USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of Boston, the metropolis of Massachusetts, from its origin to the present period; with some account of the environs > Part 38
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By the time the journals and periodical publications were received, more than a thousand volumes of valuable works, principally donations, were collected. At this stage of the undertaking, the gentlemen who had commenced and so far conducted it, in order more effectually to secure and diffuse the benefit of their past labour and expense, and realize their wishes of a respectable establishment, transferred their right and title in the Anthology Reading Room and Library to Trustees, with power to supply vacancies in their number, and to hold and manage said Reading Room and Library as a trust under their then present name. At the winter session of the Legislature in 1807, the proprietors were incorporated under the name of the Boston Athenaeum.
The rooms of this institution were first opened in Congress street, from whence they removed to Scollay's build- ings, and, in 1810, to the building on Common street, north of the Chapel burial ground. Here they remained until 182., when they removed to the spacious edifice in Pearl street. The better half of this elegant and commodious building was presented to the institution by the late James Perkins Esq : the other half they purchased at the price of $15,300. The requisite alterations have been made in its interior, and the rooms have been so disposed, and the library so arranged, as to furnish every desirable facility and accommodation to those who visit the establishment.
On entering the Athenaeum the visiter finds himself sur- rounded with the busts and statues of heroes and learned men of antiquity, who seem to bid him, in the SALVETO on the tablet before him, Welcome ! At his left, on the first floor, is the Reading room, in which are found the newspapers
* Monthly Anthology, for May, 1807.
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and journals of the present day, with complete files of peri- odical publications for many years back. On the right is the Room of the American Academy, in which is deposited their library of 2000 volumes, principally works of science and philosophical transactions of foreign societies. The li- brarian's room and a conversation room, complete the apart- ments on the lower story.
On the second floor are found in the 1st Room, Works relative to American History ; in the 2d, Political and Mili- tary Works ; in the 3d, Metaphysicks and Theology, which includes' the Theological Library,' belonging to another asso- ciation and containing 2000 volumes ; in the 4th, Belles Let- tres, and Miscellaneous Works ; in the 5th, Encyclopædias ; in the 6th, History, Geography, Travels, Biography. As- cending into the third story, we find in room No. 7 a collec- tion of tracts amounting to near 10,000, collected principally by the indefatigable perseverance of Mr. Wm. S. Shaw. Room No. 8 contains the publications of Learned Societies ; No. 9, works on Agriculture, Natural History and Botany ; No. 10, Works in the Arts and Sciences, Architecture, Chem- istry,&c. No. 11, the Greek and Roman Classics, and trans- lations. No. 12, Engravings,&c. Whole No. of vols. 17,500.
The price of a share in this institution is $300, which enti- tles a proprietor to three tickets of admission. A life sub- scriber pays $100. , Annual subscribers are admitted at $10 per annum. A proprietor or life subscriber may introduce company to view the Athenaeum.
Omitting some minor literary associations, we proceed to no- tice a few of our charitable institutions. Besides the publick provision for the destitute of all descriptions, which is so am- ple that no one need to suffer any privation, who is able to make known his case to an overseer of the poor, there are numerous societies established in Boston, whose object is the alleviation of human miscry.
The Massachusetts Humane Society was established by law Feb. 23, 1791. The design of their institution is 'the re- covery of persons who meet with such accidents as produce in them the appearance of death, and for promoting the cause of humanity, by pursuing such means, from time to time, as shall have for their object the preservation of human life, and the alleviation of its miseries.'
The Mass. Charitable Fire Society, incorporated, June 25, 1794, was instituted to provide means to relieve such of the inhabitants of the commonwealth as may unfortunately suffer by fire, and to reward the industry and ingenuity of those who may invent useful machines for extinguishing fires, or make extraordinary personal exertion in the time of such ca- lamity, or make such discoveries for preventing its devastation as shall be thought worthy of their patronage.
