Connecticut western news., 1877-03-16
Friday Morning, Mar. 16, 1877.
OUR BOSTON LETTER. No. 6.

Boston has retained enough of the blue blood of the Puritans to be the home of conservatism. If measure for improve. ment is ever adopted, it is only after 1t has been 30 thoroughly discussed and consider ed that it's effects are known, almost be- fore the theory Is put in practice. If an innovation were introduced of the highest importance to the public veal. it is more than probable that it would be tabled until the effects of such a course were observed in another city. Boston is not only nor bidly conservative, but she is tenacious of her birth-right and heritage, and will suffer no encroachment thereon. Witness the recent attempt of tho Mechanical Fair Ass ociation to obtain leave to hold fair on the common. promising to erect a hand some building on the ground, and pay a liberal sum for the use. The city fathers held up their hands in holy horror. and such hail was sent up from Beacon Hill and the Back Bay, as nearly "split the ears of the groundlings." and deafened the innocent proposers of the scheme. It was considered sacreligious not less 80 than if they had proposed to hold the annual dog fair in Mt. Aburu Boston's Greenwood. So the common is preserved inviolate, and the city breathes freer. This one thing has been in the minds of the people for some weeks past, absorbing their whole at- tention. The strike has blown over in the excitement of this common business. The electoral tribunal decision for Hayes has not really been considered by this excited people, 50 intense has been their anxiety for the preservation of their foFe-fathers' pas ture lot But now that it is settled, and tho people have returned to their former avocations, we may safely expect they will turn !theif attention to the recent ac- tions of certain persons high in authority at Washington. and If they do, and are fairly committed to their consideration, we can with safety predict a mass meeting will be held in FaneuIl Hall, endorsing the decision, and that this meeting win be held at least one month before the first of next January, This conservatism makes Bos- ton desirable place to live in, as one can refrain from expressing an opinion. or even of having one, till an almost univer. sal verdict is rendered. While this is refer able in great degree to the Puritanic in- fuences, still think we may find a solu- tion of the question in the fact that Boston claims to be the,very sihead-centre of learn ing. the home of the literati. the modern Athens, etc. These are not extraYagans claims. if the number of institutions for learning are any gauge, for what with three or four regular classical colleges, twice az many medical and dental colleges. thrice as many preparatory schools, to say nothing of art schools. cooking schools, training schools. and such, Boston is more than well supplied with educational mills. The great number ground from these mills yearly Is astonishing, yet 1t is pleasing to Boston, for she is thereby enabled to sub stantiate her claim of placing the intellect oyer the animal. Hence Boston is con- servative and wisely conservative One other fact is prominent and growing. Now that Boston is gradually, but surely losing her status as commercial centre
 The business men who are rich enough to reside on Beacon Hill have only one dream and that is to found a college with their money. This is now becoming to be a mania. and is assuming startling propor- tions. Isaac Rich set the example by leav- ing his money. several millions, acquired in selling fish, to found Boston University. R,ch did well, but he hadn't enough to glve his name to the university and SO Boston proper gets the credit. One desire now seems to hold the 'fat burghers," and that is to send their names to posterity via col lege. lc parliamentary language, ''It is hoped this motion will not prevail" unless Boston is really possessed with the insane idea of becoming the s'eye of America, mother of arts and eloquence." For the good of those of your readers who are ann bilious for higher education, will write on the advantages of acquiring one in Bos. ton: Flf5U0p etEE 5s t@aa >. ALLEN,
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