The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-02-09
"OCTOPUS" STANDS
INVESTIGATION
Kennebec Dam Charter
Free From Jokers
State May Take Over Property With
out Paying For Franchise.

If there was anything shady about
the proposition of the Kennebec Dam
G. Reservoir Co, the whole thing
would have collapsed long ago. In
their anxiety to make political CAPT
tai at the expense of the administra
ton, the opposition papers have
played up rumors and insinuations
with particular emphasis, but the
publicity has seemed to benefit rath
er than hurt the enterprise.
The development means SO much to
Somerset county, and in fact to the
whole Kennebec valley that it should
be thoroughly understood. The gener
al incorporation laws of the State
would suffice for the needs of the new
company except for one thing. There
is not sufficient market for the pow
er output in the towns where it is
10 be developed. SO authority to trans
nit is essential. The character of the
soil and topography surrounding the
power sites precludes the founding o.
any very great towns, so the greatest
good to the greatest number demands
that it be transmitted to more favor
able locations.
Sending the power out of Maine is
absolutely prohibited by Section Il of
the proposed charter, SO of course the
energy will be expended in develop
ing the industries of the State Tha,
would probably mean -competiton
with some of the light and power COM
ncniQC alroalU q a hi c hn6 mt
posed amendments to Chapter 81 Of
the general statutes would prevent
anything unfair. Before entering any
occupied territory, the new company
would be obliged to petition the court
and permission would be granted on
IL after an investigation, and upon
terms that would be fair to the old
company, the new company and the
public. A similar result would be
accomplished if the proposed public
utilities bin becomes a law.
But the proviso in the proposed
charter that goes farthest in proving
the fair intentions .. 80 promoters,
is that which gives the State power
to take over the enterprise at a
price which shall not include any
thing for the franchise This is
Wholly in accord with the conserve.
ton doctrines that the present must
not impair the heritage of future gen
eratiOns.
For the purpose of erecting trans
mission lines, the kennebec Dam <
Reservoir Co, does not even ask the
light of eminent domain. but will re-
ly upon it's ability to make satisfac-
tory arrangements with all property
owners encountered Simplicity OF
construction makes it feasible to build
tie power lines around the lands OF
such property owners as ask eXhorbi-
tGnt prices for right of way
Every hydraulic power plant along
the Kennebec river will be greatly
benefited by the proposed develop
ment. since the flow of the stream
will be to a large extent regulated
The charter stipulates that a mini
mum flow of 1400 feet per second
shall be maintained so long as the
discharge from Moosehead lake
equals or exceeds that amount and
of course this arrangement would
greatly assist the log driving In fact
every lumberman and manufacturer
who has expressed an opinion. is
heartily in favor of the development
The hearing on the proposed char
ter has been assigned for February
"a The real origin of the opposition
Will doubtless appear at that time,
unless the interests involved cover
their track very carefully. Meanwhile
political capital against the new ad-
ministration continues at premium