The penny press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1859-1860, 1859-09-24
Especial Correspondence of the Penny Press.
Letter from Boston.
BOsroN, september 20. l!

BosToH, September 20, 1859.
EDITORS PENNY PRESS: Everything in
Boston OF apublic nature, that can be, is done
on the anniversary of the settlement Of the
city, so of course the Inauguration of Web
ster's statue was appointed for that day, the
lth OF September, and all Yankee land was
on the alert to hear Mr.. Everett's grafton.
Seats were erected in the State house yard
Tor the accommodation of the ladies, (the
gentlemen on this occasion, we are happy TO
say, giving place to them) and tickets Of ad-
mission, to the amount Of FIVE thousand, is
sued.
The morning dawned, but alas the sun re-
FUSED to shine, and pelting and pitiless
storm ushered in the day, which only in
creased as the hours passed, and that fixed
TOR the commencement of the ceremonies
drew near. But nothing can damp the ardor
OF the Bostonians when anything which is to
honor Boston, or reflect credit upon them
selves, ia to take place, 80 the music hall to
which they were obliged to adjourn, in con-
sequence of the weather, was crowded.
The usual amount of drab cloaks and red
scaris, the Boston feminine uniform, were
present; in the galleries the removal of the
picturesque hoods, which protected many OF
the bonnets, displayed tho gay fall ribbons,
in striking contrast to the dark mass below;
the red coats of the Governors guard, with
the blue scarfs, and white kid gloves of the
Marshal's adding to the scene.
The statue, about which there has been
such diversity of opinion, that one party
proposed to melt it down, is, as I suppose you
know, by Powers, and of bronze, represent
ing Webster in citizens dress, and is the gift
of a number of gentlemen to the city.
Mr.. FELTON,, the Greek professor at Harvard,
as the organ of these gentlemen presented it
to the city, as represented by the Mayor, who,
in turn, transferred it to the Commonwealth,
that in the person of Governor Banks received
it. The addresses of these gentlemen we're fol-
lowed by the delivery of Mr.. Everetts oration,
the browning honor of the whole which fully
sustained his reputation, and is thought by
many to have excelled all former efforts
Doubtless ere this you have read it in the public
journals, but, nevertheless, will give you the
opinion of lady who was present. Professor
Felton's address she pronounced classic; Mr..
Lincoln's civil; Governor Banks o mixture,
while Mr.. Everett's was grand.
He has been requested to repeat it on Wednes-
day at the State house, the seats and deco
rations still remaining there, which were put
up for the occasion of Saturday.
suppose many Cincinnatians will be on to
see the Great Eastern, whose day Of sailing is
again put off, to the disappointment of many,
who left yesterday for Portland, to be in time
| for her arrival.
The news of the Rrsia's safety eladdsned
many hearts which bad been anxious and
troubled before her arrival was announced.
| Boston may well be proud of her literary
institutions. Her Public Library, the corner
stone of which was laid September II, 1856;
was first thrown open to the public September
II, 1858; it is beautiful building, situated on
Boylston.street, opposite the common. Below
stairs there are reading rooms for ladies' and
gentlemen, supplied with all the latest periodi-
Gals, while in the story above are series of
alcoves well lined with books. This institution,
as we'll as Others in Boston, is attended by
femsies, the head librarian, only, being gem
| tleman.
have had no little curiosity to see Ticknor
& Fields and Phillips Il Sampsons stores,
neglected on former visit, the aforementioned
being the headquarters of blue and gold liter
ature, and last being the club.room of the
Cambridge Literati, who cater for and pro-
| nounce upon the Atlantic Monthly and books
and book.makers in general. Ticknor's is
about as unpretending an establishment, in
outside appearance, as you will see anywhere,
and brought to my mind the bookstores of
London, thehaunts of old, Of half-starved poets
and authors.
Phillips & Sampson exists no longer as
firm, death having dissolved the partnership,
by the removal of Mr.. Sampson some time
since, and Mr.. Phillips lately. An assign
ment has been made for the purpose of set
tling their business. The Atlantic Monthly is
said to have yielded them an income of from
ten to twelve thousand dollars year.
I hear John Neal's expected book, True
Womanhood, much talked of; there seems to be
quite q curiosity about it among those who
know him.
l have seen some fine pictures by 7. Buch-
anan Reed, one of Longfellow, and another of
his three little daughters. That of the past
dealizes his face and makes him look very
different from other portraits. In the one of
bis children; the grouping and coloring is very
striking.
The Boston theatrical season commences
soon, with Booth, who is great favorite here,
and draws crowded houses. I hear Mr.. MUIR
doch's acting very highly spoken of by those
whose praise would be valuable to him, and
who look forward with pleasure to seeing him
again. WESTERN.