Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-02-08
VOICES or the PRESS.
Build Up maiss.
Bangor Wing and courier.)

Bangor Wing and Courier.)
The very able and comprehensive
editorial which we reproduce from the
columns Of the Kennebec Journal, this
morning, deals with a subject that
ought to be Of first Importance to the
people of the State Of Maine. No State
in the Union in proportion to Its pOpu-
lation and wealth has contributed
more generously both in capital and
brains to the general development OF
the country. Maine men and Maine
money have gone to almost every cor
ner of the country seeking business
openings and Investments.
For a period, unhappily too long,
there has prevailed a sentiment that
Maine was a good State to be born IN
and educated in those sterling traits OF
character that have made Maine men
an influential factor wherever they
have gone, but that when 1t came to
seeking business opportunities or in
yestment it was necessary to look else
where. This condition has proved a
severe drain upon the State. but al
though long delayed. the idea has Of
late years been impressed upon our
people that II was not the Wlsest
policy.
The building of the Bangor e. AroOs-
took Railroad affords splendid illus
tration of what can be accomplished
within our own borders by men Of
business capacity and energy when
they place their shoulder to the wheel.
These men, working under the most
disadvantageous circumstances, both
by reason of the financial depression
prevailing in the country and "A strong
feeling of skepticism at home con
corning the success of the projected
road, refused to be discouraged, kept
advancing the venture step by step TO
IT'S completion. and the results have
not only indicated the soundness OF
their business judgment and faith in
the resources of Maine. but has placed
the entire State under a debt OF ever
lasting gratitude to them for thus in
augurating an enterprise the value OF
which to the future development Of
the State, while partially indicated by
the figures recently published in the
Wing. cannot yet be readily estimated
The skepticism of yesterday has had
to give way 10 the proved facts of to-
day. 1t Is no longer a question Of con-
lecture. as attained results have al
ready far exceeded the most sanguine
predictions of the promoters of the en-
terprise. All this has been accom-
plished in the limited period during
which the road has been in operation
but 1t is amply sufficient 10 demon
strate the possibilities OF the future
What the Kennebec Journal says
OF the bonds of the road is
fully borne out by the facts.
An investment that is considered il
good one for outside capital is neces-
sarily as good or better for home capital
better. in fact. as it tends to improve
other property holdings in the State in
which our citizens have direct in
terest.
Any one who will take the time to
examine the situation will see that the
future is bright with promise for this
State. Bangor is becoming the center
of a great railroad system. The 3. &
A. opens up one of the richest sections
TO be found anywhere in the country.
The more recently constructed WASH
ington County Railroad, another monu-
ment to the energy of Maine men who
labored increasingly until they enlisted
the support of capital that made the
building of the road possible. adds an
important factor to an already encour-
aging condition of affairs. We have a
good thing in sight, now let every one
lend hand and to the full extent of
his ability Improve an opportunity so
rich in possibilities for the up-building
of Maine.