The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 306, 24 July 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1868.

Ix another column a notice is published calling all those together who are desirous of establishing a gymnasium in Westport, and we have no doubt that a great many will respond to the appeal. There is scarcely any rational amusement here, excepting at rare intervals, and though the Athemeum is about to provide mental recreation of . a most valuable nature, it is nearly as j - necessary for the well-being of a large i proportion of the public" that their ( physical requirement* should receive h attention. A sound mind in a sound I <

body, we aro told, is all in all to happiness;, and it' we neglect the training of the one in order to force the cultts.ro of the other, we must of necessity suffer, There are in this as in every other town numbers of young men who aro employed all day and have no opportunity of getting such exercise as is absolutely essential to health, and who consequently, instead of being robust and strong, fall into bad health, all the more dangerous because the disease

from which they suffer, is not of an active nature, through the absanco of

needful exertion. At a gymnasium, if the studies of the members are properly directed, exercise of every description, calculated to strengthen both the muscular system and the general health, can be had and those practising find that they are infinitely better able to discharge their daily duties from its use. Not only can the weakly have reasonable expectation of becoming invigorated, but those already in high health will find the gymnasium the means of maintaining it. It is a pleasant mode of medical treatment in fact, and those who once have recourse to gymnastic training are veryloth to leave it off. In this town there are plenty of persons who would denve great benefit from such an institution, and we have little doubt that the project will find warm supporters at the meeting. There is no necessity for a large outlay, a few foils, single sticks, boxing gloves, added to horizontal bars, auA other appliances of the same kind, are all that is required, and the expense is such that all can well afford. We believe that Mr Emanuel will offer a room, and indeed, all other requisites, on very moderate terms, so there need be no delay whatever. The volunteers especially, would find the advantage of acquiring the free use of their limbs and the fullest development of muscular power. It

may sound strange, but in the existing artificial state of society not one man in ten has actually the full use of his limbs, because he has never been taught to exert them, and what is more, very few people indeed are aware of their own muscular capabilities, because they have never been developed by any proper system of training. For boys and growing youths the gymnasium is a great necessity, and at all the chief educational establishments in England it is recognised as such. On the Continent it has been in vogue for many year 3, and from its adoption nothing but good can come. It is by no means improbable, if application was made in the proper quarter, that assistance of some kind or in some way, might be rendered by the Government, and it is at least worth while for the promoters to make an application to that effect. Whether aid was or was not granted, a society could do very well, and we heartily trust that so desirable and beneficial an institution may, without any let or hindrance, be at once brought into existence. As we have before stated, a meeting w ill be held to-night on the subject, and w e may add at the Little Grey Hotel. ,