Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-12-14
Portland Correspondence.
PORTLAND, Dec. 2, 1875.

Ii seems little strange TO be waking
on stone and brick pavements alter hav'
ing put on our winter legs up in old
Oxford. But stranger sensation still is
experienced as one treads upon the glazed
surface OF tho walks and finds himself
vainly endeavoring TO maintain foot
hold and regain his disturbed equilibrium.
Skating is the only proper method oil
progress in Portland at this season OF the
year. The good people scatter sand and
ashes upon the walks to render them safe,
but few hours sun is sufficient to sink
these below the surface, and when evening
comes they are buried in CLASSY casket,
there to deceive but not to aid. Ashes
combining with the melted ice form lye
which is bad for soles, but better than
tumbles. Only forty.ive miles from
Paris Hill, buried in huge drifts. and not
a particle of snow visible. IT'S passing
strange.
We can hardly step into the street or
take car without meeting Oxford County
people. Everywhere we find them, hon
ored and respected, filling high places in
business and social life. This is so true
that a man from Oxford County finds
welcome everywhere even among stran'
gers.
One OF the finest buildings in Portland
is the Custom House. Our government
has reason to be proud OF so finely built
and elegantly decorated an ediice, and
the people have reason to be proud OF
government which has the good Judgment
to beautify its places OF business as well
as to build them in substantial manner.
Collector Washburn has q room which is
furnished like parlor, and in which he
receives his guests with that urbanity and
hearliness so natural to the distinguished
gentleman. Capt. Ripley of Paris is in
the Weigher's room. and several other
Oxford County gentlemen are in the
employ OF the Government, among whom
is A. L.Burbank, Esq, formerly Clerk OF
the Courts for this County.
Col. Shaw formerly of the DEMOCRAT
and lately of the ChriStia" Mirror is doing
good work in the State holding meetings
under the auspices Of the Young Mems
Christian Association. He is an earnest
Christian gentleman. and has entered into
the work with the feeling of special
call, hence we may expect great results.
He has the best wishes Of host of friends
in this section, whatever may be his future
calling.
Portland boasts Of large number OF
good hotels, among which are the Pfeble
House, Falmouth, and ST. Julian euro
pean.) 1t hardly seems possible that the
city has business to support all these frs!
class public houses but they have been
in operation so many years their existence
is assured If not demonstrated necessity.
Another thing which strikes the visitor IS
the absence of any bar or visible place to
purchase intoxicants. We do not say il
is impossible TO secure liq1or, but the
sale is out lawed and public sentiment Is
so opposed to the use of liquors, that il Is
all secret-certainly much better plan
than that OF having an open bar such As
is seen in other States.
There are many pleasant places for
visitors in Portland. but this is bad time
OF year to see them.
The numerous churches and societie:
are now in the glory OF sociables, fair:
aud lecture courses. The best talent in
America is 10 be found upon Portland
platforms. "Wednesday evening Dr.
Holland lectured on Hobbies" and
Thursday Wendall Philips on "S.reer
Lie in Europe" The Portland Museum
is in operation every evening, and pre-
sents many of the popular dramas OF the
day. A determined effort is being made
to give this museum sufficient support &c
make it a permanent institution. Ger
tainly the people oil Portland have nc
need TO complain from lack OF sufficient
amusement.
A tour through printers exchange
always has q particular interest to US. but
would only entertain our readers as they
could examine for themselves the i'm
mense engine. the numerous presses and
the great men who are to be found within
its sacred precincts. We even End Ok.
ford County represented there by q goodly
list of delegates.