USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > The Boston news-letter, and city record > Part 6
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It is from the fatal error of suf- fering interested individuals to have the supply of an article of the most indispensable nature, and without which health and comfort cannot be enjoyed. Expense is not to be regar- ded. If a company can supply your city, they will expect to profit by it ; and this profit might as well be saved by your corporation. On the other hand, if it be a losing business, indi- viduals should not suffer by forwarding a great public object ; and if they o, the citizens will feel it by a pin .. ed and partial supply.
This city (Philadelphia) has expend- ed vast sums of money out of its own resources, and if required, more would be cheerfully accorded. There is no one thing, in which all are so much united ; and I firmly believe, that, if a question was submitted to the citi- zens, to sell to a company who would pay back the whole cost, with interest, that not a tenth of the population would agree to it. The increased se- curity from fire, the abundant supply for washing the streets, the copious streams, afforded for baths, for clean- liness. and, in short, many other ad- vantages, are such and so well appre-
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PY REC
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER,
ciated, that no money could purchase the surrender of the works.
The whole cost of the water works, including the pipes for distribution, previous to the erection of the new water works, was $1,138,857, without adding interest. Yet, such was the eagerness for a more abundant supply, that a unanimous sanction was given to the new plan, which has happily succeeded, of raising the water by wa- ter power ; the cost of which may be put down, including the river rights, at $450,000 And in addition to this, iron pipes are substituted for those of wood, the cost of which, thus far, may be called 150,000
Amounting, in the whole, to $600,000
This sum, added to that before meni- tioned, with the interest paid, will amount to more than two millions of dollars.
I have said thus much to hold out an inducement to your city to perse- vere in obtaining a supply, and have held out our example to show that cost is not to be regarded by us in so es- sential a matter. We have been pio- neers for our sister cities, who may now practically obtain a supply of wa- ter, without paying for the cost of our experiments."
Other facts and documents connec- ted with this subject will be hereafter communicated, should the City Coun- cil deem it expedient to take it seri- ously into consideration.
Two occasions have occurred, dur- ing the past year, which made it ne- cessary for the mayor to examine, with great attention, the powers con- ferred on him by the city charter, in relation to the suppression of riots and similar unlawful assemblies, so as to be enabled to justify, before a legal tribunal, the extreme resort, which, in such cases, he might, possibly, think requisite. After consultation with the best legal advisers ; it was deemed most safe for the mayor to act in the capacity, and under the commission of, justice of the peace throughout the
commonwealth, which he happened to hold ; inasmuch as the powers of the mayor, as expressed in the city charter, are of the most general char- acter, and no legislative or judicial construction has ever occurred in re- lation to them. The duty of the may- or, as expressed in the city charter, is to take care that all laws for the gov- ernment of the city are executed. Riots, routs, and unlawful assemblies, are cognizable, only, under the laws of the Commonwealth. By these laws, the course of proceedings, and the persons entrusted with their execu- tion, are expressly pointed out ; and among them the mayor of the city is not included.
In general, it may be observed, that an undefined and exaggerated notion of the powers of the mayor has led our fellow citizens to expect a much greater exercise of authority, in many cases, than the terms of the city char- ter justifies. It is, however, certain, that, in respect to riots, the mayor, by the mere virtue of his office, does not possess even the power of a jus- tice of the peace.
It was solely, therefore, and avow- edly, in virtue of a commission of the peace, and not in virtue of his office of mayor, that the first riotous assem- bly was met and dispersed by that officer.
Such being the relations of his pow- er, it is obviously, in every occurring case, his duty to decide upon his re- sponsibility, whether the particular disturbance is of a nature to justify him in compromising the unquestion- able rights and duties of his office, in a case of a doubtful character, by his personal presence ; or whether in the free exercise of his discretion, he should leave their remedy to the pre- scribed executive agents of the Com- monwealth, who can act, without any censure, from an apprehended, illegal, assumption of power.
