Mr. Sumner submitted the following resolution, which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to.
RESOLVED, That the Committee on Finance be instructed to consider whether the numerous custom-house oaths, now administered under Acts of Congress, may not with propriety be abolished, and a simple declaration be substituted therefor.
BOSTON COMMON, AND ITS EXTENSION.
Letter to George H. Snelling, Esq., of Boston, March 26, 1860.
Mr. Snelling interested himself much with regard to the disposition of the lands west of Boston Common, known as the “Back Bay Lands,” and owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Beyond a general desire to keep them open, his special aim was to have a tidal lake, bordered by avenues with trees. In this effort he was aided particularly by John A. Andrew, afterwards Governor. Other citizens, including the venerable Josiah Quincy, Professor Agassiz, and Dr. Edward Jarvis, wrote letters, published at the time, and used before the Committee of the Legislature to whom the matter was referred. Among these was the following.
Senate Chamber, March 26, 1860.