Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-02-06

called upon. lie was right glad to come
from distant county, and join with the peo-
pie of Somerset county in the dedication.
Thought the court house was the true index
of civilization; it is the great safeguard of
the people. How much of our daily life and
comfort depend supon the proper administra-
! ton of justice. Shut up the court house,
stop the wheels Of justice, and dospotism pre-
walls. The court house stands between the
innocent man and the excited populace. He
closed by paying high compliment to Gov.
| Coburn and the Somerset bar.
Col. j. w. Spaulding of Richmond, said
he was bred in the northern part of this
county. He had never ceased to entertain
the liveliest interest in anything that pertai ms
to the welfare OF Somerset county. He was
glad that in the books his adopted county of
Sagadahoc stood side by side with Somerset;
they are inseparably connected in his own
mind. lie had always learned to honor and
cherish the name of Gov. Coburn.
Hon. j. c. Talbot of Machias, was thank
full for the opportunity to participate in the
impressive ceremonies Of this day. He had
never heard or read of such spectacle be-
fore Rich men, when drawing near TO the
close of life have often had an honorable am
bition to have their names transmitted to pos
tcrity; but here is an honest man, with a
while he lived. He thanked God that Gov.
Columns life had been spared to accomplish
his good purpose. The whole secret of his
lie is that he purposes, and then sets about
to carry out tie purpose. AS long as the
beautiful court house stands it shall stand as
a monument to al honest and noble hearted
man.
W. J. Copeland, Esq, of Berwick, spoke
Of tAe county Of New Somersetshire, where
the first court in Maine was held, now the
county of York. Coming from that county,
he thought he bad s0tae part in the judicial
grip that had been extended to the county of
Somerset to-day.
W. p Whitehouse, Esq, OF Augusta, said
that, in behalf ofthe bar and people of kenne-
bee, we had come to ningle our congratala-
tons with the people Of this county. All
counties inset here to-day with a common
sentiment in honor Of the great benetactors,
Hon. Abner Coburn, and Hon. Stephen Co.
burn. Dedicate the temple to justice. In it
is the signs of advancing cy!ilizatiOn-t hat
advancing spirit Of progress that tempers jus
tice with mercy; that holds to the doctrine
that society owes something to the criminal
besides vengeance.
Peter Charles keegan, Esq, TIE Prince of
Madawaska, was introduced. He thought he
had been put upon the platform merely for
county whore the sun rises, he would con-
graduate the county Of Somerset on their
rare good fortune.
Letters were read from judges Dantoglh
and Dickerson, regre.;ing their Inability to be
present, and extending their congratulations
and kind wishes.
This closed the exercises at the hall, the
large audience deciding that the crisp, racy
and pointed speeches were far preferable to
studied Grafton which until within a few days
was expected to form the central portion Of
the intellectual entertainment. In the inter-
walls between the speeches, the Skowhegan
Cornet Band and Morrscn's Orchestra dis
coursed excellent music.
SUPPER AND CONCERT.
The members Of the bar and invited guests
pa1took Of a supper at the Turner House,
gotten up in very fine style, and with due re-
gard to keen appetiteS and healthy digestion.
In tie evening complimentary concert
was given at CoIufu Ia!i, in honor Of the
dedication, bringing out ;he home talent. Of
which there seems tc he profuson in the
goodly town. The music, both instrumental
and vocal, is deserving Of all praise.
Thus closed the public exercises connected
with an act of generosity that has few coun-
in