The herald., 1893-09-24
LETTER BAG.
The HERALD under this heading prints com
municntfons, but does not assume responsi
bility for the sentiments expressed.l
A Bit OF HIstorv.

A Bit OF History.
EDITORS HERALD: On May 18th, 1878,
the philosopher, patriot and philsn-
thropist, Benjamin Franklin, executed
his last will and testament, to which is
appended a oodieil. From that codicil
make q few extracts:
II have considered that among arti-
sans, good apprentices are most likely
to make good citizens; and having my
self been bred to manual art, printing,
in my native town, Boston, and after
ward assisted to set up my business in
Philadelphia by kind loans OF money
from two friends there, which was the
foundation OF my fortune and of all the
utility in life that may be ascribed to
me. wish to be useful even after my
death, If possible, in advancing other
young men that may be serviceable to
their country In both these towns. !.
To this end give 1000 pounds stesling
to each of said towns In trust. :.
The said sum OF 1000 pounds sterling, if
accepted by the inhabitants OF the town
OF Boston, shall be managed under the
direction OF the eelectmen, united with
the ministers of the oldeet Episco-
palian, Congregational and Presbyterian
churches in that town, who are to let
the same out upon interest at per cent
per ennum to such young married artifi-
GERS under the age OF 25 years az have
served an apprenticeship in said town,
OF good moral character, no loan to ex-
coed 90 pounds sterling to any one per-
son. nor to be less than 10 pounds ster-
ling. The interest and one-tenth of the
principal Of such loan to be paid an
nually. And it is to be presumed that
there will always be found in
Boston virtuous and benevolent
citizens willing to bestow a part
of their time in doing good to the rising
generation, by experimenting and man.
aging this institution gratis II
this plan is executed and succeeds. as
projected for 100 years, the sum will
then be $4,000 pounds, of which /
would have the managers of the dona-
tion to the town of Boston then lay out,
at their discretion, 100000 pounds in
public works, which may be judged Of
most general utility to the inhabitants; !;
euch as Notifications, bridges, acque-
ducts, public buildings, baths. pave
ments or whatever may make living
in the town more convenient to it's
people, and render it more agreeable to
strangers resorting thither for health or
temporary residence. The remaining
e3l, 900 would have continued to be held
at interest in the same Manner
Since that will was written four or five
generations Of artisans have enjoyed the
benefaction of the great philosopher
and Boston has furnished ",irtuous and
benevolent citizens" to superintend the
fund which has gradually accumulated,
and this mouth $27 900 will be set aside
to the Dalton street school and also
$4,000 will be used to pre-
serve the grand old shade trees of
Boston, planting new trees along the
streets and establishing q nursery in
which trees and plants may be propa-
gated Tor shade. The city of Philadel-
phia is under equal il not greater obli-
cations to Franklin. This generation
owes to his inventive genius many OF
the comforts and conveniences Of life
and our national independence was Sc
cured because the pen of Jefferson and
the sword OF Washington were assisted
ii not directed by the brain OF Franklin.
Robert ]. ADCoCK,