Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-20

ton. 1t is one of labor rather than Of honor.
1t is true, too, that the institution has re-
ceiyed upwards of $50 900 from the State.
The first appropriation of Sl5 900 was given
on condition that we raise $1,000. This was
promptly done, AMI the State has the eXclu-
sive benefit of this gift in addition to many
smaller sums
Moreover, by the opportune establishment
OF our institution, we are soon expecting TO
receive legacy from England, the benefits
of which will all 90 to the needy and orphan
children of our own State, and which would
have been lost to us had not this asylum been
established at the time the will OF lloratlo
Ward, Esq, was made.
The writer of the communication above
referred to, seems troubled that no reports or
accounts had been rendered up to the 10th
day of January. If he he'd inquired, he could
have learned that the years financial ac-
count had been some time in the hands of the
Governor and Council when his communca-
ton appeared. The account and vouchers
had been examined, and the Treasurer had
received a letter from one of the Hon. Coun-
cilors, saying that all was correct.
The writer next says Il am informed that
substantial iron fence has been built
around the asylum by one of the Trustees"
This is true. There is a substantial iron
fence, of beautiful pattern put up in the
most thorough manner. The Trustees de-
liberated some time before doing this. After
proper consideration. it was thought better
to build a substantial iron fence rather than
cheaper wooden fence. l hope this action
will not be generally thought unwise As to
employing one of the trustees to build the
fence, Gen. Hyde. brave soldier in the late
war, the fact was as follows: Gen. ii. had
Just contracted to build the fence around the
in, ~; c;t
manufacturers in Portland, and suppose he
could not have received the contract unless
his offer had been as low or lower than the
other competing firms He then offered our
board to build at tle same rate, deducting 10
per cent. which was accepted, because we be-
lieve these to be the best terms we should be
able TO obtain.
The last objection brought forward, is that
of deed of the property of the institution.
1t is true that a second deed was made be-
cause the first was not entirely satisfactory
to the Governor and Council. The Attorney
General sent us such deed as would be sat
isfactory to all, yesting the entire right of the
property directly in the State of Maine.
This was at once executed, and put re-
cord in the Registers Office, in the county of
Sagadahoc, and then sent to Augusta. If that
copy cannot be found now, am by no means
sure that it is our fault In any event it is
an easy matter to have another copy taken at
this office and sent to Augusta. | am not
aware tina. there has been any serious difficult
ty whatever attending the making or execu-
ting this deed, and think there cannot be
shadow of doubt about the legal title of the
State to the entire property
In closing, the writer disclaims any opposi-
ton to the object of the asylum in Bath.
Why should he have any opposition? Why
should any of lis have any opposition to it?
How can we have any opposition? Is it pos
sible that any man can be found in the State
of Maine opposed to the contribution of the
small sums of money necessary to support
and educate the orphans of those who have
laid down their lives to save the country?
What meagre payment we can make at best.
How little we can do. Can we do less than
take care of the children of those who have
died to restore to us and our children united
country? | do not see how we can.
Let us then all unite in doing all we can for
the children OF those who have done so much
for us. If the institution where these child
rem are gathered is not managed discreetly,
let it be put into the hands of those who are
wiser and better. Those who now have it in
charge, have endeavored to be faithful and
economical and to manage its property and
all its affairs, according to their best ability.
If they have failed, it is the result of errors
of the head and not of the heart We have
no doubt there are wiser and better men in
the State, men who could do more for the
true welfare of the institution than we are
doing. We would gladly welcome them to "a
participation in, entire control of its affairs
But l may express the hope that no word
will be uttered or act done against the institu-
ton itself and its best interests on account of
the faults or impertections of those who have
the charge of it. All are also cordially in
vited to visit us and make suggestions and
give us the benefit of their wisdom.
SAMUEL +. Dixie.
Bath. February 10th, 1871.