Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-04-02
AUGUSTA. MAINE, TUESDAY MORNING. APRIL q 1895.
; TIRED OF WINTER.
National Home Veterans Impatient
for the Spring Ramb|es.
A Few Hints as to the Manner in Which They
Passed the Long Months.

Togus, April L. -(Specian. No class
of people in any locality have looked for.
ward to the advent of spring more eager
ly and anxiously than the men here. And
why should they not, for, since the first of
December they have been confined to the
limits of the immediate Home grounds.
except in such cases as they received passes
to visit the adjoining cities These men
also when spring comes begin to look
forward to the time, when. if they have
friends, they will take furlough for a
longer or shorter visit to the scenes of by
gone days there to meet and grasp the
hand of old time friends. The winter
has passed away much the same as all
other winters do here.
We have had full larger number of
theatrical entertainments here than usual
and many of them have been of excellent
character. Friday evening last Pauline
Hall and her company played here to a
delighted audience. Her support is ex-
ceptionally strong and the opera is full of
catchy situations, and the music is up to
date. Prof. Themes orchestra knew
just how to handle the Instrumental part
of it. We have also had number of very
enjoyable dancing parties given here I'M
der the auspices of Kelley League No 2.
The last one bringing over one hundred
guests from Gardiner and her sister cities
Some alterations have been made during
the winter that will prove to be espec-
tally advantageous. The floor of the kit
chen has been lowered about three feet
bringing it to the level of the dining hall
and an extension is being made to it
which will make the size about 5Ox6O.
amply sufficient for even the large amount
of work necessary in the preparation of
the food for the big family we have here
The cooking operations went on undis-
turbed while the floor of the kitchen was
being lowered. Mr.. Ellis of Augusta who
is at the head of the carpentering depart
mcnt is proving himself to be the right
man for the place. Very quiet, but a
keen eye for business and plenty of execu-
tive ability. Capt Gallagher is very popu-
lar here and in this as in all other posi-
lions held by him he is painstaking and
efficient. The former efficient corps of
assistants in the Quartermaster and COM
missary departments remain with him
and are of course of great assistance
kno wing as they do the workings of their
separate departments thoroughly. Speak
ing of the number here this winter, more
men have been present than at any time
before since the home was established
But for some reason u larger number have
applied for and received their discharge at
this payment of pensions than ever he
fore while fully IT'S have gone on fur
Tough.
The rate of mortality has been very low
indeed thu, past winter which speaks loudly
in praise of DR.. Elwell and his assistants
as well as the matron and the nurses un
der her charge. Considering the age and
infirmities of these men the death rate
shows that the hospital department is in
good hands.
Last evening Prof. Themes orchestra
gave the following excellent programme
March-The Big Four, Two Step, list t'me.)
Chas. NJ. Schneider, arr by Theme
Overture-The Pilgrim, Schmuck
Fantasia-Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep
Roliinson
IT ombone Solo, Mr.. Bissst, list time.)
Sell ction from the Lutte Due, Lecocq
Waltzes-Sounds from Erin, Bennett
Descriptive Fantasia-Village Life in the
O'den Time, There
The concerts this winter have been of n
high order and largely attended A large
addition of new music has been made to
the musical library and it is all of the
latest and best. Whole number of mem
bers on morning report, 1887; number of
patients in hospital 260; died March 80,
Samuel ID. Skillings, Co. D., Goth Mass
Infantry