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The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanick Association was in- stituted March 15, 1795, by a number of publick spirited in- dividuals, of the most industrious and respectable of the me- chanick interest ; of various occupations, residing in different parts of the town ; who styled themselves the ‘ Boston Asso- ciation of Mechanicks.' In a few months the society increas- ed much in numbers, resources, and usefulness. With the increase of its numbers, and means, its views became enlarg- ed, its utility more apparent, and a laudable emulation perva- ded a considerable part of the community to raise the me- chanick interest and character to its just grade in society. The associates, in order to extend the benefits of the institu- tion, altered the original appellation, and voted to assume the title of ' The Association of Mechanicks of the commonwealth of Massachusetts,' which gave opportunity for qualified citi- zens throughout the commonwealth to offer themselves as candidates for membership ; and some few embraced this privilege and became members, besides those residing in Bos- ton. But the society laboured under many disadvantages previous to its incorporation, March 8, 1806, eleven years from its institution ;- when its fair claims became acknowl- edged, the characters and conduct of its founders, officers, and members, were deemed sufficient pledges of the purity of their intentions ; and one of its primary principles being ingrafted in its title, it was, by an act of the legislature, incor- porated by its present name .*
* Among other objects of publick utility, connected with this institution, are the Appren- tices' Library, and the encouragement of ingenuity and excellence of workmanship among the mechanicks and manufacturers of this commonwealth, by an annual exhibition of pre mium articles ; for the best of which, suitable premiums are awarded, by judges selected for that purpose ; in awarding which, all other things being equal, preference Is first given to an apprentice, then to a journeyman, before the master-workman. The first publick exhi. bition of premium articles was on July 4, 1818.
The Apprentices' Library, established in this city in 1820, and which is under the super- vision of this Association, is an institution, which, if judiciously managed, is calculated to have a beneficial effect on the minds and morals of those who enjoy its privileges. As a proof of the high estimation in which Apprentices' Libraries are held, we have only to no- tice the increasing popularity of them throughout our country : and even England, in this instance, has not disdained to copy from her descendants. To Boston belongs the honour of having been the first to establish this valuable institution .- Wells' and Cury's Addresses.
In connection with this society we should also notice the Donation of Franklin, who by his last will bequeathed a thousand pounds sterling to the town of Boston, ' to be let out up- on interest at five per cent. per ann. to such young married artificers as have served un ap- prenticeship in said town, and faithfully fulfilled the duties required by their Indentures, so as to obtain a good moral character from at least two respectable citizens, who are willing to become their sureties.' The amount of this fund, by the last annual report, was 14,451 dols. 83 cts.
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HISTORY OF BOSTON.
The Boston Dispensary was instituted in 1795, and incorpo- rated, Feb. 26, 1801. At the expence of this institution the poor are supplied with medicines, and they are gratuitously attended by physicians appointed yearly by the managers. A subscriber of five dollars is entitled to tickets for 4 patients, which number he may keep constantly on the list of the Dis- pensary.
The Boston Female Asylum was instituted Sept. 25, 1800, by a number of ladies, who associated for the charitable pur- pose of relieving, instructing, employing, and assisting female orphan children. They were incorporated Feb. 26, 1803. The success which has attended this institution has equalled the most benevolent expectations. The society has rescued from ruin and distress a great number of fatherless and moth- erless girls, who have, under its protection, been nourished and brought up to habits of industry and piety. The asylum- house is situated in Essex st. corner of Lincoln st.
The Howard Benevolent Society was organized, June 1,1812, and incorporated Feb. 16, 1818. Their object is to search out and administer to the wants of the sick and the infirm ; ' more especially of that class of our fellow-citizens, who, not being connected with any religious society, are in no way benefitted by the provisions made in most of them for the re- lief of their poor.'
The Boston Asylum for Indigent Boys was incorporated Feb. 25, 1814. Its object is to make similar provision for orphan boys, to that which has been so usefully made for girls by the Female Asylum. This institution occupies the large house on the corner of Salem and Charter streets, formerly the resi- dence of Sir William Phips.
The Provident Institution for Savings was incorporated Dec. 13, 1816. This society is intended to encourage industry and prudence in the poorer classes, and to induce them to save and lay by something of their earnings for a period of life when they will be less able to earn a support. Deposits are received as low as one dollar, and when any person's deposits amount to five dollars, it is put on interest. The de- posits may be withdrawn on stated days, if desired. The of- fice of this institution is open every Wednesday, in Scollay's buildings.
The Boston Society for the Religious und Moral Instruction of the Poor was incorporated in the year 1820. Through the exertions of this society, schools for the poor have been insti- tuted in various parts of the town, the gospel has been preach- to them, and pains have been taken to raise the standard of moral character among them.
