Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-01-08
REGARDING SEN. CARRIERS
CONCLUSION

SSNSLOStSN
The need of further development of
Names hydro electric possibilities
is, we assume, quite generally UNDER
stood; the need of bigger demand
to warrant capital in undertaking
development on a large scale-and
development on large scale is said
to be necessary to economical produce
tion-is obvious if one will but con-
slider all the conditions. But how
bigger consumption may be secured
with advantage to all concerned is
an important question about which
opinions may differ.
Those of Senator Carter of Lewis
ton, report of which may be found in
another column, afford food for
thought and should contribute
toward a solution. Such a solution is
greatly to be desired. The sooner
it may be had, with whatever of safe
guards may be proper, the better for
Maine. 1t is gratifying to note a
rising interest in the matter, a dis
position to seek for the truth, to view
the matter from all sides so that the
voters may act intelligently when
the time arrives.
Many Maine people. who had given
the Interstate Commerce Commission
little thought until confronted by the
effect Of Federal regulation in the
case OF railroads and telephones, now
appreciate in some degree the sig
nitcance that would attach to
Federal regulation of Names hydro
electric energies.
We should desire to do our part to
Cooperate with capital seeking to
develop Names possibilities; we
should desire to do this intelligently,
with no purpose to hobble- such
enterprise, with every wish to en-
courage 1t, but with recognition that
there now is in our keeping the KEY
TO great possibilities and the re-
sponsibility to do the best we may
with that which really is a part of
Names heritage, along with her
scenery, her soil and other resources,
Once the waterpowers were as much
an asset of the State as now are the
potato fields of Aroostook. But a
way was discovered by which much
OF that asset might be transmitted
out Of the State. More, it is now
evident that for the immediate pres
ent it is necessary, in order profitably
to develop that asset, to seek wider
market. But in doing that we will
be well-advised to consider that the
varied use of electrical energy also
is widening. that it is by no means
impossible that a. way be found for
using it economically for heating
purposes.
Such recognition does not lead to
the conclusion that those who wish
to do this are seeking to exploit our
State and give nothing in return !;
does not mean that they are not the
very kind of men we need to help
us, but how may we best be of
mutual help? How may we properly
prevent this great asset from running
to waste?
Whether Mr.. Carriers opinions be
correct may now be ascertained, he
having expressed them so that flaws
IL flaws there be, may be detected
We need opinions from those, who
are informed. that these too may be
put to a SIMILAR test. The interests
DESTROYS Of Sending power out Of the
State have frankly stated their case
we assume, but this possibility of the
camel of Federal interference with
Names affairs getting its head with
in the tent is phase involving. II
seems, comprehensive understand
ing Of both Federal and State laws
Senator Carriers conclusions are
plausible and we take them to be
well-grounded, yet the layman, ever
the editor, would do well to hesitate
to assume that there be no flaws be-
cause he does not detect them, that
Mr.. Carter may not have overlooked
something in his study of the stu
ton.
Just what may we depend upon as
we'll established facts? The sooner
we may get at these and act upor
them the better.