Springfield City (part 5 of 8)

The Evangelical Religious Society of Indian Orchard is the later outgrowth of what, March 23, 1848, was organized, with 15 members, as " The First Congregational Society of Indian Orchard," and whose first pastor was L. H. Cone, who served until 1855, and who is mentioned elsewhere as the pastor of Olivet Congregational Church. The Ward Manufacturing Company, in 1856, deeded to the First Society two lots on the north side of Main Street, corner of Oak; and in 1863 a church building was completed. Soon after this the society became disorganized, and the building passed first into the hands of Harvey Butler, and from him to the Indian Orchard Mill Company, who own it now. Feb. 10, 1865, a meeting was called by n persons, to organize a church ; and a week later they, joined by members of the former First Church, formed the existing society, and chose Mr. Rice as their first pastor; and, after several changes, F. M. Sprague became, on Dec. 1, 1879, the pastor, and has remained there since. The church has an average attendance of 150 members, and a Sunday school of 125 pupils.

The North Congregational Church, at the corner of Salem Street and Salem Avenue, is one of the newest and most attractive of the local church edifices. It was designed by the architects of Trinity Church in Boston, and also of the South Congregational Church in Springfield. The material is freestone ; the style is Norman, and the shape is cruciform, with a massive tower in the angle between the nave and south transept. West of the tower, on the south side of the nave, is a cloister; on the north side, is a chapel seating 150 persons. The pulpit is in a chancel : above and behind it is the organ-loft, with the gallery for the choir. The nave is 100 feet long by 44 feetwide. The chapel is 56 by 18 feet. The tower is 150 feet high. The cost of the building, including the chapel, was $53<398"> and of the land' £26,000. The last was bought in 1871, and the new church dedicated on Sept. [8, 1873, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Dr. Joseph Parker of London.

The society dates back to 1846, and is practically the fifth Congregational church of Springfield. The first minister was Robert H. Conklin of Warsaw, N.Y. The first pastor was Raymond H. Seeley of Bristol, Conn., who was installed March 1, 1849, and dismissed Jan. 26, 1858, to take charge of the American Chapel in Paris, France. His successors here have been James Drummond of Lewiston, Me., June 16, 1858, to December, 1861 ; L. Clark Seelye of Amherst, Jan. 20, 1863, to May 31, 1865 ; Richard G. Greene of Drooklyn, N.Y., May 13, 1866, to October, 1S74; Washington Gladden of Brooklyn, Jan. 2, 1875, to May, 1883 ; C. Van Norden of St. Albans, Yt.. who was installed May 31, 1883, is now the pastor. At first, public services were held in Frost's Hall, the third story of a building on the corner of Main and Sanford Streets. In October, 1847, the society hired for the winter the edifice known as the " Free Church " in Sanford Street. In Sep-' tember, 1847. a lot on the south-east corner of Main and Worthington Streets had been bought on which to erect a chapel; but two months later it was decided to sell this lot, and buy a site on the west side of Main Street, north of Bridge Street. Here the society's first building was dedicated March 1, 1849, on the day that its first pastor was installed. In 1871 this property was sold for $46,000, and the site of the present church, above described, was bought. The society began with a membership of 22: in 1883 it has a membership of about 450. The Sunday school was organized in 1846, with George H. White as superintendent. It is still successfully conducted, with an average attendance of 200, superintended by W. F. Ferry.

The Spiritualists' Union holds its meetings at 11 and 7 P.M., on Sundays, from Oct. 1 to May 1 of each year, at Gill's Hall, on Main Street, corner of Bridge Street. Some of the phenomena of Spiritualism are shown at these meetings, and its philosophy is discussed from the platform. The attendance is said at times to reach 500.

The president of the society writes as follows: "The society has no written creed. Morality, honesty, temperance, chastity, and help for the afflicted, are among the cardinal principles of its members. They think it is better to love humanity than to love God. They believe in the revelations of science rather than in the 'so-called ' revelations of the Christian Bible. In frequent converse with their friends who have 'passed on,' they do not fear death, but greet the change as a great blessing, when the spirit can no longer hold itself in the dissolving body. Their last hours are often made bright by visions of their waiting angel friends."

The society had its beginning about the year 1850, and is now managed by a stock-company, organized under the General Statutes of Massachusetts. The officers for 1883-84 are: H. A. Budington, president; James Lewis, vice-president; John S. Hart, clerk; James U. Johnson, treasurer. These, with a board of managers and committees, attend to the details of the meetings. The society is in a prosperous condition, and is constantly receiving many additions.

The New-Jerusalem Church. - The Springfield Society of the New Jerusalem - more commonly known as the Swedenborgian - was instituted March 27, 1853 (seventeen persons uniting to form it), for this use : -

" The worship of our Lord Jesus Christ in his divine humanity, the only God of heaven and earth, and other than whom there is no Saviour. The study of his word, that we may in verity shun all evils as sins against him, and may obey his commands, in his strength, thus enabling him to build us up in true spiritual manhood, - the only image and likeness of himself in

A'Ing'S Handbook- Of Springfield

This society has had 40 members. They met at each other's homes, and in the " Studio" on Chestnut Street, till March 3, 1869. when they dedicated the chapel on the east side of Maple Street, near the corner of State, which they now occupy, with sittings for over 100. The average attendance, however, is much below that number. They have never had a settled minister. The services, which are conducted by different clergymen or students, and to which all are cordially welcomed, are sustained wholly by voluntary offerings.

The Second Advent Church was organized in i860; built a house of worship on Vernon Street in 1867; was burned out in 1875; and now holds regular Sunday services in Franklin Hall (formerly the Pynchon-street Methodist-Epi6copal Church), on Pynchon Street. The congregation numbers about 300, and the Sunday school 100. Its present pastor is Elder George H. Wallace, formerly of Castleton, Vt. ; and its Sunday-school superintendent, T. R. Weaver. Its pastors have been Elders Joseph O. Curry, Randolph E. Ladd, F. H. Burbank, William N, Pine, H. E. King, and George W. Sederquest.

St. Matthew's Roman-Catholic Church at Indian Orchard, at the corner of Worcester and Pine Streets, was organized in 1863, under Father William Blenkensop. The next year Bishop O'Reilly officiated at the laying of the corner-stone. Father Patrick Healy then took charge, and during his term the church was completed. The successive pastors have been P. D. Stone, D. F. McGrath, James Fitzgerald, and John Kenney. The parish now numbers about 900.

The State-street Baptist Church was organized Aug. 17, 1864, with 131 members, all but ten of whom were dismissed from the First Baptist Church of this city. This church originated not in a quarrel with the parent church, but from necessity. At the sale of pews in the First Baptist Church, in April, 1864, a large number of families were unable to obtain sittings for themselves; and on the 10th of the same month, a meeting of the society was called to consider the situation, and to provide for those without church privileges. This meeting was called to order by the pastor, the late Dr. George B. Ide, and Deacon J. E. Taylor was made chairman. The meeting, with great unanimity, voted to permit such members as desired, to hold separate meeting and obtain preaching in some suitable hall, under the name of " The Colony of the First Baptist Church.'' This arrangement continued, and the " Colony " as such prospered till its organization as a church. The pulpit was supplied by various individuals, without any settled pastor, till Jan. 1, 1S65, when A. K. Potter of South Berwick, Me., began his pastorate of this people, which lasted till Feb. 18, 1883. This church has been vigorous from the start, and has had a prosperous career, both as to numbers in its congregations and members of its church, as well also as in its pecuniary success. Just after the settlement of a pastor, a lot was secured, money raised for a church edifice, which was completed and dedicated in December, 1S67. The building, with the site, cost $60,000, upon which was a debt at the time of its dedication of $12,500, but which has since been paid. This church employs the weekly payment by envelopes to defray its current expenses, and by this means has met all its bills, and has had not less than $200 surplus at the close of each year. During the 20 years of its existence, it has dismissed some 75 of its members to form

The Hope Congregational mission Sunday school started of the South Congregational Sunday afternoon, they stopped a colored woman, on Ouincy religious services were held in to open a Sunday school. Mrs.

bought and fitted up on Union Street. This soon proved to be too small ; and the friends of the enterprise, who had become numerous, soon raised the means for the erection of a comfortable building on Union Street, which they named Hope Chapel, and dedicated it in July, 1870. In addition to the Sunday school, weekly prayer-meetings had been sustained; and, after opening the chapel, Sunday-evening services were held, with preaching by local pastors and others. In 1875 Charles L. Morgan, who had preached occasionally, was engaged to preach for one year; and, before the year closed, it became evident that a church organization could be sustained : and in March, 1876, a council was called, a church organized, and Mr. Morgan ordained as pastor. He remained till Nov. 1, 1880, when he accepted a call from Green Bay, Wis. Rev. David Allen Reed, then at Auburn Theological Seminary, accepted a unanimous call ; and June 7, 1881, was ordained, and entered at once upon the duties of pastor. In 1877 the chapel was removed to the corner of State and Winchester Streets. It had been enlarged at times; and still being too small to accommodate the numbers who desired to worship here, and the Sunday school being excessively crowded, it was decided to make an effort to build a church on the site of the chapel. On Sunday, March 19, 1882, the pastor preached a sermon, giving a brief history of the past, and the needs of the church and Sunday school. In response to his appeal for subscriptions, $13,000 was raised on the spot, which was largely increased by gifts from friends. Plans were secured, and the preliminaries settled; and on the 24th of September, 1882, the corner-stone of the new church was laid, and the new church became ready for occupancy in October, 1S83. As the result of an effort to free the church from debt, $15,000 was raised at this time, and the whole debt removed. The new building is of brick and wood, in the low rambling style of English architecture, and cost about $26,000. The architects were Francis R. Richmond and B. Hammett Seabury. A missionschool under the auspices of this church is successfully sustained in White Street, numbering about 100 (noticed later in this chapter). The membership of the church is over 400 ; and, of the Sunday school, 700.

