Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-05-16

10 inc amusement Iund mere are pledsdHt
offices for the different departments, IN con-
venient connection with each other, and adj
mirably arranged for business The reader
must bear in mind that the different apart
ments we have been describing are all within
the walls of the buildings surrounding the
square. We have not time or space here to
particularize in regard to several other mi
nor departments.
Gen. VIM. S. Tilton of Boston, brave and
gallant soldier of the war, is at the head of
the institution. In the administration of its
large and constantly increasing business, in
the improvement of the extensive farm con-
nccted with the asylum, now containing some
1900 acres, in planning and carrying forward
enterprises that will successfully develop the
charitable designs and benevolent objects of
the institution, in bringing about reform in
the habits of those who have become addicted
to the practice of drinking intoxicating IL
quors, Gen. Tilton has exhibited good judg-
ment, practical common sense, and keen
ness of perception that eminently fit him for
the honorable and responsible position which
he holds. When he came to the sylum he
found its affairs in loose and chaotic state.
From these he has evolved order and regu-
larity, and put the affairs of the institution in
condition that meets the approval of the
able board of managers, even after the most
crital examination. Every individual of the
400 men knows his duty, and is set about it
-, VII TO
perform it.
Capt. P. T. Woodfin, Secretary, has been
in his responsible position for more than
year, and has discharged the duties of his
office to the acceptance of his superior Off
Ger. Geo Schulcr, Steward, Thos. B. Wood,
Seargent Major and Clerk, and VIM. Van
Wagner, Clerk to Commandant, are all tried
officers. The accurateness of their accounts
attest to duty faithfully performed. Mrs. E.
A. Russell, matron, has held that position
since the organization of the institution. She
has a large place in the hearts of all who
have been the subjects of her kindly minis
frations.
\ glance at the buildings in process OF com
pleton and the projected enterprises will
show that the institution is yet in its infancy.
The amusement building is rapidly APP
preaching completion. 1t is two-stories high,
with French roof, built of brick. In the base
ment there are two bowling alleys, and bill
lard saloon, where the soldiers. non commits
sioners and other officers amuse themselves
when off duty. They furnish the means for
innocent amusement, and keep the soldiers
in the grounds, away from temptation abroad.
In the second story, and going up into the
French roof, is hall for dramatic exhibitions,
lectures and other public entertainments.
The stage is large and spacious; there are
galleries on three sides and seats will be fur
nished to accommodate 500 persons. This
building is also warmed by steam. There is
considerable dramatic talent at the Asylum
which will be brought out when this hall is
finished.
A large brick building is being erected the
upper story to be used as shoe mandatory
and tailors' shop, and the lower story as a
machine shop. ten-horse-power engine is
shortly to be put in for the purpose of run
ming the lathes and other machinery in the
shop. The manufacture of shoes will be
carried on quite extensively. Several of those
employed as field hands will enter upon their
old trades as soon as the opportunity is at-
forded.
A few RODS from the Asylum buildings
proper, a fine brick residence will be finished
about the first of June for the use of the Com
mandant. While most of the land is already
well drained, what is known as the Meadow, >"
is to be thoroughly drained this season. BY
means Of a portable railway portion of the
hin is to contribute To the improvement of this
meadow, and herds-grass instead of swale
grass will be the result. A reservoir is now
being constructed about one quarter of a mile
north of the Asylum building. for the purpose
of supplying the institution with water from
Grecley's pond. The reservoir will cover an
elaborate character, drawn by Clemens Her
shell of Boston. The water is to be confined
by stone dam and be made to flow from the
pond to a cement cistern to be constructed
near the house, from which it will be distribute
throughout the buildings. The expense of
the works will be between $4,000 and $780,
600
hall over large store house is used by
the recently organized division OF Sons OF
Temperance, and the post of the Grand Army
of the Republic. The gas for the buildings is
manufactured from gasometer on the prem
ises. The farming operations are managed
by Mr.. Geo. Douglass. The large brick barn
should be visited by every progressive farmer
who wishes to see model. There is some
choice stock of the Devon breed. Eighty fl We
head of horned cattle were wntered this
year. There are II new milch cows, horses,
, colts, 6 mules several yoke of oxen and
number of hogs, who have outlived the chol-
era which prevailed among them this spring.
About 100 acres of land will be cultivated this.
year. The farm produces 100 tons of hay.
1t can easily be made TO yield 500 tons, and
will be. Gardens are being laid out, new
roads made, and shade and fruit trees plant
cd Indeed inlnrOypmpDt is nynrywhara oh