Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-11-28
Dedication of the Amusement Hall al the Mllltar,
ASYLUM,

A>1iulu'
The new amusement hall at the National
Military Asylum, to take the place of the one
destroyed by fire in March last, is completed,
and was dedicated Saturday, the 18th inst, at
3 o'clock. 1t is fine structure, and was
built under the direction of Gen. VIM. S.
Tilton, the commandant. The basement has
a billiard hall for five tables, steam fire
engine room, a guard "house" and room
for police headquarters. The hall will seat
about five hundred, and has a stage and
balcony for the band; and has been beauti-
fully frescoed by Mr.. Hall of Belfast. Under
the Mansard roof is large sleeping room for
the inmates. From the tower fine view is
obtained of the grounds and surrounding
country.
At the appointed hour the hail was filled by
the veterans and the stage occupied by tie
invited guests, and the officers Of the institu-
ton with their families. After a selection by
the Asylum Band, prayer was offered by the
chaplain, Rev. G.. w. Barber. quartette
from Augusta, consisting of Miss Fanny
Baker, Miss Homan, Mr.. johnson and Geo.
sang patriotic piece.
Mr.. Barber then introduced the Hon. Lot
NJ. Morrill,, who made very pleasing adj
dress which was well received. We regret
that we have room for only a brief abstract.
Mr.. Morrill, said that through the courte
Gus invitation of your commander he had the
privilege of meeting these veterans. He was
happy to see so many of his country's defend
ers. We are here, as the Rev. gentleman
indicated in his prayer, to dedicate this house.
What does that mean? 1t means that we as
rational men set apart this place for some OBJ
iect; first to God, because it is custom, and
it is right to recognize the hand of God every
where. Man is a religious being; he wants
and needs a temple where he can 90 and com
mune with his Maker; it is a necessity of his
being. And this house so far as religion is
concerned is dedicated to the Father of US
ALL as here we are men without regard to
sect. Whenever you come here in the future
this is the highest sense to be cultivated; our
obligations are first to Him. We also dedi-
cate this to another purpose, to healthtul and
innocent amusement, and to variety of
these. Being a community you should come
together here to cultivate friendly feelings.
This end will rebound to your good.
You have been in your country's service,
and you will continue to regard the interests
of your country, and in whatever you are en-
gagged, here you will always remember your
God and your country. 1t has been said that
it is sweet to die for ones country if it is so,
YOU ought to have the liveliest sense of the
position you occupy towards your country,
as many of you have stood tremblingly at the
very door of death.
You should also dedicate this hall to tenn
perance, as being next to the church, and
indeed part of it; temperance principles
should be cherished, and as you come to-
gether here you should renew your resolu-
tons of abstinence.
Located here together you can hear the
story of the suppression of the rebellion, anC
can, and ought to feel that you were par
of it. You have right to feel that you are
on the great roll of homer. When sad ant
dispirited you may feel that you are forgotten
but this is impossible; no one can be obscure