USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Municipal history of the town and city of Boston during two centuries : from September 17, 1630, to September 17, 1830 > Part 30
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45
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the protecting system originating here, hence extending to other States, and brought back by violent reaction - add to these the panic which always aggravates calamitous events - it has hap- pened, as might be foreseen, that property vested in manufac- tures has for a time become valmeless as a medium of exchange, or a foundation for credit or accommodation in any form. By these means, many of our worthy citizens are ruined, others cramped and embarrassed, and our whole community become less able to embark in other enterprises, which would augment the wealth and resources of the city. There is, however, a cheering prospect that the fierceness of this storm has over- blown ; that our affairs, in common with those of other parts of the world, will gradually find their level, with less of injury to the city than our fears would seem to justify; and that, after the struggle of half a century, in peace and in war, our nation will have secured the privilege and the faculty of manufacturing for itself. Neither the state of public sentiment, nor the condition of our treasury at the close of the year, anthorized the expectation that appropriations would be made for expensive public build- ings, or improvements of any description. Accordingly, nothing in this line has been attempted. The City Wharf has been completed, and promises a revenue, which, after a few years, will reimburse its cost, and be then applicable to other objects. Two new engine-houses, two school-houses, and a cottage for the resident Physician on Hospital Island, are the only new buildings erected the past year. Five new reservoirs have also been completed.
The amount of the city debt, on the first of May last, was $911,850. Of which the sum paid by the Committee on the reduction of the public debt, beyond the amount of moneys borrowed to be applied to that object, is $51,100. There was also borrowed for the payment of debt to the Mercantile Wharf Corporation, and for the completion of Faneuil Hall Market, the sum of $25,880.75. So that the true deduction from the amount of the debt as it stood in May last, up to this day, is $28,219.25. Thus leaving the aggregate amount of the city debt at this time, $883,630. The only personal assets on which reliance can be placed, as a partial offset against this debt, are bonds and securities due to the city, of $257,341.12.
Apart from these, the only fund available for the reduction or
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extinguishment of this debt, must be found in the city's lands ; and it follows, of course, that in the judicions management and disposal of these lands can be found the only resources for public credit, and for the ultimate improvement of the city, without resort to direct taxation, and that no objeet can be more worthy of our constant vigilance.
I have great faith in the intrinsic value of these lands, which, owing to the vesture in which they are permitted to remain, is not sufficiently appreciated. They certainly will not take care of themselves. It is essential to any project for the Incrative sale of them, that a prospective plan should be adopted and established, so that purchasers may calenlate with reasonable certainty upon future, as well as present advantages. It is also indispensable to the success of such project, that moderate appropriations should be made, from time to time, to enable the commissioner, under instructions from the Mayor and Aldermen, at the sole expense of the city, or by cooperating with other proprietors, (as the case may be,) to make such drains, dikes, and canals, as may put certain parts of the land in a marketable condition. I am far from recommending the expenditure of large amounts upon uncertain speculation ; but am also satisfied, that, withont some disbursement, nothing valuable can be effected. For this purpose, the needful smus might be bor- rowed as wanted, reimbursable from the first sales; thus mak- ing a nominal temporary addition to the debt, for the sake of its sure, effective, and ultimate payment. There could be little danger of serious aberration in this procedure. These lands are in some places contignous to those of individual proprietors, whose well-directed sagacity and enterprise have converted pre- mises possessing no supereminent advantages into populons streets and squares, and at rates, which, realized by the city, would not only extinguish its debt, but contribute an ample fund for future improvements, and relief from our annual burden.
Nothing is perceived to inhibit those intrusted with the sale of your lands from looking over the shoulders of these wise stew- ards and profiting by their experience, but funds necessary for occasional advances. In this connection it is my duty to state, that the condition of the flats west of the neck is regarded by eminent physicians as becoming pregnant with danger to the health of the city. It is an unwelcome truth, that the inter-
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mittent fever is no longer confined to those regions, to which it was until lately regarded as endemial, but occasionally appears in more northerly latitudes, which were thought to be happily exempted from that scourge. Our own State, (so far as I am informed,) and certainly our own city, are, under Providence, strangers to this afflieting and enervating disease, which is rarely dislodged from positions which it once occupies. But, if such be the predisposition of the atmosphere of the country around us, we are admonished by it not to set danger at defi- ance, by fostering upon our borders an immense morass, circum- vented with solid dikes, and from its position a receptacle of the seeds of disease.
