The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-04-11

THIS is an age Of philanthropy and beneyoience.
spirit is going forth in all parts of the world to
enlighten the ignorant, correct the vicious, ana
guide the wandering---to cultivate the fruits oil
peace-to plant the olive, the bay and the myr-
tie. At no period of history have there been so
many means as are now exerting their influence,
to improve society and ameliorate the condition
of men; in this glorious work no form Of govern
ment claims pre- eminence, and no sect has exclu-
sive privileges. In this country, institutions have
been established to strengthen the moral tone OF
the community by encouraging frugal, industri-
Gus and virtuous habits gentlemen of high
standing and chsracter-practical men-have
united their exertions to raise up barriers against
the encroachmonts of unhooded vice, and the
more dangerous, because more insidous, attacks
Of slow but destructive habit Whatever can
strip temptation Of its meretrcious allurements,
and give ardour and strength to virtuous resolu-
ton, will find support in the prompt encourage
ment of liberal minded men, whose bosoms swell
with pure feelings of patriotism-with desire to
promote the best interests Of their country and
the welfare Of man. This enlarses the operation
Of human usefulness, and gives US life, by the
good we may have rendered to the public, long
after our hearts have ceased to throb and our
hands to execute their purpose. In addition to
the many excellent institutions, which are alrea-
dy in successful operation, the Mechanc .assoeia-
tion have the honor to suggest another for public
improvement, which promises to be no way infe-
q, -.
dency Of its design and the extern. ofits influence.
II is not four months since the idea of establishing
Libraries for the benefit Of Apprentices and those
who were excluded from the ordinary means Of
acquiring information, was first presented to the
public. Boston has the credit of commencing in
this country these institutions, and its example
has already been initiated by New-York and
Philadelphia. liza general principle, il is cor
rect, that knowledge advances the happiness of
men, improves their moral condition, and render.
them better members Of society, and more worthy
the great objects Of their creation, then the more
this knowledge is extended, the more are the ele-
waited purposes Of existence promoted and secur-
ed. But to notice the particular design Of the
Mechanic Association in recommending a similar
establishment in this town, the committee remark
that apprentices here have much leisure time,
which is now wasted in useless amusement or
pernicious dissipation; by which they are Great
On Saturday last the Committee were pres
History, accompanied with the following poll
lowed by donations Of similar nature, until
tanned -
g Genfiemen-l learn from your Address, hant
establish Library in this town, for the benefit Of
ordinary means Of acquiring iniormation.-l eel
Volumes, entirely new with plates and if on exar
al, find any other books that will be useful, tn
lance Of such library will no doubt be duly estin
Your hum
To The Committee ofhe Maine Char
liable Mechanic association.
CHAMBERLAIN