KinSource - Tale of the Week - Ye Olde Spectator

KinSource

Minnesota Tales

Saturday Evening Spectator (Minneapolis), July 26, 1879, p. 1

"Ye Olde Spectator."

The editor of the SPECTATOR writes me to write for his paper. I am not much of a writer but I have opinions on matters and things which may be of interest to the public. I have lived a great many years and the gray hairs which partially cover my cranium indicate considerable experience if not wisdom. An old fellow like me is apt to have received enough hard knocks during his life to have the nuisance pretty well thumped out of him, and ought to have considerable "hard horse sense" pounded into him. I have not been an idle spectator of men and events, nor a dreamy observer who takes little interest in what is passing around him. I have looked at men and measures from a practical as well as a moral and religious stand point. But the old spectator must brace up and indulge in no more sentimental moralizing. For this time only he may be allowed to do

A LITTLE PREACHING

since the preachers are mostly out of town, the churches closed, and according to some the entire community given up to "the world, the flesh and the devil." O. S. notices that the men who never or - hardly ever - (Quit that) go to church are the ones who growl over the lack of devotion to the interests of Christ's Kingdom, &c., shown by the preachers who leave their helpless flocks to the tender mercy of devouring wolves and go-a-summering. O. S. is sick of this church cant about "pastors" and "flocks," "lambs of the fold" and "sheep of the pasture." Anyway it will do no doubt as an illustration once or twice at the proper time or place but outside of the prayer meeting it is generally not very agreeable. O. S. thinks that generally the "sheep" can defend themselves and take care of themselves can drive sharp bargains and get even in the long run with the world's people. Then as to the "pastors" they are not needed every minute to watch over a helpless flock. They are advisers, teachers, counselors to a large extent and their public ministry and private influence and example is no doubt very helpful. But the same may be said of teachers; there are no reasons that will apply to holding religious services all summer, that will not apply to holding school sessions in July and August. Men and women who drone along need no recreations. Men and women who think need recreation - need rest - need to go a summering. O. S. is glad to see that the Bridge Square drinking place is liberally patronized by both man and beast, and that the ice water barrels at the Suspension bridge are appreciated.

MORE DRINKING PLACES ARE NEEDED.

Not drinking places as usually found. From more beer and whiskey shops "Good Lord, deliver us," but more places where cold water may be obtained, easy of access and free of charge. Many a young man is drawn into saloons, and from drinking a glass of beer there to assuage his thirst, is led on in time to whiskey.

O. S. notices that in St. Paul Unity Church has set out a barrel which it keeps supplied with ice water. What church or temperance organization in Minneapolis will follow such an excellent example?

PUBLIC BATHING PLACES.

Are badly needed in Minneapolis, and the city fathers should see to it. O. S. knows of many young men who are obliged after a hard day's work for low wages to go one or two miles, with considerable expense or fatigue, to find a place where they may bathe. Other places are supplying public bathing houses, and this city, located on the great Mississippi, should no longer delay acion. The upper end of Nicollet Island is said to be well adapted to the purpose, and another place down the river may be found to answer the purpose.

KINDNESS TO ANIMALS

is shown here in a marked degree by the Street Railway Company. The merciful man is said to treat his beast kindly, but corporations, which are supposed to have no souls, are not often noted for kindness. O. S. is glad to learn that in the warm weather teams rest five hours between trips. Such treatment will pay, in the long run, but it is worthy of special comment, and ought to be placed to the credit of a corporation with a soul.

JAIL BIRDS FLOWN.

O. S. hears that a dozen prisoners carelessly leaned against one side of the Hennepin County jail Thursday night, and fell out. Three of them went back under protest, declaring that they didn't feel safe in that building from burglars and other bad characters, who might get in at any time and steal their fine clothes, money, watches and jewelry. O. S. has a little doubt as to this. A reward is offered for those who are still at large.

THE COUNTY ASSESSORS

have, as usual, distinguished themselves by disregarding the plain letter of the law and putting what seems to be a nominal valuation on personal property. Horses [seem] to run from $17 to $60, and cattle from $4.10 to $22, the average being $12.82; real estate is also assessed far below its real value. Judge Cooley, of the Michigan Supreme Court, recently gave his opinion that such false [assessments] might invalidate a tax roll. The legislature of this State must take hold of this question and see that property is assessed at its true or reasonable selling price.

O. S. is glad to note that a fine Y. M. C. A. reading room is to be opened in the new Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul depot building. This is an excellent idea. Let there be central places where young men may read, write and make acquaintenances and friends. The homeless young men who deserve encouragement will often be found at such places.