The Memorial Church, so called in love to the memory of the deceased ministers of New England, was organized Oct. 29, 1865, as a union evangelical church. The church was recognized by an ecclesiastical council of neighboring churches. The Rev. Mark Trafton supplied the pulpit for one year as acting pastor. The Gothic stone edifice on Round Hill, at the junction of Main and Plainfield Streets, was built at the cost of $100,000; and the parish is free from indebtedness. It was opened for the worship of God, March, 1869. The present pastor, W. T. Eustis, was installed June 3, 1869, in the presence of an ecclesiastical council representing the evangelical churches of the county, and also of churches in other States. The principles of the church are expressed in the following resolutions : -

Resolved, That the Memorial Church of Springfield, having declared in its creed its belief in the Holy Catholic Church, welcomes to its membership and communion all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth, and who agree with it concerning the essential doctrines of the Christian religion, 1 iy whatever name they may be called.

Whereas, The Memorial Church, in its plan of organization, declares that it will seek the relations of Christian fellowship with other evangelical churches by the mutual transfer of members, by ministerial exchanges, by sacramental communion, by mutual councils, and by all suitable modes of cooperation ;

Grace Methodist-Episcopal Church. - In the autumn of 1866 the question of forming a Methodist church, to be located on Main Street south of State Street, - there being no Methodist church in that section of the city; - was agitated. As a result, on Jan. 1, 1867, 29 members of the then Pynchon-street - now Trinity - Methodist-Episcopal Church were organized as a society to be known as the Central Methodist-Episcopal Church. Edw. Cooke, D.D., principal of the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass., was their first minister ; and the first service was held on the first Sunday of January, 1867, in Union Hall. The same day a Sunday school was organized. In April, 1867, the Rev. C. A. Merrill became their pastor. At this time several of the original members, discouraged by the slow growth, proposed to give up the organization, and decided to withdraw. Those who remained, believing that a church was needed in that part of the city, again engaged the Rev. Dr. Edw. Cooke to supply the pulpit for a year. Jan. 1, 1869, the society changed its place of worship to Institute Hall, and in the following June rented the old Universalist Church. In April, 1870, the Rev. C. T. Johnson became pastor; but, his health failing, he was obliged to resign in October, 1871. J. R. Tiddy was his successor, and served till his death, Nov. 2, 1872. John A. Cass followed as pastor, in December, 1872, which position he filled till April, 1876. During his pastorate the present fine house of worship, situated at the corner of Main and Winthrop Streets, was built, and the name of the society was changed to the Grace Methodist-Episcopal Church. The building is Norman in its architecture, of brick, with stone trimmings, and is one of the finest church edifices in the city. Its seating capacity is 900; and cost, with furnishings and organ, $72,000. It was dedicated Jan. 20, 1875, by Bishop Thomas Bowman, D.D. The other pastors have been E. A. Smith, J. O. Knowles, S. B. Sweetser, and the present incumbent, T. W. Bishop. The present membership is 192. The Sunday school has 30 teachers and 300 scholars.

This is the last formed of the local Methodist-Episcopal churches. The building is one of the most attractive ; and its erection is due largely to the generous gifts of the late David Smith and his son William H. Smith, and Elijah Nichols.

The Third Baptist Church (colored), of which Thomas Henson is pastor, worship in the old Town Hall, corner of Market and State Streets. It was organized in 1871 as the Pilgrim Baptist, with 16 members; and re-organized under its present name February. 1 881. It has a membership of about 120.

a sabbath school of 130, and a congregation of over 200. Its pastors, up to the present incumbent, have been Spencer Harris, Peter Smith, Moses Mathews; its various places of worship, Institute Hall, South Church Chapel, Union Hall, and Town Hall. There is at present a growing interest in its membership.

The Church of the Sacred Heart was formerly included in the parish of St. Michael's ; but in 1873 the parishioners had so greatly increased that one church no longer sufficed ; accordingly the bishop divided it, and decreed that all Catholics living north of the Boston and Albany Railroad - now numbering about 4,000 - should form the parish of the Sacred Heart. Rev. J. J. McDermott has had charge of it since its organization, assisted by Rev. James F. Fitzgerald until his death, Nov. 24, 1880; then by Rev. James Boyle until June, 1881, since which time Rev. M. J. Howard has been the assistant. The parish at present holds services in a hall in the brick Catholic-school building known as the Notre Dame Convent, on Everett Street, which was dedicated as a church by the Right Rev. P. T. O'Reilly, June 14, 1874, the first services being held Easter Sunday, April 5, 1874. The church has bought land on Chestnut and Linden Streets, on which it hopes, in the course of the next two or three years, to erect a church-edifice.

St. Aloysius Church at Indian Orchard was organized March 3, 1873, with a membership of 180 French Roman-Catholic families. The first services were held in the hall of the Indian Orchard Mills Company, who later, through the efforts of their agent, C. J. Goodwin, presented to the society the piece of property on Main Street, where the church now stands. The erection of the church, 95 feet long and 55 feet wide, was immediately begun, and the corner-stone laid Aug. 5, 1873, w^h appropriate ceremonies; Bishop Fabre of Montreal officiating. Services were first held there Dec. 25> 1873. Rev. L. G. Gagnier had charge until Jan. 5, 1876, when the present pastor, H. Landry, assumed the care of the parish, which now claims about 2,000 persons, including French Catholics at Jenksville. His assistant is A. J. Charland. In 1877 a commodious parsonage was built, adjoining the church.

St. Joseph's Church was organized for French Roman Catholics in March, 1873, with a membership of 240 families, under the direction of the present pastor, Rev. L. G. Gagnier. Two months later, May 5, the society purchased a building-lot and a house on Howard Street, near Water ; and July 7 the foundations of the church were laid. The basement was roofed in, and occupied for divine worship from November, 1873, until July, 1877, when the erection of the whole structure was successfully completed. It is built of brick, in a simple but imposing style of architecture. The dimensions of the building are 144 feet by 65 feet, including the tower. The base- ment is 14 feet high, and the side walls of the main building are 21 feet high, with a clear-story that gives a central aisle of 52 feet from floor to ceiling. The tower and steeple are 172 feet high. The net cost of the property as it now stands is about $60,000. The membership is over 400 families. A parochial school, under the direction of the Sisters of St. Joseph, is soon to be in operation.

Brightwood Chapel, on the corner of Birnie and Wason Avenues, is an attractive little structure, built in 1879, by subscription, to meet the local wants of 30 to 40 families at Brightwood. Any who accept the essential doctrines of the Christian religion are in accord with this church. Preaching is for the most part gratuitously supplied by ministers of different

Faith Chapel, on Long Hill, at the junction of Fort Pleasant and Sumner Avenues, is two miles from the City Hall, a convenient and tasteful structure, that cost $7,000. It is one of the South-Church mission enterprises, like Hope Chapel (which has now become Hope Church), and was designed to provide for the sparse population of that part of the city, until a church shall be required there. A Sunday school is sustained, and religious meetings. And when the growth of the city reaches that hill, as it is likely to do, this chapel will be found well located for its purposes, and capable of supplying the religious wants of that community for a considerable time. Some of the views from that hill, particularly from the " Storrs lot," and from a point farther north, opposite the " Burbank cottage," are among the finest in the city.

The Carlisle Mission owes its beginning to Miss Mary Worthington, formerly a teacher in the schoolhouse at the corner of the Boston road and Benton Street. It was opened Sept. 20, 1868. Laborers from the First Baptist Church have never been wanting to assist in the work. The superintendents have been George A. Lawrence, O. S. Greenleaf, S. F. Merritt, A. J. Rand, H. H. Bowman, and F. M. Tinkham who has charge in 1883. The Sunday school now numbers 60 scholars, and its average attendance is 35. It has a small library. In 1881 Alden Warner gave land for a chapel on Benton Street; and the mission building was built at a cost of $1,600, mostly private gifts.

The "Women's Christian Association was first formed as an auxiliary to the Young Men's Christian Association. After two or three years of united labor, this became an independent organization in February, 1870, for the improvement of the religious, intellectual, social, and temporal welfare of women in this city, especially of young women. On May 3, 1S75, the building containing the Association rooms was burned. Oct. 22, 1S7S, a Boarding Home for Young Women was opened, where young women employed in the city, in the varied avocations, should find a boarding-place under Christian influences, and have the advantages of a pleasant, attractive, and well-regulated Christian home. It progressed so favorably, as manifested in the demand for more commodious quarters, that in 1S79 a handsome new boarding-house at 27 Yernon Street was erected. With its attractive parlors, its piano, - which was to be free for the use of all the boarders, - books, daily and weekly papers and periodicals (furnished by kind friends); with its pleasant social gatherings, and the daily evening assembling of the family for their devotional exercises, consisting of reading the Scripture, prayer, and singing, - it was hoped that no young woman could long- be an inmate of the Home, and be indifferent to its kind and loving atmosphere. Prices for board ranged from $3 to $4.75 per week, according to location of room. Table-board, alone, $3 per week; transients, $1 per day, or $5 per week. After conducting the Home for four years, it was found necessary to abandon it for a while ; and the Association headquarters were removed temporarily to No. 3 Pynchon Street. A sewing-school for children and women who choose to avail themselves of its privileges meets at the headquarters every Sunday afternoon. During the year 1882 two free kindergartens were successfully carried on under the auspices of this Association. $500 was donated by Daniel B. Wesson ; and this, together with other donations, provided the means for a kindergarten, which was opened in September, 1882, on Worthington Street. In the winter of 1882-83, sufficient funds were raised in the different churches to support a colored kindergarten. The president is Miss Maria S. Foot ; the treasurer, Mrs. A. F. Jennings ; and the recording secretary, Mrs. P. H. Derby.

