Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 23.

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[p. 50] little or no relief, as the mischief had already been done. A succession of high tides flowing into the pond, with the scouring effect of the ebb. soon tended to make the situation more tolerable.

The mayor of Boston and its water board were notified of the trouble, and accompanied by the Medford officials, visited the pond. They first made an examination of the water at the outlet of the pond. While they were so engaged, some Medford citizens were assembled near Wear bridge, together with some of the employees of the Boston Water Board, and there was some discussion in regard to Boston's responsibility for the situation. One of the latter said, ‘And what does your little town expect to do with the great city of Boston?’ A most unfortunate remark for Boston's interests, for the Medford people quoted the remark on every possible occasion when the subject was before the General Court. From the outlet of the pond the company proceeded to its upper end, where the sewer pipe entered the pond. An examination there left no doubt in the mind of any as to the cause of the nuisance. The selectmen of Medford immediately petitioned the General Court for the remedy that Section 12 of the Act of 1875 was intended to afford. The petition was referred to the Committee on Water Supply and Drainage, and the city of Boston, through its trained attorneys, opposed all efforts to compel that city to abate the nuisance. The following bill was reported and was fought in both branches of the Legislature by Boston's representatives until its final passage: