Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-11-23
NAMES SUMMER TOURISTS.
Interesting Address by Hon. 3. W. Matthew.
Under Auspices Of Bath Board Of Trade.

Bath, Me-, Nov. 22-(SpeciaD .-Commis-
sioner of Industrial and Labor Statistics
S. w. Matthews Of Augusta, gave a lect-
ure. this evening, in this city, under the
auspices of the Bath Board of Trade.
upon 1.-The Industrial and the Summer
Tourist Business of the State" The
meeting was largely attended and Com
missioner Matthews remarks were much
appreciated by all.
After few brief opening remarks, he
spoke of the increase of money and non
ulation of the State in the past few wears
Then followed clear, concise talk upon
the various industries. taking up nearly
every industry of our grand old State.
after which he took up the summer tour
list business.
One of Names most important re-
sources. present and prospective, is found
in its rare combination of woods and
mountains, lakes. streams and sea coast
with other health giving and invigorating
climate. and grand opportunities for rest
and pleasure. thus eminently fitting
nearly every part Of the State for a sum-
mer abode OF the great tourist public.
Remarkable indeed has been the growth
of the tide of summer travel, which each
season visits Maine in ever increas-
ing numbers. until now it is justly styled
the playground of the Nation" The
rapid increase of the county in wealth
element in Maine prosperity to the very
fore front. until 1t can be safely claimed
for it that In net financial results II is
second to no other. That these results
will continue to grow with the growth of
the country, Is an assurance as well
founded as the everlasting hills. While
the Importance of the summer tourist
business to the State has been recognized
in general way, for several years. no
systematic attempt to ascertain it's ex-
tnt, loo, ttx,v.
results was ever undertaken until 1893
when the Legislature passed resolve.
inStructing the commissioner of the bu-
reau of industrial and labor statistics to
make special investigation. This in
vestgatiOn was accordingly undertaken.
Its difficulties will be readily comprehend
ed, when it is considered that almost the
entire State has become a pleasure park
During the heated season" nearly every
section has its quota of visitors from be-
yond the limits of the State. Our woods
and lakes. as well as our hills and shores
are the favorite- resorts on thousands and
camps and tents are the temporary hab-
itations of multitudes who do not visit
our more famed resorts, and whose
names are not found upon the registers
of large. and fashionable hotels. Money
comes to the State from it's summer re-
sorts through many avenues. such as
camps. and cottages, wages are paid to
guides. prices paid to farmers, garden
ers and dairymen for produce and sup
plies for man and beast. for transporta-
ton by private and public conveyances
hotel. and boarding house accommoda-
tons. etc. When all these elements of
income from our summer resorts are
taken into account, the pecuniary re-
suits to the State cannot be estimated at
less than $4,000 900. There are in this
State nearly GOO hotels and boarding
houses. wholly or partially dependent
upon the patronage of summer visitors.
Thousands of cottages have been erected
IN the sea coast, from kittery Point to
Quoddy Head. while thousands more are
found at our inland resorts. The number
of visitors from outside the State during
he present season registered at hotels
md boarding houses. occupying cottages.
boarding at private houses, camping out
n the woods and at the lakes. and on the
sea shore, may be safely estimated at
100000 AS an indication of the number
who have been and still are traversing
the forests of Maine in search of game.
is the fact that during the season 1915
guides have beenTegistered and licensed.
Returns made to the bureau of industrial
md labor statistics from hotels, and
boarding houses of the business of this
year, indicate an increase over that of
last year of at least fifteen per cent. and
present indications are that the business
Of next year will be largely increased
over that Of the present.
The season during which the summer
tourist business continues, is from the
time in early May, when the ice leaves
our northern lakes. and the fisherman
with rod and reel comes in search of the
trout. and togue. until the hunter of the
1eer finds "cloSe time" at the end of De-
cember placing it's embargo upon his
sport. The preservation and propagation
If our fish and game are, therefore, mat
ters of wise policy on the part of the
State. and the efforts of our active, and
efficient fish and game commissioners to
enforce the legal provisions enacted for
that end. should receive the encourage
nent and support of all our people. From
he time. nearly fifty years ago, that
Henry b. Thoreau visited the "Woods of
Maine until comparatively few years
ago. but little was, known of the immense
mines of wealth contained in our streams,
axes, rivers and woods. mines richer
han those of GolcOnda in their POSSIBLE
ties, always available. and exhaustless
rs the infinite hand that has bestowed
hem. At the present time, the attention
If the whole country is being attracted to
Names uneQualed resources as sum-
;ner resort, partly through their having
been advertised in various ways, but
mainly by means of our railway system
by which many of our inland resorts
lave been made accessible and known to
he world. Through our railway system
reversing over 1913 miles of our terri
DRY. 1856 miles of which Is covered by the
ines of the new railway into northern
Maine. our State is becoming better
Known and appreciated. and our resources
productive cf constantly growing finan-
cial results.