The Somerset reporter., 1885-01-28

S3evsv~ov CeAusss end SkosOAe0ess.
Governor Coburn In his viii showed BILE
interest 10 the town OF his nativity, the
village that bad 20 long been his home and
10 the peeple that had % long been bis
ueiehbors, 10 an unmistakable manner. lie
first remembers the church where he 90
many years and so regularly attended d.
vine services, thus looking after the pecu-
mary welfare of the church of bis choice.
He contributes to Bloomfield Academy,
thus aiding to make the instruction there
given free Of tuition TO all, aud to the trus-
tees OF that Institution for free public H.
brsry, q large sum, thus emph sticslly en-
dorsipg free education and literature. To
the poor, 10 whom he was always friend
while living, be gave literally Of his means
ct death, 70 save them from The cdium and
isconvenience Of pauperism. Nor did he
stop here. He thought Of the health and
pleasure Of the inhabltapts Of the town and
gave them the land for public park, and
contributed literally to mske Coburn Hall
more accessible for public uses. Thus did
he have regard for the many better interests
Of the people OF the town, giving judi.
ciously and munificently for their welfare.
] hls cont ibutiou to education and oppor.
tuuiiy for literary improvement, will H..
duce many people who appreciate these
things to make Skowhegan their home and
the benefit will be great and lsstiug. 1t
would be di6icult at this time, to say where
his bcquests to the town and its institutions
could be placed to better advantage for the
veal Of the citizens Of Skowhcgan rs
whole, II the people of the town have sum-
cient interest to avail themselves Of the be.
quests by doing their part.
We have heard objection raised to the
Park beousst, on account OF the expense
that would be involved In fencing, grading
and improving the lot given, and the an
nual expenditure necessary to keep 1t In
order. II the people Of Skowhegan want
q park, enough to improve the ground at
ter it Is given and take care Of It. 1t is q
valuable gift, which in the end, will pay ev-
cry dollar invested In It, by attracting citi-
gems to the town and enhancing the prop
erty Of the village, and we are decidedly 10
favor Of accepting the gift Of the lot In
good faith and OF making the necessary ex-
p.nditure to make Of 1t park worthy Of
our late honored citizen and Of the town
of Skowhegan. IT on the other hand, citi-
Gems do not care enough for spark to make
the required expenditures, they would not
be likely to take care OF It were it put In
perfect order without expense to them. As
. rule, people care little for that which
costs them nothing.
The late EX-GOVERNOR Coburu In may OF
bis gifts to public institutions adopted the
usual method o: making his pay ment Of
money contingent upon the raising Of .
like sum, thus insuring the interest Of 9th
ers in the object to which he contributed.
His beQuest Of the lot for park In this
town was on this theory and the RxPoRT-
Err 10 well satisfied Of its wisdom.
The people Of Skowhegan have renewed
cause for honoriug the memory Of the map,
who has % long lived In their midst and
who hes 20 many times given evidence Of
his love for them and intelese 10 their vel.
fare.