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The Penitent Females' Refuge is an institution formed with the hope of reclaiming, from the paths of vice and ruin, a por- tion of those unhappy women, whose false steps have blasted their prospects of enjoying a reputable standing in life. A house of refuge is opened by this society, for such as are sincerely desirous of returning to the paths of virtue. This house, which is large and commodious, is under the care of a matron and assistants : a committee of ladies visit it every week, and the pecuniary concerns are under the management of a Board of Directors, chosen annually from the gentlemen who are subscribers to the funds of the institution-Constitu- tion adopted April 14, 1819 : incorporated Jan. 21, 1823.
Some account of the Massachusetts General Hospital will conclude our notices on this head. Towards the close of the last century a gentleman died in this town, leaving a bequest in his will of $5000 towards the building of a hospital. This circumstance was attended with the beneficial effect of awa- kening the attention of the publick to the subject. Nothing, however, was effected before August, 1810, when two physi- cians living in this town addressed a circular, in which the advantages of a hospital were stated, to several gentlemen of Boston possessed of ample fortunes, and disposed to contribute to institutions in which the publick good was concerned. In the beginning of 1811 (Feb. 25) fifty-six gentlemen, living in different parts of the commonwealth, were incorporated by the name of the Mass. General Hospital. Their charter allowed the corporation to hold property to the amount of $30,000 yearly income. It also granted to the Hospital a fee simple in the estate of the old Province House, on the condition that $100,000 should be raised by subscription within ten years. Little exertion was made before the autumn of 1816, when a subscription was commenced that was attended with uncom- mon success. In the towns of Boston, Salem, Plymouth, Charlestown, Hingham and Chelsea (including a few sub- scriptions in some other towns) 1047 individuals subscribed either to the Hospital or the Asylum for the insane. More than 200 of these contributed $100 or more, and several from 1000 to 5000, and one $20,000. Donations of equal and larger amounts have since been made, which have increased the funds of this institution, for immediate use and permanent stock, to a greater sum than any other among us has realized, excepting the University at Cambridge.
In 1816, the Trustees purchased the estate at Charlestown, belonging to the late Mr. Barrell, commonly called Poplar Grove, and have there built two brick houses, besides the requisite out houses. In 1817, they purchased four acres in a field at the west end of Boston. called Prince's Pasture, and
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HISTORY OF BOSTON.
on the 4th day of July, 1818, the corner stone of the present Hospital was there laid, in the presence of many persons of great dignity in publick life, and of a numerous assemblage of citizens. The civil, religious and masonick services were performed with such impressive pomp as rendered the whole scene truly solemn and interesting." This building was so far completed on the first of Sept. 1821, as to be in a fit condition to receive patients. The Asylum for the Insane had been opened for the reception of boarders, October 1, 1818 .*
Besides these institutions whose views extend to society at large, we ought to name many others, whose efforts in the cause of benevolence are equally ardent, though the objects of their charity are more limited ; such as the Female Samar- itan and the Fragment Societies, (supported by ladies for the relief of necessitous women and children ;' the Fatherless and Widows' society ; the Society for employment of the poor ; So- ciety for the relief of the distressed ; the Episcopal charitable society, the British charitable, the Irish charitable, the Mass. charitable, and the Fuel Societies, &c. These institutions embrace among their members almost every individual who maintains a respectable standing in the community. And if we add to these the numerous religious associations for missiona- ry and benevolent purposes, we may, without vanity, adopt concerning Boston the language of Increase Mather, when he said, that " for charity, he might indeed speak it without flattery, this town hath not many equals on the face of the earth."
f* The Massachusetts General Hospital has been pronounced the finest building in the State. It stands on a small eminence (B e ) open to the south, east, and west. It is 168 ft. in length and 54 in its greatest breadth, having a portico of eight Ionick columns in front. It is built of Chelmsford granite, the columns and their capitals being of the same material. In the centre of the two principal stories are the rooms of the officers of the institution. Above these is the operating theatre which is lighted from the dome. The wings of the building are divided into wards and sick rooms. The stair cases and floorings of the entries are of stone. The whole house is supplied with heat by air-flues from furnaces, and with water by pipes and a forcing pump. The beautiful hills which surround Boston are seen from every part of the building, and the grounds on the south west are washed by the waters of the bay.
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CHAPTER LXI.
