Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-24

the whole or Frdnkun county, WHiCu
both Of these proposed routes would
pass through, is a scenic region to De
proud of. The route of the ARNOLD
Trail" so-called would go through
Kingfield, Stratton, Eustis and thence
so-called Dead River region. 1t Is q
scenic region and credit must be
given where due. But what must we
say Of this region in Franklin county
that attracts thousands OF tourists
and visitors every year, known as the
Rangeley Lakes region. This region
offers at the present time over twen-
ty-eight hotels and camps for the ac-
commoda tons of the tourists travel
that would be diverted over this
route.
It furnishes inducements for tour
lists to remain within our State. hav-
f, ing all the attractions Of fishing,
boating, mountain climbing. and
golfng, and has a scenic beauty that
attracts visitors to this region for
that reason alone. In brief, 1T Is
region that presents all tho attrac-
lions that our summer visitors come
here to enjoy, within the interior or
the State. At the terminus of the
present State and Federal Highway
which comes from Portland. Maine. to
Rangeley. the proposed Rangeiey
route would continue at the terminus
of this State and Federal Highway at
about a distance three miles from
Rangeley Village, and continue In a
northerly direction, passing by Quimby
pond, Johns Pond, Kennebago Stream.
Kennebago Lake, Seven Ponds
Stream and Seven Ponds. Thus.
opening up scenic section In our
State that at present is not available
to the automobile tourist.
The proponent of the kingheld
route continued by saying. that the
| RangeIey route would be extended
| from Oquossoc. In stating this. the
speaker was misleading his audience
from the true existence OF facts IN .ne
| location of the proposed road. Pos
sibly the opportunity was taken in an
| indirect way to invite thinking that
| might be linked with the seeming
| fear that has been aired at the road
| hearings in Eustis, that Pennington
would not want to share part OF the
prosperity OF such a highway with
| the town of Rumford. Meaning, OF
course, that at some future tina
Rumford might petition for high
way to Oquossoc. Even though this
were a true fact Of existence, the
proposition is too large to be viewed
from a monopolistic view point. This
talk Of a road from Rumford to
Oquossoc, has been used as one of the
| chief points of discussion by the pro-
ponents of the Kingfield route In get
= ting the support of the citizens OF the
county. To any person familiar with
the country from Oquossoc to Rum
ford, such a thought does not seem
practicable to hold in view. The outlay
! of such highway would not be muc.l
less than would be required for the
construction of the Canadian High
way itself. It would seem just as
logical for these people to believe in
the fear of a road from Rumford to
Oquossoc, il the Canadian Highway
should go via Eustis. Such con-
sideration is not thought of with any
particular advantage, considering the
/ fine road that is available from Rum
| ford, through to Weld and Rangeley
at the present time. The writer SIM
! ply mentions this fact about the
Rumford- Oquossoc road. not because
| it is believable project. but simply
| to bring out the fact that it is char
acteristic of the essentially provin-
/
from which public issues are often
discussed. 1t Is right and proper that
the citizens of the State understand
| these conditions thoroughly, in order
to arrive at the right conclusion.
| Viewing the proposition Of the pro-
posed Rangeley route. from the fact
F, that the present State and Federal
Highway from Portland to Rangeley.
| Is at the present time. the most d.
rect and shortest route that Is offered
in the State of Maine. that comes
within the proximity of the Canadian
border, why should this main line OF
tourist travel be diverted over a
road twenty-six miles 20 Eustis and
thence twenty-five miles further to
Canada, making a total distance of
| forty-eight miles. when At Rangeley
Village, the RanselAP route offers a
ro.A only Appropriately twenty eight
miles from the proximity of the Cana
dian border.
1t has been intimated by some, in
connection with these proposed
routes, that 1t would be better for
the county to settle the question Of
/ the location of route to Canada, be-
! fore going to the State for settlement
of the project. But II such were the
! decision TO De aplUSU py, IL WOulu pe
| time for the proponents Of the Range
| ley route to confess their helpfulness.
1t Is presumed that this is what the
! speaker, before the Auburn Chamber
Of Commerce inferred. by stating that
nothing further would be done in the
/ interest Of the Rangeley route.
Outside of Franklin county, the
proponents of the Rangeley route are
grateful for the support that has
! been rendered In the promotion of this
route The merits of the proposed
RangeIey route are the contributing
causes which have projected 1t to its
present range of support. 1t has
been endorsed by business men in all
sections of the State who are inter-
ested in the welfare and continued
prosperity of Maine. Such a road is
viewed as serving a common need.
Therefore, in summing up the
whole situation of the two routes.
! let US remove all sense Of personal
gain. all jealous thoughts, and selfish
motives, and view the proposition at
all times with a clear vision, and as
a state issue. The project of another
! road linking Maine with Canada is an
| important project to be considered. 1t
does not belong to private endeavor.