The Portland daily press., 1864-03-18
COMMUNICATIONS.


Like sweeping, mighty river, bent on its
outward course to the great sea beyond, re-
gardless of the quiet ripping waters that CUR
gle over its banks from neighboring rivulets,-
regardless of the scented blooms that send
their sweetness far out into the morning air.
is the public mind of the present day. Stretch
ing onward, 10 its huge capacity for swallow
ing up gigantic events, it is liable to overlook
the untrumpeted affairs of life, and lose much
of the enjoyment which springs from that
steady flow of blessings that softens, daily, the
rugged path of man.
Such were my reflections, when, two weeks
ago, IL was my privilege TO visit the above
named institution, and TO be shown, with a
few friends, some of the minutia OF its opera
tions: for am much mistaken, if large por-
tion of our people, who are perfectly familiar
with the history of the rebellion-are not un-
aware Of the extent of advantages here COM
bined, for thorough practical education--as
well as reform-of those who are gathered in
to this friendly shelter from temptation.
We arrived at the hour of Sabbath School
instruction, and witnessed the devoted atten-
tions of those Christian laborers, who, under
the lead of Mr.. X. Holyoke, give several
hours OF each Sabbath to this noble work. The
close attention, and ready answers of the pu-
pils-their fine singing, and their evident at
tachment to their teachers-together with ap-
propriate remarks from several gentlemen
present, rendered the scene most Impressive
one.
The Hon. Charles Beale of the Senate, Chair
man OF the Vigilant Committee sent TO inves-
tigate the affairs of the institution, was pres
ent and addressed the school in very
feeling aud appropriate manner. he had Wis
tied the establishment on the previous day,
with other gentlemen OF the Committee, and
had evidently won the hearts of the boys-if
we may judge from the manifest pleasure,
with which they greeted him on this second
and TO them, unexpected visit. His remarks
clearly eyinced his fitness for the mission up
on which he was sent, and we could but fee
that his words would sink deep into the hearts
of those unfortunate lads, and be to them
green spot forever amid the desert of life.-
And we felt that more frequent visits of good
men and women to this school, would be not
only lively present pleasure, but positive
and abiding good.
Through the politeness of the Superintend-
ent and his excellent lady, we were permitted
view of the complete order and arrange
ments OF this establishment, for the comfort
and the moral and religious training of those
young, wayward minds-for we could not look
upon them as very deeply dyed in guilt-we
could not deem them shut out from society
and usefulness in life, as culprits, receiving
the punishment for their sins but rather as
class, that having been denied the advantages
of proper, early teaching, had slightly wander
ed toward the by-ways of vice, but had been
timely pucked from the opening abyss by the
hand OF wisdom, and placed upon rock of
safety, where they might strengthen and de-
velop for the great work of life, and finally
become, good citizens and firm supporters OF
law and order. And this thought should in
crease our love and admiration for our repub-
lican Institutions, and the wide benevoence
OF our people, as illustrated in this one agen-
cy of our free and loyal State.
May God bless the noble enterprise. and
strengthen the hands and hearts of all engag-
ed, whether officially or otherwise, in a work
so humane-and may they see daily the
growth of that rich harvest that shall finally
crown their unwearied efforts
VISITOR.