The state of our principal court-houses and of the land con- nected with them, and of other county property, demands seri- ous investigation, and is not free from embarrassing circum- stances. This land, lying in the centre of the city, is of great value in itself; but, cut off from streets by the public buildings, it could not be sold for a fair equivalent. These buildings are not only altogether ill adapted to the exigencies of the city, but the principal court-house is of a construction so defective as to have been condemned upon a regular survey as unsafe. It is now shored up in some parts by buttresses. It is believed, that no alternative will remain to the city but to sell all the land and buildings, and to apply the proceeds, as far as they will go, to the purchase of another site, suitable for the accom- modation of all onr courts, and city government, and officers. It is not my intention to recommend this measure defini- tively at this time. But, under a deep conviction that it will bear examination, and be found at no distant period consistent with true economy, and essential to the public accommodation, I shall crave your permission, in due time, to submit to your inspection the details of a plan for this purpose, not yet quite matured. To some share in these lands and buildings, the town of Chelsea, as a portion of the county, is understood to have a claim. The best interest of the city requires that this claim should, on some equitable principles, be adjusted and extinguished ; and that with it should terminate the existing connection between Chelsea and this city. It seems, at first blush, preposterons, that this city should be compelled to main- tain the organization and formalities of a county jurisdiction, in
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consequence merely of this connection. It is attended with great additional embarrassment, and the expense of it is not subject to the ordinary revision and control of the city goverment. Its dissolution must be preliminary to any substantial and salutary reform in the organization of our courts, and the administration of justice.
The affairs of the Houses of Industry, Reformation, Correc- tion, and the Jail, have been conducted in the most merito- rious manner by their respective Overseers, and Superintend- ents, according to their means. But so much is wanted to place them on a footing commensurate with the claims of humanity and the feelings of the age-so much beyond our present resources - that I refrain from enlarging on the subject ; expressing merely the hope, that some cheap provision may be made, by temporary buildings for the more effectual separa- tion of the insane from the children of vice, and the least atro- cious of those from hardened offenders; and that the time is approaching, when the unfortunate debtor will not be domicili- ated or confounded with either of these classes.
From undoubted information it is ascertained, that the danger of our harbor, from the alluvion of some of the islands, and the breach of the sea over the beaches, is constantly increasing. A confidence is felt, that the national government will continue its aid, to secure us against the more formidable inroads of the sea in our lower harbor. But additional protection is wanted for the interior positions, and for the existing wharves. A large surface of flats in the southeasterly quarter of the city, beyond the limits . of those appendant to the upland, and entirely useless for any but the proposed object, would serve as a foundation for break- waters ; and, if owned by the city, might be ceded for that purpose to companies who would erect them. Application has been made to the Commonwealth for a release of any claim they may have to the premises, and no objection is foreseen to their granting what is of no value in its present circumstances, but in the benefit of which the State would participate, when made useful to its metropolis.
A copious supply of fresh water is a convenience, the want of which becomes constantly more imperative. If, upon due consideration, it should not be determined expedient for the city to erect hydrants on its own account, the propriety of
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granting that immunity to a company will naturally engage and command the attention of the city government.
The transcendent success of the railroad system in England, as well as the encouraging result, so far as it has been attempted in this country, support the hope, that Massachusetts will not linger in the rear of that enterprise, from the issue of which no other State has more to expect than herself.
GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, - It is peculiarly your province to devise all practicable means for alleviating the weight of taxation, and retrenching the expenses of the city government. I have anxiously reviewed the ordinary heads of expenditure, with a desire to suggest to you any savings that may be made, con- sistently with the accustomed wants, habits, and expectations of our fellow-citizens. I regret to say, that I can discern none of much importance. The population of the city is increasing. The support of the School and Fire establishment is expected to be maintained in full energy. 'The city is at present defectively lighted, though additions are constantly making to the number of lamps and quantity of oil. Many streets are unpaved, the claims of whose inhabitants to equal accommodations with their neighbors, are extremely importunate. Occasions constantly present themselves for the widening of streets, which, if not improved, will not recur for many years. It is my own opinion, that the cleaning and the sweeping of the streets are practised to a needless and pernicious extreme; but such hitherto seems to be the pleasure of our fellow-citizens, to which I have conse- quently instructed the Superintendent of Streets to conform. Of the sums appropriated for the current expenses of this year, more than nineteen thousand dollars have been paid to meet the arrearages of the last financial year, arising from outstand- ing contracts and demands. It is confidently believed, that no such items will appear to trench upon the appropriations for the current service ; still, it is apprehended that no very important reduction can be made in our annual expenditure.
On the subject of salaries, I have but a single remark, that can be made with decorum. Should a general reduction of the salaries of your city officers be decided on, I shall not avail myself of the protection provided by charter for the Mayor's salary during the period for which he is elected ; but shall con- form to what I may discern to be the public sentiment.
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Nothing remains for me but to renew to you all my sincere expression of the good wishes inspired by the associations of the season, and to assure you of the great pleasure I shall derive in my humble attempts to give effeet to your ordinances.
H. G. OTIS.
January 4, 1830.
