The Republican journal., 1869-09-23
LETTER FROM BOSTON.
The Humboldt Celebration Opening of the
Mechanics Fair-Firemen's Parade-Street
Lamps-FaIl Hats, &c.

variety OF entertainment enough to suit even
the most fastdious, and keep the lulcst on
the alert. Tuesday gave us the Humboldt
Centennial Celebration, which was observed
as a general holiday throughout the CITY.
This was to commemorate the one hundredth
anniversary Of the birth of Alexander Won
llumboldt-thc great German scholar, travel
ler and geologist, who is as widely and we'll
known to the unlcancd rs to the scholars.
because of the breadth, depth, and compre-
hensiveness Of his studies and researches.
Those who went abroad in the early part
of the day saw the different orders and or
CARNATIONS, that were to take part in the
exercises Of the day, marching through the
streets to musio's sweet strains Clad in their
holiday attire, and bearing flags, decorations
and
THE banners with their strange device"
Prominent among these were the American
ard German colors, borne side by side
The most important demonstration of the
day was that held under the direction of the
Boston Society of Natural History. In the
afternoon there was a large and enthusiastic
audience assembled at Music Hall to listen to
the address Of Prof Louis Agassz-trulv a
most happy selection Of an orator for such
an occasion. The friend and countryman of
Humboldt, worshipping his genius, and fol-
lowing closely in his footsteps, it was fitting
that he, Of all others, should pronounce the
eulogy on that tcstal day. The thought of
this added to the respect felt for Humboldt's
memory, filled the vast hall to rcpletion. The
proceeds from the sale of tickets are TO be de
voted to the establishment Of q humboldt
scholarship at the Museum of Comparative
Zoology in Cambridge, for the benefit of
day
The address, which was somewhat lengthy,
was very brilliant, interesting and we'll de-
ivered II consisted chiefly of 4 recitation
mcnts Of this remarkable man, mterspcrscd
with many personal rccollcctions Prof.
Agassiz stated in the beginning of his address
that Humboldt was, at the early age Of seven,
'i'ttl LILY VI 1'tlI)t, ttutlDI III INC
German Robinson Crusoe, and that he was
then doubtless inspired with the passionate
love of travel and adventure which was to
bear such fruit in later years. 1t is another
is bent the trees nclined.n Another state
ment that struck the listener rs worth rcmcm-
bering was, that the birth of Humboldt oc-
CURED in the same year that gave 50 many
and such distinguished men to the world as
Napoleon, Wellington, Canning, Cuvier, Wal
ter Scott and Chateaubriand Oh, happy
year, to have ushcrel in 50 much of genius
ambition, power and purpose, that was tC
make itself felt down to distant and still re
mote ages.
The musical exercises before and after the
address, under the skillful direction of Carl
Terrain We're very excellent, and ofthe high
est orlcr-well in keeping with the digniticd
character of the day They consisted Of both
vocal and instrumental music. The singing
was 10y one hundred and fifty male voices Sc
ected from the different German clubs in
and around the City.
AT the conclusion of the ceremonies the
City Government united with the Natural
History Society in the reception that was
given at Horticultural HALL This was one
otthe most distinguished and brilliant affairs
that has ever occurred in Boston. The gath
ering of scholars. and ladies and gentlemen of
learning and culture was one that is rarely
seen. In the hall was displayed Il palm tree.
that was borne on lIumbollt'S coffin, is well
as some fine portraits Of the distinguished
philosopher One of these portraits was pre-
scented to the Natural History Society. The
company We're entertained with happy speech
es, the reading of poems, music and SPLEEN
did collation.
The Germans also celebrated the day after
their own fashion by an excursion and picnic
to Spy Pond, and afterwards an address, in
the evening. at Music Hall This was deiv-
cred in the German tongue by Mr.. Hcinzen,
editor of Der Pioneer.
Wednesday witnessed the opening of the
Massachusetts, Charitable Mechanics Assoca-
ton, in Fancuil and Quincy Halls, which are
connected by stout bridge for the occasion.
The first exhibition of this society was held
in these same halls eleven years ago. the re-
ceipts of which amounted to twelve thousand
five hundred dollars. Everything that Yam
kec skill and ingenuity can produce is here to
be seen, and in their most attractive forms
On Friday the annual muster and parade
Of the tiremcn took place. The four hundred
hardy, stalwart, muscular men in their gay
uniforms and the fourteen huge brightly pol
ished steamers with their accompanying hose
carriages and corresponding hook and ladder
carriages, presented a very grand and at
tractive appearance. They were reviewed
by the Mayor and City Council on the Charles
street mall of the Common; and thence
marched through the principal streets to
Music Hall, where q bountiful and elegant
banquet had been prepared. In the after
dinner speeches the Mayor stated that the
City Government were soon to provide each
engine company with suitable and well Sc
lccted library.
Of the many new improvements which this
careful City Government is constantly max
ing the latest and most novel one is to have