If a case has occurred, or should hereafter occur, in which any person should, in defiance of the moral sense and general feeling of the public, adopt any measures, which would, naturally,
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AND CITY RECORD, JAN. 7, 1826.
and almost unavoidably lead to disor- der and disturbance, they could not reasonably invoke the aid of the au- thorities of the city government so long as the invited evil was confined to themselves only ; but it is a ques- tion of very serious moment with the inhabitants of a city so distinguished for its religious and moral character, whether further checks ought not to be provided to prevent that,-which has been merely tolerated,-from becom- ing the source of disturbances, of dan- ger and of disgrace to the citizens, and their government.
It is my duty, only, to call your at- tention to the subject, and I shall cheerfully acquiesce in your decision.
If the mayor is to be made respon- sible to act, in all such cases, his pow- ers ought to be accurately defined and his duties prescribed by law. The powers of the mayor are sufficient for all municipal purposes ; and it is as much his duty to abstain from assuming to exercise powers not vested in him by his office, as it is to exercise those pow- ers with which he is entrusted.
Gentlemen of the City Council :
The harmony which hitherto has, without inturruption, been maintained between the departments, members, and branches of our city government, is among the auspicious auguries of the future greatness and happiness of this community. It will be your, and my, endeavour to maintain and increase this happy mutual understanding and respect. But difficult questions con- cerning duties, made complex and un- certain by the interfering passions, interests and prejudices, existing in all great combinations of men, must necessarily occur. On occasions of this character, those will be most sure to find the correct rule of truth and duty, who seek it with a sense of strict subordination to those moral and re- ligious sanctions, under which the wis- dom of our fathers laid the founda- tions of this people.
The Rt. Rev. Bishop Fenwick, of the Roman Catholic Church of this Diocese, arrived in this city, Wednes- day evening Nov. 30.
Deaths in Charlestown from Jan. 1st to Dec. 31, 1825. - 78 | 50 to 60 - 11 Under 10 years
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165
CALEB SYMMES, Jr. Sexton.
CITY OF BOSTON.
In the Board of Aldermen, Dec. 28, 1825.
IT is ordered, that all Theatrical or other exhibitions, or public shows which hereafter may be licenced by this Board, may be re- voked, or suspended, notwithstanding the terms of such license, whenever in the opinion of the Mayor and Aldermen for the time being, the same shall be necessary to preserve order and decorum, and to prevent the interruption of peace and quiet ; Pro- vided always, that whensoever any revoca- tion of the entire remainder of any terms shall take place, and the same shall not be in consequence of any culpable act, or omission of the Managers, or proprietors of such show, or exhibition, or of the per- son or persons licensed in that respect, that such part of any sum of money which may have been previously paid for such license, shall be returned to the person or persons paying the same, as shall be proportional to the unexpired part of the term of such license. A true copy-Attest, S. F. McCLEARY, City Clerk.
Thirteen fires have taken place in New York, between the 18th Noy. and 16th Dec. at which the firemen have been engaged in actual duty ; 36 buildings were destroyed, and others sustained but little damage.
American citizens maltreated at the Havana .- We have been inform- ed by a gentleman recently arrived from the Havana, and authorised and desired by him to state to the public that there are now confined in the Havana prison, four American sea- men, the survivors of a crew of nine, all the rest having perished intl e dun- geon, and this is the third year of their confinement. Is there no American Consul in the Havana, who has intelligence and spirit enough to interfere in their behalf? There is not. The Authorities there have ac- knowledged a French consul, but have refused to acknowledge one from the United States. The humiliating truth cannot be denied, and disgrace covers our name abroad .- Er. Post.
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THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER,
NUMBER OF DEATHS IN BOSTON, FROM JAN. 1, 1816, TO DEC. 31, 1825.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
Jan.
91
71
71
79
92
112
85
97
94
99
Feb.
