Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-03-16
LETTER FROM BOSTON.

BosToS, Mar. IL, 1870.
1t is often said that variety is the spice of
life, and as regards the weather this week, we
have had a sufficient variety, but more mud
and slosh than spice, although We have been
favored with few days that might have been
reckoncd pleasant had it not been for the in
convenience of getting about. Monday was
ushcred in with genuine snow storm, and at
quarter of twelve, the superintendent of pub
lie schools decided that there should be but
one session on account of said storm, where
upon the bells struck twenty-five all over the
city, thus notifying teachers and pupils that
their dnties and tasks would be ended at one
o'clock.
Last Saturday, the 9TH of March, 1870, was
the one hundredth anniversary of the Boston
massacre, an event which filled the hearts of
Massachusetts citizens, Bostonians particu-
larry with grief and Indignation. at the time
of its occurrence. The colored people cele-
brated the occasion at the Jay street church,
in memory of Crispus Attues who was one of
the victims of the unfortunate ARRAY. The
newspapers gave a brief history of the cause
and consequence of the outbreak, and some OF
them also published the version of the affair
as printed in the papers of that period. From
this time, probably, may be traced much of
the discomfort and dissatisfaction which was
the natural result of the arbitrary espionage
exercised by the mother country, and which
finally brought about that struggle. which, in
fit1 tnr in, thn
proudest, most liberal nation on the face of
the earth.
The efforts of Susan Il. Anthony. Lucy
Stone, Julia Ward Howe and a host of other
female reformers, have not been unfruitful of
results. as the recent demonstration at Hyde
Park. proves. Last week, the women of that
place assembled, and assisted in the nomina-
ton of town officers. Monday they met at
the Everett house, formed in procession at
three o'clock, and proceeded to the ballot box
which had been separately provided for them.
OF course the vote thus cast effected nothing,
except as they wished to try the experiment,
and see how it would seem, just children
play keep-house in anticipation of the cares
of maturer years.
Dishonesty seems to be by many considered
the best policy. if we may Judge by the reve-
lations constantly being unfolded, in high and
and low places. The trustees of Mount Au
burn have been recently engaged in inquiring
into the charges brought against Captain
Windsor. who for several years has occupied
the position of Superintendent of the Gene
terry. Upon investigation ii is found that he
has required all purchasers Of lots. to furnish
them with stone coping, and then exacting
commits sion for the work done. The trustees
have been unable to ascertain how much has
been received in these commissions. Several
stone-cutters informed them that they were in
the habit of paying commissions, but except
in one case, nothing but the most general in
formation could be gained, It's those paying
them, for some reason, choose to remain ST.
lent. Captain Windsor says that when he
first entered upon his present duties, he re-
ceived no commissioned they were forced
upon him, and that he has since been in thei
habit OF getting five per cent on all work with
which he was connected. but has kept no ac-
count of the proceeds. According to his least
estimate, however, they have amounted TO
over $4,000. Mr.. Mcdonald said that in
1868, he had paid Mr.. Windsor commissions
to the amount of S944 so, part Of which was
for work in which the Superintendent had no
interest. For similar case, S22S was eX-
acted. which Mr.. Mcdonald refused TO pay,
and for this reason was given no more work.
Captain Windsor had salary Of $4,000. the
use of horse and buggy, COW, his house
rent and fuel, and if he had been reasonable
man, ought certainly to have been content.
Many other charges were brought against him,
and it was unanimously voted necessary'to re-
move him, which was done forthwith.
The Hartford and Erie Railroad Company
have petitioned the Legislature for help to
finish the road. A committee appointed to
investigate affairs, find that the directors of
the road have been specializing with the funds,
ard sunk large amount. New trustees will
undoubtedly be appointed, and this enterprise
be brought more directly under the control of
the State, as perhaps if strict justice had been
done, would have been the fate of the Wor-
cester road, sometime ago
Last evening was the occasion of large
gathering in Music Hall, invited there to the
.'Golden Wedding" of the Mercantile Library
Association, it being their fiftieth anniversary.
The programme was of a varied and interest
ing character. The introductory address was
made by John A. Lowell, President of the As
ISOLATION. and historical sketch of the same
was read by Chas. II. rockingham. Speech
cs were made by Governor William Clafin,
Mayor Shurtlef, Alexander II. Rice, Presi-
dent of the Board OF Trade, and the Hon.
Robert c. Winthrop. The musical part con-
sisted of selections from "Elijah," "Moses in
Egypt" and the Hallelujah chorus, from the
Messiah" by the Handel Hadyn society.
The sooists were Miss Houston, Miss Ade-
laide Phillips, Mr.. William J. Winch, and
Mr.. John Winch. Miss Phillips was in her
usual good voice, and sang the Cavatina, 20,
rest in the Lord" with pleasing effect.
..l. 7 A,,tc