Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-06-28


| have read with interest both sides of
the Oakwood park controversy. 1t seems
70 me that it 10 matter upon which there
exists much honest difference of opinion
and that it should be discussed in a spirit
OF candor and fairness, without personal
asperities.
Fair minded men will admit the sincerity
OF the Rev. Mr.. williamson, Rev. Mr.. Wv
man and those associated with them in their
endeayors to close the park. 1t is no pleas
ant undertaking for them, and were they
not lmpelled by sense of duty we may
well assume that they would not engage in
It. They are gentlemen whose high Chris
tan character and devotion to the best
interests OF the community, no one will
question. We must recognize their
courage, and respect the honesty of their
motives, even though we believe that their
zeal is enlisted in a mistaken cause. The
opinions of such men will always have the
attention of thoughtful citizens even though
they do not endorse them.
We must, too, be frank enough to see
and admit the fact that Col. Staples is
progressive and public spirited citizen who
has done much to advance the substantial
welfare of our city. Recognizing these
facts, we can come to the discussion of
the Oakwood question entirely upon its
merits, and with no desire to reflect unjust
ly upon either the one side or the other.
l have. given this matter much careful
thought, and have read closely the differ
ent views that have appeared in relation to
it in the columns of the JOURNAL. feel
that there are considerations of no little
Importance which have been overlooked,
though do not believe that the oversight
has been in any way intentional. l inferred
from reading the communication of Mr..
Williamson that the real animus of the
move against the Park, has been to sup
press the Wednesday and Saturday night
dances. have not seen it alleged that
the Sunday sacred concerts, in and of them
selves, were Objectionable. / have never
heard it said that the people who
have attended them have not been
quiet and orderly. The Sunday law
appears therefore to be invoked for an
Interior purpose. Let US consider briefly
this question. A
Will the community be benefited by the
suppression Of the Wednesday and Satur-
day night dances at lakewood?
do not question but what those who are
pushing the move against the Park honestly
believe that it would. 1 cannot, however,
agree with them in this view of the matter. l
am firmly convinced that it would have quite
an opposite effect. The Wednesday and Sat
urday night dances did not originate at Oak
wood Park.
The young people of the working classes
have long sought this kind of recreation.
There is no Law upon our statute books
that prohibits them from enjoying it. 1t is
entirely safe to say then that if such dances
are not held at Oakwood they will be held
elsewhere. The practical question there
fore-and most citizens will view it from
practical standpoint--is not whether We'd
nesday and Saturday night dances are OBJ
jectionable, but whether or not lakewood
Park is the best place for holding them.
am frank to say that think it is. l have
had opportunity to know something of these
dances in this city for a number of years
past from personal observation and can
bear cheerful testimony to the fact that
those held at lakewood have been the best
conducted, the most orderly and the freest
from Objectionable features of any | have
ever seen. Col. Staples has employed ample
means to enforce order, and secure the
dances the greatest possible degree of re-
spectability. If people of questionable
character sometimes attend them, do not
see that he can be held responsible for the
fact. All places of public character must
of necessity be open to such people so long
as they pay the admission fee, and conduct
themselves in an orderly manner. do not
know of any feasible plan for detecting and
separating the goats from the sheep at the
gates. MI. Williamson says that mothers have
complained of their daughters attending
these dances at Oakwood: but it seems to
me that if mothers who cannot keep their
daughters from lakewood, cannot prevent
them from attending such dances were they
to be held elsewhere.
Shall we then stop, if possible, these
dances at lakewood, in the full knowledge
that they will certainly be conducted else
where, and most likely under irresponsible
management? do not believe it would be
wise. Indeed, think that the interests of
of morality and decency would lose
most decidedly by such change.
We must be careful that our zeal
for reform does not lead us to reform back
wards. / believe, and l think it is
the very general opinion of Augusta
people who have given this matter
serious thought, that Col. Staples, in the
marked improvement he has made In tie
character Of these dances has done posi-
tive work of good in our city. But it may
be said that am on the wrong track that
these dances are not in issue; but that the
opposition to the Park is directed wholly
against its Sunday concerts. 1t must be
remembered that these concerts consist OF
the playing of sacred music by band at an
hour when there are no services at any OF
the local churches. 1t has never been al
legged that the people who have attended
them have not been very quiet and orderly.
No disturbances have ever marred them.