The Quincy-street Mission is under the care of the State-street Methodist-Episcopal Church; yet it is self-supporting, and ever since it began, in 1 S77. has done good work. Regular services are held in a chapel originally erected for a church, which was bought for about $1,200. Previous to 1S80 the superintendents were James F. Brierley and Augustus A. Howard. Since then W. D. Stevens has been in charge. The Sunday school has an average attendance of about 90: there are nine classes. It owns a library of about 200 volumes.

The Ward-One Mission was begun by some members of Trinity Methodist-Episcopal Church in 1878. They brushed up the lower story <>t' the old hoop-skirt and cotton-batting factory, at the corner of Chestnut and Ringgold Streets, and started a Sunday school, with Cyrus W. Atwood as intendent. W. F. Potter served the mission as superintendent the second year, but in 1880 the church withdrew its support in favor of a Stronger mission in West Springfield. The field was then taken by members of the First Baptist Church living in the neighborhood. The Sunday school opened with 98 scholars, and now has a membership of 250, with an average attendance of 150, in 15 classes. D. H. Joyce was superintendent the first 18 months under the Baptist regime, W. H. Fales the next two years, and W. C. King is now the superintendent. A good library is supported. Preaching and prayer services are held every Sunday, and a prayer-meeting on Wednesday evening. Above 30 converts are counted. This mission - the fourth in size in the Westfield Baptist association - is supported by those who enjoy its privileges, at a cost of about $400 a year.

The Mission Francaise. - This French mission is composed of converts from Romanism, and is independent of all other church organizations, and manages its own affairs. Its adherents take the Bible as their sole rule of faith, and subscribe to no formulas or creed. The services are conducted in French, and are marked by their social character and the absence of all forms. The mission was begun by Rev. Samuel S. Etienne of Worcester, in Grace Methodist-Episcopal Church, Sept. 15, 1S81, with two members. Services were held in the old Episcopal Church from Oct. 2, 1881, to June I, 1882; when, the members having increased to 30, they moved into a hall in Bill's Block, 358 Main Street. Mr. Etienne soon removed to Holyoke. The present pastor, J. Syvret, preaches every alternate Sunday, and the Rev. Mr. Williams of Providence once a month. The affairs of the organization are in charge of a committee, whose secretary and treasurer is A. S. Nadow. Daniel B. Wesson has largely contributed towards the furnishing and support of the mission, and might very properly be called its founder. The stewards appeal to Christians of all denominations to aid them in supporting the mission, which now includes some 15 families in this city, besides a sabbath school of about 20 members.

The White-street Mission was started Dec. 11, 1881, by young men from Hope Church, - the first gathering being a Sunday school at the schoolhouse on White Street. Sunday-evening and fortnightly neighborhood meetings began shortly after. Between 40 and 50 families are interested in the mission, and most of those who attend seldom go to other places of worship. The average attendance has been about 60. There are 99 names on the school-roll, and eight classes are sustained, about one-half the number being children. Their library contains 200 volumes. This mission has always been superintended by W. A. George. Its financial support comes chiefly from Hope Church, and from private gifts, amounting in all to $200 a year. A chapel is to be built for this mission.

The Evangelist Mission, which occupies the old Christ Church building, 182 State Street, grew out of the Christian Union Mission, which was organized Dec. 13, 1882. The property was bought by S. G. Otis, publisher of " The Domestic Journal *' and " The Weekly Evangelist," and a leader in the formation of this mission. At first the mission was intended " to brino- under the influence of the gospel those who have fallen, through intemperance and other indulgences, and to do general mission work." Edward Ingersoll was chosen president; Dr. John Blackmer, vice-president ; Hattie Glover, secretary; and A. L. Covell, treasurer. May 8 found the mission existing only in name; and as Mr. Otis had repaired the building at an expense of nearly $6,000, he, with three others, - representing as many religious denominations, - took it upon themselves to carry out the proposed evangelistic work, under the name of the Evangelist Mission. The original constitution was abandoned. A city missionary was hired to conduct meetings, and to look after families who are spiritually neglected and needy. The large auditorium of the church building was divided, a good-sized chapel being kept for the mission services, and several smaller assembly-rooms being finished off to rent to various organizations. The Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Reynolds Reform Club have quarters here, and several rooms are occupied temporarily by the Springfield Art Association. The mission work is supported by voluntary contributions.

The Armory-Hill Young Men's Christian Association has its building on State Street, opposite Winchester Park. Its membership numbers about 200. The average daily attendance is about 100 ; and the average attendance at evening prayers, 30. About 50 attend the sabbath service. The object of this Association is the physical, social, intellectual, and religious improvement of young men. The fee is $1 a year. The rooms of the Association are open every week-day evening from 7 to 9.30, and five afternoons from 2 to 6. The reading-room is free to all young men. It contains 25 papers and magazines and 30 books for use in the rooms. The gymnasium is a room 40 feet square, fitted out with apparatus. The parlor is in the rear of the building, a room 20 by 30, carpeted, and supplied with games and a piano. The religious work consists of evening prayers at 9.30, a sabbath service for young men only at 4.30 p.m., and the personal work of the members. The president is H. I. Goulding; the vice-president, Charles H. Barrows ; the treasurer, J. S. Kirkham ; the recording secretary, Charles George; and the general secretary, E. H. Byington.

And Almshouse

SPRINGFIELD is favored beyond most cities in the State with a system of charitable and benevolent work, far-reaching in its scope, and effective in its organization. The most important features of the work are of recent growth. Up to the year 1877 the city was not distinguished for more than ordinary benevolent work ; but within the past five years a number of noble and intelligent men and women have labored individually and unitedly to develop a system of charities which is an honor to them and of the greatest value to the city. A strong impetus was given to the subject, in 1877, by the late Samuel Bowles, who spent considerable time, the last year of his life, in forming the Union Relief Association. He was able to supplement his outside efforts in this direction with timely and convincing discussions in " The Springfield Republican,"' and since his death the paper has done much to foster and carry to successful completion the work its founder began. Intimately associated with Mr. Bowles in this work were a few unselfish spirits, some of whom managed to conceal themselves behind their work, while others were forced into notice by the amount and kind of assistance they rendered. Among the latter must be mentioned the Rev. Dr. Washington Gladden, late the pastor of North Church, now of Columbus, O., who was a remarkable man in all charitable and philanthropic enter prises. Mrs. Clara T. Leonard, of the State Board of Health, Lunacy, and Charity, is a woman whose efforts have been of inestimable value to the city, as well as to the State. Among others who have stood close to these, may be mentioned Mrs. Adelaide A. Calkins, Mr. and Mrs. Gurdon Bill, Dr. C. C. Chaffee, the late A. D. Briggs, the late Mrs. Solyman Merrick, the late Charles O. Chapin, Mrs. William Rice, and, in a marked degree, the several members of the Merriam family. Not all of these have been associated in the same organization, but many have been identified more or less closely with more than one line of effort; while all have given their time, money, and influence to building up the network of relief now firmly established in the citv.

The Union Relief Association is an organization of individuals who pledge themselves "to abstain from the indiscriminate giving of food, money, or clothing." Its object is to discourage mendicancy, and to afford judicious relief to the destitute and helpless, and those who need employment. The office is in the City Hall, so that the association can co-operate with the city authorities in caring for the sick and infirm poor, and aiding those who deserve temporary assistance. The society divides the city into districts, and visitors from among the members of the organization are appointed to visit the poor in the several districts. Since its organization, in 1877, the association has greatly reduced the amount of, and lessened the tendency to, pauperism. As far as practicable, the association seeks to do for Springfield what the Associated Charities are accomplishing for Boston. The officers are : President, Dr. C. C. Chaffee : secretary, George H. Ueane ; treasurer, A. T. Folsom ; board of managers, A. T. Folsom, A. D. Stone, E. Brookings, Dr. C. C. Chaffee, Rev. Dr. E. P. Terhune, Charles Hall, Daniel P. Crocker, Rev. John C. Brooks, Rev. Lester L. Potter.

The Hampden County Children's-Aid Association is an offshoot of, and in work closely connected with, the Union Relief. The organization is an independent one, however; and, as its name indicates, the work is not confined to the city, but, the last annual report says, "our greatest failure has been in the effort to make this a county society." Its original work was to take young children out of the poorhouses, and place them in families. To this end, legislation was procured forbidding overseers of the poor to place children over four years of age in almshouses ; and the society has sought to have this law enforced by finding homes for such, and organizing a system of visitation for their benefit. Alleged abuses and sufferings of children are also investigated, and, when necessary, the proper steps taken to prevent abuse, neglect, or a lapse into pauperism. The meetings of the societyare held at the City Hall. The managers are Mrs. Clara T. Leonard, Mrs. T. L. Chapman, Mrs. C. L. Mowry, Dr. C. C. Chaffee, Rev. Henry G. Spaulding, Frances E. Stone, Gurdon Bill, Charles H. Barrows, Rev. J. K. Mason. Among efficient members of the society in the towns, are Mrs. A. C. Woodworth of Chicopee, Mrs. C. H. M. Newell of Wilbraham, and others.

