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HON. JOHN A. DECKER OF WELD.

IN the growth of inland cities, he has played important part; Rumford Falls and Millinocket, -- was behind them from the start: -- For he early saw a future, for the wheels of industry. Where the waters idly tumbled o'er the barriers to the sea; And now mills for pulp and paper with their smoking chimneys tall Mark the place where all was silence, save the roaring water-fall. A man of strong convictions, he much rather fight than run, As you'll learn, on all occasions, when there's fighting to be done; And one instance I'm recalllng, just to make my meaning plain, Was when Decker joined with Ricker -- to "Save the Lakes of Maine," To this task he lent his service, with an energy and zeal, That did wonders for a movement, that he spoke the commonweaI. He has lands along the lakeside -- but no catalog will do For the best of all his holdings are his friendships, strong and true -- They outclass blocks in Millinocket or all that title gives; For they bespeak the friend and neighbor, in the spirit that he lives.

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