Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 6.djvu/70

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��THE GRANITE MONTHLY.

��very appropriatel \ styled the Web- ster Club, in honor of that most emi- nent of New Hampshire's sons.

The constitution of the association strictly prohibits any thing in the line of gambling. Considering the char- acter of the persons forming the Club, such a clause could hardly be deemed necessary, but it has put summary check to the possible insinuation of slanderous tongues.

Another article provides that intoxi- cating liquors shall not be introduced into the rooms of the Club, upon any pretense whatever, a rule that has been rigidly adhered to on all occasions. This has contributed to prevent those unprofitable and frequently dangerous bickerings and dissensions of which alcoholic stimulants are a fruitful source, and the utmost harmony and good-feeling has prevailed from the very outset of the successful under- taking.

Slang and profanity are restrained upon severe penalty, and every thing bordering on vulgarity is particularly deprecated. The elderly men who frequent the rooms ;idd stability of character to the association, and their dignified presence seems to hold in re- straint any undue buoyancy or exuber- ance on the part of younger members. All in all it is a remarkable good-fel- lowship, that is seldom equaled and never excelled.

The apartments are commodious and elegant, now occupying the entire third story of Woodward's new building, on Main street. They are heated by steam, supplied with all the popular periodicals and newspapers, and are handsomely furnished, especially the guests' parlor and reception-room, which is hung with choice pictures, and contains a library and magnificent upright piano. The card-room is very cheerful, and is the favorite resort. The billiard hall has been newly fitted with expensive tables of the most improved pattern, and with the com- plete appurtenances of that fascinating pastime. The other arrangements are far superior to those of the average

��private residence, and convenient and inviting indeed. For years the rooms have been the headquarters of many distinguished visitors in the city, and they are remembered and highly ap- preciated throughout the country, and even in distant climes the hospitality of the Club finds pleasant mention.

The constitution of the organization, which is a model one in all respects, especially forbids political discussion in the rooms, and as politics are in no way concerned in the purposes of the organization, and as the members are representatives of different political parties, this is undoubtedly a wise restriction. The right and privilege of individual opinion is not in any way interfered with, and the framers of the constitution experienced sound dis- cretion in foreseeing the evils of heat- ed political discussion, and in provid- ing a refuge, as it might not inappro- priately be termed, from the exciting scenes and petty annoyances of political canvass and contest.

From the ranks of the Club have arisen a governor, state senators, rep- resentatives to the general court, and various officers of the government, in its judicial, legislative, and executive branches, and compared with its num- ber, no body of men has furnished more leading minds to the political and business centres of the state. Its membership is the representative of almost unlimited capital, and comprises the most influential and respected of citizens in various industries and ac- tivities of life.

There is the respected Major Lewis Downing, of the far-famed Abbot- Downing Company, a gentleman of the finest social merit, and of the best business qualification ; also, Joseph H. Abbot, a member of the same exten- sive concern, whose jocund presence, with jovial face and genial manners, has made him a prominent feature of the organization from its very outset. Mention should be made, too, of such gentlemen as Horace E. Chamberlin, superintendent of the Boston, Lowell & Concord Railroads, and George E.

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