In Board of Aldermen, July 22, 1861. Laid on the table, and ordered to be printed. Attest: S. F. MCCLEARY, City Clerk. CITY OF BOSTON. In Board of Aldermen, July 22, 1861. A MAJORITY of the Committee on Paving having reported in favor of the petition of the Broadway Railroad Company, granting them leave to extend their track through Summer and Winter Streets, the undersigned deems it his duty as one of the Committee, differing entirely from the majority, to offer to the Board of Aldermen a minority REPORT. He has listened with all attention to the evidence and arguments in favor of the petition, without being convinced of one single good reason why this favor should be granted. Indeed, it seems to him that the present terminus of the road is just adapted to its wants. Near to State Street, through Devonshire, to the largest business part of Washington Street, through Summer, and to the Public Library, through Bedford Street, with a broad, open space to drop and take in passengers, it is an annoyance to no one, but convenient to all who wish to make use of it. By allowing the road to go through Summer Street, the City would be guilty of an act of bad faith towards owners of property bordering on the street, who, some years since, gave a large strip of land, free of cost, upon condition that the street should be widened. Passing from Summer to Winter Streets, it would be a nuisance to the tens of thousands of people who are obliged to cross there daily, the point being almost impassable now, by reason of the Metropolitan cars, omnibuses, and other vehicles, constantly gathering there. There is everything against this location, and nothing in its favor. If there is any proper or advantageous location beyond its present terminus, it would seem to be by the way of Beach and Essex Streets. This route would give the company all the advantages they are seeking over the route reported by the majority of the Committee, and the further advantage of securing passengers from the Worcester and Old Colony Railroads. Under all these considerations, the undersigned deems it his duty to make this Minority Report, that it is inexpedient to grant the prayer of the petitioners, and that they have leave to withdraw. THOMAS P. RICH, Minority of the Committee on Paving. |