Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-11-10
A Communication,

Editors kenrebec Journal.-Severa1
months ago the writer called the atten-
ton of the citizens of Augusta to the
fact that the government had given to
the Grand Army Post of this city three
cannon to ornament Monument park.
and suggested that as the Grand Army
Post needs what funds are at it's COM
mand for the great charitable work
that it does the people either through
the city government OF as individuals
should subscribe enough money to
transport the guns to Augusta.
| am not positive. but | think that the
city government failed To take any ac-
ton on this when the matter was
brought up: but through the kindness
of Congressman Burleigh. who has
taken most active interest in this
matter. and hencpurtesies extended
through Other friends by corporations.
the guns have been received and are
today on the park without costing the
citizens. either as city government or
individuals. single cent.
Having the gurs at this point it be-
comes necessary to mount them in po-
sition, and this task is left to the Grand
Army. To properly put these in posi-
ton. on the carriages and with cannon
ball pyramids will cost somewheie
near $40. and the Grand Army is to ask
the people for this money as a contri-
button. ..i,
Any reader will understand that these
cannon which will form a very hand
some addition and ornament to the
park. are great gift to the city. and
that the comparatively small amount
that is asked as a donation from the
people ought to be given unhesitating-
ly and without question. The Grand
Army as a post would be only too glad
to assume the entire responsibility and
expense, but every year adds new ex-
penses and there-seehs no way of re-
plenshing its treasury, and this
amount of money necessary for charity
and sickness cannot in anyway be
spared
The guns are in themselves a monu
ment belonging to the city. and. as
longing to all of us. There should not
be the slightest question of this small
amount being paid by the people and
without even a thought of the post be-
ing obliged to assume an expense which
is intended for the benefit of the people
generally AS the city government
seems in no position to do anything
about this the Grand Army is obliged
to take the unpleasant step under these
circumstances of asking private con-
tribution by subscription.
To that end papers will soon be put
in circulation, and it is hoped that the
public spirit of Augusta. which is so
often shown in good works of this kind,
will not hesitate to promptly raise the
required amount 1t is not asked that
any individuals pay large sums. but
anything will help along: % or so cents
or ST. If $40 people in this town are
public spirited enough to give half
dollar each there will be no trouble
whatever in raising the amount. and
considering that there has been given
to this parVa beautiful bandstand dur
ing the last year without expense to
the large number of our people. and
that all that is asked now is the actual
expense of setting these guns in posi-
ton, it is with perfect confidence that
there will be no criticism and that the
money will be readily obtained that the
Grand Army through your columns
makes this announcement and request.
Within a few days the papers will be
circulated in the city.
OLD COMRADE.
November 8. 1897.