USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > The Boston news-letter, and city record > Part 14
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The old stands of trade must, and ought to lose their value, because the facilities afforded the public in the new streets on either side the Market, are far superior to all others in the metropolis. Some have imagined that business could not be confined to the immediate vicinity of the new market, on account of the enormous rents which may hereafter be demanded for such costly stores : this, by the way, is no argument, for rents will always bear a proportion. to the amount of business. The streets will be wide, healthy and clean, and fanned by breezes from one of the finest harbours in the world. Men like to Le well ac- commodated, and they will visit those places which have a commanding as well as beautiful exterior. All these circumstances, combined with many others, will have a direct tendency to move the common wholesale trade, in one great column, to the new mar- ket. Again, the market itself posses- ses all those advantages which render such establishments desirable. Pco- ple will go there to fill their baskets, and merchants will follow the current, and the new streets, therefore, stand every probable chance of being the first stands for every kind of trade.
Besides many natural advantages, so far as water privileges are concern- ed, in bringing vessels within a few feet of the market house, the generous width of the two streets will hold out an irresistible invitation to countrymen to drive their teams for loading, where there is room to turn round.
On the whole, after taking a survey of the new market, the streets and the stores, we are convinced there is noth- ing which can compare with them in any other city.
We were at one time disposed to criticise the proportions of this superb structure, and point out those defects which are the most conspicuous ; but, on mature deliberation, we are as ful- ly persuaded that the appearance of the whole, when completed, will pre- sent a very different aspect, and then
our remarks may be more particular and extensive. We would merely, however, ask the question, if it would not have been better to have three stories-and would it not have been more symmetrical to have wider doors and higher stories ? Any article upon the subject of particular improvements, or in connection with the foregoing subject, will meet with immediate at- tention.
Within two years, Liberty Square, which was scarcely considered an ob- ject, has all at once grown up to an as- tonishing degree of importance. Es- tates have taken an unprecedented rise, and this square will soon be one of the most consequential mercantile locations in the city. One estate, sold by Capt. Robert Williams, which makes the corner store on the north east corner of the massive block lately erected, had been repeatedly offered for eight thousand dollars, but no pur- chaser appeared; when, however, the present improvements in the square were determined upon, the same es- tate sold at an auction sale for nine dollars and fifty cents the square foot, -amounting to nearly thirty six thou- sand dollars! The improvements at the lower end of Water Street -are so beautiful and permanent, that the same spirit will eventually operate, till Wa- ter Street, from being a crooked, nar- row sort of a lane, will yet present one solid wall of elegant buildings, and a straight, well paved passage. Water Street may yet vie with State Street : indeed, we contemplate a period, when Water Street, from its proximity to the market, the banks, &c, will be- come one of the most flourishing re- tailing streets in the city.
We are happy to hear that a res- pectable Company has been formed for the purpose of making an extensive establishment at South Boston for the Brewing of Ale, expected to be equal, if not superior, to that from Albany and Springfield. An excellent loca- tion has been selected, and the pre- paratory labours have been com- menced.
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THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER,
BOSTON NEWSPAPERS. (Continued from p. 66.)
THE NEW-ENGLAND COURANT.
