Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-11-20


though number have yet failed to appreciate
what this really
The significance of this crusade for the conservation Oh
of the great Of Vermont for the benefit OF our
people be gained from careful consideration OF Che
following editorial paragraph from our esteemed contempo
airy, the Rutland News:
"The fact that power developed in Rutland will be car
red across the Connecticut river New Hampshire in
datvc of the Importance and of the Rutland Railway
Light Power companys enterprise Probably the average
Rutland citizen not fully apprecatve of the extent OF TINS
big utilities corporation and what it is doing in the line OF
expansion of operations is exceeded by very
hyoeectrc plants in New England and that area is
extending each year 1t is institution in which Rutland
has iusttiabe pride"
The News has right to be proud of the establishing Of
great power plant in the region Of the Marble City, and OF
expansion but expansion should not be too broad
Would it not be of still greater qualification
this which is to be transmitted by electricity from
New Hampshire for the industrial development
of that State to be devoted to the upbudng OF indus
tries in Rutland county?
moments reflection will demonstrate the existence in
host Of Vermont communities Of the very problem whch
in reality faces neighbors of the Marble City Burning
ton and Bratteboro especially confronted by similar SIT
uations 1t may be helpful to consider various phases OF
that problem somewhat in detail.
The republicans of Vermont conducted their last gube
material campaign the proposition among others that YER
mont water should be developed for Vermont first OF
ALL and the considerations which underle that proposition
the which involved in the problem now under
consideration.
building of New York New Hampshire Massachusetts
rather than of Vermont? The obvious reply is that there
industries in New Hampshire to such power while
Vermont those industries Is there good reason
why those similar industries could not flourish in Yer
mont?
Would it not be a wise policy to insist that industries
locate in Vermont if they to have the benefit of our
water power? Or to continue to upbuild other
States at sad cost connection with the develop
ment sections of the country by sending them our
best blood and surplus of everything that good in the
past?
Shall continue to egislate out of the
State every way this policy and build
up Vermont so keep ambitious young men and
home for the further development of our own
grand State?
When we have tried in the past to secure industries
ployng skilled labor have been told too far away
from the the coal supply and the iron mines and
Now that changing conditions forcing the great
tiers industry look about the country for of pow
err Vermont continue hamper herself and mpoverish
facilities still further by meey surrendering the one big
advantage Nature has given in the of power in
thousand hills?
If industries want power let them to ter
rtorv and use it. Just foreign manufacturers wanting
American markets have been compelled to establish manu-
factories the United States and Just other States have
profed from the development of their peculiar resources
We do part of this work of conserving Vermonts
supply of white coal by legislation but Burlington and Rut
land Brateboro and Bennington Montpelier and Barre and
St. Adams and ST. Johnsbury accomplish wonders by
of cheap water power well splendid trans
portation facilities and other advantages and at
fractions
If there is any way in which shape legislation
the investing of capital in the development
of it is manfesty duty to do and
this is another matter which should receive the careful at
tention of our patriotic people
With capital devoted to the development Of our
power and money promoting greater industrial
prosperity for Vermont will increased and better
kets for our farmers the vicinity of such industries With
this increased industrial development and better markets
will greater inducements for the adoption OF improved
methods of tlng soil and developing all of varied
agricultural resources.
The home attractions for young and young
will increase the value of farms viii advance and
the problem how improve rural conditions in the Green
Mountain State will be in fair way to reach gratifying
solution
We have frittered away golden opportunities and
allowed natural to remain undeveOped long
feel almost helpless; but let gain impetus
by helping supply of white coal to magnet for
industry business and increased trade and all the varied
advantages which flow from enlarged commerce. and