A Regrettable Affair in Bangor

6 July 1867

A fine Independence Day celebration was prevented in Bangor. Everything was entertaining and happy inside and outside the celebration building until about evening time when a group of Americans from Salem and a group of Germans began to fight in Mr. Fritz's place. The old pub envy or hate, which has existed for a long time between part of the residents of Salem and Neshonoc and part of the residents of Bangor, broke out after the probable all-too-free enjoyment of spirits by the Salemers and Neshonocers as they aren't used to them, normally swearing by cold water.

A general fistfight ensued by which everything that wasn't nailed down in the saloon was wrecked. The Americans from Salem pulled their knives and used them in such a way that in only a short time the Germans who were present were more or less severely wounded, but luckily not life-threateningly. As it always happens in such occurrences, those who tried to make peace suffered the heaviest hits. Mr. Jacob Meier and Mr. Baumgartner were evidently seriously wounded. We wish that those who caused the affair would be punished.

Lost Rib Found Again

21 September 1867

Since our dear Lord took a rib from Adam and made Eve out of it, every Earth's son looks for his lost rib. How strong this business grows in our county can be seen from a glance at the county's marriage register. From 1 January 1866 to 1 July 1867, i.e., during 1 1/2 years, there were 268 marriages, or about 179 per year. Three of those were colored; 116 were Americans and 152 were foreigners, of which 79 Germans, 58 Norwegians, 11 from England or Canada, 2 Dutch and 2 French. 104 pairs were civil, i.e. joined by justices of the peace and 164 with religious ceremonies. 118 were farmers, 1 soldier, 1 preacher, 1 newspaper writer, 1 "Gentleman" (probably a drifter) and the rest were craftsmen.

A comparison of the above numbers gives the material for some important observations. For example, the number of foreigners is more than the number of Americans; the German element is the most represented. If we consider that each foreign married pair raises about four children, while the pampered American girl with difficulty raises one, then soon this county will have a population that exerts a directing influence on a healthy social life. Hypocrisy will gradually be pushed aside through the numbers and make room for common sense.

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