Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-03-30

on II races TO The southwark. CLEAN :
ing like silver ribbon and vanishing
iii the distance between two frownlng
hills which stand sulien and SILENT
each glaring at the other. as if longing
10 throw itself across the intervening
stream and rend the staring intruder.
On the western horizon looms the
gigantic forms of the White Noun
tains outlined against the sky like huge
masses of lapis laZuli. To the north
cluster peaceful hdmlets and east, west
and south. the stately hills haughtlly
rear their regal heads. Arrogant IN
their stl ength as guardians of the city,
nesting in the vast amphitheatre. they
stand firmly against the invasion of the
outside world.
Across Oh the western heights stands
that pathetic monument to those whom
we have with us always. the unfortu-
hate poor. With the pride OF poverty,
it stands apart from the other habita-
tons. where the inmates can look down
upon the scenes Of former triumphs
and failures.
livion Of "reminiscences. these poor crcd
lures forget their present Lowry state
and live again in the victories Of the
past. They catch the first rays OF ill.,,
rising sun, ush, ring III the new day
lighting anew the dull eyes and thrilling
again the feeble frames. with their Crate
full warmth. and here. too. the departing
day fingers for a tceting moment.
Who knows the emotions which quicken
these poor, scared hearts in the gather
ing twilight symbolic of the reccding day
of their lives. deepening into the long
nigh. which passes before the dawn OF
that glorious day when there shall be no
poverty and no distinctions.
tn the south marches the west, TN wing
of the city and scattered here and there
are the slender spires pointing IKE deli
cate fingers the way onward and upward
ON the edStern-bank ScatterS another
wing and here is situated old Fort West
crn, IL weather beaten structure, erected
in the days when the city was but Il trad
ing-post. 1t was at this point that the
nucleus of the present city was formed
and every foot of this fourishng munich
the elements. primitive conditions and
aboriginal Savagcs.
From Water street westward rises
Winthrop street. a steep ascent, pduslng
on Il level terrace about halfway up and
then continuing its rise to the summit Of
the western height. where it is fianked
on either side by the city OF silence. the
final resting place of those who have de
parted this earthly paradise for the en-
ioyment of more celestial pleasures.
1t is II sineulGrly suitable place for q
cemetery. AltCf uTagS.nS tne suffering
mortal body up the steep ascent of life,
the weary spirit deposits the earthly
clay upon the crest and joyfuly wends
its way over the rise aud into the limit
less beyond.
Running southwark OH the terrace i;
State street, on which. in the shadow OF
the Capitol, is the former residence OF
that great statesman who. in his declin-
ing wears, sorrowiully referred to the
blasted tree as being symbolic of his
shattered hopes and bightcd life.
On this street, also. are the public
buildings End at the intersection Of Gage
street is Names tribute to her gallant
sons who fought and died for the prescr-
walton of the Crion.
Further up the lill on Western ave-
nue. is the old home of John l.. Stevens.
the illustrious American. who dared to do
his duty and who preserved the integrity
of this country in the Iawaitn Islands.
On this broad arenu" are the homes of
many OF Augustus prominent citizens.
and here again the city meets the conn
try, but not with boisterous vocirera-
tons. With quiet cCrdality they stroll
together arm in arm each rartakins of
the sweetness of the other and merging
their inGividualities. until they are lest
to sight on the rollicking hills in the dis
lance.
CirrlinE to the east We again overlook
the huri wing river. In the distance
looms that trusty sentinel. Main TOP.
guarding the northern approach. and on
sun brstuw one last approving c;ircSS. q
PARTING hrnedictinn for its long and faith
fu1 service.
Then twilight crceps gently over tn.
hills. Softenin- their ragged outlines and
blending with the masters touch. tn.
harsh angles Of the habitationS in the
valley Ono by one the lights appear.
flashing in tn" dusk like radiant gems.
The city vanisheS into darkness and fairy
land unfolds FRED T. FITCH.