The Lebanon express. (Lebanon, Linn County, Or.) 1887-1898, 1890-11-14

LEBANON, Nov. 4, 1880.
EDITOR LKRASoS ExrkHs:
Once more have had the pleasure OF
mingling with your citizens aud re-
ceiving that heartfelt hospitality that
fairly rlvets the bonds OF friendship.
Many OF the old-time ffiends, with the
same genial smile. the hearty band
clasp, the warm words of welcome,
greet one on every hand. Some used
to know ara gone, some here, some
there, across our broad domain, and
some are In the silent city OF the dead
forevermore at rest.
Time, ever ceaseless In its flight,
leaves changes with US all. The happy
schoolgirl OF few short years ago Is
happy wife and mother now, and
many like myself, who once were
young like they, have ceased to pluck
the silvery hair from beard and brow.
and have settled down resignedly to
the undesirable fact that we are grow
ing old. The prattling boy or girl who
climbs upon our knee and whispers
"Gran'pa" In our ears, confirms the
fact aud brings to mind the Bible
truth: "The thing that hath been, II Is
that which shall be; and that which Ii
done Is that which shall be done: and
there Is no new thing under the sun ,,
The growth of Lebanon is phenom-
email, and one cannot be Indifferent TO
the radical changes of the past few
months. The comfortable cottages
that are being constructed, the new
sidewalks and crossw;.lks, the beautiful
new school house, the extensive and
expensive paper mill now under course
of construction, the different additions
that are being plated and added 10
your beautiful city, speak eloquently
for the energy and foresight Of her cit
izens. And vet there are some things
that should be remedled without delay.
Constant contact with danger lessons
our vigilane. and leads 10 actual indif-
ference and neglect AS the city grows
and spreads I'm all directions IL Is only
matter Of Justice to the citizen and
taxpayer that adequate protection
should be afforded in case OF n confia-
grafton. The wealth of city Is the
nucleus around which gather the hab-
i.ations and Inhabitants, and as IL is
life, so IL should and does receive the
best protection. But while this Il
right, the citizens should alss be re-
membered on the outskirts and beyond
present available facilities. A cistern
here aud there and ample hose OF good
quality would inspire many hearts
with. the fact that they were being
cared for.
Another matter that the EXPRESS
has paid so much time and attention
to, remains unchanged, n shnma and
disgrace TO any plaee-your cemetery.
We love the memory of our dead, for
this Is all that now remains of what
was real. But when one looks upon
the weeds, the PROSTATE monuments,
the unkep. graves, the rotten ell
closures, the thought will come un-
summoned to the mind,-eone and
forgotten. Here and there we find the
evidence OF true and loyal love, In
kindly acts and sweet mementoes.
Two children lyirg side by side
Within he stsslt iomb
Rem nd Us Of thei. peaceful lives
And a once happy home.
The flowers blooinil- ON the grave
Kept with such tender care,
Remind us OF a loving healt
THAI finds sweet memories there.
rlese meino'ies WEED an influence
That reach the inner L s7e
Aud make MS bette. day by day.
No mater what the strife.
The caring for the resting place OF
the dear departed Is usually spasmodie.
-'sTis irue. 'tis pity
And pity It's. ,fis 1iue-"
For were we brought into closer and
more frequent contact with the reTl,
that brings to mind associations and
friendships OF the past, our hearts
would be more tender, our sympathies
mo e easily excited, our homes far
happie-, our influence for good more
es banded.
'Tis not for me to dictate nor suggest
how to make the radical change that
shcald be commenced In this direction,
but as / stood within the gate to-day
and noticed everywhere the signs oi
neglect and decay, 1 thought how
pleasing It would oe were each road
rounded up and gravelled, the walks
The same, the weeds and fern gtlbbed
out, the stones all nicely cleaned, and
all appearances of decay removed.
Lei flowers bloom ON eve $ hand
Whe e no-iors weeds now taint the air.
Pere- u NJ wiih ,neif swees per ume,
Dlrsing isa1 ianee evelyyheIe;
Imnnu.leiies, blooming atseaea grave,
Convey sweet iaesSaees OF love
To those, more fOt Slinaie Shau we,
In mansions prepared, up above.