Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-12

| augusta ana the Maine Methodises.
hev. b. r. Pierce, editor Of lions Herald
was In Augusta 1t the Maine Conference
Representing the claims of his most excellen,
denominational paper. He has the following
genial sketch of his journey:
The iOng-delayed and much-needed rain
came on Thursday, as we started for Aupusta.
Out became snow storm soon after We reach.
cd the beautiful capital of Maine. The long
ri"e In the storm was not very inspiring, 5ui
we found the time pleasantly whiled SWAY
Dy particularly instructive volume. ius,
rom the press of Roberts Brothers, entitled
Inc American Irish" 1t gives the best
account OF the emigration from Ireland to
TINS country from the beginning of its
coiohlzation; the immense numbers in later
years. the character Of it. socially. morally
and POLITICALLY; and the cearest presentation
OF the Irish Question as related 10 the
English Government. that we have read II
Is written By an intelligent freshman who has
made himself thoroughly familiar with his
meme. To any one DESTROYS of being able
10 comprehend the present situation of Ire
land and OF the Irish among us. this small
and ciearlv-written volume affords the onncr.
tunity. 0rfO'
We looked out with no little interest az we
crossed the Merrimac between Bradford and
Haverhiil, to see the ravages of the la,e
great fire. But the burnt district is nearly
covered with new and fine brick business
edinces, and in a very short period no vestige
OF the flames will remain. The business of
THIS thriving town has hardly felt the shock.
aitnou1h there has. doubtless. been great in
''lvidual losses. The beach at Old Orchard
fe
In the surges upon the solid pavement of
sand with a solemn chant. and the whole
immense line of white shore was covered
with foam Great wooden hotels and cot
tages are rising and crowding each other all
along the crown of the beach. A fire would
make sad havoc among them, and only a
miracle can save the inmates from the posi-
bility OF being poisoned by bad sewerage. On
the height Of the hill this difficulty need not
exist. Mrs. Manson, who now has the Au-
eusta House, and formerly was at the head of
the popular St. Cloud on the beach, has taken
the large Ocean House here, and her numer-
Gus boarders from all over the United States
and Canada will find ample accommodations
and the same unsparng attentions. if they
visit her new house this summer. The ride
up the kennebec, even on a lowering day be-
fore the spring has opened is something in
tonishing growth of the ice business. All
along the river immense buildings, many of
them evidently just constructed or greatly en-
larged, have been provided to store the frozen
crystal. We noticed one establishment with
its headquarters in Washington, ID. c. 1t
would seem AS if the lower ATTITUDES of the
country, and the civilized world indeed. could
all be readily supplied from the store houses of
this one noble fresh-water river. As we pass
higher up, the great saw mills compete with
the ice-houses, and putting little tugs are
towing down the stream the long three masted
schOoners loaded to the waters edge with
lumber. The site of Augusta on the rising
bank of the river, with the charming cult
waited grounds of the Arsenal and Insane Hos
pital on the opposite side of the stream, is
very fine. Here are the great dam and large
mills built by the unfortunate Spragues, and
here is the handsome capitol in which the
serio-dramatic political count-out occurred a
few years since. Near it is the pleasant
country residence of ex-Secretary Blaine.
Our excellent Mrs. Manson is at the head of
one of the best inland hotels in Maine, and
happy are the guests who find temporary, or
longer. refreshment in the very inviting Au-
gusta House.
The Methodist church, which is the host
of the Conference this year. has a pleasant
situation in the heart of the city, and is a very
neat edifice. Under its present greatly ap-
preciated PASTOR Rev. Roscoe Sanderson, its
vestries have been made particularly attrac-
tive and convenient. 1t has beautiful audi
ence- room. Bishop Andrews takes the place
of Bishop Foss. He is not stranger in
Maine. His coming was heartily welcomed.
and his visit has been very agreeable. The
sufferings and absence of Bishop Foss are
sincerely regretted. The Conference exer-
cises have attracted large congregations. and
the public services and anniversaries have
been of high order. As the time for Cen
eral Conference approaches, there is no diff
Guilty in securing the visits of our official
brethren or the kenefit of their forensic
abilities even in small and distant Con-
ferences. Maine is a delightful State to visit
in pleasant weather. She gave US little
touch of winters lingering in the lap of
spring. last week. But there is no frost in
the hearts of the people, and the ministers Of
the Conference are a noble, generous and
genial body of men. God bless them and their
charges,