Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-08-18
Editors Letter Box
For a Buster Maine

Editor Kennebec Journal,
Augusta, Maine.
Dear Sir:
l read in an issue of the 18th in
slant of one of the State papers with
very much interest, interview with
Mr.. Baxter. and | agree with him
perfectly that everything possible
should be done to keep our water
power in Maine but, it can not be
done by simply writing newspaper
items or letters. The State Chamber
of Commerce and Agricultural
League is a live organization and is
doing wonderful work. but, the one
thing we lack in Maine is industries,
and there never was such an oppor-
tune time as now to get them. With
all kinds of labor troubles in the
large centers and the price of coal
and railroad rates soaring all the
time the people want water power.
but. l don't believe the citizens of
Maine will tolerate for one moment
the people of adjoining states re-
ceiving the benefit of our natural re-
sources. 1t seems a logical argu-
ment, on the face of it, for power
companies, to develop power for
transmission into other states, but,
after the work is completed how
many hands will be employed? But
very few. Whereas, if we keep the
power at home, and secure the in-
dustries, our population will be
greatly increased, and outside capt.
tai brought in to build factories and
homes for the employees. In my
opinion there is no greater work
that the State Chamber of Commerce
can do. than to open up an Industrial
Branch of the State Chamber of
Commerce, and to employ a thor
oughly competent and experienced
man to spend his entire time in ad-
vertising and securing industries for
Maine. l know this can be done from
experience, if you will pardon my re-
| ferring to myself, it is a we'll known
fact that | secured outside capital
for the little village of Sangerville,
with practically no natural resources,
outside of water power. and it has
meant great deal to this communi-
! ty If this can be done. with only one
man working, and with practically
all the banks and other industries
standing ready to criticize. what can
be done in many communities when
the State Chamber of Commerce
(Which, by the way, is the leading or
ganization of the State) is willing to
stand behind anyone who will get
new industries and capital interes ted
in Maine. l am positive that a rev.
citation can be brought about with
plan of this kind to locate new in
dustries, but it requires a man that
knows his business; and not only
that but, it requires the leading
business men OF the State. who COM
prise the State Chamber of Com
! merce. to stand squarely back of this
man and get the industries.
l am already interested in large
syndicate that is buying up wooden
and Worsted mills all over New Eng
| land, and if the State Chamber of
Commerce, with its efficient Presi-
dent, Mr.. Gulnac, will keep things
booming, they will not only buy
wooden mills, but develop a lot Of
water powers for operating mills. The
citizens of Maine have got to show
their interest and effort in order to
make Maine a bigger and better
State to live in, and one in which we
can keep our sons instead of having
them go away to help build up their
adopted states. Many will say
How can it be done?" know it
can be done and am only too glad to
do everything possible, in conjunction
with the State Chamber of Com
merce. or any other live organization
that will help to boom Maine.
The Centennial was great sue
cess. The State Chamber of Com
merce did wonderful work, but, let's
not stop, let us keep going. and with
Colonel Parkhurst in the Governors
chair, when we are sure to have in
the near future, it naturally follows
that the State administration will be
squarely back of any movement for
the improvement and development of
Maine.
Perhaps l have already taken up
more space than l am entitled, to, if
you see fit to publish this article, but,
am SO thoroughly interested in the
development of the State of Maine,
that believe we should be selfish of
the natural resources we have and
make people come to Maine to re-
ceive the advantages of them.
If any readers of this article ques-
ton how industries can be gotten
into Maine l can assure them it is a
comparatively easy matter and
would be pleased to explain it to
them.
Thanking you. in advance, for any
space you see fit to give, beg to re-
main,
Yours for a better. buster and larg-
err Maine. 1. ]. COBURN.
e IL L