The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-01-25

The attention of the public has been called
great many times within the past year to
the subject of Gymnastics; and the multipli-
city of circuses and other entertainments
which the people have been witnessing.
wherein the tlexbilty and endurance of the
human body have been shown, has attracted,
not only the special attention of the floating
population, or that class OF people who fire.
quent such entertainments merely to pass the
time away or satisfy the appetite for excite
ment, but the sound thinking men of the
times, who see something beyond the turning
and twisting Of the body and the exhibition
of human strength; who see the utility and
general usefulness of such exercises: the de-
yelopment of the muscles, the hardening of
the body, the gracefuhess of motion, and
other benefits which tend to realization of
perfect health and exemption from disease.
The fact that such entertainments are now.
more than formerly, witnessed and endorsed
by people who can fully realize the amount of
labor necessary to bring the body into perfect
training, and the benefits arising from such
labor, shows that what are called the sports of
the Athletes are justly appreciated. 1t is not
altogether the thrill which shoots through
the system at beholding the periIous evol,,-
tions on the elevated trapeze, or the excite
ment consequent upon double summerset in
mid air, which nightly fills our halls when
first class company adyertises to appear. 1t
is, in great measure, the satisfaction pro-
duced by knowing that such feats can be per-
formed; that the muscular system can be de
veloped to such degree. The gentleaany
department and talent, not only in their
especial profession but in general education
al view, of the Harlow Brothers, Leyantine
Brothers and others, show that the profession
is chosen by talented and respectable persons,
and the strict temperance principles required
and necessarily adopted in the profession,
tend to elevate it in public opinion.
This subject of gymnastic exercises has re-
eeived considerable attention from persons hav-
ing in charge the general welfare and educator n
OF the younger portion of our community,
andat Is no uncommon thing to Observe in our
well regulated public schools and colleges
throught the country, special apartment
for the physical cnlture of the scholars, who
receive a systematic course of training, and as
much attention as practicable is paid to this
apartment. Indeed, in our own city, atten-
ton has been paid TO this matter, in the con-
struction of our new. school ediices, and the
gymnasium is now an established institution.
One private school, the kindergarten, makes a
speciality of this branch of education. The
Portland Turnverein, an organization compos.
ed of our merchants, lawyers, physicians, and
others, and recommended by many OF our
leading men, receiving its support from peo-
pie who fully realize the important benefits
attending it, having one of the best furnished
halls for gymnastic purposes in the country
and under the management of well trained
and expert leaders, is an institution ofwhich
our citizens may indeed be proud. 1t is a
curious fact, that, although IT has been in
operation ten years, and il now composed OF
more than two hundred members, no serious
accident has ever occurred to any of its MEM
bers arising from the exercise; which shows
remark able degree of perfection in its man
agement and system Of training. 1t Is hoped
that this corporation viii continue to receive
the good wishes and favorable notice Of the
public, that those who are daily laboring in
its behalf may be encouraged to persevere in
their noble work Of improving the physical
condition Of our people.
Persistent and continued application to any
labor viii insure improvement and perfection
A number Of the members of the Turnverein
more jealous than others, have, after num-
Der of years of-assiduous attention, well earn
ed the name of gymnasts; and although not
calling themselves professionals, have received
the highest encoiniums ffom some OF the most
talented and expert of the profession VINO
have been invited while here to witness their
performances at their hall In Morton Block.
Not only those of the profession, but great
many of our own citizens, capable OF appre-
ciating the merits of first class performance,
J have endorsed these professional opinions