The Flower-Mission is another offshoot of the Union Relief, having been organized May 15, 1877, for the purpose of distributing flowers, fruits, and delicacies to the sick, during the summer months only. The mission relies wholly upon voluntary contributions, the surplus of greenhouses and gardens, which are brought to the City Hall and prepared for the needy suffering. Occasional free picnics for children and invalids are given. The mission is popular with the members of all the city churches, and is annually increasing in usefulness and influence. The ladies meet every Wednesday, at the rooms of the Union Relief Association. The officers are : President, Miss Sarah P. Birnie; vice-presidents, Miss Mary Bill, Miss Fanny Stebbins, Mrs. L. S. Brooks; secretary, Miss Sarah E. Heywood; assistant secretarv, Miss Frances E. Stone.

The Hale Fund is so called from the name of the donor, James W. Hale, who died Aug. 31. 1863, leaving about $34,000 as a permanent fund to assist the deserving poor of the city. He belonged to the First-Church parish during his lifetime, and was always helping the poor. As he left no children, he directed, that, after the death of his wife, the income of this money should be devoted to charitable purposes. The fund came into the hands of the committee, Oct. 25, 1880. and was invested, as directed, in first mortgages on real estate in Hampden County. The income is annually spent in purchasing fuel, stoves, and flour, for the deserving poor of Springfield. The fund is in charge of the pastors of the First Congregational, First Baptist, and Trinity Methodist Churches, and the clerk of the Superior Court.

The Taylor Benevolent. Fund consists of an invested fund in Springfield, left by Ethan Taylor of Longmeadow, Feb. 17, 1864, the income of which is devoted " to the promotion of such religious, benevolent, and charitable objects as shall be approved and designated by a committee of three persons, to be chosen from time to time by the South Church Society in said Springfield.'' The income may be devoted to any work in the limits of Hampden County. W. L. Wilcox is trustee of the fund, and the expend-

The Springfield Home for Friendless Women and Children is the corporate name of the management of two separate homes. The movement in favor of the Home started with a number of men and women interested in the destitute and unfortunate. Their idea was to give temporary protection and relief to needy women and young girls, to encourage them to selfsupport and reformation when necessary, and to care for children whose natural guardians could not, or would not, care for them. The Home was incorporated in 1865, a house bought on Union Street at a cost of $4,500, and $2,000 additional raised for expenses. There were 60 inmates, including 20 children, during the first year. The number of children increased so much, year after year, that a separate home was provided for them on Buckingham Street, in 1870. The building cost $15,000, and $10,000 was invested for the support of the homes. The whole of this amount was contributed by citizens of Springfield and adjacent towns. The Home received $2,000 yearly from the State, during the first six years, on condition that a like sum was raised by the managers; but in 1872 the legislature withdrew all aid, and since then the whole expense has been met by annual collections and donations. There is $10,000 in mortgages, and $9,000 in other investments, belonging to the Home, the income of which is devoted to the annual expenses. A recent gift was $3,000 from Mrs. Dorcas Chapin. The Home on Buckingham Street is a substantial brick building, 50 x 40 feet, containing 21 rooms, furnished with all modern conveniences. Visitors are admitted every day except Saturday and Sunday. The officers are : President, Mrs. John R. Hixon; vice-presidents, Mrs. Henry Brewer and Mrs. Richard F. Hawkins ; clerk, Miss Mary L. Jacobs ; treasurer, Mrs. Heman Smith ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. George W. Tapley; auditor, Charles Marsh. The board of managers consists of 30 women, from all the different religious societies of the city, with an advisory committee of seven men, and a board of five physicians, who serve gratuitously.

The Springfield Society for the Prevention of Crime was organized in 1880, with the object of aiding the public authorities in the prevention and punishment of crime ; and, as far as practicable, of eradicating the sources and causes of crime and vice by all suitable methods, and especially by the enforcement of the liquor-laws. Its proposed means of operation are, to arouse a correct public opinion ; assist in the prosecution of law-breakers; to disseminate information by means of the press, and by public addresses and meetings. Its membership is open to any citizen upon the payment of two dollars. Upon its first organization, it accomplished a perceptible gcod by the use of the means above proposed, and was felt as something of a force in the community; but the vigorous enforcement of the laws against the illegal sale of intoxicating liquors, and against the various forms of immorality, on the part of the public authorities, has diminished the usefulness of the society ; and it now lies dormant, ready to awake to active life at the demand of any public emergency.

Mutual Relief Associations are numerous in Springfield. These aim to assist members' families when accident, sickness, or death removes the source of support. These associations are all managed on the same general

The Masonic Mutual Relief Association of Western Massachusetts has its headquarters in Kinsman's Block, on Main Street; but its work is not limited to this city. The membership is composed exclusively of Masons. On the death of a member, a sum equal to as many dollars as there are members in the association (though in no case exceeding $2,500) is paid to the family of the deceased. President, George W. Kay: vice-president, Henry S. Lee; treasurer. E. P. Chapin; secretary, Arthur I. Bemis.

The Odd Fellows' Mutual Relief Association of the Connecticut-river Valley is a Springfield institution, only by reason of its head office being located here. It was organized in 1S73 by members of different lodges, of Odd Fellows, who desired to secure greater assistance to the families of deceased brethren than was provided by the by-laws of their respective lodges. It now numbers upwards of 4,000 members, divided into four classes. The deaths in the oldest class were but 72 during the last 10 years. A member can belong to one or more classes ; and, upon his death, his friendsreceive $1 from each surviving member of the class or classes to which he belonged, not exceeding $1,000 from any one class. The amount thus paid last year was $37,640, and the whole amount for the 10 years since its organization has been $178,180. The office is in the old court-house. Officers: President, John M.Wood; first vice-president, F. A. Judd ; second vice-president, J. F. Severance; treasurer, Henry S. Lee; secretary, W. H. Winans; auditors, S. C. Downs, T. M. Dewey, and W. M. Gray; finance committee, J. K. Wiley, F. E. Winter, and George H. Ireland.

The Mutual Relief Association of the Employees of the Boston and Albany Railroad Company was organized in March, 1870. It had been customary, previous to that time, when an employee of the road died, to start a subscription-paper, and raise as large a sum as possible for the family of the deceased. It was found that the burden was not equally borne, and this association was formed with the distinct understanding that members should not contribute to a subscription-paper as heretofore. At first no distinction was made in the age of the members, but in 1875 a by-law was inserted grading the admittance-fee according to the age of the applicant. On the decease of a member, his family receive one dollar from each surviving member. The present membership is 455. Meetings are held in the secretary's office of the Boston and Albany Railroad Company, the first Wednesday evening in every month, and annually on the fourth Wednesday of March. Trustees,. C. O. Russell, J. W. Clark, H. C. Hamilton, A. S. Bryant, W. H. Stearns, Robert Eccles, E. W. Brown ; secretary and treasurer, Albert Holt.

The Roman-Catholic Mutual Insurance Company of the Diocese of Springfield was organized .May 10, 1877, and includes all the towns west of South Framingham. Membership is confined to Catholic males between 21 and 50 years of age, residing in the diocese. At the death of a member, the family receive as many dollars as there are members at his death. The present membership is 260. The annual meeting occurs the first sabbath in May. The officers are: President, Bishop P. T. O'Reilly; vice-president,. John O'Donnell of Holyoke; secretary, Edward A. Hall; treasurer, Rev. J. J. McDermott.

The Firemen's Mutual Relief Association aims to assist members of the fire-department who become disabled in the discharge of duty. The amount usually allowed is $10 per week. Each member contributes a small amount annually, and the proceeds of the firemen's ball are added each year

The United-States Armory Mutual Benefit Association was organized Dec. 1, 1 88 1, to aid sick members, and to pay a small benefit to the family of any member in case of death. An admission-fee of $1 is charged; each member thereafter pays 25 cents per month ; and a weekly benefit of 55 for ro weeks of each year is paid to sick members. Each member of the association is assessed $1 on the death of any of their number. The board of managers meet the second Monday in each month ; and a meeting of the whole association occurs once a year on the Armory grounds, generally the first Wednesday in January. The membership is 285. Officers : President, Charles E. Bailey ; vice-president, T. B. Wilson ; secretary, N. J. Benjamin ; treasurer, Edwin Farrar; trustees, F. B. Miller, James McKechnie, A. H. Dodge ; auditing committee, G. F. Clemens, James Dolan, James Kimball ; visiting committee, G. A. Spooner, S. L. Tuttle, Larkin Newell, A. G. Perkins : collectors, G. R. Otto, Francis Daggett, C. W. Bradbury, Alfred Whitney.

The Wason Company's Mutual Relief Association was organized in the early part of 1SS1, by the employees of the Wason Manufacturing Company. Any one who has been in the employ of the company a month is eligible for membership. Any member who is disabled sufficiently to prevent his attendance at his work receives $5 per week until he is able to resume his duties; but there can be no allowance for a period exceeding 10 weeks in succession. The relatives of each member receive $50 at his death. The annual meeting occurs the third Wednesday in January. Officers : President, George C. Fisk; vice-president, E. H. Dodge; secretary, A. C. Reed; treasurer, C. A. Fisk; directors, George C. Fisk, N. W. Pease, A. J. Babbitt, E. H. Dodge, C. A. Fisk, S. D. Wilson, A. C. Reed, O. A. Dodge, W. E. Sanderson.