O, sir, you are old ;
Nature in you stands on the very verge Of her confine; you should be rul'd and led By some discretion, that discerns your state Better than you yourself.
King Leur.
WE have already noticed three ineffectual attempts to ob- tain for the town of Boston the name and privileges of a city. That in 1651 (see p. 137) was probably made in accordance with the wishes of a majority ; that in 1708, we have seen, was accounted as an experiment fraught with mischief; and in 1762, the proposition was unanimously rejected. From that period we hear nothing more of the project until 1784 ; in which year, on the 11th of May, the town was called to consid- er the expediency of an application for an act of incorpora- tion. The subject produced ' a long debate, which was very masterly handled by the several speakers. though not without a small degree of tartness ; but concluded in the appointment of a committee of 13, to report whether there were defects in the existing mode of government, and,if necessary,to report a plan for the better regulation of the police.' The Committee reported, on the 4th of June, two distinct plans, one of which proposed to vest the government in a Mayor, Recorder, and 12 Aldermen, and 24 Common council men ; the other, to delegate nearly the same powers to 12 Selectmen (one from each ward) joined with a President and six selectmen chosen at large. The discussion on this report was ' lengthy, but displayed the greatest candour and liberality of sentiment ;' it closed with a motion to print the report and adjourn to the 17th of June. The adjourned meeting proved a very tumul- tuous one. Several gentlemen endeavoured to 'fix the atten- tion of the town to the subject before them, but their arguments were drowned in the incessant shouts for the question. Dr. Charles Jarvis, peculiarly a man of the people, though now on the unpopular side, caught their attention for a few mo- ments : he concluded his remarks with a hope ' that every man, rich and poor, might be heard in his turn ; that the con- fusion that had commenced might subside; that love, friend- ship and urbanity might pervade the hall.' The momentary quietude was succeeded by a general cry of No corporation- No Mayor and Aldermen, -No innovations, all echoed with un- abated roaring. Many gentlemen of character left the hall. As soon as the honourable moderator (Thos. Dawes Esq.) had
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it in his power, the motion was put, and the vote was carried against the proposed alterations.'
This repulse did not dishearten the friends of a reform. They renewed their petition the next year (Nov. 1, 1785) but were received with less attention by the town, who imme- diately gave leave for them to withdraw. In 1792, another plan was brought forward, which simply proposed to create a town council, to be composed of the Selectmen, chosen as theretofore, and of three persons to be chosen from each of the wards (of which the town should be divided into nine.) This council was to be invested with the powers of the town in its corporate capacity, to make by-laws and appoint inferior officers. The principal effect of the change would have been to render frequent town-meetings unnecessary. It was also proposed to petition the court for the establishment of a muni- cipal judge, who should have cognizance of all minor prosecu- tions for causes arising within the town. Several meetings were held, and the debates, which in the early stage were simply eloquent and warm, at last became turbulent and agi- tated, and the question was put to rest (Jan. 26th) by a vote of 701 against 517. Persons of both the great political par- ties. which began by this time to be distinctly marked, were found on each side. The name of Mr. Benjamin Austin is prominent among the opponents, and that of Mr. Sullivan (since Governour) among the friends of the measure.
In 1804, Jan 12, two persons were chosen by each ward to compose a committee to devise a new system of govern- ment. A plan was matured, and being taken into considera- tion by the town, April 9th, after some debate it also was re- jected. ' A very great number of our citizens,' however, retained the 'wish that the name of City should be adopted ; being of opinion that this name has an effect to raise the rank of a place in the estimation of foreigners, and is better adap- ted than the name of Town to express our real standing com- pared with the other cities of the Union.' This with other considerations occasioned another application to the town, in 1815, to obtain their consent to the adoption of ' the discrimi- nating appellation, universally given to their most distinguish- ed places, by the practice of all European powers.' Under the proposed system, said a committee, 'town-meetings will continue to be held and all questions relative to our political rights and interests to be discussed in them ; a course of pro- ceeding happily as inseparable from the genius of our consti- tution as it is justly dear to the affections of our citizens."* Yet even with this reservation, the people could not be per- suaded to adopt the improvements recommended. Here it
* Report of Committee, Oct. 16, 1815.
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was thought the question was 'put to rest for some years :' but various causes conspired to revive it in 1821, and in 1822 it was determined by the establishment of the City Govern- ment.
