The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-08-13

neutrality-suspicious. Which are Need
ed-Wideawake Republicans and Quiet
Democrats.
Among all the villages which 'tnestle among the
hills there are none more beautiful than Bethel.
Nature has here lavished her gifts of mountain,
river, valley and plain, and in the midst the little
hill on which the village is located. Turn which
way we will grand views open before us, and these
are constantly changing, and presenting fresh beau
ties hourly To returning after years of absence
the familiar mountains take on new beauties and
the river winding along, sings a sweeter song of
gladness and Joy The trees and the rocks seem
more lovely, and morning and evening the song of
the Psalmist is in our mind.
The wisdom of the early settlers is shown in the
arrangement of the village with its broad streets
and open square. WHAT today is needed to perfect
the picture and draw and retain hundreds of seek
ers after the beautiful. is little more pride in
streets, sidewalks and dooryards. These attended
to and Bethel would be the gem among the noun
tains. A village improvement society," awake to the
possibilities of the future. is, it seems to us Just
ed and attractively set behind grand old olms and
naples but the few uneven sidewalks untidy door
yards and rough lawns detract from the picture
which would otherwise be complete. To the minds
of the artist and traveller seeking pleasure and
comfort in the county, these seemingly little things
are magnifed, aud the picture marred.
The large lot, facing the square, where the old
Bethel house was burned and which has been a
stumbling block and rock of offence to many is now
being improved. and a fine store with large hall
suitable for all public purposes is being erected BY
one of the young and enterprising merchants. When
completed the building will be one of the most at
tractve in this section and the best in the village
Gothic cottages are appearing and adding to the
beauty OF the village by breaking in upon the old
time monotony of style and finish.
Bethel is favorite resort with summer travellers
and the boarding houses and hotels are well filed
The attractive skating rink built this season and
not fully completed on the outside has one of the
best floors we have ever and is the attraction
for rainy days and evenings.
Politically Bethel is Republican a fact which ia
recognized as one Of the chief causes of her pros
perity, and is therefore solid for Blaine and logan
more hopeful body of men than the Republicans
of Bethel cannot be found in Maine fhey are
earnest workers and always give good returns in
September. The county nominations give good sat-
isfactoD and all are ready for the opening of the
campaign What few Democrats there are in town
remain very quiet, taking apparently but little in
terest in political matters. Democratic flag has
been thrown to the breeze. but without a cheer or
smile of welcome. The Republicans are making
preparations for grand demonstration before long
which will start the ball moving in good shape
Judge Frye, who resides here, has we understand
been rendered the nomination to Congress from this
district In opposition to Mr.. Dingley, but very
wisely declines to enter the field where defeat is
certain. AS judge of probate he proved himself a
careful, panstaking officer and his decisions have
given general satisfaction.
Many farmers are still busy haying The season
has been hard one for them and the work will
crowd upon harvesting time. The crop is much
better than was predicted and is fully two-thirds
the average of the past year. All crops are looking
well and the farmers have promise Of a bountifn1
harvest.
The corn canning establishment is preparing for
the busy season. About one hundred acres have
been contracted for and the work of canning will
soon commence. SETH.