The Orient Lodge, Knights of Honor, No. 230, was organized Feb. 16, 1876, with twenty charter members. Total membership, at the close of 1883, is about 140. Five members have died, and $10,000 has been paid their families. The lodge has paid on assessments, $11,500. The current expenses are paid by yearly dues of $5 each. Each member is entitled to sick-benefits of $3 per week, and $850 has been thus paid out. The lodge has also a fund of $1,200 in the hands of its trustees. The reporter is George A. Kilborn.

The Springfield Council of the American Legion of Honor was instituted April 12, [880, and provides weekly sick-benefits for members and lifeinsurance for from $500 to $5,000. Membership is open to both sexes.

Male members receive $3 per week during sickness, and females $1 per week. Meetings occur fortnightly in Bicycle Club Hall, 413 Main Street. Officers: Commander, H. A. Prouty ; vice-commander, P. A. Deman ; orator, E. A. Hendricks; secretary, Dr. W. F. Andrews; collector, S. E. Goodyear; treasurer, F. Merritt Alden.

The Hampden Conference and Benevolent Association represents all the Congregational churches of the county, and especially of Springfield. Contributions are distributed by the association to the various mission-boards, and religious and educational societies, under Congregational management. The office of the treasurer, Rev. L. H. Blake of Westfield, is with the Pynchon National Bank in this city. The other officers are : Moderator, Rev. John H. Lockwood of Westfield; scribe, Rev. E. H. Byington of Monson ; treasurer of the Benevolent Association, Charles Marsh ; auditors, Henry S. Lee, T. S. Stewart.

The St. Jean Baptiste Benevolent Society, at Indian Orchard, was organized in 1874 for general benevolent work among the local Catholics. Regular meetings are held the first and third Sundays of each month. The membership is confined to Catholics. Officers : President. Louis Rientard ; vice-president, E. F. Tetrault ; secretary, E. Lariviere ; treasurer, W. F. Demers.

The St. Jean Baptiste Benevolent and Mutual Relief Society is also restricted to Catholics in its membership. Sick members receive $4 per week, for not more than 16 weeks in the same year, however; and, at the death of a member, his friends receive $20. The society also has a fund for the relief of the poor of St. Joseph's Parish. Regular meetings are held the first and third Sundays of each month, in the basement of the Howard-street Church. Officers : President, Eli Deschamp ; vice-president, Louis Belanger ; recording secretary, Gregoire Yalliancourt.

The Union Mutual Beneficial Society was founded by colored people in 1866. Besides attendance in sickness, members receive $3 a week, and $30 is paid for funeral expenses in case of death. Regular meetings are held the first Wednesday evening in each month. Officers : President, Eli S. Baptist ; vice-president, Mrs. Louisa Adams ; secretary, Mrs. Jennie Sawyer.

The Daughters of Cyrus are colored women united to relieve their members in sickness. Besides $2 per week, a sick member receives the care of associates, and at death $15 is paid for funeral expenses. Regular meetings occur the first Wednesday evening in each month, at the Loringstreet Church. Officers : President, Mrs. Anna Washington : vice-president, Mrs. Mary Thompson; secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Rhodes.

The Day Nursery was opened June 18, 1883, at 256 Water Street, to care for the small children of those mothers who must work away from home during the day for the support of their families. The importance of such a nursery had long been felt by the officers and visitors of the Union Relief Association ; and. as the experiment was known to have proved successful in other cities, it was determined to try it here. A committee was appointed to act as managers of the institution, funds were solicited, and a matron engaged. The results of the first five months' work are very encouraging. There have been nearly 500 entries ; and, as the nursery becomes better known, mothers are more anxious to take advantage of it. That the institution may not be regarded as purely charitable, a small admission-fee is charged. The children are provided with one meal each day, and a collection of toys is furnished for their amusement. A number of young women kindly devote a part of each afternoon to amusing and instructing the children. Besides caring for the bodily needs of the children, the nursery aims to exert an ennobling and purifying influence upon them. It endeavors, also, to cultivate in the minds of the parents a desire to make their homes brighter and better for their children's sake. Both mother and child are afforded a glimpse of some higher possibilities in life; and it is hoped, that, as time goes on, the results will justify an enlargement of the work. Officers: President, Mrs. Charles Hall; vice-president, Mrs. Marshall Calkins; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Albert H. Kirkham; purchasing agent, Mrs. C. D. Hosley; visiting committee, Mrs. A. E. Smith. Miss Stella Warren, Miss Lucy P. Brewer.

The Soldiers' Rest was one of the noblest charities, as well as one of the most successful, ever attempted in the city. At an early stage of the Civil War, it became nowhere more apparent than here, where muskets were being turned out in great quantities, that there would be need of all kinds of relief for the men who took part in the struggle. In 1S62 a commission of young men was formed to send supplies and assistance to the front; and in 1863, as soldiers, wounded, injured, and ill, came passing through the city, it was suggested that relief and a resting-place should be afforded them. At once a building of small dimensions was secured on Railroad Row, and fitted up with simple accommodations. This charity, from the start, had the sympathy of the people; and in [864 a new building, much larger and finer, took the place of the old one, and within its walls many a soldier has received the aid of the best of the Springfield people. This building, after it outlived its original purpose, was disposed of. and is now occupied by the Loring-street (colored) American Methodist Church. It was this Soldiers' Rest that caused the great fair under the presidency of Mrs. James Barnes, by which was raised $18,593; and it was part of this fund that provided for the soldiers' monument in the Springfield Cemetery. This organization raised in all about $32,000; of which about $17,000 was given in cash to soldiers, and the remainder spent in various aids for their benefit, including the monument. Almost 17,000 soldiers were helped in

Xing' 'S Handbook Of Springfield

The City Hospital, situated a mile and a half beyond the Armory, on the Boston road, was re-organized in 1879, chiefly through the exertions of Rev. Dr. A. K. Potter, now of Roxbury, who was determined to have some place where young working-people could be sent while sick, without great expense. The present hospital is good for what it is, but the day cannot be far distant when Springfield will demand as large and well-appointed quarters as her sister cities. The management of the hospital is in the hands of a board of trustees, three of whom must be women, and one of whom must be the mayor. They are appointed by the mayor, subject to the approval of the board of aldermen. The physicians of the city contribute their services without charge, and a body of them form a medical staff who relieve each other in attendance on the inmates. The admission to the hospital is not restricted; but the terms of compensation are fixed for each individual case, and persons for whose support the city is responsible are admitted as free patients. The matron is Miss Millie H. Jacobs, a graduate of the Massachusetts General Hospital Training-School for Nurses. The board of trustees are the Mayor, ex officio, Henry S. Hyde, Lucinda O. Howard, Rev. David A. Reed, Charles Marsh, Mrs. J. A. Callender, and Mrs. Charles A. Nichols. The members of the medical staff on duty at the hospital are Alfred Lambert, V. L. Owen, William G. Breck, Marshall Calkins, L. S. Brooks, T. F. Breck, S.W. Bowles, S. D. Brooks. George C. McLean, S. F. Pomeroy, F. W. Chapin, Charles D. Brewer.

The Dorcas Chapin Hospital. - Mrs. Dorcas Chapin, widow of Chester W. Chapin, recently signified her desire to make an endowment of $25,000 for a hospital for this city. She says that the endowment of a hospital was a favorite idea with Mr. Chapin ; and often, in driving about town with her, he discussed sites for it and the service which it might be to poor people. He left his purposes in this respect unfulfilled, and Mrs. Chapin is now urgent that they shall be carried out at an early day. It is her desire that only a portion of the fund be used for the erection of plain and economical hospital buildings, and that the rest be reserved as an endowment, and as a nucleus for future gifts and bequests by the charitably disposed. Steps are to be taken immediately to incorporate a board of trustees; and the city is to be asked to turn over the present hospital site and buildings to the same corporation, upon suitable conditions that a hospital shall be maintained.

The Almshouse and City Farm are situated on the Boston Road, about two miles east of the Armory. The management rests with the Board of Overseers, who elect officers annually to take charge of the institution. Z. F. Chadwick and wife are the present master and matron. The main building is the most imposing object on the plain east of the city. It is built of pressed brick, three stories high, with a French roof, and surrounded with well-kept grounds. The upper part of the house is devoted to those harmless inmates who do not require the stricter confinement of a lunatic-hospitaL The entire property is valued at about $63,000. The whole number of persons annually supported at the almshouse is a little less than 200, of whom about one-eighth are insane. The average cost of support is about $2.50 per week. The overseers of the poor are the Mayor, Chauncey L. Covell, James H. Lewis, F. A. Burt, and Dr. A. R. Rice.

Burton Monroe Firman King 'S Handbook Of Springfield

THE OLD BURYING-GROUND was on the bank of the Connecticut River, back of the First Church, - a lane leading to it called "Meetinghouse Lane," now Elm Street; and it lay on both sides of this street, on the west side of what is now Water Street. The first recorded burial there was in 1641 ; and the oldest monument is in memory of Mrs. Mary Holyoke, daughter of William Pynchon, the founder of the colony, who was born in England, and whose stone bears this inscription: -

Elizur Holyoke

William Pynchon was not buried here, for he died in England. But his associates were, like Capt. Elizur Holyoke ; Deacon Chapin, a magistrate with Pynchon and Holyoke; Henry Burt, who was associated with them in affairs of Church and State; Rev. Pelatiah Glover, the second minister of the town, who died in 1692; "the worshipful Major Pynchon;" and so on with the ministers and magistrates, and all classes of the people, for two hundred years.