98
67
60
69
64
66
82
78
81
119
March
83
71
91
77
97
106
104
97
109
83
April
87
67
79
59
70
93
94 77
96
82
121
June
:53
60
83
52
77
110
77
72
78
101
July
61
64
75
85
78 107
160
109
95
125
152
Sept.
74
98
88
136
126
164
126
135
154
145
Oct.
70
99
104
108
125
121
130
143
135
123
Nov.
60
50
89
103
99
115
114
102
118
106
Dec.
91
47
76
91
97
122
125
8-1
135
120
Total 904
907
971
1070
1170
1420
1203
1154
1298
1450
The following statements of the Deaths in Boston is taken from the first Boston Gazette, published about a century since.
WHITES.
BLACKS.
Burials within the town of Boston in 1724. 1726. 1729. 1730.
1724. 1726. 1729. 1730.
March
23
25
19
29
8
4
4
9
April
26
24
35
45
7
4
10
13
May
23
20
29
84
2
1.
7
29
June
18
16
43
171 101 63
4
7 5
4 11
16
September
27
24
50
70
3
3
12
9
October
21
28
40
66
5
6
10
14
November
17
33
45
34
2
6
8
7
December
22
30
44
32
5
4
9
7
January
30
22
28
36
5
5
9
11
February
16
29
31
18
5
2
S
4
Total No. of whites of every
268
290
470
749
56
53
99
160
age and sex
Total No. of Indians and Negros 56
53
99
160
Total of the several years
324 343
569
909
BAPTISMS.
The following is the number of Baptisms in the several Churches in Boston, in 1730-'31, as published in the Boston Gazette, of March 8, 1731.
March
57
October
45
April
35
November
35
May
29
December
34
June
15
January
44
July
24
February
37
August
51
September
32
Total
438
May
72
62
78
72
71
112
139
80
67
91
170
August
64
151
77
139
17
August
31
22
64 42
7
6
7
26
July
14
15
3
88
96
111
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AND CITY RECORD, JAN. 14, 1826.
38
THE CITY OF HAVANA.
The city of Havana lies near the western extremity of Cuba ; its ·fine harbour, extensive trade, prodig- ious wealth, and great population, ren- der it the most interesting town in the West Indies, and the key of the rich and noble island upon which it is situ- ated. Havana is fortified in such a manner as to be impregnable, except at its back part, which, however, is accessible only by a circuitous route thro' the woods.
The entrance to the harbour is de- fended by two forts, and is so narrow, that not more than one vessel can safely pass at a time. The fort on the east side is named the Moro, and that on the west the Punto, and both mount a large number of heavy guns, and command the adjacent seas. On the top of the former is a light-house and watch tower, in which a person stands from sunset to sunrise, and hails eve- ry vessel that approaches, demanding of what nation she is, whence she comes, and of what her cargo consists ; and any ship-master, who does not hoist his fiag, or refuses to answer these questions, is fired upon and se- verely fined. Formerly during war, a very strong iron chain was drawn across the mouth of the harbour, and the stanchions to which the extremi- ties were attached still remain.
On rounding the Moro Castle, and entering the harbour, an interesting scene presents itself. In front, one sees a forest of masts, surmounted with the flags of all nations, and vessels of every description, from the ship of war to the coasting sloop, lie at an- chor around him. On one side a high ridge of rocks, crowned with formida- ble batteries, extends along the wa- ter's edge ; and on the other are clus- ters of houses fancifully painted and adorned with verandas, terraces, and balconies ; where groups of Spanish Ladies sit enjoying the sea-breeze, and slaves stroll idly, awaiting their master's call. A little way off the an- tique towers of a convent rise with sober majesty, and, in the distance, spires of various architecture project /4*
into the clear balmy atmosphere above, while the deep tolling of their bells comes upon the ear with varying loudness. Small boats with painted awnings glide about in every direction, conveying people to and from the different vessels ; and the snatches of barbarous Spaniards, which reach the ear as they pass and repass, forcibly remind the stranger that he is in a foreign land.
