The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-10-23
Our Massachusetts Correspondence,

WORCESTER, Mass Oct II 1919.
The Political Conrention-TAe Free Soil Party--Tas
Gropm Of Worcester-Inaaence Of Railroads The
Wealth ofMe Place &c.
The political conventions which have recently as
sembed this central city of the old Bay State hay
ing completed their nominations all is quiet in this
quarter, and will probably remain so until the week Of
the election Very little interest is felt in the result
the State being conceded to the wings, as usual as
matter Of course. The free soil party, you
aware Is the strongest of the three in Worcester
ty, but considerable dminution Of their vote is anti
cpated this fall here as well as elsewhere The free
soil appear much hostile to the wings than
they towards the democrats but the time has not
yet for them to coalesce with the latter large
majority Of the free soil men in this county taken
from the ranks Of the wings, and it ay be remarked
that the mechanics whether origin ally wings OF de-
mocrat) in this and other large towns in this county,
form very considerable portion of the free soil party
What they expect to accomplish in the end by acting
independent Of the two old parties, 1t Is difficult to
determine.
Worcester (Which is now in the second year Of It's
chartered existence as city, is beginning to assume
sachuset to which is entitled from its central iocs
ton in one Of the finest sections Of the State aud its
many advantages as place Of business or residence
These advantages have been more fully developed
since the construction of the railroads which
trate at this point 1t will be remembered that Wor
cester is nearly eGui distant from Boston, Providence
Norwich, Springfield, and Nashua New Hampshire,
and to these FIVE points railroads furnish rapid and
venent communications several times each day Of the
week, except Catholics.
Previous to the introduction of railroads. the pro-
gress Of Worcester was slow, as shown by the
paratve census Of the town Thus in 1870, the popu
lation 2095 in 1910, ST. in 1920 962 in 1880
4I72. The and Worcester Railroad opened
in 1885, and in $780, the population Of Worcester
74s7. The present estimated population is about
$4,000 ofwhom 1t Is sad that 1900 are foreigners prn
cipally Irish characters.
The advance Of the city in wealth, within few years
has been equally rapid with the population The pre-
sent valuation Of property in the city Is about Slo
SEQ 000 against SS72 100 last year and s. $50 $50 in
1s4thus showing increase in value Of nearly three
millions Of dollars in the two last Only
In 1873 was The property OF non residents The bank
eight other banks In Worcester county, with an
aggregate capital Of 100000 In the city there
also Eve insurance companies and a savings bank.
The blackstone Canal, extending from Worcester to
Providence, about forty five miles cost $3.50 600 and
opened in 1928 The highest amount Of tolls col
eced in one year was in 1852 when the receipts for
tolls SIS s07. This canal has long been out Of
use, except as feeder to the one hundred mills and
manufactures on its banks. The stock principal
ly owned in Providence. The Providence and Wor-
cester Railroad which runs parallel to the canal is
doing very fair and increasing business
There being no extensive water power within the
bounds OF the city, most Of the machinery and
steam. Cabinet ware and other wood work. machinery
steam engines firearms musical Instruments boots
and shoes, clothing carriages, and castings may be
mentioned among the numerous manufactures o
Worcester.
The country in this vicinity is remarkable for the
beauty Of its scenery, aud the private residences
many " the inhabitants Of the city and its environs
parc ulsrly those which have been recently erected
will compare favorably for elegance and taste with
those Of any other town In the Northern States with
which are acquainted The business parts of tbs
city also generally well built and the rents afford
| coed income on Investments in real estate.
The number Of houses for public worship in the city
at present, Is seventeen of nine different denomina
lions, Among the public institutions which sttcac
and the Hall OF the Antiquarian Society. founded bj
Isaiah Thomas, nearly half n centsry since. The so
cety have, besides their building ana a library o
5000 volumes, an available fund OF about thirt,
| thousand dollars, which susteins the institution.
Travellers passing this way can. at pleasant season
| va N. few yer ncr peab
ftably in Worcester say quite dsluterested
ly. Among the hotels here, we speak, from per
| sonal knowledge, in high terms of tho Worceste
House, now kept by MIR Weld, who Is always attentive
| 10 the comfort and welfare of his guests.