Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-01-12

LETTER FROM BOSTON.

BosToN, Jan. Z, 1870.
The Fraternity course was concluded by a
very novel entertainment. Frederick w.
Evans, assisted by about sixty Shakers, dele
gates from ten different communities in New
York and New Hampshire, occupied the plat
form in Music Hall, the women at the right,
and the men at the left of the centre. The
former were uniformly dressed in dark
gowns, with white cap, and white cape,
sack or mantle, thrown over the shoulders.
The men wore wide neck cloths, and dark blue
coats. They arrived a little before the conclu
sion of the organ concert, and seemed much
pleased with the music; when this was fin
ished, Elder Evans was introduced as the
speaker of the evening, after which two hymns
were read, and sung by several of the Shakers
in unison; Mr.. Evans then arose, and pro-
ceeded to an exposition of Shakerism. Like
most other sects, they believe they are follow
ing in ''the straight and narrow way" that
leads to life, and glory. Their principles are
rather Dentonian-they rather scoff at Moses
record of the creation, and do not believe in
Gods particular intimacy with Noah, Abraham
and others mentioned in the Bible. Immor-
| tality is claimed by them here, for they do
not marry or give in marriage, and so they
argue. that if they were to die tomorrow,
they could sustain the same relations to each
other as now, so far as peopling the earth is
concerned. Mr.. Evans did not think it would
be great misfortune if it did get depopulat
| ed. He finally concluded, by wishing the au
diehce to acknowledge that they prosecuted
their prophets while living, and worshiped
them when dead, and wanted them to make
amends. by worshipping the good men and
women of the present day, and begin by can
nonzng the Shakers. Elder Evans said
many smart things, and the audience ex-
pressed their appreciation by frequent applause
and laughter. After Mr.. Evans, Antoinette
Dooittc, "a worthy and faithful soul in the
order" was introduced, who accompanied by
another sister Harriet Bullard by name, took
her stand in front and proceeded to make some
remarks, approbative, mostly, OF those made
by their leader. They are strong minded
females and think women should have fuller
scope for their powers. Ihavc always thought
that when got old and unable to work, pro-
vding | remain single. l should enter
| that nice institution called the Old Lady's
Home; but since listening to the Shakers,
my ideas have changed, and think it might
be more convenient to adopt Shakerism, all
things considered, and perhaps at some future
time be introduced to the public as sister So
and-so, worthy and faithful soul in the
| order" After the sisters above mentioned
had talked short time, two more hymns were
read and sung, all the Shakers joining in the
last. The leaders then thanked the assembly
for their quiet and respectful attention, and
pronounced the benediction which was united
ly waited to the audience by the men and
women.
Some OF cur own more recent Improvements
l have not spoken of in my last letters. The
purchase of a portion of the South Bos
ton flats, some few weeks since by the Boston
| and Albany Railroad Company, is an arrange
| ment which our citizens are congratulating
| each other upon for the reason that it will be
| an income ofsome importance to the State while
more extensive facilities for shipment at the
West will also be opened. The flats are to
be raised to grade of sixteen feet, thirteen
of which is to be filled with material dredged
from the harbor, the process thus serving
a two-fold purpose, that of improving the har
Dor by making the channel deeper, aside from
the first object of raising the flats. The
Dredging Machines may be seen at work near
| ly every day, in the harbor. The heavy sea-
wallis to be built by the company. What obsta-
cles will not mans ingenuity yet overcome? :?
Some enterprising and persevering individual
may eventually establish telesraphic line to
the moon and other planets, and thus ascer-
tain whether or no they are inhabited.
| The Atlantic Avenue is also noticeable
enterprise. 1t commences at the extreme
North End of the city, and extends as far as
| Dorchester, along the heads of the wharves
where steam-car track is to be laid, for the
better accommodation of freights. The ave-
nuc is to be a broad one, many of the docks
being filed up, and some old buildings torn
down, that would otherwise obstruct the way
The earth used for filling in the docks, and
building the avenue, is being dug from Fort
Hill, where quite commotion occurred the
other day amounting almost to riot, in con-
sequence of the wages of the Irish laborers
being cut down from so per day to 81 ,35.
Many of them stopped work, and the vacancy
was supplied by Germans, who agreed to labor
at the reduced rate; some of the Irishmen
coming for their pay, and finding things in
this condition, took matters into their own
hands, saying the Germans should not work,
whereupon conflict ensued which it required
detachment of police to quell. 1t is said
that one poor German was taken into street
by two or three malignant Hibernians, who
beat him until he promised not to work for
less than Sl.50 The men resumed work
however, Wednesday morning under the pro-
lection of a strong police force.
Considerable excitement and some curiosity
prevail in regard to the Telegraphers' Strike
AT meeting of the operators in the Sherman