The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-05-27
BOSTON ooRRrspospEscr.

BosTos, May 20, 1852.
To the Editor Of the National Era.
The Maine Liquor Law has at last tri-
umphed in Massachusetts,, and, in sixty days
from to-day, goes into effect as law Of this
Commonwealth. Quite contest has been
going on for some time, between the friends Of
this measure and its opponents, which resulted
in the passage Of the bill last week, by both
branches of the Legislature, with the proviso
that it should be referred to the decision of the
people by open ballot. This bill was vetoed
by Gov. Boutwell,, on the ground of the open
ballot specification, as in his opinion free ex
preston Of popular feeling could not be secured
except by the adoption of the secret ballot
This course was felt to be mere bubble on
the part of his Excellency, who has not wholly
escaped the imputation Of sinister motives and
desire, while ayowing temperance principles,
to secure to himself the contemporaries infu-
ence Of the State or, in other words, TO per-
form the Olympic feat Of riding two horses at
the same time
Immediately On the reception of the veto,
the Legislature passed second bill, by q
handsome majority Of both Houses, precisely
erence TO the people. This bill was sent to the
turned with bis signature
ia anticipation of the enactment of this law,
our CITY authorities, having the spiritual well
been for some weeks doing brisk business in
granting licenses TO . large number Of apph-
cants, to sell ardent spirits; 20 that Tor the
article in Boston What the operation Of the
H.. n m, Ia rx>aA bat
is faithfully executed in our large cities there
are rich scenes in store for us
This afternoon Mr.. Webster deliyers ms,i-
trai speech, in Faneuil Hall, in which politics,
religion, and all other exciting topics" are to
be sedGlpusy avoided On this occasion ii is
supposed that the doors Of the old Cradle Of
Liberty are TO roll open aon golden hinges" as
these were the only terms on which the great
expounder stated that he would ever again
enter that building after his summary exelu-
sion therefrom few months since.
The Methodist Conference are still in $685.
sion, and have business enough to keep them
occupied Cor some ten days to come. They are
q fne-looking body Of men, and will compare
fsvorably with any similar assembly OF profess
sional men that have met here for a long time.
An invitation was last week extended 70 the
members Oh the CohiSssnco Wy sne ci'y "utnoE
tiles, 10 an excursion down the harbor, and
visit 10 the islands. A couple Of steamers were
well filed with reverend guests and gave the
clerical party fine view of one of the many
beautiful features Of our beautiful city,
Next week come the Anniversaries, and With
them hosts Ct strangers male and female, to
attend the meetings ana make she'r spring
purchases. The retail dealers 10 dry goods on
Washington and fremont streets, are awaiting
with eager countsnaeoee the arrival Of the
coming crowd Of mihisters wives and daugh-
ter, each charged with q! the feminine commis-
sions Of the parish to which they belong and
feeling fairly borne down under the formidable
list.
The meetings are chiefly 70 be held in the
Lowell Institute and Winter-street Church
Should any Of them be OF interest viii give
Won some Items next week.