Daily Kennebec journal., 1893-09-26
RAILROAD MEETING.
The Citizens of China Assemble
Together
10 Discuss the Proposed Route from Wiscas
set to Ruraham.

| CHISA VILLAGE, Sept. 25.-( Special -
On Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23, a railroad
meeting Of mo-e than usual interest and
importance was held AT 6. A. Z. hall il
| China Village. The Wiscssset & Quebec
r. K. was represented by its president
George II. Crosby. Esq of Albion, and its
counsel, W. +. 2. Fogg, Esq, of Wiscas-
set. A dae selection of instrumental music
both indoor and out, was given by the Ger
man Orchestra band OF isht pieces.
The meeting was called TO order by T. o.
Braineri, and on his motion DR.. ID. j. Mel
son was called to preside. He opened the
meeting in few well chosen remarks and
then introduced the president Of the road,
Mr.. Crosby, who made an interesting
speech and clearly and logically showed the
feasibility of the proposed route from Wis
easset 10 Barnham. He was generously
applauiei at the close of his address.
Mr.. Frank l.. Bessey of Clinton was next
iiled upon. Mr. Bessey is manufacturer
at Clinton, paying sometimes as high as
$500 month freight money, and he was
warmly in favor of this road, expressing a
strsng hope that il would touch Clinton in
its northerly course.
The following gentlemen from China in
order were called upon for remarks +. o.
Brainerd, ID. C. Hanson, C. f. Datton, J.
A. Woodsum, W. r. Ward, A. B. Fletcher,
some of whom made extended remarks III
favor of railroad through the town of
China, and thought this the favorable time
and opportunity to obtain it. The speakers
were warmly applauded, showing conclu-
sively that the audience which tilei the
hall to overlooking were with them heart
and hand.
Al the conclusion of the local speaking
Mr.. Fogg took the platform anf gave e1-
tended and conclusive arguments in favor
of this new enterprise. He was glad this
meeting was called and held in Grand
Army hall, for patriotism and business can
| successfully go hand in hand. Towns and
places connected by lines OF communication
are prosperous-not 50 connected are retro
grading-not in virtue, integrity and
morality, but in population and valuation.
There are - towns affected by this pro-
posed line of railroad, in area nearly as
large as the State of Rhode Island in popu-
la.lon equal to Franklin county. In 1879
there were II miles of narrow guage road
built from Farming .on to Phillips, to which
10 miles have since been added. 1t has
earned more than its expenses and interest
of bonded debt besides which the Sandy
River road has been substantially rebuilt,
and this expense, too, paid out of its earn
ings.
We have in these nineteen towns 1890
more population than Franklin county, and
more than $500 900 excess of valuation.
The town of Strong has nearly doubled its
population since 1879. Manufacturing has
greatly Increased. wood tooth pick fac
tory there employs 1875 men and expends
$50 900 annually. Towns in Franklin
county have largely increased their popula-
ton and wealth in consequence of the
tourist facilities afforded by this narrow
guage roal. Let US deyelope the old Stat
of Maine Leave off and abandon our
Southern and Western unfortunate and dis
sstrous investments and place our capital
where the principal is sure TO come back
and the dividends will be stated and certain
Let us all join in this enterprise and oTen
this road from Burnham to tie sea.
The above is but a slight synopsis of the
speakers practical get eloquent remarks.
The following gentlemen We're chosen BY
the meeting to act as local and co-opers-
tive committee W. X. Ward, chairman; ;
+. o. Brsinard, secretary; W. w. Wash
burn, c. T.. Dutton, I. T. Merrill, W. II.
Jones.
Other meetings are to be hell in other
parts os this town as well as along the line
o. road.