This continued the " churchyard " of the old church, and the principal burial-place of the town, until the new cemetery was opened in 1841. Then the railroad came ; and it was necessary to remove this sacred dust, which was clone in 1849, with 'he utmost care and reverence, under the charge of Elijah Blake. Such remains as were not removed by friends were transferred to the new cemetery, and their stones and monuments with them; so that there were 2,404 of such remains, and 517 monuments and tablets, which may be found in a portion of the cemetery set apart for them, adjoining Pine Street, where is also a common monument erected for those

The Springfield Cemetery was opened in 1 841. It is in the heart of the city, being only half a mile from the City Hall ; and yet, from the nature of the grounds, it is quite retired, and peculiarly well adapted to its purpose. It was " Martha's Dingle," a succession of hillsides and ravines, springs and brooks, old trees and tangled bushes ; which, by the art of landscape-gardening, has been converted into graded banks, numerous plateaus, shaded nooks, fountains, with a brook that drains the whole, running like a silver band through the meadow, which furnishes as secluded and pleasant a resting-place for our dead as though it had been sought miles away. Turning out of Maple Street, - a street of choice residences, - and passing up an arch of elms, under the brown-stone entrance, the place is revealed in striking contrast to all around it. One looks up the several ravines, takes in more or less of the grassy meadow, the brook, the fountains, the terraced hillsides, the trees, the shrubbery, and the monuments scattered everywhere, and wonders where else the several roads and paths are to lead him. They will lead him through a considerablecontinuance of the same characteristics ; and finally, going south, up to a broad plateau, he will come to the most recent burials and the most modern monuments, or, going north, come to the " Methodist Burying-Ground," where interments were first made in 1825, which has been incorporated witli this. Originally the cemetery consisted of only twenty acres, but it has been enlarged until now it is double that size. Besides Maple Street, the boundaries of the cemetery are Mulberry, Cedar, and Pine Streets.

The cemetery contains an appropriate monument, on Willow Avenue, to the memory of the soldiers and sailors of the late war. It is the figure of a soldier, in bronze, on a white granite pedestal, guarded by four bronze cannon, the gift of the government. This is the " Soldiers' Lot ; " and there is a fund that was raised during the war to sustain a " Soldiers' Rest*' in the city, the balance of which is still used for the relief of soldiers who are needy, and to bury them when they die.

It contains also an appropriate monument to the memory of Rev. W. B. O. Peabody, D.D., "erected by citizens of Springfield, in grateful recognition of his services in securing for them this beautiful resting-place for their dead." It is a graceful memorial in the shape of a Gothic shrine of light freestone, erected on a knoll near the Maple-street entrance. To him, for his early suggestions, unremitting supervision, and tender address of consecration; to George Eaton, then a citizen of this town, for his untiring assiduity in laying out and ornamenting the grounds; and to the Hon. George Bliss, for his wise counsel, and constant devotion to its interests for more than thirty years, who sleeps himself in the spot he loved so well, - to these pre-eminently are we indebted for this resting-place of our dead.

Among the men of widest reputation, whose remains rest here, are Samuel Bowles, the editor of " The Springfield Republican ; " Dr. J. G. Holland, the poet, novelist, and editor of "Scribner's Monthly," - whose monument, in Hudson -river bluestone, bears a bronze portrait relief by Augustus St. Gaudens ; Chester Harding, the portraitpainter; William S. Elwell, his pupil, so long known as " the Crescent- hill artist:"' Chester W. Chapin. the president of the Boston and Albany Railroad, and Congressman: Gen. James W. Ripley, from 1841 to 1854 commandant at the United- States Armory: and Gen. James Barnes of the United-States Army: also Hon. William B. Calhoun, lawyer, member of Congress, secretary of state, and mayor of the city: and Hon. Reuben A. Chapman, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts: to which list should be added Rev. Daniel Brewer, the third minister of Springfield, who died in 1733, after nearly forty years of service; and Rev. Samuel Osgood, D.D., the sixth minister, who died in [862, after forty-eight years of Service. Dr. C. C. Chaffee is president of the Cemetery Association, and Frederick H. Harris clerk and treasurer.

The Oak-Grove Cemetery, which was bought in 1881 by the Oak-Grove Cemetery Association, and which was required by the growth of the eastern part of the city, comprises a tract of ninety acres, a considerable portion of which is covered by a pine and oak growth, and has been laid out, under the superintendence of Justin Sackett. into well-arranged paths, and extensive drives, that promise to make it another interesting spot of this kind. Several pretty ponds and side-hill springs, - so well done that no one would suspect their motive power to be from Ludlow Reservoir - and the natural irregularities of the ground, are used to excellent advantage. This cemetery was opened for burials in April, 1882, and has already received over 100 occupants. The grounds are situated on Bay Street, or the old " Bay Path " that led from the river to the Bay, which was once the only road from here to Boston. It lies within two miles of Court Square, the centre of the city, and about a mile beyond the Armory. The improvements are well under way; a chapel of Longmeadow sandstone having been erected, and also a receiving-tomb, immediately in front, on the sandy hillside, facing the Bay- Road entrance. Next season these are to be followed by a well-designed entrance of stone. The Association has these officers : Daniel B. Wesson, president; James Kirkham, treasurer: Gideon Wells, clerk. It may be added that Mr. Wesson, Mr. Kirkham, and Mr. Sackett also own a tract of more heavily forested land on the opposite side of the Bay Road, of more than 100 acres, through which they have had roads cut, and propose to maintain it as a wild park, open to the public, under the name of Edgewood.

Maplewood Cemetery, which was organized 1882, is situated in the eastern part of the city, on the road from Indian -Orchard station to Sixteen Acres. The old part, which contains threefifths of an acre, was opened Oct. 3, 1816; the new pari, adjoining the old. contains one acre, and was opened April 20, 1882, in connection with the old, under the name ol the Maplewood Cemetery, the old part having upon that date been voted by the proprietors into the control of the Maplewood Cemetery Association.

Local Burial-grounds. - There are several of these in the city, some of which are not much used now: such as. the Methodist Burying-ground on

King'S Hand Poo A' Of Springfield

Union Street, the burial-place connected with the Methodist-Episcopal church once located there, which has been incorporated into the Springfield Cemetery; the Baptist Burying-ground, on Cherry Street, in the vicinity of which once stood a Baptist church ; another on Sumner Avenue, Long Hill, westerly of Faith Chapel ; another still on Allen Street, three miles out, on the road to Hampden ; and still another on Parker Street, between Sixteen Acres and Ludlow Mills.

The Catholic Cemeteries. - There are two Catholic cemeteries. The old one at the junction of Liberty and Armory Streets, containing five or six acres, was opened in 1847; and, being the only one for what is now Springfield and Chicopee, the lots were all taken up long ago, and it is now used only by those who own the lots. In 1871 Bishop O'Reilly, the present bishop of the diocese, purchased a suitable tract of 83 acres between the Boston and Wilbraham roads, 3^ miles from the City Hall, which belongs to St. Michael's Church, the cathedral church, but is ample and convenient enough to accommodate all the churches, both here at the centre and at Indian Orchard, and is being rapidly taken up. It is well located, and can easily be enlarged. The only two of their clergy who have died here were not buried in either cemetery, but under white marble tables at the main entrance to the cathedral. One was Father M. I'. Gallisrher, the revered and beloved old priest, who was in service here from November, 1856, till June, 1879. Tne other was Father Thomas O. Sullivan, whose service was from February, 1864, to September, 1870. He was an old man when he came here, and had been for many years in missionary service, particularly among the Indians of Maine.

Hills. And Ponds

SPRINGFIELD possesses no large park for the use of its people, probably from the fact, that, by the nature of its position, it is a park-like city. Its first settlement along the bank of the Connecticut River was shaded with elms and maples, a hundred years ago; and although, as the business blocks and the factories spread, the trees have to fall, there are but few sections so compactly built that some street does not intersect them with shade-trees. The hills that rise at a short distance from the river, for tinwhole length of the Main Street, are naturally, as the city grows farther and farther, occupied for residence, and the planting of trees has never been neglected: so that, viewed from the summit of the Arsenal tower in the grounds of the United-States Armory, the city seems like a piece of woodland, into which churches and dwellings, and even the brick blocks, have been somehow inveigled; and this impression is even more notably given by views from Long Hill, at the south end, whence the rare beauty of the site of Springfield may be best appreciated. The river here makes a bold sweep eastward : and the city - its spires and towers piercing the tree-tops, and the Arsenal tower, with its ever-flying stars and stripes, presiding eminent over all - embraces the curve, giving its whole fortunate beauty to the gaze of the spectator from "the Storrs lot." The "hills "of the city are really points of a plateau which stretches eastward, at an elevation of about 200 feet above sea-level. The northernmost of these points is Rock Rimmon, near the Chicopee line, - a wooded height occupied by residences, among them the house built by Dr. J. G. Holland nearly 20 years ago, and named " Brightwood;" which was one of the first examples of the versi-colored cottages which have since become the fashion. Prospect Hill is the name sometimes given to the rising ground at the eastern end of Franklin Street, just north of the Boston and Albany Railroad track. Round Hill, at whose southern end the Memorial Church stands, is an isolated knoll whose grove contains several handsome houses. Armory Hill is the highest point in the city; and other points are Stearns Hill. Ames Hill. Crescent Hill. - the latter private grounds, which their hospitable owners leave open for the public to drive through, in order that they may enjoy a view of the city, which, though nearer and less embracing, is like that gained from bong Hill. Blake's Hill.

across Mill River, is notable for its grove of tall pines. Long Hill, still farther south, closes in the amphitheatre of the city's site ; and on its slope still stands a great chestnut which is believed to have been an old tree when the Indians had their fort on this commanding point, 200 years ago. All these hills afford charming views of the winding river, the tributary Agawam. the meadows, and the distant hills.