The third newspaper which appear- ed in Boston was the NEW-ENGLAND COURANT, established by James Frank- lin, August 17, 1721, and was printed on a half sheet crown paper. On Mr. Musgrave's becoming proprietor of the Gazette, the printing was taken from Franklin, which circumstance proba- bly led to the establishment of the Courant ; for he warmly attacked Musgrave and endeavoured to have him turned out of office. A society of gentlemen furnished essays for this paper, which were evidently written by men of talents, attacking persons in office, the clergy and the prevailing religious opinions ; and opposed rather rudely the introduction of inoc- ulation for the small pox. These es- says attracted general notice, and the paper soon had warm advocates and zealous opposers ; and finally roused the attention and interference of the government. Dr. Increase Mather openly denounced the Courant, by an address to the public, which appeared in the Boston Gazette, January 29, 1722. Before the Courant had been printed a year, Franklin was imprison- ed by order of the government in the common gaol, where he remained four weeks. After his release from prison, the club was encouraged to proceed with increased boldness, which led to a further interference of the govern- ment ; and it was ' thereupon ordered that James Franklin, the printer and publisher, be strictly forbidden by this Court, to print or publish the New- England Courant, or any pamphlet or paper of the like nature, except it be first supervised by the Secretary of this Province ; and the Justices of his Majesty's Sessions of the Peace for the county of Suffolk, at their next adjournment, be directed to take suffi- cient Bonds of said Franklin, for his good behaviour for twelve months time.'
Franklin published the Courant, notwithstanding, on the following Monday, without submitting its con- II
tents to the Secretary. For this neg- lect, a bill of indictment was preferred to the grand jury against him for con- tempt of an order of the Court. The jury returned "Ignoramus" on the bill, and he was put under bonds for his good behaviour pursuant to the or- der of the General Court. In conse- quence of things being thus situated, it was determined to alter the imprint by leaving out the word Jones, and inserting that of Benjamin Franklin, in order to evade the act. This was carried into immediate effect, and the Courant purported to be " printed and sold by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, in Queen Street," * although he was a minor, and an apprentice to his brother. The paper continued to be published in the name of Benjamin Franklin for some time after he left his brother ; and, for any thing that appears, until its publication was discontinued, in 1727. James Franklin subsequently removed to Newport, R. I. and estab- lished the first paper in that Colony, under the title of the Rhode Island Gazette, which made its appearance September 27,1732.
(To be continued.)
* Franklin's printing office was kept in a build- ing that formerly stood on the easterly corner of Court Street and Franklin Avenue. This place seems to have been highly distinguished by a suc- cession of printing establishments, from the time Franklin commenced, down to 1817, when the In- dependent Chronicle was removed and united with the Boston Patriot. The old building was taken down in August of that year, to make room for the one now occupied by Mr. James W. Bur- ditt, as the Franklin Bookstore.
CITY RECORD.
IN BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
Monday, Jan. 23 .- It having been made known to the Board of Alder- men, that at the fire in Court Street in November last, Mr. Almoran Holmes and Mr. Bela Lincoln were instrument- al in preserving the city building cal- led the Old State House, from being destroyed. by permitting themselves to be let down from the cupola to the ridge pole of the building, and from thence extinguishing the fire which
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AND CITY RECORD, FEB. 4, 1826.
had already rekindled upon the roof thereon. Resolved that the thanks of this board be presented to them for their distinguished exertions in pre- serving with so much skill and at so much personal hazard, in the manner above stated, the property of the city from destruction.
Monday, Jan. . 30 .- Capt. James Morgan, Captain of the watch, and superintendent of the lamps, died yes- terday, thereupon, ordered, that the City Clerk advertise that application will be received until Monday next, 6 o'clock P. M. from all persons wish- ing the above office.
The Committee appointed to ascer- tain the best terms and contract for a number of fire buckets, reported, that they have contracted with George Domett for two hundred pair, at four dollars and fifty cents per pair.
Petition of Christopher Gore, chair- man of the Columbian Eagle Fire So- ciety, praying that some badge may be adopted whereby they may be ac- knowledged at fires and admitted to the advantages of firemen. Commit- ted to the Mayor and Alderman Oliver.
Petition of Joshua Davis, praying that a street of thirty feet wide-to include passage way of six feet wide, may be laid out from Washington street, to extend easterly to the dyke, and for that purpose offers as much of his land as the surveyors may think proper. Committed to Aldermen Car- ney and Jackson.
The Committee on the application of B. L. Weld to have a communica- tion opened between Pearl and At- kinson Streets. Reported (as on file) that a street be opened upon certain conditions.