On the eighth of February, 1830, the Mayor communicated a letter from the Hon. John Davis, Thomas L. Winthrop, James Savage, and the Rev. Dr. Thaddeus M. Harris, a Committee of the Massachusetts Historical Society, "respecting the expe- diency of celebrating the second century of the foundation of Boston, which happens the present year," which, being read, was referred to a committee, consisting of the Mayor, Aldermen Rus- sell and Lewis, and Messrs. Bigelow, Minns, James, Eveleth, and Gregg, of the Common Council, to consider and report.
On the first of March ensuing, this Committee reported, that the seventeenth of September next will be the commencement of the third century, since the name of Boston was first con- ferred upon this city by the Court of Assistants then held at Charlestown, and that there would be a propriety in the public celebration of that day by the citizens of Boston and their goverment ; that a public address commemorative of that event and its all-important consequences be, on that day, delivered at some suitable place in this city ; that a committee of arrange- ments be authorized to engage an orator for that day, and to make such other dispositions for the honorable notice of it as they may deem proper.
The report being accepted in both branches, the Mayor and Benjamin T. Pickman, President of the Common Council, and the other members who constituted the Committee that made the above report, were appointed a Committee of Arrangements to carry the same into effect.
This Committee invited Josiah Quincy, then President of Harvard University, to deliver the oration, and Charles Sprague, Esq., a distinguished citizen of Boston, to deliver a poem on that occasion, both of whom accepted the appointment.
On the eighth of March, 1830, an order was passed by the Board of Aldermen, " that notice be given to the New England Society for the promotion of Manufactures and the Mechanic
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Arts, that, after the expiration of six months, the vote which passed the City Council on the nineteenth of November, 1827,1 granting the exclusive use of the hall over the Market for the purpose of their semi-annual sales, from the fifteenth day of March to the fifteenth day of April, and from the fifteenth day of August to the fifteenth day of September, free of rent, until the further order of the City Council, and that six months' notice should be given to the said Society of the rescinding of this privilege, be and the same is hereby rescinded." This being passed by the Board of Aldermen, was, on the twenty-second of March, non-concurred by the Common Council; and on the twenty-ninth, a committee of conference was appointed, con- sisting of the Mayor, and Alderman Armstrong, and Messrs. Waters and Winslow Wright, of the Common Council, on the subject of the difference between the two Boards. On the third day of May, this Committee reported, that the privilege granted to the New England Society was experimental and a temporary accommodation ; that a diversity of opinion ex- isted among those interested in manufactures, as to the advan- tage of persevering in these semi-annual sales ; that whatever course the manufacturers might adopt on the subject, the " true inquiry of the city government was, whether the advantage indirectly accruing to the city itself, from their continuance, was equivalent to the emolument which may reasonably be antici- pated directly to result from another mode of disposing of the premises. Your Committee are unable to discern that that is the case. The manufactures of this part of the country have now attained so good a standard, and to such celebrity, that whenever the supply throughout the United States does not exceed the demand, they will be sought for by customers, whe- ther to be had at private or public sales. The use of the build- ing is of little or no value to those who fabricate the goods. The amount of the storage thus saved (if in fact it be saved) averaged on the whole quantity of goods sold, cannot be felt in the price of the goods, either by the individual seller or the pur- chaser ; nor can the accommodation be very important to the auctioneers, all of whom have capacious warehouses. On the other hand, the state of the city and its finances impose upon its
1 See p. 251.
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government the duty to avail themselves of every fair source of revenue in its occupation of its property." The Committee declared their belief that a fair rent might be obtained for the use of the hall; and that if the New England Society should be inclined to persevere in their public sales, there might be a dis- position to allow them the use of Faneuil Hall in lien of that in their present occupation. The Committee, therefore, recom- mended that the Common Council reeede from their vote of the twenty-second of March, non-concurring with the order of the Board of Aldermen, passed on the eighth of March, and that they concur in passing the same; and that the Mayor and Aldermen be authorized to lease the hall over the Market, here- tofore used by the New England Society, upon the best terms they can obtain.
This report was accepted, and the order passed in both branches of the City Council.
In May of this year, a Committee of the Society for the Sup- pression of Intemperance petitioned the Mayor and Aldermen to cause a band of music to be stationed on the Common on the afternoons and evenings of the General Election and Fourth of July, such a practice having, in their judgment, a tendency to promote order and suppress an inclination to riot and intempe- rance, which, on the report of a committee, was ordered, and an adequate appropriation was voted.
Orders at the same meeting were passed similar to those issued in 1828, directing the constables of the city to prosecute any person who should sell on the Common, in the malls, or in any of the streets contiguous thereto, spirituous liquors or any mixed liquors ; or who should, upon any of said places, play at cards, or dice, or with any implements used in gaming, on the day of General Election, Artillery Election, and the Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence ; and before granting per- mission to any person to erect booths, notice to the above effect should be given, and also by publishing copies of this order in the newspapers and in suitable public places.
