Our little boat has now been performing duty upon her route for one week, and we can confidently state that the public, generally, are satisfied with her accommodations. Although a “little boat,” and, perhaps will be many times during two months of the coming season over-burdened, yet taken throughout all the year, for all practical purposes, she will be found to be a “love of a boat.” Her commander, Capt. John L. Gibbs, pronounces her to be a good seaboat, and one that will do good service for the Vineyard people.
“There is a point beyond which forbearance ceases to be a virtue,” and we think the people of Martha’s Vineyard have, long since, exceeded that point. To be sure you have cursed yourselves; you have waited patiently for “something to turn up,” until your patience has become supineness, and you have no one to blame but yourselves. But the Vineyard has just began to awaken from this morbid state, and has put forth a hand to help itself. One of the best efforts ever made upon this island has just been put into effective operation.
The Anti-Slavery Amendment to the Constitution, passed the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, on Tuesday last. As the resolution has passed the Senate, nothing is now required but the endorsement of the measure by three-fourths of the States.
A new town has been added to Dukes County; the act establishing the town of Gosnold, embracing the Elizabeth Islands, heretofore a part of Chilmark, having been signed by the Governor and become a law. - Mercury.
The Selectmen of this town have granted a license to Mr. Peter West to plant, grow and dig oysters, in a certain part of Squash Meadow Pond, for 20 years. We are glad to hear this. The oysters grown on this Island are of a very superior quality, and we should not be surprised to learn of the complete success of the new enterprise.
This new and superior steamer arrived at this port on her first trip from New Bedford, on Saturday last. Our old and much esteemed friend, Capt. Cromwell, who commands her, is greatly pleased with her, in every respect and thinks her a better boat than was the Eagle’s Wing. We hope to see her well patronized. Since the old boat was burned, the Vineyard people have suffered much for want of a regular communication with the main land.
The storm of Saturday was very severe. We fear that we are yet to hear of much serious loss. The ship Maritana, Williams, of Providence, from Liverpool, with a valuable cargo and 14 passengers, struck on Egg Rock, off Hull, about midnight. About 7 A.M. the ship broke in two suddenly, and immediately went to pieces. The captain was instantly killed, and 21 others also perished. Thirteen were saved; nine of them by Samuel James, of Hull, in a dory, alone.