Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-12-05
For the Dsocmrat.
PORTLAND LETTER.

The soft dreamy haze Of Indian Summer
trails It's mantle over our city, making It
seem 4 world OF enchantment. From
either of Portland's magnificent outlooks
1.-THE Eastern and Western Promenades)
. view may be had which we'll repavs the
trouble Of climbing the steep Munjoy or
Bramhall hill.
It was your correspondents good for
tune to witness . glorious sunset few
days ago. Standing on Muujoy when the
sun was low, looking out TO sea the view
was surprisingly lovely. The Islands,
brown and bare, seemed floating upon Q
sea OF glass. There was no sign to tell OF
the turbulent heart that slept beneath the
silver gray OF Its surface. Here and there
q sail cleaned rosy red In the waning sun
the windows Of Falmouth Foreside and
the Marine Hospital glistened like signal
fres. Presently the sunset tints began TO
deepen In the sky and tremble along the
waters OF the bay. The evening breeze
ruffled the smoothness here and there.
Turning reluctantly from so restful pic
ture, we were confronted with q sunset
that beggsrs description.
Below us lay the city wrapped In the
blue Indian Summer mist, its leafiess trees
and many spires outlined sharply against
a mild glare Of red gold sky. As We ad-
vanced towards the western extremity oil
the city, the glow slowly faded leaving a
subdued and mellow inland landscape with
the Handicapped granite hills looming
up In the far distance.
The one little snow storm has served
but as reminder to make the most oil
this last GIT OF the season before the
"bitter st. Agnes weather"
The past weeks have been fraught with
unusual calamity. Two OF Portland's
prominent business men have fallen with
out moments warning by the stroke OF
the grim messenger. Ex-Mayor A. III.
Stevens died Instantly In his parlor. Gen.
James d. Fessenden fell upon the street.
Oliver II. Davis, familirly known as "Un-
Gle Oliver" Is another old landmark gone
for many years night turnkey at the police
station, the example OF his Christian life
was daily reproach to the ungodly.
The most severe Dire which has visited
Portland for years, swept away thousands
Of dollars worth Of property along Wids-
ery's Wharf, the first OF the month.
A large number OF sudden desths have
occurred In the city and vicinity, aside
from those mentioned above. Truly, " In
the midst of life We are In death
"Chance and change are busy ever"
A cause OF great sorrow To the members
OF the Second Parish Church, known as
the Payson Memorial Church, Is the re-
signation Of its pastor, Rev. c. A. Dickin-
son. His resignation was read last Sab
bath. by Rev. Mr. Richards OF Bath, who
supplied the pulpit on that day. Al the
church meeting, the following evening,
resolutions OF regret were passed, and 1t
was voted 70 accept his resignation. There
will be no farewell sermon At the close
OF the Tuesday evening meeting, the pastor
said farewell to his church, 10 brief aud
touching manner. Both the pastor and
his wife have been very popular with their
people and as proof of their kindly in
terest In their future, It is proposed that
before leaving the city they shall both be
" watched and chained" Mr.. Dickinson
goes To Kirke-st. Church, Lowell, Mass.
Rev. C. ID. Barrows, formerly OF Frye
burg, was pastor OF that church not long
since.
Preparations for the Holidays are being
rapidly pushed forward. Already the shop
windows are bright with useful and orna-
mental articles. The Christmas cards are
very beautiful, especially the seven prize
cards by Prang. Next week l want 10
tell more about them. II. s.A.