The Press., 1890-04-03

,ent the situation exactly as it appears to an observer. These figures do not lie, but they bring to the surface the tendency of humanity to be true to their religious con- sciousness, at least enough so as to be | ranked somewhere reiieiously. There is strong testimony in this. But this con- sciousness has been so repressed that the average attendance upon public worship on the Lords day, in all our protestant together, does not exceed 500 probably, yet there are ], 200 people in the who call themselves protestants. Moreover it can be shown by actual count that there are between three and four hun- dred, who call themselves protestants, who seldom or neverattend public worship. Still further, the actual membership of the pro- testant churchesis is not over one half the pro- testant population and of this small num- Der not more than one-half is in the Sunday school, and only one-fifth is to be found in the prayer-meeting. Imake no comment on the figures gathered from the Roman Cath ohc population. They certainly compare favorably with the protestant statistics. Now place along side of these facts the fol- lowing Four saloons going at full blast about 100 hours week, while the church. es are open about hours open and se- cret forms of immortality; loafing and rowdyism on the streets; ignorance and ir- religion in many homes; and, lastly, no public place ofrecreation, improvement or entertainment worthy of the place or the needs-and you have picture that is near or the truth.
 Ii is not meant of course that there are no godly, moral, virtuous and benevolent men and women in the town, but it is ok kh1nrv To vo$ oko of the situation. This will open our eyes to cur needs here in Stafford Springs. Let uS shut out the heathen, ,-outside of our town,-for the moment, and fix our atten- ton upon our own needs. What are they | l.. We need . more positive, loyal chris. tian life here. The figures show that more than half the population is almost wholly negative and indifferent. Religion in Staf. ford Springs is a secondary matter. The security and prosperity of our town de- mand more genuine personal piety and more organized activity. There is a tre mendous latent power in this community that Is withholding itself. Loyalty to Christ and patriotism as good citizens should be sufficient to call this forth and make it count for righteousness
 l g. More cooperation of all forces fol good less selfish personal comfort; les. religious and political jealousy i; less di viding up into cliques and societies less lselfishness and more benevolence
 B. The banishment, by means of loyal ty to God and cooperation with each oth CT, of the forms of evil in our midst the saloons, impurity, gambling, rowdyism.
 4. The establishing of 8 non-sectariar
 place of resort, rescue, entertainment anG tinstruction for those in need of it.
 By this is meant building containing
 large, well-equipped amusement hall, il which concerts and entertainments of
 high order, and lectures on political, socis
 and economical and religious subjects ma,
 be given, at small charge, so as to b, within range of all-at least one course year and a place whose platform shall b.
 free for the discussion of all questions o
 reform and pubic welfare.
 This building also to contain rooms fo levening classes of instruction along all in
 dustrial lines-hyeiene, sewing, cooking
 mechanics, book keeping, elementary Eu lglish subjects.
 The building also to make place fo Jour ibrary-now provided by the loyalt lof the young women, but needing suppol land nlargement--and pleasant readin
 room, with room attached containin lgames and formes of amusement. It is
 shame to town of this size that it has n
 adequate public library, well housed. An6 lastly, this building should contain gym nasium. Such building-or one simils I -is already in existence in some towns g and is entirely feasible. Its original COS
 might be met by twenty of our well to, d
 citizenr, or, better yet, by general col d tribution, or by stock company,-and [ 1oco sr vo~0uilinn
 wonld be money well invested. I mary lthat men who intend to make this the |home and are rearing families have so lon
 lost the opportunity to benefit the tow
 land their own homes thereby. The al
 lnual cost of keeping up such buildin
 Iwould not exceed $l ,OO0, and could | ipartly met by the use of the building tBnt if pure benevolence. what small pa of one per cent. of the income of the cit
 zens of the town. Where is our patriotis
 land beneyolence? GEO. R. DICKINSON.
 The people of Stafford Springs believe
 lpatronixing an article of real merit. That
 lwhy G. w. Adams is selling so much Brusse
 soap.
 Rockville Journal: In the best il
 Horned circles it is considered an assure
 fact that the successor of W. B. Foster
 lpostmaster will be George w. Randa
 When the proper time arrives, ConRres man Simonds will send MT. Randall's nan ei to the president. Mr. Randall has attai led ya large. degree of of popularity as ci . izen, has been an active republican wor
 er, and has very fraternal connection wi l. lsevefal of the larger and more importa ], lof the secret societies with which Rockvil }, ab0unds. That the appointment, when = comes. will give avery general satisfactio :, is evidenced by the fact that there has be- | an universal acceptance in the verdict.
 Brussels soap costs cents a bar, or be : and a patent soap tray fur 50 cents at M. '- Moors's'