The Portland daily press., 1889-02-22

There were many prominent persons pres
ent besides those who took part in the exer-
clses, among them being Mr.. ]. J.W. Reeves
of Cambridge. Mass, Judge Webb, Rev. A.
K. p. Small, d. D., Rev. N. T
Whitaker, d. D., 81. W. Richardson
and others. Just before O'Clock,
Mayor Chapman, Hon. James p. Baxter,
Judge Symonds, Rev. VIM. FL. Fem, d. D..
and James w. Bradbury took seats on the
platform. The exercises were then opened
with prayer by DIR. Fem. After the prayer
Judge Symonds said 1t was well known to
ali present that the city of Portland has re-
ceived the deed Of the land and building In
trust for the Public Library and the Maine
Historical Society. from Mr.. Baxter, and
listening to the generous donor, James p.
Baxter Loud applause greeted Mr.. Baxter
when he rose to speak. and from the first he
held the closest attention Of the audience.
Mr.. Baxter spoke as follows:
MR.. BAxTER's ADDRESS.
Mayor Chapmdn-In accordance with your
invitation join with yon and the citizens Of
Portland whom you officially represent, in
the dedication of this Public Library, whose
doors are opened tonight for the first time to
welcome its friends and future patrons.
AS look about me upon the finished work
anced, that know not which gives me the
greater pleasure the relief from responsible
ity and solcitude which have been with me
since the laying Of the corner-stone;. or my
gratitude at being spared to behold the COM
pletion Of cherished plan, which conSum-
mates the thought and purpose OF years
since this building with its future .possibil.
tiles Is to me the material embodiment Oh
one of my early dreaIs. At the outset, when
anticipated in detail the labor necessary to
Exatoh DC thn md oh rfnn
onerous and beset with perplexities:. but
supported as / have been by faithful and
friendly associates, the task has been light
ened, and In coming years will be source OF
pleasant memories.
OF two OF my associates / should particu-
larly speak: and first, of the architect, to
whom we should award the need Of praise.
To his skill and judgment, we owe much.
He not only formulated the plans OF this
building; but for nearly two years, he has
superintended gratuitously, its construction.
This is done as a free gift to the city, whose
welfare he cherlshes, aud 1t is an agreeable
duty for me to publicly express my apprecl-
alton Of his work: OF the builder, George
Brock, It is proper that should also speak.
to see the completed work which he so hope
to t Rssst honestly perform fs "'S Whatever he
undertook, and he began this
building with the intention of making 1t
ntOuCl VI tIOiOueu ~ ~
complish this purpose, he labored faithfully,
and he had the satisfaction OF seeing the
principal portion of the structure completed,
before he was called from the scene Of his
labors. That he was not permitted to behold
the achievement of the undertaking in which
he took commendable pride, has indeed,
been to me grief. OF the many artisans,
whose handiwork you see about you, all, l
believe have wrought faithfully, and /
gladly commend their work.
NIrava tInn ALI hn tfrCf
In the historic drama Of this building, it was
but ''the insubstantial fabric of a visi0n," to
the architect and myself, though ftly framed
and of harmonious proportions. This scene
the men whose brawny muscle and facile
fingers had made our ideal fabric real-laid
aside their tools and committed their charge
to me. The curtain rises again, as l resign
this charge to others. This time, 1t Is for
you, sir, and fellow citizens, to cast the play
and take the active parts in the coming
scenes Of the drama. It is my hope that this
building may prove blessing to all who
seek intellectual and moral inspiration be-
meath its roof; but 1t may be made him
drance to the onward course Of purity and
principle. Though my responsibility at the
outset seemed great 1t shrinks to insignih-
canoe before yours. l have reared struc-
ture of wood and stone. You are to build
character. Upon every part of this building
Which, SnG a Ths Se
en-, Immortality. Take good heed then what
you build, whether of gold, silver and pre-
cious stones; or of wood, hay and stubble.
The time has come, sir, for me to deliver to
your keeping these evidences of title and
possession, and do this rejoicing that the
interests OF this institution so important and
so responsible, are TO be intrusted to those in
whose integrity and ability fully contde.
Prolonged and hearty applause rose from
the audience when Mr.. Baxter concluded his
speech, Mayor Chapman, without any in
trodution, rose as soon as quiet was restored,
and made very able speech, accepting the
deed in behalf of the city. Very frequently
his remarks, which were as follows, received
the warm applause of those assembled:
MAYOR cHAPMAN's RESPONSE.
Mr.. President, Ladies and GentLemen:-
Reviewing the many important and pleasant
duties which have devolved upon me as
mayor, / can recognize none more gratifying
than that ass Iciated with this hour, fraught
as the occasion Is with so much useful con-
sequence to Portland. What could afford
due sense Of the magnitude Of the benefac-
tiOn, to be the medium Of acceptance. in be-
| half of our city, of this noble ediice dedi-
| Gated forever to sublime cause.
The free public library is the outgrowth
and evidence of prevailing intellectual cul-
| ture combined with social virtue. Wherever
this institution exists, true to its origin, II
always produces ID kind, keeping equal racs
| with progressive civilization. Naturally,
| from worthy ancestry. inheriting history
| adorned with many illustrious names, peo-
| pie pre-eminently intelligent, cultured and
mindful Of their duties to society, the lack OF