Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-06-13
9ifg a"o GIo,'ntg.
A Communication From oakwood.
Editors Of the EenneJec Journal:

have read with interest the c0mmunica.
ton of Rev. J. S. Williamson. 1t reminds
me of the story Of young lawyer. who
finding himself unable to make out case
for his client, went to an older attorney
frankly stated his predicame Mt, and sought
his counsel, r. ceiving the laconic advice
"Abuse the other fellow"
Oakwcod needs no deferce of this char
acter and do not purpose to handy ep;.
thets 18th the Rev. Mr.. williamson or any
others, who, never having visited it person
ally assume to set themselves up as its critics
think | have some rights in this matt Il
and ehall certainly maintain them. do
not propose to be brow beaten by people,
some of whom, at least, have apparently
more tine to attend to the affairs Of other
people than they have to their own.
Adjechves are not arguments. A sacred
band concert is not a theatrical perform
ance, and calling it so can never make it so,
The intelligent people of Augusta do not
need Mr.. Williamson's assistance in making
the distinction. l shall not write in viz
dictiveness of spirit, for l cherish no such
feeling. Under the circumstances I can
we'll afford to be generous, even had l ever
deposition to be otherwise.
Let me review bris fly and By number the
points made by Mr.. Williamson:
l. He alleges that nine of the IL loca
clergymen are in sympathy with the
crusade against the park, but he does
not say why their names are not
upon the petition, most singular
omission under the circumstances. This
much do know, that many of the leading
church members of this city, and large
number of its moet prominent business
men have not only condemned the attack
upon lakewood, but have personally assured
me of their cordial sympathy and support
l think that fair minded people will agree
that could secure no such endorsement il
Oakwood were the disreputable resort thai
the Rev. Mr.. Williamson would haze
people believe it is.
2. lakewood is business enterprise
This is true. Most everything in this world
that calls for work and outlay
will come under the same head
We must all live. Few men give their time
and money gratuitously to any vocation
not excepting the Rev. Mr.. Williamson,
whom, / am informed, did not scruple te
charge the G. A. r. rental for the use OF
his church for the memorial exercises held
upon the Lords day. do not disapprove
of this, but it does seem a little singular
that while charge for the use of the South
Parish church upon the Sabbath day is 8
legitimate business transaction, charge
for the use of lakewood park upon that day
Immediately becomes a menace to the "in-
terests of public morality and decency.'
consistency thou art jewel"
3. Under this head Mr.. Williamson ad-
- Al \ e III Il -
hearsay. He hasnever visited it himself,
but has heard people speak disparagingly
of it on the electric cars. Will the rever-
end gentleman deny, over his signature,
that some of the best known people Of this
city. who have visited the park and have
the knowledge concerning it that comes
from personal observation. have expressed
to him their belief that it was good thing
for the city, and their regret that he should
lend himself to the present crusade against
it?
4. Fair-minded people will characterize
for themselves the course of q clergyman,
in the full strength Of his young manhood,
who slurringly refers to q fellow minister,
grown gray in Christian work, as a
..shelved clergyman" etc. 10 this Chris
tiapity? Fortunate indeed will this young
man be when he reaches the age of the
Rev. DIR. Peckham, if he is able to do as
strong and active work for the Master.
s. The clergymen of the city," says
Mr.. Williamson, "will gladly conduct
religious services at lakewood if a suf-
ficient number of citizens 90 desire, and
will donate what money Colonel Staples
may give them for such services to the
Vowa ard Benevolent Society or the Maine