Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1851-03-25


lowing Address, which they recommend the meeting to
adopt and publish as an expression of their views upon
the subject.
Address
OF the Citizens of the City of Worcester to
their fellow Citizens of the County
of Worcester.
A large number of petitions have been presented to
the Legislature of this Commonwealth, praying for the
passage of law by which the ancient County of Wor
cester shall be dismembered, and the norherly part
thereof joined with portion of the County OF Middle
sex, created anew County.
These petitions have been referred to special Com
mttee of the Legislature and orders of notice served
on the County Commissioners and the towns supposed
to be interested in the question, appear and show
cause, if any they have, why the prayer of those petit
tons should not be granted.
The measure is of great Importance, and one
which affects, in greater less degree, every town
in this county.
1t is therefore proper and important for the nhabit
ants of the several towns in the county to meet and
confer together upon the subject and make public
expression of their views and opinions, in relation to
the proposed change and the grounds on which they
are founded.
Although active measures in favor of the change have
for some months past, been going in the north part
of this county, the citizens of the city of Worcester
have not heretofore taken any action in the NATTER or
given any public expression of their opinions.
But the ties offrendship and common interest have
80 long united us to sister towns in Worcester
North, that we should deem it unjust ourselves and
dscoureous them to permit these cherished relations
to be severed forever without some word Of regret ad
vice or admonition from US.
Did we believe that this voluntary movement
Of the people in the northefy towns in this county, in
cited by any real existing evils, inherent in the present
organization, and which the proposed division of the
county would remedy, should feel that we could pro-
pery do no more than express deep regrets the
separation from old allies, and bid them friendly
farewell. But, believing do, that division o.
the county will not bring the pretended relief from ex
listing evils, and that the real evils, far they d.
exist under the present organization, have been great
exaggerated, deem it proper make public declar
alton of opinions of the proposed change, and tn
reasons of our belief
The question is not wholly new 1t has been severa
times agitated and discussed, within few years past
Out ueTetOOTe ulsCuSSlOn has not Deen followed
any concerted action.
Ever since the increased population and business o
the town of Fitchbug has indicated that place as the
probable location of the shire town of new county,
of division of the old county of Worcester, 6
plan of division has there been gradually developn:
and measures taken from time time, facilitate this
fayorite project of dismembering the county of Wor
cester, and making Fitchbnrg the shire of new
county,
During the present winter these efforts have been re-
newed upon uniform and enlarged scale. Lee
turers upon the subject have been sent from Fitchbure
into most, if not all of the towns proposed to be EN-
bodied in the new countyprinted addresses circulated
and emssaries sent round the people of those
to induce them to believe that they area aboring un
der great burdens and suffering great evils incident
the present dimensions of this county, and that its div
sol, and that only, will relieve them of these burdens
and procure panacea for all these evils.
We do not wonder that the good citizens of Fitch
burg should desire the advantages which might
to them by having their town made the shire of new
county. The benefits to that place Of the propose
change is very obvious, but it is much more difficult 70
US to perceive how any advantage can result from tn
measure, to any considerable number Of towns in th
county.
To some four or FIVE towns in the immediate yicnit
OF Fitchburg, it might afford some additional conv,
niences, arising from their proximity to the contemp
ted shire town, but these advantages would be to gre
extent not wholly, balancedB by other consequcnc
electromagnetic them and all the towns in the count
The county of Worcester has existed with its prcse
geographical boundaries, from period long anterior
the Revolution. 1t occupies a central position in ii
State, is nearly square, and its shire town more cenr
to the whole county than is usual with the other coun
in the State.
The different parts of the county are raversed by ra
roads centerng at Worcester, by means of which Il
people in the most parts Of the county, have
quick and easy communication with the shire town.
1t contains two good court houses for the accommod
tion OF all the COURTS of which houses nearly new
and Of the most durable character designed to accon
modate the whole county, aud amply sufficient for Ii
purpose.
The records Of all The courts from the first organic
ton of the county here. Here also are the Regi
try Of Deeds, and Of Probate, containing the eompe
record, title, and history Of all the real estate in II
county. large, convenient, and secure Jail and hou
OF correction, with work Shops are here situated a,
owned by the county, durable in character and sucer
spacious for the necessities Of the county at presc,
and Tor many years to come. These are only some
the more prominent advantages Of the present oreau,
ton There great variety Of other cons;dera,;o
which favor continuance Of this organization, viii