There are now many projects for securing some tract or tracts of land for park purposes : but nothing has yet taken positive shape, except that an elaborate plan has been conceived for the purchase of the ground between the New-York and New-Haven Railroad and the river, south of the old tollbridge, for a hundred rods or so, which, by the clearance of a number of cheap and noisome tenement-houses, could be made a beautiful spot for the recreation of working-people, who largely occupy the vicinity. Part of this strip is already owned by the city, having been deeded to it by the late Ocran Dickinson in 1851, "to be held and kept open and unobstructed for the free and common use of the same, by all citizens of the Commonwealth, as a way and a landing-place. " Another proposal is to buy strips of young wood, mostly pine and oak, bordering the Water-shops Pond, - a beautiful sheet of water on Mill River, caused by the dam of the United-States shops. The whole matter is now in the hands of a Park Commission, organized in 1883, of which John Olmsted is chairman ; and that the cause reports progress to this extent, is very likely due, in some measure, to a former city improvement association, which, for a while, kept the matter before the people.

Court Square is practically the central common of the city. It is a small plat on Main Street, between Court and Elm Streets, which was made over to the county of Hampden, April 14, 1821, by these well-known citizens: Edward Pynchon, Daniel Bontecou, Eleazer Williams, Justice Willard. and James Wells. " In order," to quote their express phrase, "that there may be an open square or yard for the use of the inhabitants of the county near the court-house, divers persons, inhabitants of the town of Springfield, have, at a great expense, purchased this land of Elizabeth Sheldon, in said Springfield, in order that a court-house may be built thereon, and an open square or common be in front thereof." It was "never to be aliened, leased, or encumbered in any manner," except that it might be fenced, secured, and ornamented with trees. There were already two or three elms on this ground : and under one - that in the south-east corner of the square - was the old tavern, nowstanding on Court Street, in which Gen. George Washington drank his flip when on his way between New York and Cambridge. It is recalled by "the oldest inhabitant," that there was just room for the old yellow-bodied, thorough-braced stage to swing around in fine style between this elm and the tavern door. The old Court House, the much older First Church, the City Hall, and the new Court House, dignify the surroundings of the square.

There are two small drinking-fountains, - one at the north-east, the other at the south-east, corner of Court Square, - which were presented to the city by Charles Merriam: but its pretentious fountain is a thing of the past. In 1841 James Byers gave a very handsome marble fountain, in which the water, descending from its jet, fell into three successive basins ; but it came in after-years to be considered a nuisance, and was taken to pieces, and removed. Soon there is to be, midway on the Main-street side, a fountain described later in this chapter.- Here also is the Miles Morgan Statue, and later there will be the Deacon Samuel Chapin Statue.

City-hall Park, a small piece of land on Pynchon Street in the rear of the City Hall, was purchased by the city after the safety of that edifice had been much endangered in the burning of Music Hall and other buildings : it was then cleared of the wooden dwellings upon it, in order to keep it open, and lay for several years unimproved and in a waste and slovenly condition. It is now a neat, turfed, and shaded square, surrounded by an iron fence, which was built in 1872; and when the city shall have put in a fountain, and the proprietor of the Gilmore Opera-house shall carry out his purpose of covering the blank rear wall of his building with ampelopsis, the place will be a pretty ornament to the city.

Stearns Park, a plat extending from Worthington to Bridge Streets, 260 feet, and fronting 80 feet on each, was given to the public for their use by the late Charles Stearns, 30 years ago. It contains a few trees and a fountain, but is not fenced. In the fire of May, 1875, it served Avell as a barrier against the spread of the flames in one direction.

Winchester Park is a triangle of land at the separation of the Boston and Wilbraham roads, at the head of State Street. It derives its name from the late Charles A. Winchester, in whose mayoralty it was first enclosed and made a park, being already common-land. There was for a time talk of enlarging the area by buying further territory eastward ; but as that territory is now occupied for manufacturing purposes, and crossed by a railroad, doubtless nothing of the sort will ever be done. This park has lately been adorned by a fountain.

Kibbe Park is another small triangle, also adorned by a fountain, at the junction of Federal and Armory Streets, which was given to the city by Horace Kibbe.

Buckingham Park (formerly known as McKnight Park), bounded by Buckingham Place, Buckingham and Bay Streets, is a pretty little plat, laid out with fountains, by the brothers John D. and W. H. McKnight, and given by them to the public.

Clarendon Fountain is similar to Buckingham Bark, and was given by the same persons ; and, although both were designed to make more desirable certain pieces of real estate, they are, nevertheless, useful ornaments to the city.

Views In The United-States Armory Grounds

The last-named four parks are situated on Armory Hill, east of the grounds of the Federal Government, which form the largest open tract in the city, part of which is open to the public under certain restrictions.

Edgewood is a forest tract of about ioo acres, bought by Daniel B. Wesson, James Kirkham, and Justin D. Sackett, at the time of the purchase of Oak-Grove Cemetery. It borders the Bay Road on the east, directly opposite the cemetery ; and the owners are now opening drives through it for the benefit of the public. The forest comprises many comparatively old and laro-e trees, oak, white pine, yellow pine, hemlock, soft maple, chestnut, and the birches among them ; and it is designed to leave the woods as they are. without even cutting the underbrush, the owners justly thinking that untouched nature will be more interesting in Edgewood than the trimmest of landscape-gardening. A marsh of three or four acres in the midst of this wood is to be closed by a low dam at the south end, so as to transform it into a pond ; and the surface of the land is sufficiently broken to allow of much variety and pleasing picturesqueness of view by a judicious laying-out of the roads.

The United-States Armory Grounds have been acquired by purchase at various times since Congress (in 1 794) established the national gun-factory in Springfield. The main portion of the grounds on which the Arsenal and the various shops and officers' houses stand was bought in 1801, and Federal Square, northward, in 181 2, of the town of Springfield; both these tracts being then known as the " training-fields " of the militia. The slope of the hill south-westward from the rear of the Arsenal to Byers Street, and north-westward from behind the long sheds to Pearl Street, was added in Col. Ripley's administration, by separate purchases from various citizens. Union or Armory Square, lying like a court-yard between the shops and quar ters, is laid out with walks, and handsomely set with various forest-trees, and the slopes are likewise planted ; the western corner, on Pearl and Byers Streets, being the favorite resort of birds all summer. The tasteful landscape gardening and skill in forestry displayed in these plantations are due principally to Major Edward Ingersoll. under direction of the several super mtendents and commanding officers who have succeeded each other during his almost 42 years' service as paymaster, from which he was retired in

1882. The square with its various shops, and the Arsenal tower for its unrivalled general view of the city and surrounding country, are objects of especial interest to every visitor to the city. The public are permitted to enter, under certain restrictions, tobacco and dogs being altogether forbidden ; and an air of military surveillance rather oppresses the common citizen as he walks through. Federal Street, on the north, divides these principal grounds from Federal Square, which is now closed to the public, although it was formerly opened to them, for a variety of purposes, by the late Col. Benton, whose liberal and friendly participation in the life of the city will long be remembered. Base-ball games were played therein, and 111 the winter skating-ponds were formed for the safe pleasure of the children of the vicinity. The first horse-show ever held in this country - and those who managed it think the best one ever held - took place on Federal Square in 1855. The square formerly contained the storehouses, the block-house and magazine of the Armory, and likewise a schoolhouse where the children of those who dwelt on federal territory were taught. The last of these buildings was removed more than 30 years ago, and the only building now on the ground is the experiment gallery for testing the accurac of the guns. The square is symmetrically laid out, and set with trees, and contains, inclusive of that part of it opened as Benton Park. 16 acres; the main Armory grounds comprising some 57 acres.

Benton Park, which border., Federal Square on the south-east, and extends from Oak to Federal Streets, is the fortunate result of joint action by the Federal Government and the city; the co-operation of the government having been obtained by Col. J. G. Benton, commandant at the Armor)- for 15 years, who died, before the work was completed, in the fall of 1881, and whose memory the grateful city preserves by attaching his name to this refreshing spot. The fence around Federal Square was set back on all sides, on Federal. Lincoln, Magazine, and State Streets : the city, on its part, discontinued a road on the north side of the fine row of elms which then divided State Street : the whole space was then graded, turfed, and provided with a fountain; and the generosity of a citizen placed seats therein. Benton Park possesses an interesting monument in the " Boston stone," so-called, which stands at the south-west corner, enclosed by a stone curbing. This stone, which is adorned with Masonic emblems, and bears the marks of the bullets of Gen. Lincoln's troops when they dispersed the Shays' rioters in January, 1787, was erected in 1763 by Joseph Wait, a Brookfield merchant, - who had lost his way at this point in a fearful snowstorm. - -for the benefit of travellers." as the inscription states. To judge by a motto inscribed above, - " / '///us est sua merces" - Mr. Wait was sceptical of human gratitude.

Streets, Town Brook, and the river. Its area is 63 acres. It was bought in [857, by the Hampden County Agricultural Society, in direct consequence of the success of the great horse-show on Federal Square before referred to. It was diked at once, and was occupied by the society and used by them for their exhibitions, and leased for horse-races until [879, when J. H. Southworth bought it, to dispose of it the next year to the Hampden Park Association, incorporated with a capital of $25,000, who are its present owners. It is known as one of the best trotting-tracks of the country, and many of the fastest trotters and pacers have shown their speed here. It is provided with a grand stand, stables, and all other appurtenances : it also comprises a baseball ground. It has two trotting-tracks, one being a half-mile and the other a mile in length. The dike, some 20 feet above the river, is set with trees, and affords a pleasant promenade. Circuses and menageries commonly exhibit on this park. It is also a favorite place for bicycle tournaments, and here also exhibitions of fireworks are given ; and it has been the scene of militia encampments, and during the war was at times occupied by troops in temporary camp.

