38 HISTORY OF THE 



which they were wrung* from the long-waiting, patient 

 owners. 



Yon may say that others hav^c accepted similar terms. 

 It may be so ; but you well know that they submitted to 

 the arlntrary prices otfered, because there was but one 

 alternative, and many of them had no money to spare 

 to pay court expenses and lawyers' fees. The city may 

 therefore congratulate itself in its cupidity, that it has 

 had such an open tield of " lame ducks " to roam in at 

 will. But my case is very different and you know it. 

 I have owned these lands for thirty years, waiting 

 patiently this long time for the city to stretch out its 

 borders, and thus compensate me for holding them, 

 always feeling that the time would surely come when 

 they would be wanted for elegant country residences, 

 fully intending that the proceeds of such sales should 

 some time go for educational purposes, — our public 

 schools, our libraiy, and for numerous charities, — and 

 is it right that the wealthy city of Boston should thus 

 deprive me, in a measure, from accomplishing these 

 christian services, — the great and leading objects of 

 my life. 



Eleven years ago the price of this charming lot of 

 laud was 22 1-2 cents, but finally sold at 18 8-4 cents a 

 foot, oi- |>89,ol7.50, and were it not for the methods and 

 depreciating influences of the public park scheme, it 

 certainly would be worth as much to-day. At any rate 

 I ought to have the right to set my own price upon my 

 own property, and if it is not wanted at my price, I 

 impose no obligation upon anybody to buy it; if the 

 price is not satisfactory, it can be let alone; this is not 

 unfiiir. Nor do I wish to press my property upon the 



