Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-17
FROM BOSTON.
Centennial Tea Party.

Boston, 16. The centennial tea party in
Fanueil Hall this afternoon and evening was
more numerously attended than its projectors
had reason to anticipate. The Oldest fami
lies were fully represented and the school
children contributed vocally to the entertain
ment of their elders. The style Of tea SER
vice and costumes Of the ladies who served
the tea were those in use in ante Rev olution
days. Hon. Josiah Quincy presided, and
read the history of the day as recorded by
Bancroft. He then proceeded to his duties
as Lady of the House," entertaining, with
others assistance the guesty of the evening,
and paying a war tribute to the women of the
Revolution.
Hon. Robert c. Winthrop, President of the
Mass. Historical Society, recalled many facts
connected with the event celebrated. The
gathering, he said, was not to revive animos
tiles or bitterness. But Americans delighted
to recall the events that led to their indepen-
dence, looking at the same with pride and
reverence upon old England as mother. He
did not mean to glory over a mere act of vio-
lence as such, but subsequent events had
magnitied the importance of an act which
was nc part Of the plan of the Boston patriots
and would not occurred but for the persisten-
cy of the home authorities to force the tea
upon the colonists. 1t proved the practical
beginning of the movement for self govern
ment in America, and he verify believed that
the $40 chests Of tea stepped in the salt
water Of Boston Bay on the 10th of Dee,
1913. had produced more inspiration in the
cause Of liberty than all the tea since import
| ed from China had produced in any other d.
rection. The scent Of the tea leaves would
ever hang around Boston.
The President then alluded to the fact that
Paul Revere was ten days in conveying the
news that the tea was in the water, to Phila-
delphia, and introduced Henry A. Brown Of
that city, who had been delegated by the Ia
dies to respond to Paul Revere's message of a
hundred years ago. His story of Philadel
phia's cooperation with Boston in the days of
trial, when Boston rocked the cradle of liber-
ty and Philadelphia guarded the headquarters
Of independence, was received with hearty
applause. His appeal for cooperation in the
centennial of American Independence met
q warm response.
At,he suggestion of the president, the fol-
lowing despatch was sent to Philadelphia in a
minute: 1.-THE cradle Of American Liberty
sends greeting to the Hall of independence
May the memories of the past be forever Il
bond of the future"
The most unpopular officer in tea party
times, the collector of the port of Boston,
was next introduced. Judge Russell made a
felcitous speech, declaring the proceedings
on board the Dartmouth the most irregular in
customs annals. Had the collector granted
a clearance for the vessel, there would have
been no tea party to day. Bvt Boston could
not claim the first shake Of the fist at Great
Britain. The little town Of Pembroke, in
the old Plymouth colony, a place of but q
thousand souls, declared in public assembly
two years before that unless Great Britain
pursued better course of conduct, the union
between the colony and Great Britain was
impossible. Could the home government
have been made aware of the occurrence at
the time, much merriment would doubtless
have been raised.
Ralph Waldo Emerson read short poem,
reciting the events celebrated. Mr.. Fraley Of
Philadelphia, Rev. Edward Hale, Rev.
James Freeman Clark and others spoke.
Vice President Wilson was present, but his
health would not allow him to speak.
At tho session this evening, Gov. Washburn
presided. Hon. N. p. Banks delivered an
GRAFTON. followed by an original poem by w.
r. Gill, vocal and instrumental music,
exhibition of historical paintings, tableaux
and distribution of souvenir chests of tea by
the ladies completed the entertainment.
The Mass. Historical Society observed the
anniversary by private social gathering at
the residence OF Rev. Robert c. Waterston,
in Chester square. Stories, mementoes,
"reminiscences, ETC., were the order of the
day, and Robert C. Winthrop, Richard Froth-
ingham, n. B. Shurtleff and others partici-
pated.
The day was appropriately celebrated in
Salem and other old towns of the common
wealth.
Professor AgassiZ.
Boston, 16. At u meeting of the President
Ean Of ri h.
following entry was made upon the record:
''The President and Fellows have heard
with deep regret, and strong sense of per-
sonal bereavement, of the death at Cambridge
on the 18th inst, of Louis Agassiz. They
desire to record the services which he has
rendered to the University during the twenty
| six years of his connection with it.
ale has illustrated the University by his
scientific researches.