The Somerset reporter., 1908-08-20
Editorial Correspondence.
New York, August IA, 1908.


DEAR RERoRTER:-
Whoever strikes the metrop-
oils OF our country, even at this SWEET
erlng time OF year, when 1.-THE gay
and festive throng" are off TO New
port and other fashionable watering
places, will be impressed with its
immensely and cosmopolitan charac-
ter. Bridges span the rivers and
highways go under the rivers; cleo
triclty shoots the living and half dead
streams of care worn people through
the bowels of the earth, on the sur
face of the earth, and past the cham :
Der windows; and still there are the
crowds crushing and trampling upon
each other. The sky-scrapers let
loose upon the already filled streets
their thousands of tenants, and these
must all find their homes-or substi-
tutes for honesty means of the
various methods of transportation.
So our readers in the sweet country
towns of Maine can imagine the con-
dition of things here, and thank their
stars that their "lines are cast in
pleasant places"
There dosen't seem to be much
individuality or personality here.
You are melted into the seething
mass, as iron is melted and run into a
mold. The small toad in big puddle
stands but slight show.
How much better to remain in the
country and settle down to a sober
and industrious life, and be some
body!
New York is place of unbounded
benevolence, as it is the depository of
great wealth. Everybody has heard
of the Tribune Fresh Air Fund, and
the various avenues of good through
which it is distributed are also gem
orally known and recognized. The
Tribune Home for orphan children is
situated in Greenburg, some 16 miles
from the city proper, containing
ample buildings for summer resort,
planted in the midst of a hundred
acres of field, Forest, elevated pla-
teaus, and ravines. 1t contains
accommodations for 275 orphan chill
dren from the city, who remain a
fortnight; then their places are taken
by an equal number of needy ones,
and so on through the season. The
young men and women who take care
of the orphans, volunteer their SER
vices, and are glad to serve without
pay. Everything is provided to ena-
bic the children to get brief expe-
rience of childhood life, food, shelter,
all kinds of plays, games and other
amusements. The poor little waits,
sallow and pale-faced, roam through
the green fields and forests and romp
upon the lawns. They range from
Ave to twelve years of age. They
parade every Sunday afternoon, and
it was our privilege last Sunday to
witness one of these parades, which
will bring tears to the eyes unless the
heart is made of something more
solid than Norridgewock granite.
Not far from this is the Gilbert A
Robertson Home, established by 8
large sum of money left by the family
Whole families to the number of AZ
persons are allowed to come here
from the oath of June until Septem
Der, each family staying for a period
of three weeks, and then depart tc
make room for another family. The
buildings are situated in beautiful
park. The same families may come
supposed to be families that are il
need of such a place for vacation
Everything is provided, only the
4
personal washing and ironing, and
care for their rooms. There is plenty
of milk and cream, ice cream, etc.
The scity has an old ferry boat
anchored in East River, which Is used
as hospital for tuberculosis patients
where nurses are provided free
Fresh eggs and milk, and all other
needed supplies, are also furnished
u,if hn n 40 Do
tients who are able to do SO, are al
cents day. Arrangements are made
for men to go there nights, who are
obliged to make use of their time
during the day. This hospital is fol
the very poorest.
Christian and benevolent hospitals
homes, and various benevolent insti-
tutions which we have not time ever
mention, that are doing the work Of
the Master on the earth.
New York is constantly engaged in
efforts to increase its water supply
Several years ago it was thought that
water from Croton Lake would fur
nish sufficient supply. This passed
from the lake through White Plains
|
city. But this has been found to be
altogether inadequate, and plans have
now been perfected for the construc-
ton of the new water acqueduct from
the Catskill Mountains, under the
Hudson river, to New York city, 6
distance of sixty miles, at a cost
what do you guess?) of $165, 600, 900
The route has all been surveyed and
contracts let.
There are many historic associa.
tions about here. We are writing
under the shadow of the mountains
and near the valley made memorable
by Washington Irving's dream OF
"Sleepy Hollow" Here, at Irving
ton, is the home of Helen Gould
known and beloved the wide world
over. Tarrytown, where was Wash
ington's head quarters, is the home
of John d. Rockefeller, of STANDARD
Oil infamy. Near this is Dobb't
Ferry, where Ingersol, the pleasant
faced but dangerous infidel, liveC
and eied, and to his great surprise
awoke-where? st. Andrews Col
Club is within few miles of thil
place. 1t is the millionaire's club
and it's grounds extend over 400 acres
Andrew Carnegie has his summer
home here.
AS we have talked with gentlemen
on political matters, we are con
vinced that Governor Hughes will bt
renominated by reclamation. Tit
people are for him on account of hi
services and great courage. The race
track gamblers and the discreditet
insurance men are opposing him, bu
these don't count.