The Soldiers' Monument in the Springfield cemetery is the first of these in point of time. It crowns a knoll above the receiving-tomb, and faces the entrance from Maple Street. It is the work of Manuel Power of New York, and represents a private soldier standing in the attitude of guard-rest. The face is excellently American, - intelligent, nervous, resolute, and quiet. The statue stands beneath a great oak, and upon a pedestal of granite, on whose front is wrought a branch of leaves very effective sculpturally, though not exactly like any familiar palm. On the lot around the monument arcplaced four bronze cannon which were presented by the United-States Government, at the request of Hons. H. L. Dawes and C. C. Chaffee. The monument itself was erected from the unexpended balance of the "Soldiers'- Rest Fund,*' which was established in 1X64, for the relief of soldiers going to or coming from the front and needing rest or doctoring; and it was dedicated on Memorial Dav, 1S77.

The Miles Morgan Statue, erected in Court Square by "a descendant of the fifth generation" of an early settler, is the work of J. S. Hartley. It shows the sturdy, bearded Puritan, in his high-crowned hat, with his rude hoe in the right hand and his bell-mouthed musket on his left shoulder, evidently on his morning way to the field, with a sharp eye out for Indians. The figure is full of spirit and character, and the details are well worked out. It is, in tine, one of the most admirable works of the kind in the country; surpassed by only one or two in New York, and far surpassing the greater number of the statues of that city : it would do credit to a European capital, and considerably enhances the fame of the sculptor of " The Whirlwind." The statue stands on a pedestal of granite, encircled at the top with

The Deacon Samuel Chapin Statue, it is expected, will shortly keep company with the Miles Morgan statue. Deacon Chapin was one of the early settlers, and was the progenitor of the great family of that name throughout the country. The late Chester W. Chapin. shortly before his decease, gave a commission for this statue to Augustus St. Gaudens, who is now actively at work upon it.

The Drinking- Fountains in the city are six in number. There are two at the Mainstreet front of Court Square, one on Bridge Street near Stearns Park, one on the corner of Walnut and State Streets, another on Armory Street near Summer Street, and the newest is near Smith & Wesson's manufactory. The latter is a unique marble pump, erected by the generosity of D. 13. Wesson in 1883 ; and, standing at the corner of the street, it furnishes a continual stream of pure water to the thousands of operatives who are engaged in this vicinity. There is also an ample supply of watering-troughs in and around the city.

The Wesson Fountain, to be erected early in 1884, is the generous gift of Daniel B. Wesson. It is the most pretentious drinking-fountain the city has yet had, and when put in its assigned place, midway on the Main-street side of Court Square, will draw the admiration of all passers-by. To make suitable provision for it, the city has voted to remove the present iron gates, and run the iron railing backward in semi-circular form. The characteristic quality of the design is an imposing simplicity. Its material is mainly o-ranite, and its chief ornament a bronze lion's head, from the mouth of which will come a constant stream of water. The extreme height will be about gk feet, and the long diameter of the elliptical-shaped shaft will be about 3^ feet. The design is by Gilbert & Thompson1 of New York, and the marble and granite work is by John H. Cook & Co. of this city. The entire cost, by the time the fountain is in running order, will reach $2,- 500.

Within the city limits, there are seven ponds, popularly known by the following names : Fivemile Pond, in Ward 8, between Boston Road and the Boston and Albany Railroad, \\ miles east of the City Hall. Four-mile Pond, in Ward 8, being 3^ miles east of the City Hall. Harmon's Pond, in Ward 7, being 2% miles south-east of City Hall. Long Pond, in Ward 8, being 5 miles north-east of City Hall. Loon Pond, in Ward 8, being 5 miles east of City Hall. Watershop Pond, in Wards 5 and 7, being 2 miles south-east of City Hall. The Card-factory Pond, in the rear of the Olivet Church, and on the eastern edge of the region once known as " Skunk's Misery," took its name from a woolcard factory, to which, over half a century ago, its water furnished so scant a motive power that it had to be supplemented by the labor of two huge mastiff dogs confined in a treadmill.

/GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON, passing through Springfield ^-* in October, 1789, on his way to Boston, - on public business, - saw, and probably approved of. the present site of the United-States Armory. "The establishment of this Armory was by Act of Congress, passed in April, 1794; and in 1795 the work commenced with about forty hands." The first deed of land to the United States, after the passage of the above Act, was recorded 1795. The United-States Government had previously pur- chased land upon the "Hill ;" and where the Water-shops are now situated, suitable buildings were constructed, and work upon small-arms fairly commenced in 1795. Before it was decided by the authorities which of the three places then being considered - Hartford, Springfield, and West Springfield - was the most desirable site for the manufacture of such ammunition, muskets, appendages, and accoutrements, as might be wanted by the United- States Government, the inhabitants of West Springfield decidedly objected to having the Armory located within their borders ; and for a good reason : the most skilful mechanics in those days were discharged soldiers, deserters from the British regulars, and foreign troops who had been under British authority, - mercenaries, - all of whom were lawless and unprincipled, who defied all control ; and the good people of West Springfield, most of them farmers, had visions of robbed hen roosts, ravaged gardens, depredations committed on Sundays while they were, or would like to be, peacefully at church. Where the Water-shops now stand, there stood, previous to 1809, a powder-mill, which from accident blew up, and, the land being clear, the " upper Water-shops " were constructed ; buildings erected both sides of Mill River, in which was to be executed the work requiring water-power. Previous to the completion of the " upper Water-shops," the operations of forging, drilling, boring, grinding, and polishing were done by hand. From time to time, as circumstances demanded, land, buildings, and machinery have been added, till the United-States Armory of 1S83 has a world-renowned reputation, which has been earned for it by the efficiency of its successive superintendents and commandants, civil and military, their high standing morally, socially, and politically, not only in this immediate community, but over the whole country ; by the skill, genius, hard work mentally and physically, and loyalty of the artificers and artisans employed; and by the liberality displayed by the government in its fostering, favoring, and sometimes partiality to, this branch of its War Department.

Arsenals. - " Beautiful for situation " indeed, can be said of the city of Springfield; and, the Main Arsenal having been erected upon almost the highest point of land within the limits of the city, the view from its top, or bell-deck, is in many respects surpassed by few, if any, in New England. Before the late civil war, there were four arsenals which were used solely for the storage of small-arms and their appendages, - three, the Middle, East, and West Arsenals, facing and but a few feet from State Street ; and the new, or Main Arsenal, upon the brow of the hill which overlooks the city. In i860, during the superintendency of Capt. George Dwight, the Middle Arsenal was converted into a workshop. This building is situated upon the highest point of land in Springfield ; being 1 59^ feet above the average level of the Connecticut River, and 199^ feet above tide-water. Later, when Major A. B. Dyer was commandant, the East and West Arsenals were also used as workshops. The Main Arsenal, which was built during the superintendency of Col. James W. Ripley, and under his personal supervision, was copied to some considerable extent from the East-India House in London, England. It was begun in 1846, and finished a few years later. The building is 200 feet long by 70 wide, three stories high, with a storage capacity of about 300,000 arms, - 100,000 upon each floor. It is impossible to describe the impression which is made upon one's mind at the first view

As you enter the door, and pass down the "aisle" to the lower or south end of the room, 50,000 stands of arms are brought into view; retrace your steps, and by walking to the upper or north end, another 50,000 are seen ; and from their peculiar arrangement in racks, or stanchions, it requires no vivid imagination to see before you one hundred regiments of infantry in brigade or division columns. In 1864 Col. T. T. S. Laidley commandant, an attempt was probably made to destroy the Main Arsenal by means of an infernal machine. Two men, just at night, asked permission to ascend the stairs to the top of the tower. The arsenal-keeper, at that time suspicious of every stranger who entered its doors, endeavored to dissuade them from the undertaking: it would be a long, tedious ascent; it was late, and not much could be seen in the then almost twilight; in fact, it would not pay for the trouble. The strangers had a ready answer to all objections: " Not go to the top of the world-renowned Springfield Arsenal when we are once in the building? Pooh ! of course we will take any amount of trouble, so as not to return home and say, 'Yes, in Springfield we visited the Armory, went through its workshops, saw the muskets in the arsenal, but did not think it worth the trouble to climb to the top of the tower.' No, we will go up, then we will be satisfied." And up went the arsenal-keeper and the two strangers. The stay upon the top was short; and with, "It is late, gentlemen: it is growing dark," the keeper hurried his visitors down the stairs to the ground floor. A watchman, whose duty it was to ascend to the top deck every night before closing, found a bundle near the clock, envel oped in a newspaper. The bundle was taken down to the lower floor, and examined enough to know that it was something dangerous, and then handed over to the proper authorities. The next day it was found to be made of iron covered with some substance which made the whole appear like a lump of anthracite coal, had a fuse, was hollow, and filled with some substance unknown. With proper caution it was sawn through (this operation was done with the machine immersed in water), and the filling proved to be powder. What is left of this curiosity is now in the museum, which is in a room near the commandant's office. From a pencil memorandum found upon a piece of paper with the bundle, deciphered with the aid of a magnifving-glass, a clew was obtained from which it appeared that the strangers had come from Canada to the States.