The Portland daily press., 1865-07-17
THE PROPOSED PARK.

To the Editor Of the Press: tss
When some weeks ago the subject of a park
was brought to our notice in the form of a
petition from many of the wealthiest and
most influential of our citizens we added our
signature to the list with pleasure, knowing
very well from the names on that perer, that
nothing was desired on the part OF the petit
tioners but the greatest good of the greatest
number" and we felt then that the subject
had only to be presented to the City Govern
ment in order to have passage, and the re-
/ quest granted. Since then we learn that some
opposition has been made to it on the part of
the authorities, how much we cannot say, but
enough to effect the object for the present at
least. The objections made, some Of them at
any rate, have weight, were the matter in
other hands than it is; but the projectors are
sufficiently well known to all in this city, and.
we feel assured that the design and intention
of this object, if successful, win be made salts
factory to the most fastidious 4ssINs
One objection is, that a park at one ex-
treme of the city should not be paid for equally
by residents in remote localities. We regret
that such an objection should ever have been
j
thought of, much less urged. 1t is impossible
that any public ground or building can be To-
Gated in front Of every residence in the city,
though wherever placed, the whole COMMUNE
ty have access to the same. As well might
we oppose the national monument now in
the process of erection at Washington, on the
ground that it is not in front of our house,
therefore we will contribute nothing towards
completion. Such ideas are not worthy of the
g times nor the occasion. ia 4 eis Is oars,
However, these points are not relevant to
the view desired to be expressed now. We
wish to say a word upon the hygienic benefit,
the healthful influence it will be to this com
munity. We are aware that our whole city is
park in itself; that from the ocean, and the
mountains there comes to us air pure and in
MIGRATING, making us strong. We are not dis
turbed by any any epidemic diseases, and mo-
miasmatic atmosphere enters our houses, deci-
mating our households But this is not enough;
we want some particular spot where we can
assemble and have the beneficial influence of
amusements, to stir the blood and quicken the
pulse: a place where we can meet and forget
care, fatigue and business, and for the hour feel
that we are living for something else than toll,
mingling together old and young, laying aside
the sombre cormfenance of age, with its vicis-
STUDIES and perplexities, and sport with the
children, and if you please watch the quick
and strong step of the feet horse, telling us
more plainly than words can, the effect of ex-
ercise. We are too slow in this country in
these particulars. No nation on the face of
the earth has less outdoor exercise than our
own. All other nations have their holidays
for these same sports, races, games, skating,
&c. a
Do let us rise above this hum-drum way of
living, if possible; look upon everything that
is beautiful in nature as though we felt its in
fuence, and not call him fool who would
point out the beauties of landscape. or the
glory Of sunset. Let us have this park then,
and repair there daily, joining in the rational
amusements which its friends win offer. and in /
winter have It flooded and go there and skate,
men, women and children.
Let us have some other topic ofthoucht than
money, the price of gold and stocks; and other
amusements than merely counting over the
rents of our houses and stores. These sugges-
tons are good, however poorly expressed, and
the sooner we adopt them the better we shall
be every way. The moral effect win be felt as
strongly as the physical; for no man can be
sound morally who has a morbid physical
condition. Thus we shall be lifted as a spring
board lifts us, and our cares, our business. our
difficulties viii be lightened, and we shall live
better, we shall be better.
Our city fathers have only to be told these
things, If they do not see them already, and at
once grant the prayer of the petitioners
DON'T let them look merely at its pecuniarys /
advantage or disadvantage, for that win right |
itself; for while we commend generally their
desires and views on economy, In this act they |
win find that economy viii come in another
form. they will find 1t in the enthusiasm Of
the people, the smile Of enjoyment, and the
contented look of the participants of these
wholesome, life-giving recreations. C.