The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1868-02-21

uncertain sound. for every vote thrown for the
Republican candidates win Be 30 much aid for
our New Hampshire friends, and 50 much dis
eom6ture for the copperheads over the line
there.
Yerk Institute.
A regular meeting Of this Society was held al
the Museum, Cslef Block. Tuesday evening. Feb
iih. The President called the meeting to or
der at eight o'clock. In the absence Of the
Secretary, Mr.. Charles II. BENNETT was elected
Secretary pro ten. The following gentlemen
were unanimously elected members Of the In
stitute Cyrus woodman (lIon. member). Of
Cambridge. Mas, J. p. Place Of Saoo. The
following donations 10 the Museum were an
nouncci An ancient decd Of land in South
Carolina, by Mr.. Geo. W. Hammond Of Cum
berisnd Mills policeman's hook, by Mr.. c.
II. bennett, saeo; specimen Of copper from
Lake Superior specimen Of marble, three spec
linens Of sea-i.land cotton, bark from old Elm
Tree. Boston Common, all by Mr.. n. NJ. Lowe,
Boston; copy Of manuscript Of Geo. Washing
ton by Mr.. Lawrence Jordan, Ssco piece Of
rope for graphing Atlantic Cable. BY Geo. v.
Jordan collection Of marine shells, one buffalo
horn and several minerals, also two ancient coins
by Mr.. Ephraim Harmon, Of ssco. Votes Of
thanks were passed to the several donors for
their valuable contributions. The Society then
listened to the following Essay by Mr.. II. W.
Bryant, Saco. He remarked that the Essay
Was written upon paper 81 years old.
The Importance Of cultivating o taste for
Archaeological research cannot well be overcsti-
mattel, for the success Of the historian must de-
pend in great measure npon the abundance
and quality Of the relics antiquities collected
for his use and when one Is to prepare the his
tory OF an individual, town or nation, II Is
quite necessary that he should become familiar
with every item concerning the life and exist
ence Of those OF whom he writes. for As the Rev.
Rufus Arts willmot 80 well expresses In his
charming and instructive essay ON the "pleas-
ures. objects and advantages Of literature"
"The biography Of q nation embraces all its
works. No tritie Is to be neglected. Antiqui-
ties which have been beautifully called history
defscel, compose the fullest commentary"
When compared with the old world, this
country Is yet but In its infancy, still we have
history Of nearly three centuries, and II Is Of
importance to comprehend fully how and why
We became settled here. Where did we origi-
nate, in what condition did we find the aborigi-
mes, and what traditions could we learn Of the
their origins. What progress and advancement
We made as . nation, how we trsinei our chill
drcn and what school books they used, how fast
our garments and wearing apparel changed In
fashion, how we made love and were married.,
how we prepared for war and went forth to
battle, how we TILED the soil and what tools we
were skilled In the use Of, how we male laws
and executed them. and how We preached the
gospel. and finally how we died and were bur-
led. Till this nineteenth century came In,
antiquarianism in this country was something
almost unknown and impractical. Our people
had stern necessity to gspple with, and to strug-
gle for foot hold and an existence, and their
thoughts constantly fixed upon the present and
the future they could give no thought or atten-
ton 10 the past. Now that we have proved
great success and are steadily advancing in
wealth, population, learning and refinement. 1T Is
well that we amass material for history and in
vestigate the progress Of civilization. Or late
years Archeologists have appropriated each to
himself speciality or hobby by way Of divis-
ion Of labor, for by this system most Is accom-
plishcl and the most valuable collections Of rel
les and antiquities arc formed.
The general student Of Archaeology is genu-
Inc lover Of everything old and are both Of for
eign and domestic extraction, and he carefully
preserves many things ordinary Observers would
term useless and uninteresting, but from which
he. the antiquary, can dis;il the most eloquent
sermon and invaluable axiom. How delightful
the sensation when one can for the first time
overhaul pile Of dust covered literature, the
Of generations and slowed away in
some forgotten corner, you meet with the rare
little school books now scarce because they SO
seldom last beyond one pupils study, and then
too often It's tattcrcd remains are thrown into
dust heap or usel in lighting irvs-then turn
up old sermons and funeral dscouscs, almanacs
reports, magazines, newspapers all valuable and
Outlines worth their weight in silver and even
gold, as instance the production Of the first print
ing press set up in Cambridge, Massachusetts,, in
1860. and the little tracts by Increase and Cot
ton Mather. Sometimes the dilliscnt seekers
may meet witty files Of letters, diaries, account
books LEFT by some man Of business and emf
nence. These are Of great value and illustrate
the progress Of events in sure and unmistaksble
manner. York County Ia rich Geld and will
doubtless yield an ample harvest Of invaluable
relics to those who win diligently CLEAN for them.
"No trihe should be regarded" Many Of our
good house wifes place to small an estimation on
the contents Of their garrcts and call Il all rub
bish and truck. Il Is peculiarly the province
Of this Institute TO collect and preserve every
thing that will illustrate the growth and pros
perity Of the county. the State and the Nation,
and all contributions Will be thankfully received
both Of relics and descriptions Of them.
A vote Of thanks was passed to Mr.. Bryant
for his interesting production, II was then
voted TO adjourn for two weeks. II was an
nounced BY the President that DR.. Goodale
would then illustrate the subject Of gun-cotton
and Illuminating powder, by chemical expert
mcnts.
Officers Of York Institute chosen at the An
nuL Meeting for the ensuing year:
Roscoe @. bennett, President.
George L GOcdale' Vice Presidents
Geo. =. Calef. Treasurer.
IT q. Nichols, Corresponding Scc'y.
John Hanscom, Recording Scc'y.
Chss. y. Green, Librarian.
Benjamin n. GOodale, Supt Of Museum,
"Be.-~r~ Of yiiders."
The trial scene from Dickens Pickwick, was
given at the City Hall on Monday evening last.
with marked success, the proceeds being devoted
to York Institute. We don't know to whom Is
IN be applel the title OF master of ceremonies on