The Committee on the application of Cornelius Coolidge, relative to pav- ing in Liberty Square. Reported, and was accepted.
The Mayor and Alderman Rob- bins were joined to the Committee on the subject of uniting the offices of City Marshal and Health Commis- sioner.
The committee to whom was refer- red the subject of the frequent false
alarms of the citizens, by the ringing of bells, at the North part of the City, made a report, upon which it was ordered, that the several Committees of the Districts be authorized to make agreements with the several Commit- tees of the different churches which have bells, to have places of deposit for their keys, and to engage persons to attend to the same.
Petition of Alexander Parris was committed.
IN COMMON COUNCIL.
Monday, Jan. 30 .- Ordered that the sum of five thousand dollars be added to the appropriations for the di- rectory of the House of Industry. Order twice read, passed and sent up for concurrence.
Communication from P. Haley, Thos. G. Staniford, Gardner Green, and Charles R. Porter, in behalf of persons who have suffered by a fire at Topsham in the state of Maine, refer- red in the board of Aldermen to the committee who have under considera- tion the application of the sufferers at Brunswick, to consider and report. Concurred.
Petition of Thomas Welsh, Jr. for damages for lands taken from him on the north side of Pemberton's hill. Committed to Aldermen Bellows and Robbins to report on the expediency of purchasing the whole of said peti- tioner's land. Concurred, and Messrs. Eveleth, Merriam and Sam'l. Thaxter are joined.
Petition of Sam'l. D. Parker for remuneration for damages sustained by him by digging down West Center and Pinkney streets, referred to the committee who have under considera- tion the petition of J. Evarts. Con- curred.
Orders passed authorizing the Com- mittee on Neck Lands to select and offer for sale on or before the 4th of April next, ten house lots from the city's land on the west side of Wash- ington Street. Also, to cause sur- veys to be made of all the marsh and flats lying in and about South Boston line, so called, from the southern ex- tremity of Front-street, &c. as will en-
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THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER,
able them fairly to investigate and determine what measures, in their opinion, will most contribute to the city's interest in relation to the peti- tion of T. K. Jones and others.
Ordered, That the committee ap- pointed to consider the expediency of digging a well and locating a reservoir in South Market street, be directed to take into consideration the expedien cy of removing from the surface of the Mill Creek (beginning where the old Mills stood and extending to the end of North Market street,) so much of the same as will serve as a reser- voir, retaining at all times one foot of water in depth in said creek.
The Common Council held a ses- sion on Monday evening, but nothing of importance was presented for delib eration, and it adjourned at an early hour. A motion by Mr. I. Parker, that the Mayor should be authorised to purchase of any manufacturer in the city or vicinity, a fire engine with a suitable quantity of hose, for the use of the city, was negatived, on the ground that such a purchase was not now necessary. The object of the mover undoubtedly was, to allay the feeling that has been excited among some of the citizens, in consequence of the recent purchase of engines at Philadelphia and New-York .- Cour.
At the annual meeting of the Stock- holders of the Boston and Roxbury Mill Corporation, on Monday, 30th Jan. 1826, the following gentlemen were chosen Directors for the year ensuing : Francis C. Gray, Standfast Smith, Thomas H. Perkins, Benjamin Joy, Patrick T. Jackson, Charles Bradbury, Ralph Huntington, Wil- liam Lawrence, Israel Thorndike, Jr. John Lowell, Jr. John C. Gray, and Abraham W. Fuller, Esquires. Sam- uel F. MeCleary, Esq. was re-elected Clerk and Treasurer.
The sloop of war BOSTON, Capt. Hoffman, hence ar. at New-York on Monday Jan. 23d.
