1859-02-14 Trustee Committee to Purchase Land Westerly of Cemetery, 2021.004.021

The Committee to whom was referred the question of the expediency of the purchase by the Trustees of Mount Auburn of the lands immediately continguous on the westerly side; have attended to the duty assigned to them and now ask leave to,

-Report-

The Committee have made a personal examin= ation of the premises, and also of those adjoining them. They have also obtained information in other ways regarding the probably disposition of the land if not purchased by the Trustees. they learn that one or two projects have been suggested for its disposition; one of which is that it will be purchased by the Cambridge Horse Rail Road. Should that be the case, they are informed that a house will be erected on the front land, and stables on the rear. This in the opinion of the Committee would be very undesirable, inasmuch as there are many valuable lots both bordering upon, and immediately adjacent to the line where the stables would be erected, and which would be materially injured should any nuisance arise therefrom.

Another proejct they understand to be the establishment of anoather Cemetery. If this be

merely for a protestant burial ground, it would not be so objectionable as it would be if used for an extension of the Catholic burial ground, but even for that purpose it would be rather an injury to Mount Auburn. The Committee understand that this project is favored by the inhabitants of Watertown, inasmuch as the town would probably receive a considerable bonus if consent were given, and also an annual tax - neither of which would be paid if the Trustees of Mount Auburn should annex it to their land, which they have the right to do, without the consent of the town. It may be however that this project is merely one for the eventual extension of the Catholic ground, that they may have a front alongside of Mount Auburn. The evils arising from that are appent to all. -

Were this land bounded by a public road so that if annexed to Mount Auburn no further trouble could arise, the Committee would not hesitate to recommend its immediate purchase, but upon examination they find that only a small part is bounded by the Rail Road, and that that road is likely to be discontinued, and that the residue has other land on its borders comparatively unoccupied, which would form the westerly boundary of Mount Auburn should this land be annexed, so that

there would be no positive assurance that we should not be again interfered with. - While therefore for some reasons this land would be a desirable acquisition, the Committee do not feel justified in recommending its purchase at the price at which it is held, but leave the question for the consideration of the Trutees. -

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Cas. G. Nazro} James Cheever} Committee

Report of Com^ee on Purchase of Land westerly of Cemeery Feby. 14. 1859