The wharves at Havana are very extensive and commodious. Vessels lie with their bows towards them, and are so numerous and so close together, that a small boat can scarcely find room to make a landing.
The streets of Havana are narrow, and during the rainy-season, exces- sively dirty; for some of them remain in a state of nature, having no pave- ment of any kind, either for carriages or foot passengers. The houses are plain in their architecture, and never exceed two stories, and are usually painted blue, or some other bright colour. All the good houses are built upon the same plan, namely that of a hollow quadrangle, which is the form best calculated for promoting a free circulation of air. In general, a gallery, surrounded by piazzas, extends around the upper flat, and forms, along with the court below, a place of recreation in the evenings, and a shel- ter from the heat during the day. The public apartments are usually spaciously and tastefully furnished : no carpets are used, and in most hous- es the floor consists of a composition which is as hard as freestone, and ad- mits of being washed several times a dav ; but some of the nobility have their rooms paved with black and white tablets of marble, placed alter- nately, and this has a very beautiful effect. The shops in Havana are small and meanly furnished. Instead of the names of their occupants being placed above the doors, as is common in most countries, each has some figu- rative appellation to distinguish it from others of the same description, such as the shop of victory, of humility, of happiness, of good fortune, &c.
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ITY'REC
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER,
HISTORICAL.
LEOMINSTER, MASS.
Leominster is a post town in the N. E. section of the county of Worces- ter, 19 miles N. E. from that village, and 41 W. from Boston. It is bound- ed on the N. and N. E. by Fitchburg ; on the E., S. E. and S. by Lancaster ; and on the S. W. and W. by Sterling, and a gore of land, by the inhabitants called, " No Town." Its name is deri- ved from a borough in Herefordshire, England ; its shape is nearly triangu- lar, and is computed to contain five and a quarter square miles.
LAND and PRODUCE. The soil is variable ; some portions of the town are argillaceous, and others are sandy and requires annual manurings to keep it in a productive state. The price of land is also variable, being worth from ten dollars to one hundred per acre. There are tolerable lots of woods, con- sisting of oak, walnut, pine and ches- nut, which is sold for three dollars per cord, and probably will be nearly stationary at that price for many fu- ture years, as it is thought to grow very nearly as fast as required for common consumption. Apples are the staple fruit, from which great quan- tities of cider have formerly been made : but the trees have generally become old, and not so much care has been taken to set young ones as could have been wished ; consequently, ci- der, for several years to come, will be an article of more solicitude. Horti- culture has made some considerable progress with a few families, there being some gardens admirably cultiva- ted. Pears, a few peaches, cherries, currants, and quinces are raised in small quantities by the standard far- mers, yet not half so plentifully as might be, with a small share of la- bour. On the streams there is but a small quantity of interval ; the upland is more to be depended upon : there are large quantities of hay made in every point of the town, which has al- ways a ready sale. The average price of hay is ten dollars, although it has
frequently found a market at 25 and' 30 dollars. Pastures are rather too dry to graze many cattle ; but few are fattened.
RIVERS, PONDS, AND HILLS. Two miles W. of the meetinghouse is the Waunoosnook hill, by others termed a mountain, which is covered with a beautiful growth of timber, but difficult of access. On the sides of it are found a beautiful kind of coarse gran- ite stone, very much used in building ; some of them are twenty feet in length, and on one or two sides completely smooth and straight. In 1816, on the summit of Waunoosnook the skeleton of a female was found, who strayed in the night, in a fit of despair, from her father's house three years before, and there probably finished her own exist- ence by strangling herself with a bough of a tree, found twined round the bones. From the base of the Wau- noosnook mountain, the Waunoosnook brook has its origin, and runs the whole length of it on the east side from N. to S. and then meanders through the middle of the town and ultimately forms a junction with the Nashawah. Another stream, called the N. branch of the Nashawah, enters the town at the N. W. from Fitchburg, and running its course one mile and a half N. of the meeting house through the N. village, enters Lancaster at the S. E. All the machinery of magni- tude in town is dependent on these two streams. At the N. W. four miles from the centre, is a small circular pond, partly in Lunenburg, called Un- chahchawhalom, and three miles from that, on the East, another, bounded in . the same manner, called Mashpog, and three miles East of the meeting- house another, partially in Lancaster, called White's pond.