A correspondent has been sorry to observe, lately, several sums taken from the fund appropriated towards liquidating the City Debt, and appro- priated to temporary expenditures. This is not a good symptom. Where is the vigilance of our Common Coun- cil, in watching the treasury? The Representatives of the People some- times hold the purse-strings with an unyielding grasp. The reflection that our City Debt is not diminishing, must be disagreeable to every consid-
erate person. Suppose we should have a sudden war, or any unfavoura- ble change of circumstances, with a great load of debt on our shoulders ? Now is the time to reduce it by econ- omy. A time might come when econ- omy could not do it .-- Pal.
By a communication from the Gov- ernor to the House of Representatives, it appears that Mr. George Sullivan, agent for the settlement of our claim on the U. States, has resigned.
An action was tried at the Supreme Court in this city last week, which re- garded a portion of the American property destroyed at Moscow in the conflagration of that city, when Buon- aparte was about to attack it.
The Palladium of Tuesday states, that subscriptions for that useful es- tablishment, the Eye and Ear Infirm- ary, on a permanent basis, already amount to a considerable sum.
On Wednesday, Jan. 25, on motion of Mr. Gardner, the Supreme Court granted a writ of habeas corpus, in be- half of one Shurtleff, a minor, enlisted as a soldier at Fort Independence without the consent of his parents. On Thursday he was brought up and surrendered, and the facts proving as stated, he was discharged.
On the 25th inst. the Rev. Erastus Maliby was installed Pastor of the Trinity Church and Society in Taun- ton. Sermon by Rev. Mr. Wisner of Boston,
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AND CITY RECORD, FEB. 11, 1826.
BOSTON : SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1826.
THE WEATHER.
The weather in Boston this winter has been very mild, with the excep- tion of two or three days, till the latter part of January, when a sudden and severe change took place. The Thermometers on Wednesday, Feb. 1. in this city, were as low as 17 degrees below zero; in Salem, 17 ; in Glouces- ter, 14; in Portsmouth, N. H. 19 ; in Portland, Me. 19; in Wisscaset, 24; in Brunswick, 29 ; in Hallowell, 30 ; in Bath, 27; in Concord, N. H. 26; in Keene, 28 ; in Amherst, 28 ; in Chelmsford, Mass. 14; in Brattle- boro' Vt. 27; in Windsor, 24; in Springfield, Mass. 18 ; in Stockbridge, 16 ; in Plymouth, 13 ; in New-Bed- ford, 10. There has been but very little snow here, the present winter, till within ten days. Boston harbour was closed with ice on the 2d. inst. as far as Long Island.
The southern papers speak of the extreme cold weather, and a plenty of snow.
TES SOUTH END.
London has its west end, and Bos- ton has a north and south end, which, indeed, are as different in their exte- rior as almost any opposite extremes in nature. Somehow it has so hap- pened in the course of things, that the inhabitants at the south part of the city, have become eminently dis- tinguished for their zeal in beautifying, as well as making their particolar half of the town, both convenient and valu- able. Lots were not originally so con- sequential, as at the north of the mar- ket ; but, at this time, there is nothing in the old quarter of Boston, which can compare with the principal streets located south of Fanneil Hall. The current has been strongly set for several years, towards Boylston Market, and instead of abating, there was never a period when more spirit- 8*
ed measures were in exercise for car- rying on judicious improvements, than at the present moment. Many are of an opinion that there is a physical dif- ference in the constitutions of the in- habitants of the two divisions of the city, which explains this manifest dis- tinction in their enterprize. The south end is said to be constituted of more adventurous men than the north, who have generally inherited their proper- ty from their forefathers, while the south-enders have gained their posses- sions by dint of their own individual exertions.
From Province house row, with a few exceptions, quite to the neck, in- cluding the streets which lead out of Washington Street, there is a series of the finest dwelling houses. Besides being new, they are constructed upon modern architectural principles, com- bining elegance with whatever is con- venient and desirable for a family. Such property will always command rent of the first order ; whereas, those antiquated tenements which strike the eye with such sombre influence, at the north end, must necessarily decrease in value, and eventually become the habitations of those who are the least able to pay generous prices.
