Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-02-01
Letter from AUGUSTA.
AUGUSTA. Jan. y. 1876:

The Capital OF our prosperous common
wealth presents q very lively appearance
during the present week. Several i'm.
portant hearings have been had before
the various committees, the County Com
missioue,s have been in session discus
ing Jail aAairs. and. at last. the Maine
Editors and Publishers assembled in their
might 10 see what should bu done by
chem TO advance TIE great interests oil
Maine. and 10 swell their capacious but
flat. sided wallets.
Thursday was one OF tho busiest days
during The session. ior Committees. The
Judiciary Committee gave hearing TO
tho petitioners from Oxio,d for better.
ment act. which WAS 10 give The village
distric! possession OF school house " h.ch
they had erected upon land belonging TO
lady. who declined 10 sell her property.
The case is 20 well known. in Nil is dc
tails. that it is needless Tor US 10 report
at length, the arguments and statements
presented by counsel. M.L.Luddon, Esq,
OF Lewiston. made very strong argu
men, In favor OF the act. Tue Commit
tee was tired aid heated BY listening Tor
so long time 10 arguments ia Il crow ded
room, aad wished 10 adjourn without
action; but Hon. j. Z. Swasey, Cnsir-
man, objected, on the ground that there
was so much business before the Commit
tee. A vote was ut last taken, aud re
suited in resolve 10 report Legislation
inexpedient. with only one vote in oppo-
sition, Mr.. Keegan ol Msdswaska voting
for the district. Thi5 settles the matter
and Oxford loses its school house.
In the evening there was hearing on
the petition 10 divide the town Of Web
ster, which also attracted much attten.
ton. The Committee did not adjourn
until ten o'clock. There was also hear
ing concerning temperance matters, in
Representatives Hall, during the evening.
The friends OF total prohibition presented
some strong arguments in favor oil in
Guiding cider and native wines among
prohibited beverages. The Committee
took no action in the matter. 1t is doubt
iul il any Legislature would pass such TN
act, as public sentiment is not sroDg
enough to day 10 enforce it.
The Editorial Association met in The
Senate Chamber, Thursday evening, and
held Two hours session, devotipg The
whole time TO business. Friday morning
there was another business session. and
in the afternoon Mr.. Simpson of the Bel
fast Journal read an interesting and yalu.
able essay. Quite large number of
members was present, aud the sessions
were very interesting. Friday evening
the Association accepted an invitation TO
hear Mrs. Scott Liddon's readings.
Augusta is particularly awake in social
matteTs this winter. Soeiables, recep-
tons and balls abound. Perhaps the
most attractive Of these gatherings are
the receptions given by the residents at
the Augusta House. The most fashiona-
bic and entertaining society is 10 be found
here, and these evenings are waited for
with much impotence BY those who take
part in The festivities. BY the courtesy
oil the proprietor Of the Augusta House,
the Maine editors were invited 10 be
present Oh Thursday evening.
Oxford County is well represented in
both House aud Senate this year. The
hardest worked man in the Legislature
is Hon John P. Swasey of the Senate.