Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-11-01

succeeded its summer pleasures. The long, bright,
quiet days that were so sgreeably spent by the
sea, among the mountains and on the farms are
smong~ The memories of the past A few reluc-
tant ones still lnger in their rural homes, unwil-
ling to return TO the busy city. Truly, it is hard
after long days of leisure to pack the trunks fold
the tents, and say good-by to the woods the fields
the sky and the ocean, and all the de-
lights that have made the days seem too brief to
leave this charming and beneficial idleness, to re-
sumo the old routine. But the joy of meeting
dear friends who have come from long journey
ings, compensates for the hardship of leaving
so much pleasure behind. The autumn days come
again, and with them a beauty peculiarly their
own. The foliage has been unusually beautiful
this autumn, and it has been treat Just to ride
out Of town few miles 10 see how gorgeousy the
leaves were turning. How the woods have been
ransacked for these bright leaves which are to do
duty by and by, for decorations. Ferns too, are
collected In great quantities, but they must be got
early in the season. The climbing ferns are sold
; ;E srs 1t bundance on Winter ST., and make very
pretty decorations if nicely pressed. To press
leaves and ferns requires much patience and con-
| siderable perseverance, but 1t seems to be in the
| power of every one Of taste, no matter how limit
ed the means, to have beautiful things about them.
| With the advancing year the times have become
more and more stirring. The politicians are busy
and anxious and rallies and torchlight professions
are the order of the day-or evening-more cor
rectly. Party spirit runs high, and reaches the
children even. For instance, half a dozen small
boys living at the "South end" went out with
torches and lanterns in order to have little dem
onsration of their own, out being attacked by
other small boys, of IIihcrniaa extraction
and democratic proclivites, the very youthful
| champions of repubcanism were forced to retreat
hastily to their back yards, or have their cherish
ed lanterns smashed. They content themselvt s
now by standing the steps occasionally, ard
fouri.hing their lantern, defantly.
The procession last week was a grand affair and
was about two hours aud half passing a given
point. The illumination, on the Common, and in
many parts of the city where it passed, were fine
and on an extensive scale.
4he Old South, which, for many months has
been pitiable looking object covered with huge
placards, and surrounded by curb stone mer-
chants, has at last been purchased and transferred
to its new possessors. 1t will undoubtedly become
a historical depository, as, by the terms of the
sale it cannot be used for its original purpose I'M
til thirty years have elapsed. Two Old South
churches would be quite bewilderng to the unin-
itiatcd. The Old South committee foresaw that,
so the new church will have no rival at present.
All the churches, benevolent societies and mis-.
sionaries, will find ample employment this year, for
Notwithstanding the ramOrs Of better times the
labor of charity will have to be vigorously pr sc-
cuted in our large cities. And there is a great
deal of such good work done-more than large
majority OF the people know of, although there are
plenty of gloomy individuals to tell us that the
world grows each day. such people ought
to be put back 10 the middle ages, or consult his
tory oftener.
The lecture season has commenced and is at
tended much as usual There sre the Bay State and
Redpath lectures besides many other courses of
the same character. AT the Lowell Institute, Pro-
fessor Norton of Cambridge, is giving q course Of
lectures GU Church Building, in the Middle Ages,
which are very interesting. There is also another
course at Lowell on Italian Literature. The mu-
steal season will be inaugurated next month by
Theodore Thomas, who gives series of five SYM
phony concerts, which are sure to be well patron
lied. The various musical societies and clubs are
hard at work. With the Handel and Hayden So
ciety il is to be a festival year.
Moody and Sankey expected in Boston the
first of January if suitable building can be erect
ed for them, for which purpose about $780,
900 will be required The busy time has real
ly commenced and there need be no idle hands or
brains, in our good city. The opportunities for
gaining knowledge and culture. very great,
and Boston need well be proud of the means held
out to all classes and sects for acquiring it.
NJ. P. T.