The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1894-06-28
Shall We Have 1t?

y
our citizens upon the proposition for the
town to aid in the construction of an
electric railroad from SkoWhegau to
Norridgewock the great Importance of
the enterprise becomes more apparent
aud it becomes more apparent also that
we must take hold in earnest if We
would have il succeed.
We believe that nothing could be done
at this time for our town that would be
of such lasting benefit, with an cXpendi-
ture by the town of five times the
amount asked, as would the building of
this proposed road, and if we could get
it only by the expenditure of 100000, it
would be for the advantage of the town
10 make it.
\ correspondent last week demonstrate
ed very clearly that the net expense OF
interest on the $4,000 asked, less the
taxes upon the property. would not be
more than 500 per annum, or if paid in
10 years the annual payment would
amount to but one-fortieth of our annual
tax levy. Thus a man who pays SO
tax per year would have to pay one
dollar per year extra because of this
road. What property owner would
grudge this small amount for the sake
OF putting our town in such close con
uection with the towns west and north
of Us. to our great advantage. But he
would not have to pay The whole of this.
The road itself would bring some $40
900 or more of taxable property into the
town which would not otherwise come.
aud which would pay more than two-
thirds of this Interest, 50 that in urde.
for property holder to pay Il tax OF
one dollar because of the road his annual
tax would have to exceed 500. Thus il
the aid rendered the road would hardly
be perceptible to the nakedeye.
We have heretofore noted some of the
advantages that would accrue to our
town and the business Of the town by
this road, but we cannot realize them all,
prospcctivcly. by any means. We need
to have the road and experience the adj
vantage and convenience before we can
appreciate them fully Were You to
ask the people of Fairfield and Watervile,
of Augusta, IIalowell and Gardiner
whether they would give up their
electric roads, they would be likely 10
ask you in reply, whether you were Rip
Van Wrinkle, and how long a nap you
had been taking: The people of Show
hogan and Norridgewocli and up-river
towns. once they get this road will be
lust as loath to give it up as are thu
people of our down river cities, to-day.
We believe this is the line for Us to
get the long desired rail to Norridge.
wock upon exceedingly favorable terms.
We believe the plan formulated is II
feasible one and the amount the town is
asked to contribute in aid. very reason
able, and we believe if this aid is voted
the road is assured. On the other hand
We feel deep down in our inner con
sciousness that if the aid is not voted the
road will not be built, for several years
if at all.
Mr.. Gerald who has made this pro-
position is a man thoroughly posted in
electric railroad affairs. He has had
more experience in this lire of business
than any other man in Maine. He is not
"out of Il job. His time Is well occupied
and he has better openings for building
other roads than this, but this is near
home, and he has taken an interest here
on solicitation of some of our citizens
who have long felt the need of this road.
II is most fortunate that he has taken
this interest as he is the man to push it
through if his proposition is taken adj
vantage of.
Mr.. Gerald does not take hold of these
projects and push them through to sue
cess for his health He expects in
the end, and those associated with him
who put in time and labor and who incur
financial risk, expect to make something
out of it. 1t would be folly to state the
contrary but the money to be made out
OF it is in the success of the enterprise
and that success is to come by judicious
management that comes by experience
in this very line Of business. The con-
struction and successful running of rail-
roads of any kind is trade and one that
comes only by experience and to men
who have adaptablity to the work.
Men who have the ability, standing
and courage to plan and successfully