The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-09-21
Dear Democrats:


Some of the friends of the establishment,
which is called water cure by some, but more
properly the Home, thought proper TO furnish
and present Mrs. Hayes carpet for the front
parlor of the Home. A goodly company as
ssmblcd in the afternoon from Shalersville
and adjoining towns; the carpeting was soon
cut to match, and the many nimble fingers
that piled the needle had the long seems clos
ed in hurry. Then some of the men were
called in with hammers and tacks, to assist in
putting It down, which was done in good style,
next came supper of which some one hundred
and twenty partook with mach apparent sat-
isfaction.
After supper the company was called to or
der, by Abner Horr, Esq, when the carpet
was formally presented to Mrs. Hayes by
Sam1. Strawder, Esq, of Rayenna, in the fol.
lowing speech Mrs. Doctor Hayes-It is
happy thought to krow that the constitu-
tion and laws of your country guarantee to
you, the privilege of meeting with your friends
at such times and places. as may suit your
convenience, where they may sympathize with
you in adversely, and rejoice with you in pros
perity.
Ladies and Gentlemen The American
Government is the best Government known 10
man, its leading feature is TO protect man in
his natural rights. Not so with the govern
ments of the old world maintained by hire
ling soldlery. their main object is to protect
the nobility and aristocraey at the expense ol
the people.
The American Government is sustained by
the intelligence of the people. Intelligence is
the spear, and the schooI-master the soldier
Let me say to you all, teach your children
to love the constitution of this Union, to cher
ish it as the sheet anchor of liberty, the hope
of the world.
Madam-Permit me in behalf of this au
dience as a token of their regard and friend
ship, to present to you this beautiful carr e'
upon which we stand, and which SO appropri
ately and completely fits this room, and covers
this floor in place of the one that so recently
thro' and by pecuniary misfortune, stern cold
hand of the law has taken away
To which Mrs. Hayes, replied as follows
Donors and friends Your present il
thankfully received and duly appreciated. Il
would be unreasonable to expect a period o
thirty. one years to pass with the most favor
ed, without disappointments and adversities :
A few days ago, scud of adversely swep
from our parlor the furniture and carpet mucl
to the annoyance of all the inmates of tn
Home. .-,.s.-
But the events of this day have filed ou
hearts to overaowing. The friendly greeting
the sweet interchange of thought and recir
rocations of love and friendship, shall b
treasured deep in the heart of a mothers a
fection, and taught to her children with tru
christian devotion. l have the pleasure {
rendering to you the unanimous love aud IT
spect of all the inmates of the Home
A call was then made for expressionn
sentiments, when the following toast was giv
The SHALERsvILLE WATER CURE
In the absence of drugs, may its inmate
find health in the skillful application of tn
pure element furnished by nature and ma
their comfort be increased by the use of til
carpet, furnished by the hands of friendship
[Applause.I
By guest-Doctor Hayes
By the countenance of friends, NAV he /
encouraged to presevere in his labors until
shall be able to free himself from all emba
rassment. a
The above was responded to by Doct,
Hayes, in q very feeling manner, assurir
those present that no exertion should be spa
ed on his part to satisfy all to the uttermo
farthing, as speedily as possible, SO far as y
cuniary affairs were concerned. But was
der debt of gratitude to his friends whie
he could never pay
Doctors, Prentiss, Alcorn, and Beldi o. wei
present and each made very appropriate r
marks upon matters in general, and the me
ical profession in particular, showing Il
friendly and fraternal feeling that does al
ought to exist among the profession. One
Doctors was disposed to criticise the fiji
toast, about the absence of drugs, when
was satisfied on the sui ject by II . ii Stever
ESQ, who assured him that the drugs we
absent of which he could satisfy himself
going into the office. Mr. Stevens con,inu
his speech in vein of humor, that brong
out frequent bursts of applause.
After hearing remai ks ON others enl
ened as the whole proceedings were, by ex
lent music on lie Piano. the con p, ny d
persed at an early hyur feeling that they hs
had a good time in general, and harmed
one. ~
IAIjfpSVIJI Il