The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
BOSTON CORRESPONDENCE.

BosroN, January ~, 1850.
Mr.. Editor: la the absence Of news. both gen.
eral and local the papers of the city are engaged
tooth and nail, in wOrdy conflict ON the question,
to which half Of the nineteenth century the pres
ent year belongs, or whether the Christian era
dates from the hour Of the Sayour's birth, or one
year from that time More than week has been
spent in discussing this important matter in vain,
and the opposite parties have arrived at such
pitch of excitement, that they cannot even agree
to-differ!
The Grand Jury, which empsneled some
days ago, and had already disposed Of over ninety
indictments, was yesterday brought to sudden
stand by the discovery that one Of the jurors was
an alien, and had never complied with the natu-
radiation laws, which inclpactated him from
serving on the jury. In consequence Of this,
new juror has been chosen. Fortunately for JUS
tice, this discovery was made before any impor-
tant cases had been reached for had the trials
come on, and the Aow been subsequently, ascer-
tanned, the criminals would have been entitled
to their liberty, no doubt much to their own sur
prise.
w ithAh lSn hONASf iui'S % HuuiptT vi OdstS VI
small pOx have appeared in the city, several Of
which have proved fatal Four deaths are report
ed from this disease in the list of deaths for last
week. At stated meeting of the District Medi-
cal Society for this city, held the Goth ultmo,
a valuable paper was read by DR., John d. Fisher,
on the subject of vaccination after which, dis
cusson took place among the members relative 10
the protective power of vaccination, and the util-
ity Of re-vaccinstion. Valuable statistics were
given, and large amount Of experience related,
going to show that a thorough incubation of vac
cine virus was in almost all cases. effectual protec-
ton against the vsriolous disease that this pro-
lection continues for an indefinite length OF time,
varying with the individual and that, when lost,
it may be re-acquired by fresh incubation In
view of these facts, therefore, it would appear ad
yts&5e fox every eNe lsi0rNiiy TO subait 90 the
operation of re-vaccinaton, in orNer TO insure
their safety against one of the most loathsome and
fearful scourges Of the human family
The annual address Of Mayor Bgelow gives
some interesting details in reference to the CON-
mon schools of this city. There are 1877 of these
schools at present sustained at the public expense
aud containing over 20 900 pupils. The sum paid
out Of the Treasury during the year, for ins,ruo-
ton, school houses, repairs, &c, amounts to
S33i,l14 In addition TO the pupils in these
schools, il is estimated that there are about 900
in attendance on private schools and academies
A good story is in circulation, concerning the
city marshal, MIR. Turkey. 1t would seem that
MS this functionary was vending his way to the
Neck" one afternoon last week, with a view TO
check, If possible, the fast driving and racing
there he was overtaken by n friend in sleigh
and invited to ride The offer was accepted and
Mr. Turkey got in. As they approached the racing
ground the gentleman desired the marshal TO
take the rens for an instant, until he could put
on his gloves. Mr.. Tukey readily complied but
scarcely were the reins in his hands, when, at
well.known signal FROM beg owner, the spirited
animal gave bound, and despite city regulations,
and the city marshal to boot, away she few over
the course, dstancing everything on the track, to
the CONSERVATION Of passers by, and the indgna-
ton of the police who were stationed on the
route to arrest and report the youthful Jehus
who should thus transgress the municipal ordl.
nance made and provided against fast driving
The editor Of the Boston Chronotype informs his
readers this morning that unless he alters his
mind within few hours, he shall step out y to-
morrow, and allow his paper to expire No reason
is assigned for this trash act,n except that he
conceves he has a "louder call in another d.
rection. The Chreno'ype has been, in many re-
spects, valuable paper; keen, racy, unsparing
in its censure Of what it conceived to be wrong
fearless in defence of right, lis loss will be felt
and its influence missed, by n large circle of sur
viving friends. GFB