ROADS AND TRAVEL. The great western road from Albany, through Brattleboro', and the road from Keene, N. H. forms a junction in the E. side of Westminster, five miles above this townand passes through its centre. On this road the Albany stage runs to, and from Boston every day in the week but Sunday. It brings a mail from
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AND CITY RECORD, JAN. 14, 1826.
Boston on Monday and Friday by ten o'clock in the morning, and returns a mail, at twelve o'clock on Tuesday and Saturday. One mile and a half N. of the meetinghouse is the Union turnpike, which goes through the North village, but it is in a ruinous condi- tion and a traveller is rarely seen on it. From Fitchburg, the county road, nearly equal to a turnpike, passes the meetinghouse and crosses the great road one mile below. A post-route is established on this, between Worces- ter and Ashburnham : the carriage runs Tuesday and Wednesday. An- other post is established between this and Worcester and through Harvard, Lancaster, &c. on the same day. Bag- gage wagons run regularly to Boston for the convenience of the manufac- turers. In the centre of the town, within the distance of a mile, there are three public inns and one in the north village, and such is the travel through the place, that they are all well rented.
TRADE AND MANUFACTURES. The manufacture of combs, for which the people have been many years celebra- ted, has, heretofore, been a source of large profit. A few years ago it was calculated that the men, women, and children engaged exclusively in this branch of business, amounted to two or three hundred, but we believe the number overrated. The trade is now on the decline, and many young men, who have served an apprenticeship to comb-making, are now seeking new employments. Their machinery is so calculated, that a good workman will, from the rough horn, make ten, twelve and sometimes more dozens of combs in a day.
On the Nashawah and Waunoosnook rivulets there are three paper-mills ; one nail factory, in which one man can cut thirty tons of nails in a year ; three grist mills ; six saw-mills ; two oil-mills ; one fulling-mill ; one wool- en factory ; one axe manufactory ; and several turning machines. There is also, in town, eight blacksmiths ; three wheelwrights ; three saddle and harness makers ; two sieve makers ; one baker ; two tanners and curriers ;
nine shoe and bootmakers ; one hat- ter ; one tailor : two coopers, and a number of cabinet makers, house- wrights and carpenters. The tools for making combs are all made in town, and are not inferior to those of Birmingham. Organs for the parlour and church are also made here that vie with Parisian workmanship in tone and exterior finishing. There are also six West India and English goods stores.
SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES. The town is divided into eight wards, in each of which a neat and convenient schoolhouse is erected. They are all of one size throughout the town and are all painted red, excepting the cen- tre one, which is of brick. An in- structer from Cambridge is employed two months in each ward in the win- ter, and to these succeed exemplary instructresses the like term in summer. The town library, or, rather, the only public library in town, is very inferi- or ; the selection, when it was formed, was poor, and still continues so : it is hoped some measure will be taken to remedy this important defect. There are many excellently selected private libraries in the place. The Aurora Lodge is the senior society in town, and is the sixth lodge in the fifth ma- sonic district ; and if the public judge of the respectability of an institution from the number of its members, this may be said, without hesitation, to have acquired a good character.
A society was instituted several years ago for suppressing intemperance, and correcting the morals, but has, lamentably, fallen into nothingness. A female society for purposes of char- ity, made up of the most respectable ladies of the town, was instituted seven years ago, and has bountifully assisted the indigent and needy with money, clothing, &c. and they have even ex- tended their charity so far, as to keep bed linen to be sent to the sick wherev- er it is most necessary. Another very requisite society was formed, some few years since, for the detection of thieves ; this society has appointed men who hold themselves in constant
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