The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-07-22
Maine Law Celebration.


State, the friends Of temperance in this vii
lage determined to celebrate the day in a
manner becoming the occasion; which was
done by an Excursion to Watch Hill. We
would here take occasion to tender our
thanks for the polite invitation which we re-
ceived to join in the festivities Of the day;
though We have to regret extremely that
circumstances were such as to prevent us
from availing ourselves of it. But our read
ers will not have occasion perhaps to regret
it so much as we are able to lay before them
the following full and comprehensive report
Of the doings of the day, through the kind
ness of friend who was present, who will
please accept our thanks for the service
EDS. ECHo.]
The nineteenth day of July, 1852,
will be long remembered as a most i'm
portapt epoch in the history of Rhode
Island, for on that day the law for the
prohibition Of the sale of intoxicating
drinks in the State was ushered into
vitality. That such a day should be
appropriately celebrated by the friends
of temperance, the philanthropist and
those who have the welfare of their race
at heart is manifest. Under these con-
victiens the celebration of which we de-
sign now to write was determined upon.
The day dawned most gloriously-
may we not hope it was harbingcr of
the bright and benignant era upon
which we have entered. The friends of
temperance, in large numbers, were, at
the proper hour, seen vending their way
to the wharf at which the little steamer
lay which was to convey them to Watch
Hill-the spot selected for the celebra-
ton of the day. The trip down the
river was, without doubt, very delight
ful one, notwithstanding the short delay
occasioned by the low state of the water,
the steamer resting for some fifteen or
twenty minutes on the bar. Overcom-
ing this obstacle to her progress, we saw
her beautifully urging her way onward,
and, reaching her pier at the same time
we drove up to the hotel, the debarka-
ton of her passengers soon commenced.
A procession was formed-the beautiful
banner of the Pawcatuck Division of the
Sons of Temperance borne in front
each member of the Division and many
others wearing an appropriate badge.
On reaching the house, the assembly
dispersed to seek enjoyment in that way
most congenial to their fcelings-some
to walk, some to bathe, some to the
bowling alley. Mothers there were
seen, whose first care was to administer
to the wants of their little nurslings.
A beautiful day it was indeed /; the
fine bracing air, fresh from the ocean,
was highly invigorating. The sun shone
brightly, yet not with overpowering
force, the atmosphere was clear and the
eye could extend its power of vision to a
very great distance seaward and de-
lightful it is on such occasions to have
an opportunity to enjoy that most ex-
quisite prospect. Amid all this beauty,
the words of Moore occurred with great
force to the mind
Yet it was not that nature had shed Ger
The purest of crystal and brightest of green ;
Twas not her soft magic of streamlet or hill ;
Oh, no! twas something more exquisite still.
"'Twas that friends, the beloved Of nv bo-
som, were near,
Who made every dear scene of enchantment
more dear,
And who felt how the best charms of nature
improve
When we see them reflected from looks tha,
we love-"
The hum of business-likc proceedings
soon apprized us that it was time to re.
pair to the upper verandah that it was
in fact, dinner time. On reaching tha,
place, we saw a long line Of tables spread
with every thing which could invite the
appetite Of the most fastidious. The re-
suit proved there we're but few fastidi.
Gus appetites there. The tables were
well supplied, and the proprietor of tn,
house did himself much credit in th
preparation. The dinner was ably dis
cussed, there being but few voices hear,