Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-04-16

Richmond bridge, but State bridge.
and the interest of no special COM
munity should govern. The test is:
What is best for the State?
"A proper survey might cost nifty
thousand. OF a hundred thousand dol
lars but it WOULD be worth it. Once
the State begins the construction OF
this bridge. it will have to see it
through even if it costs ten million
dollars. | do not want the State to
go into this project blindfolded, and
we ought to get the facts.
This should not be political
question. No candidate can honestly
promise the people that he can OBJ
tain bridge for them. Probably a
Constitutional Amendment and a
bond issue would be required, and
that means that every voter in the
State would be given an opportunity
TO vote on it,
mo candidate for Governor, or for
any other office can properly say
that he favors the bridge until he
knows what 1t is going to cost. II
no does so. he is making bid Tor
votes that is entirely unworthy. The
people of all sixteen counties, not the
LEGISLATURE, will ultimately decide
this question.
Il suggest that all parties inter-
ested in this project form business
mems organization representing all
sections and all views: that they ask
for an impartial survey to be made
free from local preiudices. and that
they obtain figures that are dependa-
BILE. After that the details can be
worked out, and the matter submit
ted to the people Of Maine"
Very truly yours,
(Signed) PERC1VAL p. BAXTER,
Governor of Maine.
"I would rather build 10 bridges out
side this building then one inside of It.,
declared Senator Carleton.
Gov. Baxter was invited to address
the meeting and a messenger was dis
patched to escort him to the hall of the
House.
It was stated that the governor had
sent a letter and that he had nothing
further to say. but he hoped that the
meeting wuid be productive of good to
the State.
Some say am working against the
Republican party" said Senator Garlic
ton. Democrats have urged me to
take out papers for the Senate for their
party. But I have concluded to re-
main with the Republican party"
Are there any questins? asked
Senator Carleton.
No one responded.
evidently you have convinced
them" said Senator Hinckley. address
ing Senator Carleton.
4ockiand Man Speaks
Senatof Carleton called on G, II.
Wood of 'Rocklend. Mr.. Wood said that
every automobile owner who was ever
caught at the Bath ferry would be will
ing to chip in dollar in dues as a
member of the Kennebec Bridge Asso-
citation 10 see this thing through.
Down in Knox county" said Mr..
Wood, I'VE know what handicap IT is
to have this bridge at Bath. The Ken
nebec Bridge Association sponsors a
State-owned bridge at Bath and is OPP
posed to a private bridge. The asso-
citation hopes to have 10000 members"
Senator clyde II. Smith
Senator Clyde Fl. Smith Of Somerset
county said that as member OF the
Senate he was pleased to be opposed
to legislation which would pass over
to any combination or corporation the
right to build this bridge. He was OPP
posed to any privately owned toll
bridge In any part of the State. If
few people can build a bridge, the peo-
pIe of Maine can better finance the
proposition. He thought that the peo-
ple of Maine would be willing 10 be
assessed for the investment.
II can't believe that the people want
to go back to the days of the covered
toll bridge" said Senator Smith.
Other Speakers at Meeting
Senator Herman Fl. Adams of kenne-
bee county said that this Is world OF
progress and that the days OF the toll
bridge are, or should be. thing Of the
past.
Walter. s. wyman of Augusta said
that the counties of Knox, Lincoln,
Sagsdahoc and Waldo need this bridge.
These counties. he said. are losing IN
population and one reason Is because
of the difficulties Of transportation In
those counties.
Guy P. Gannett of Augusta favored
the bridge and said that he would DO
anything possible to bring the bridge
about. The bridge should be built, he
said. and he would be glad to Join any
body of men to work for this bridge
and take some Of the burdens on the
shoulders Of Senator Carleton.
Paul d. Sargent. chief engineer OF
the State Highway Commission, SAID
that he never heard the matter discuss
ed by the highway commission, but ne
knew that the commission was not IN
favor Of toll bridge anywhere In the
State. The commission would be glad
to see free bridge built at Bath, as
the present system is causing no end OF
trouble
CharI.e II Cshut ~ hath satd that