Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-05-02

ing.
| AS an additional testimonials, of confidence
ard satisfaction, the class likewise presented
Prof. Vaudeville with valuable gold chain.
JAMES OLIVER Chairman.
NELSON A WEST, Secretary.
| Bath, April 10, 1850.
| Furnished fortie Eastern Tunes.
Report of the Seamcn's Friend
Society of Bath.
! The last year of the Seamen's Friend So
ciety ended in gloom, and the dawn of the
present came with dark and cloudy sky
AT the last annual meeting lew earnest
souls assembled, weighed down with anxiety
Tor the future, feeling that they had long been
working against wind and tide, and II no
more stout arms volunteered TO make "a long
pull and strong pull the enterprise must
be abandoned. But after a review OF the
wants and claims of that class Tor which they
had labored with an untlinchiag zeal, and a
conviction that they were doing what must
and ought to be done, and therefore were not
at liberty to do otherwise even under OBSCURE
aging circumstances, they determined to work
on while the day lasted, believing thar the
few seeds scattered, though sown III tears,
would IN due Time spring up and gladden.
them with plentiful harvest.
! Since that meeting one whose sympathles
were ever with us-whose hands were ready
10 help, and whose words often cheered those
who were about to faint 10y the way-has
passed from US forever. Her seat this day is
vacant, her voice to us is silent, but it doubt
less floats above and around US, saying, with
celestial terver-'onward.' And her spirit,
purified from earthly dross, fingers wIth us
she sees things as they are-no seli-lnterest
creeping in 10 warp her Judgments. We
know not who of these working ones may
next follow her to the spirit land but we do
know that if we are not up and doing with
all our might, the end for which we aim can
never be brought about. No good in any
shape can be accomplished without effort
and sel.-sacrtice. If we do not constantly
struggle and strive against adverse winds we
shall gain no Roadway in our course, the
careless, homeless, warm-hearted sailor will
year after year walk our streets, and lie
down in the cutters with none 10 take him by
! The hand and point 10 him the flag HAT waves
proudly over the 'Seamens Home.
| While glancing at the doings and events oil
the pas: year, we cannot forget one voice that
rang OUT louder than the clang OF tempest,
startling with its solemn sound, not only the
member. of this society, but the whole com
munity about US. A gloomy day was that
day in November, when, after a strong wind
had long swept over the sea, heavlng II into
mountain waves, the ship Hanover went down
into lis depths, carrying with IL many brave
heart. Who that witnessed that scene from
the shore, or heard it described, did not ex-
claim from his heart-'God have mercy on
the sailor. There were those who under a
calm sky were wont 10 turn deaf ear 10 the
voices who plead for the sailor. who in that
day of deep darkness and sorrow heard the
sharp cry of the widow and orphan far abov e
the sound OF the tempest, as rebuke never
10 be forgotten. They felt then what we trust
they will feel forever, that all this talk about
providing for the comfort of seamen, when
they come from the long perilous voyage, is
not TO be unheeded, or laughed at as idle and
useless.
The dongs of the last year furnish us with
reasons for encouragement. Augusta sent us
garments made by their industrious fingers,
which went towards ciolEing sailor i'll and
destitute, at the Marine Hospital i'll town.
And kind words have come 10 us from many
towns around us, which will be followed
by gifts whenever we may have a house 10
receive them. A Levee was gotten up last
November, by the members OF the Society
assisted by many other ladies' and some gen-
tlemen. A very large number Of citizens
were present. Addresses were made by
Father Taylor of Boston, Rev. Mr.. Ellingwood
and D. c. Magoun Esq, the latter kindly
presiding OH the occasion. Letters EXPIRES
sve of interest in the society and its object,
were read from gentlemen in town who were
unable TO be present. Several gentlemen
furnished us with delightful music. One
~ 81
and as this was 10 go towards establishing a
Sailors Home, SIS which was given some
time since by the old S. F. S. for the same
purpose, was added, which with donations
from various sources, and taxes, amounted to
more than $3.50. With this sum, three shares
of preferred stock in the p. and X. r.
Road. were purchased, according to the adj
vice Of Il number OF gentlemen. But the in
fluence of that gathering on the community,
was far more TO the cause than gold. Al
that time it was revealed that many heart
that had not before spoken out. had the in
lerest of the sailor in lis keeping and some
who have looked upon plans as visionary
before, now have their sympathles enlisted
in the matter. Indeed much has been done
the past year IN removing prejudces that
have been cherished long against the society
Home cannot be supported. though it
comes with fainter accent. On the other
hand the inquiry is often heard from good
temperate SALES.--FUTURE can we find good
respectable sailors boarding house 2 Must
they always be answered there IS none. Are
there not hands, and hearts, and pockets
ready to furnish The where withal 10 establish
a Home that may gather around its hearth
stone many weary wanderer, who will be
made better by its influences? We know
the hands and hearts have long been ready.
and we trust line pockets will soon yield up
their treasures. la the meanwhile let us
press on with new zeal. and he who holdelh
the sea id his hands will be our strength and
guide.
Bath, April 9th, 1850.
T CLARKE has just made large agd impor-
tant additions to his stock of Books Stationery
and Fancy goods SEQ advertisements