Merchants are as desirous of locat- ing their families in elegant places, as they are to fix their places of business in central situations, and this is the true cause of the increasing population of the south end, and the real motive too for building such excellent edifices -- because they will rent well "Noth- ing venture, nothing have," is cer- tainly worth remembering. If own- ers of estates in a city would study their own interest. and also feel that pride is raising the dignity of Boston, so far as good style in building is con- cerned, they will never spare in their efforts to increase the value of their tenements. A poor house is a poor thing any where, but in a city a poor house is a despicable incumbrance, which is never growing better. The south end of Boston is destined for importance, and, at the rate which it has travelled, will soon eclipse all the
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THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER,
old divisions of this venerable and distinguished city.
AMUSEMENTS.
Perhaps the first thought of the ma- jority of strangers, on visiting a city, has reference to public amusements. A love of ease and a love of pleasure is inseparably interwoven into the hu- man character, and this has been taken advantage of in every country, for the accumulation of individual wealth, personal distinction and power.
The great body of mankind in civil- ized nations, have been too long bait- ed with those frivolities which pass away time, to willingly relinquish them. Theatres have been supported from an early period, and those ef- forts which have been made at differ- ents eras, to suppress scenic repre- sentations, have only served to inflame the public, and make them infinitely more spirited and determined to main- tain the customs which have been handed down from their play-loving progenitors.
The authorities of this city from time to time have shackled the Fede- ral Street Theatre, by taxation, till we begin to wonder how the managers can afford to give us fine scenery. good players, or even a choir of fid- dlers. Even the legislature, in for mer times have been in grave debate about suppressing theatricals, but all to no purpose ;- theatres will have ·existence, if the actors were decapitat- ed every morning, and jugglers con- tinue their tricks, and who cares if they do ?
One chief objection to stage playing has arisen from a vulgar opinion that it is immoral, and consequently wick- ed :-- sinful, however as it is, only pay a round sum of cash into the treasury for a license, and that eases the con- science of the whole corporation. This is no better than the buying of papal indulgences to commit cr mes, or the Parisian mode of sanctioning gambling houses by paying a revenue to government.
The Stamp-Act was not more op- pressive to our forefathers, than the
screwing assessments on our infant Theatre. Money is the philosopher's stone, as much sought for in 1826, as in the age of Pythagoras. Kings tax the nations, and they tax the people who compose them : this is a clever fashion, which has descended from the antediluvian age, and is now aped by the smallest urchin over a box of pins. The state taxes the county ; the county taxes the town ; the town taxes the parish ; the parish tax them- selves, and the minister taxes their souls ; while the grave digger taxes the upper leather, and there we re- main to be taxed by the vermin of the earth.
A word might be said, with strict propriety, on the circus, and we might notice the low exhibitions which have characterised the performances in Washington Garden, during a series of years ; but there is certainly an apolo- gy for the managers, for they have been taxed till many of the most dis- tinguished actors have been gathered to their fathers, without being able to pay another tax-bill.
Federal Street Theatre was erected in 1796, and instead of being assisted by authorities, or encouraged to em- ploy those powers in the cause of mo- rality, good taste and virtue, which have been exerted by municipal bodies in Europe, the very existence of this Theatre has been threatened with ab- solute annihilation.
" Strenuous opposition had been made to the introduction of theatrical exhibitions in Boston. The first at- tempt of the kind, in 1750, was fol- lowed by a law of the Province, pro- hibiting them under penalties.
During the siege the British officers en- tertained themselves with amusements of a theatrical sort. From that time we discover no traces of a theatre in Bos- ton, till 1789, when the newspapers contain an intimation of a design to establish one. While the prohibitory laws remained in force, it was unsafe to proceed openly : an effort was made to repeal them in the winter ses- sion of 1792, which failed, and the expedient of exhibiting plays under
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