Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-10-03
The Question Of Development.
(Aroostook Star-Herald }


Owing to the pressing importance of the
subject steps are pretty sure to De taken IL
earnest az no very remote day toward open
ing up the now unsettled townships IN tnis
county. The building of the new ralifoao,
the turning of public attention IN the Oh
rection OF Aroo took, and tn growing ap.
probation of the value of its rich soil, VIII
all tend to this result. When the peopl-
of Maine come to study the figures OF the
coun;ry's present productiveness, and come
to consider and fully comprehend the vast
possibilities of increase through agricnltur-
al development and the extension OF Its
settled area, there will be no resist
ing the demand that our vacant lands shall
be opened.
Without railroad Aroostook proved to
be the msin-stay of the State during the
last decade, and the vitality of its New
Northeast" saved Maine from the reproach
of standing still, or even retrograding IN
population. To the same lusty vigor and
capacity for growth up here in Aroostook
the State will have to turn 10 the present
! decade, and if it is properly encouraged
with the stimulus of the new railroad, this
great county will make shining mark for
the State in the next census, and give 1t re-
spectacle rank in the list of growing and
prosperous commonwealth.
The suggestion has been frequently
made that the State should make pro-
vision for the purchase of townships at
such intervals as the demands of growth
in population may require. 1t can be
readily seen that such requisition IS
not asking the Legislature to give coun-
ful
speculation. There is but one possible
side to the enterprise, and that Is the
side of legitimate and certain measures
in the direction of the general welfare and
prosperity, The sun is no surer to rise AZ
the appointed time than that reasonable
outlay made by the State to open any gwen
section of this county to settlement Will re-
suit in returning TO the State all it e1pends
with interest, and even compromising tne
principal. Doubtless our Maine Solons will
perceive the opportunity thus afforded OF
legislating on broadly beneficial principles
in the interest of the public, and will make
some provision the coming winter.
In the event of their possible failure to
do so, Presiden. Albert A. Burleigh, of the
Bangor & Aroostook Railroad Co. has an
alternative plan, which is very attractive IN
point of general merit and feasibility. Mr..
Burleigh would proceed to organize COM
pany with capital stock fixed at an amount
likely to cover reasonable valuation for
a township of good settling land. The stock
being subscribed he would have the COM
pany purchase good township, available IN
point of price and accessibility to rail-
road. He would then proceed to lay out
roads and survey lots according to an intel
ligent and well ordered plan, and would
then throw the land into the market at
price that would merely suffice to re-im-
burse the company for its investment, with
fair interest. There is no doubt that a
tract of land so opened would be promptly
called for by settlers, and the power OF
choice and selection which the company
would reserve to itself, would enable 1t to
fill the township with class which would
represent the best elements of prosperous
and attractive community.
This scheme, as outlined, has such OBJ
vious merit, that it recommends itself
even without the sanction of President
Burleigh, whose high reputation for sound
judgment and practical wisdom, afford the
best of credentials as to the value and
merit of any project he originates or en-
dorses. Even if the State should move in
the matter, the plan of Mr.. Burleigh would
still be excellent, for there is need OF
| both and room for both in the development
of this'great county.