but it is
well to move In this matter in business
| like manner.
L. W. Weston said that he was In favor
of anything that would help the town
but he also felt the ueed of more know
ledge on the matter. He suggested that {
com mittee see the farmers and get sub
scriptions to have the matter investigated
This uncertainty must be removed. 1t II
farmers matter, but the business mel
will help If they see that the farmers
want 1t.
Mr.. Anderson seconded the suggestion
Of investigation. Business men woult
i
presen tations of one or two outside men
however honest. SO committee should
be sent to investigate. No one In town
wants to throw water on an undertaking
of any kind, II 1t Is 10 be Of benefit TO any
class of our citizens. The business men
and farmers are very closely allied in in.
terests.
J. w. Packard speaking in behalf Of the
farmers, said that the establishment OF
this factory meant considerable expendi
ture by the farmers. The Arson and
Norridgewock farmers can better ford to
go into this en- crprise than the farmers OF
Skowhegan. Here, the farmers have q
market for all the butter and cheese they
want to make. The factory cannot be a
success unless the farmers desire to fur
nish the milk.
Albert E. Jewett, in answer to these OBJ
jections, said that those who had ofiertd
to take stock, considered Skowhegan's
market for butter to be not unlimited.
We must have another market II we in
crease our milk supply. This industry
will be an essentially home industry.
M. b. Heselton, Chas. Ross, Geo. B
Stafford and others, felt the need of In
vestigation before making any move II
the matter. All thought there would b.
no trouble about raising the $50, 900 if i
was found to be good investment TO
SkOwhegan.
| 1t was voted to authorize the committe,
already appointed to solicit subscriptions
OF stock, to also solicit funds TO send 8
committee to investigate.