Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-11-28
Then let ne be mindful not to separate the Pitts

with plenty are still very poor. W e should deSlr,
those things that God would give, and not those
things onged for by the unframed thoughts anC
| the unchastened affections. \ man without the
| true bread, is poor indeed, though his garner:
may be running over. We should put bounds or
our desires, and ask, "Does God design that
should fill this place I" or that our possessions
should not be so large as to make us proud, 50
small as to make US dishonest or so circumsclibed
as to make us forget the rea and true blessing.
One secret of happiness is in having a content
ed mind, and to leave to Gods disposal as to how
much we shall have of those things that are count
| ed great in this world.
| From this subject the true ground of all thank
fulness becomes apparent. Temporal prosperity
| is no index of thankful heart The mercies OF
the Lord are manifold to nation and lndividuals-
| we cannot conceive of them--but we are to be
thankful, not for what these blessing are of them
selves, but what they are to us as gifts from God
Heterogeneous and sorrows belong to our thorny
| nature it is marvel that we do not have more
| God keeps us from evil, and envrons us with the
protection Of his arms.
Finally, these DAYS of commemoration are al
so days Of remembrance of the dead, as well as
the living. Sadaess is mingled with joy IN all
these Thanksgiving seasons. Let not sorrow hang
heavily; let faith tighten the burden and hope OF
the great gathering where there will be no more
DEATH comfort and cheer the soul.
AT THE INSANE HOSPITAL.
The Thanksgiving party at the Hospital, given
by the Superintendent was more largely attended
than ever before More than two hundred were
present, of whom one hundred and twenty eight
were patients Among the guests present, we no
ticed Rev. DIR. Quinby and family of this city, also
Messrs Chase and Nye, the former Of whom is of
the Board of Trustees Of the Institution, and the
Rev. Mr.. Gage Of lewiston
This party is the great occasion of the year with
the patients; it is anticipated with much interest
for weeks previous, and is the staple of converse
ton for long time after; and serves q very val
nc hla in tom orari1y oh the
Of thinking and feeling on the part of those at
tending. The nee ssity of suitable place for
such a gathering was never more urgently felt
than Thursday evening, when the crowded parlors
ofthe Superintendent and the hall adjoining made
the passage from one point to another an almost
impossible task. 1t Is to be hoped that since the
building originally designed for furnishing hall
where the patients can come together for sellglous
services and amusement, has been turned to other
uses, tha speedily in the proper place, such a
building shall be erected as shall serve for the pur-
poses already mentioned. No appropriation the
State could make would serve better use than
this. The reception of Thursday evening was Of
the most enjoyable character.
At seven O'Clock the female patients were re
ceived in the parlors of the Superintendent, by
the worthy doctor and his wife. They were fol-
lowed by the male patients who came forward
with smiling faces, evidently anticipating the good
time that was before them. l. would be i'm
possible to give any full description of appearance
lowed to make such arrangement for his toilet
as he chooses. In the case of some Of the ladies,
weeks must have been spent IN preparation, with
a result in some instance that made apparent that
all the folly and groesqueness of dress, Is not
confined outside the walls of an insane asylum.
In many cases, however, good taste, as to style
and arrangement was particularly noticeable. The
quiet demeanor of the patients, the absence OF
beisterous confusion. such as would ordinarily be
expected in such company, was also noticeable
during the entire evening.
Soon after the company assembled, the merry
tones of the violin called the dancers to the tloor
and the hearty zest with which many OF the pa
tients kept time to the music, furnished not only
evidence of their love for the dance, but also IN
bounded merrment to those who did not join with
them. At nine o'clock they returned to their re-
spectve galleries, and the attendants with their
friends repaired to the room occupied as the chap
ell, where some time was spent in recreation and
various amusement.
A pleasing episode occurred during the evening
which must have added one new thing at least, 20
he thanktdlness Of the worthy chaplain, Rev
Mr. Penney. He was invited to the paIlor to WIT
ness what promised as a pleasant entertain
ment, when elbowing his way along, he came sud
denly into the presence of the Superintendent 5
little daughter, Mary, standing upon chair, who
10 his utter surprise commenced addressing him
in the neat little speech following:
REV. AND DEAR CHApLAIN;-lo GU Will scarce
expect one SO young to address you on such an
when tell you that your friends at the hospital
have desired me to relate little story of some
things that green. They are not green beans,
green peas, or green grass, or green leaves OF
which speak, foI those have gone. The chilling
frosts of autumn have changed them all. There
are other green things more enduring, evergreen
things, green in autumn, green in winter, green
in spring, and green in summer. They always
delight the eye and gladden. the heart. They feed
the body that keeps the soul, they give US meal
al 1..11
my hands specimen of these green thngs-some
call them green acks-whch have the honor TO
present to you on behalf of your hospital friends
who are fully assured that it is more blessed to
give than to receive. Accept them, please as a
hearty free cjU offering.
The sum placed in his hands was fifty dollars.
The good man was evidently completely surprised
not having the least suspicion of the entertainment
to which he was a moment before invited, but re-
sponded in brief reply. Mr.. Penney has served
as chaplain in the hospital almost six years, and
this voluntary expression Of esteem and friendship
must have been grateful as it was unexpected.
INCIDENTS AND SPORTS OF THE DAY.
The seighing was pretty fair, and many there
were that improved 1t. State street made
tro,ting park for numerous festive turnouts.
Everybody seemed in most happy frame of mind
and for such fast driving commendable caution
was exercised. One arrest made for fast
driving. Mr.. Norcross Of the Wright x Norcross
farm in Manchester, was hauled up by an officer
for violating the city ordinance in driving his
trotter too rapidly through Water street. He
promptly paid his fine of two dollars, and was af-
forwards satisfied to "go slow"
Skating was a sport that was largely entered in
to and greatly enjoyed Thanksgiving day.
For mile in extent, the brook above Wyman's
mill was covered with persons of all ages entering
with life and spirit into the sport Of skating.
There was the expert, who conscious of his ability,
gided about among the 'lesser lights, "cutting
the pdgcon's wing" marking his name on the
clear ice, as with the point Of diamond, skating
backwards as rapidly as forwards, and cutting up
the various antics proficiency in which is only
TO be acquired by long, patient practice. And
there was the average or medium skater who was
contented with his lot if he were able to skate
right straight ahead without encountcring any Sc
rious draw backs. This was by far the largest
class on the ice. There was respectful number
of beginners who were taking their primary les
sons in the graceful art the main desire OF these
individuals seemed to be to ascertain the sound
ness of the ice by falling thereon, full length
These presented most grotesque and ludicrous
appearance. We should Judge that during the
day some five hundred persons listed the ice
feld-lades we'll as gentlemen girls as we'll as
boys, taking advantage of the warm pleasant day
to enjoy the exherating and health-giving sport.
The newly organized Richardson's Orchestra
gave ball IN the evening at Meonan Hall.
There were about seventy couples present, the
best Of order preserved, and all seemed to