On the twenty-fifth of June, the Mayor, by special message, after referring to the relations and interests of the city, in respect of the public buildings at its command, for public purposes, recommended the giving to the Committee charged with the alteration and repairs of the Old State House, full power to pre-
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pare in that building chambers for the accommodation of the Mayor and Aldermen and Common Council and such of the city officers as could be conveniently provided for in those pre- mises. This recommendation was immediately sanctioned by the City Council, and the arrangements having been made as suggested in that message, the City Council first met in the chambers prepared for their accommodation on the seventeenth of September, 1830, the day assigned for the centennial celebra- tion of the foundation of the city, and the two branches being assembled in Convention, the Mayor announced to them the name " by which the edifice " (called the Old State House) " shall hereafter be called, namely, - Crry HALL," - and then made to the Convention an address; "after which," the records state, "the two branches went in procession to the Old South Church, escorted by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, where an address was delivered by the Honorable Josiah Quincy, President of Harvard University, and a poem by Charles Sprague, Esq., and other services were performed in commemoration of the close of the second century from the first settlement of Boston."
On the twentieth of September, votes were passed by both branches of the City Council, with customary expressions of interest and respect to Mr. Otis and Mr. Quincy for their respective addresses, and to Mr. Sprague for his poem ; and copies of each were requested for the press. They were published accordingly, and constitute the remaining and final chapters of this history.
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CHAPTER XXI.
CITY GOVERNMENT. 1830. HARRISON GRAY OTIS, Mayor.
Address of the Mayor to the Members of the City Council, on the Removal of the Municipal Government to the Old State House, on the Morning of the 17th of September, 1830.
GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMON COUNCIL : -
I HAVE the honor to announce to you, that the Mayor and Aldermen have concurred with your request to change the name of this building, and to order that it be henceforth called and known by the name of the City Hall.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL: - The intimations which I have received from many individuals of your body, have left me no room to doubt of your general expectation, that this first occasion of our meeting in this chamber should not be permitted to pass away without something more than a brief record of the event upon your journals. The spot on which we are convened is patriot ground. It was consecrated by our pious ancestors to the duties of providing for the welfare of their infant settlement, and for a long series of years was occupied in succession by the great and good men, whom Providence raised up to establish the institutions and liberties of their country.
There are none, who have paid even a superficial attention to the process of their perceptions, who are not conseious that a prolific source of intellectual pleasures and pains is found in our faculty of associating the remembrance of characters and events, which have most interested our affections and passions, with the spot whereon the first have lived and the latter have occurred. It is to the magic of this local influence that we are indebted for the charm which recalls the sports and pastimes of our child- hood, the joyous days of youth, when buoyant spirits invested all surrounding objects with the color of the rose. It is this which brings before us, as we look back through the vista of
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riper years, past enjoyments and afflictions, aspiring hopes and bitter disappointments, the temptations we have encountered, the snares which have entangled us, the dangers we have escaped, the fidelity or treachery of friends. It is this which enables us to surround ourselves with the images of those who were asso- ciates in the scenes we contemplate, and to hold sweet converse with the spirits of the departed, whom we have loved or hon- ored in the places which shall know them no more.
But the potency of these local associations is not limited to the sphere of our personal experience. We are qualified by it to derive gratification from what we have heard and read of other times, to bring forth forgotten treasures from the recesses of memory, and recreate fancy in the fields of imagination. The regions which have been famed in sacred or fabulous history ; the mountains, plains, isles, rivers, celebrated in the classic page ; the seas traversed by the discoverers of new worlds; the fields in which empires have been lost and wou, are scenes of enchant- ment for the visitor who indulges the trains of perception, which either rush unbidden on his mind, or are courted by its volun- tary efforts. This faculty it is, which, nited with a disposition to use it to advantage, alone gives dignity to the passion for visit- ing foreign countries, and distinguishes the philosopher, who moralizes on the turf that covers the mouldering dust of ambi- tion, valor, or patriotism, from the fashionable vagabond, who flutters among the flowers which bloom over their graves.
Among all the objects of mental association, ancient buildings and ruins affect us with the deepest and most vivid emotions. 'They were the works of beings like ourselves. While a mist impervious to mortal view hangs over the future, all our fond imaginings of the things which "eye hath not seen nor ear heard," in the eternity to come, are inevitably associated with the men, the events and things, which have gone to join the eternity that is past. When imagination has in vain essayed to rise beyond the stars which " proclaim the story of their birth," inquisitive to know the occupations and condition of the sages and heroes whom we hope to join in a higher empyrean, she drops her weary wing, and is compelled to alight among the fragments of " gorgeous palaces and cloud-capp'd towers," which cover their human ruins; and, by aid of these localities, to rumi- nate upon their virtues and their faults, on their deeds in the
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