Experience had proved that there was no real obstacle to the passage of a long code of excellent by-laws, adapted to every imaginable contingency. Officers too were not want- ing, whose duty and interest it was to carry them into execu- tion. There were nine Selectmen (whose chairman had been customarily superintendant of Police) 12 overseers of the poor, 30 Firewards and a School Committee of 12, annually chosen at March meeting .* A Board of Health, consisting of 12 members (one chosen by each ward) had the regulation of Quarantine, and all such affairs, as concerned the health of the inhabitants. The town in publick meeting voted the amount of its annual taxes, and these were assessed by a board composed of 24 members (two for each ward) called Assis- tant Assessors, and three others, selected by the assistants to be Permanent Assessors. A Town Treasurer and Town Clerk completed the list of municipal officers. Each of these boards performed their duties with alacrity and fidelity, yet there was a universal complaint that every by-law was in- fringed with impunity, and the want of ' one efficient respon- sible head,' to take the lead in the affairs of the town and maintain a general oversight, was extensively felt.
There were serious complaints too of the expense attending the Justices' courts. As the judicial concerns of the county stood regulated by law, many petty suits were constantly brought by parties unable to pay the costs, and the justices of the peace whose duty it was to sit in judgment, had no al- ternative but to charge the same to the county, or in other words to the town.t Some abuses were thought to exist in this system, and a committee was appointed, July 2, 1821, to consider and report thereon.
The report of this committee was laid before the town, Oct. 21d ; and the consideration of it resulted in the appoint- ment of another committee, who were authorized to report 'a complete system relating to the administration of the town and county, which shall remedy the present evils, and to re- commend any other measures calculated to create a more efficient, responsible, and acceptable system for Town and County Government.' This committee consisted of Messrs.
* The town also chose at March meetings, 20 surveyors of boards, 6 fence viewers, G cul- lers of hoops, 9 cullers of dry fish, 4 field drivers, 3 inspectors of lime, 2 surveyors of hemp, 2 surveyors of wheat, and 2 assay masters.
t Of the County tax, 1820, which was 30,000 dols. Chelsea paid 231,60. In 1821, of 25,332,52, Chelsea paid 187,63.
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John Phillips, Wm. Sullivan, Charles Jackson, Wm. Prescott, Wm. Tudor, Geo. Blake, Henry Orne, Daniel Webster, Isaac Winslow, Lemuel Shaw, Stephen Codman, Joseph Tilden. Their report made on the 10th of Dec. was not sufficiently strong in favour of a city government : people were ready to enjoy the satisfaction of accepting or refusing something bet- ter. The committee was enlarged, with directions to report such a system as was 'contemplated by the amendment of the constitution, authorizing the General Court to constitute city governments.' Accordingly, on Monday the 31st day of Dec. the town was called together to consider and act upon such a system. The first step at this meeting was the deter- mination to take a final question on the subject, by written vote, on the Monday following : then the report was taken up by paragraphs. A motion to retain the name of Town of Boston was made, and warmly advocated, but was negatived. The committee had proposed to call the chief officer of the city by the name of .. Intendant :' this was changed to ' Mayor.' The committee proposed a board of 'seven se- lectmen ;' the town voted a board of eight Aldermen, and instead of a 'Board of Assistants,' recommended by the com- mittee, a board of Common Councilmen was determined upon. The Mayor and Aldermen were to be chosen by general ticket, by the qualified voters of the city voting in wards : each ward was to choose four Common Councilmen. The Mayor and Aldermen, sitting and acting together, were to compose one body ; and the board of Common Council to compose a separate body ; and both together (cach having a negative upon the other) constitute the City Council. These provisions were accepted. The committee proposed to give the City Council power to choose Overseers of the Poor, Fire- wards and the School Committee, but the vote prevailed, that those officers should be chosen in wards. All other corpo- rate powers, possessed by the town, were delegated to the City Council, except the right to sell or lease the Common and Faneuil Hall, which was reserved. The organization of the wards, which became necessary as a part of the propo- sed system, was arranged by a provision for the choice of a warden, clerk, and five inspectors of elections in each ward. The plan was completed by the proposal of one Police Court, which should have cognizance of all offences against the by- laws of the city, and of all minor causes usually decided by Justices of the peace.
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