The Somerset reporter., 1888-09-06

The kennebec Journal published the
following, Monday morning
Augusta, Aug. 81, 1855.
To the Editor of the Portland Herald
We read day in Boston paper
Portland dispatch Of August p, quoting
an article from your paper In relation to
the Central House in this city, and Hon.
f. C. Burleigh's connection Herewith.
knowing all the facts, in the matter,
will you permit ia to say Our connec-
ton with Central House began In 1874
Mr.. Samuel Titcomb, being administrator
of the estate of Miriam johnson, its own
er, and we acted as attorneys for Rev.
Albion H. johnson, son of Miriam John
son, till he sold to Hon. +. C, Burleigh In
lssl At Mr.. Bureighs request We con
tinued to act for him as before for Rev.
Mr. johnson, and for the past ten years
have had sole control of the premises.
Mr.. Burleigh's first and only stipulation
about the house was that
No INTOXICATING LIQuoRs
should be sold there. His direction
has always been faithfully obey
ed. No tenant has ever been admitted
without understanding that he could not
use the premises for the sale Of intoxicat-
ing liquors. We have refused to let the
premises and have allowed them to stand
idle for months at time because we dis
trusted the good faith of the applicants
when they said they would not sell, al
though there have been applicants who
offered the whole rent in advance for IA
years lease on our own terms In the
same way tenant has been accepted and
- l.,., 4 I,ll
year refused because the applicant offer
ing it wished waiver OF the liquor re-
striction. Beyond his positive directions
Burleigh has had
NoTnING TO DO WITH THE House,
its rents or its tenants. We, alone are
responsible for the character of the house
and its tenants Mr. Burleghs instruc-
tions have been faithfully followed.
| Suspicion alone would have been fourda-
ton enough upon which to base a notice
to quit. This being the case, you will
understand that it is with some feeling
that we challenge the truth of your print
ed statement which follows;
The Central House, Augusta is well
known as a rum hole. 1t has bar run
ming all the time and employees extra bar
tenders when crowd is in town.
This is utterly untrue as you will be
satisfied on even a slight examination. Is
it too much to ask you to give this state
ment a place in your columns that SO
grave and unfounded a charge may not
stand unrefuted. We are,
Very respectfully
$. 4 l.. TIrCoMB.
THE RErRACrIoN.
To the above communication the edi-
tor of the Herald has replied to-day as
| follows;
PORTLAND, Me Sept /, 1888.
Messrs S. & l.. Titcomb, Augusta,
| Gentleman Your communication re-
garding the Central House and Mr.. Bur
leishs connection Herewith is to late for
| insertion in this weeks Herald | regret
this, since it appears beyond doubt that |
was misled into doing Mr. Bullcigh an
injustice. shall, of course undo it so
| far as possible in our issue of September
Sth and with much pleasure since Mr..
| Burleigh is presumably to be our next
Governor, and with his large knowledge
of men and affairs will be able, as point
ed out In the Herald some weeks since, to
advance greatly the public opinion re-
garding the general State prohibtory lq-
uor laws by insisting on the thorough
enforcement of the "Maine Law"
Yours Respectfully,