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CITY OF NEWBURYPORT.
THE MAYOR'S ADDRESS
AT THE
ORGANIZATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL,
AND THE
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT,
TOGETHER WITH THE
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES,
FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 18, 1875.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT
MDGCCLI
Published by order of the City Council.
NEWBURYPORT : WILLIAM H. HUSE & COMPANY, PRINTERS, 42 STATE STREET, 1876.
ADDRESS.
Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen and Common Council :
By the permission of that Providence that has been invoked to bless our organization and deliberations, through the will of the people, we are assembled to commence our duties as the government of the city of Newburyport for the year 1876. Let us first rea- lize, so far as we can, our accountability to those who have elected us, to serve them faithfully and truly in all things; and also our higher responsibility to that supernal power that rules and overrules, through or without the mediumship of mortals, as it will, to an- swer its own eternal and immutable purposes.
THE CENTENNIAL.
The year upon which we have entered, the centen- nial of the Republic and the quarto-centennial of the city, is itself full of incentive to high and patriotic action. We cannot fail to run back in memory to the fathers of a hundred years ago-to their sacrifices
4
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
for independence and their devotion to freedom, es- tablished in blood for themselves, for us, and for all time; and these facts with the glorious results we have inherited in a country unparalleled in power, wealth and progress, should lead us to transmit this rich in- heritance unimpaired to those who shall fill our places a hundred years hence.
DECLINES A THIRD TERM.
While for myself and you I express my gratitude for the political favors conferred and the trust reposed in us, I will also take this occasion to say, that under no conceivable circumstances shall I again be a can- didate for Mayor. I have enjoyed a second election ; I am not in favor of a "third term." If it be a dis- tinction worthy of honorable ambition, as I think it is, then I should be and am willing that others should share it; and if it be a burden-and it certainly re- quires anxious labors and much time-then others should be willing to bear it. In view of the fact as it is, I deem it my duty to recommend that you peti- tion the legislature for such a change in the city char- ter, as will give a
SALARY TO MAYORS
who shall come after me; equitable and honorable re- muneration. It is not within my knowledge that an- other city in America fails to pay its chief executive officer; nor do I perceive in our situation any reason why Newburyport should not do it. As a mere mat- ter of economy it were better and cheaper to pay. There would then be less delicacy in demanding ser- vice. As a matter of justice we should pay, since
5
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
now we virtually exclude a majority of the citizens from the highest municipal honors, not from their in- competency or unfitness, but from their inability to render gratuitous service. Every man owes a duty to his town; and every town owes it to its citizens also, that it will not distinguish on the mere and sole possession of wealth.
EDUCATION-THE SCHOOLS.
It is usual first to invite attention to the finances; but the wealth of the city or the state being not in its money or its acres, but in its children, and the high- est interest of the city or the state being not in relief from debt and taxation, but from ignorance which carries with it vice and pauperism and crime-in the establishment of that intelligence which is the sure foundation of happiness, morality, and rational re- ligion, I ask you especially to consider and provide for the public instruction of our youth. We have, ac- cording to the census, 2,603 children between the ages of 5 and 15 years, with some demands for those more advanced in age; and there are twenty-two schools, with suitable teachers and assistants, beginning with the Primary and ending with the High schools, which prepare our sons and daughters for the colleges or professional life. In some places the cost of educat- ing, per capita, is more, and in others less than here. Circumstances so vary that nothing can be learned from such figures. The greatest expenditure does not always give the best school, nor the least the poorest school. Appropriations and wages of teach- ers depend much upon the valuation of the towns, the supply of teachers, and the cost of living. Gen-
6
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
erally those contingencies are in our favor; and the cost of our schools ought to be as low as in other cities or large towns in the commonwealth; it ought to be lower, in my opinion, than it is.
I ask you to make ample appropriations, but still not forget the monetary and industrial condition of the country, which should affect schools, as every- thing else is affected thereby. The tendency of wages in all occupations is downward, and the cost of build- ings and repairs was never less, and I therefore hope that a smaller appropriation than heretofore will be required; that here, as in all the departments, we shall aim at retrenchment.
I realize that teachers are appointed by another Board with which it is not wise for the Council to in- terfere unnecessarily ; but I should be untrue to my own convictions should I say less. The grand object of our public schools is to teach what will conduce to good citizenship, and therefore never let partizan politics or sectarian religion cast their shadow upon teachers or pupils. They should teach what can be equally enjoyed by all classes, and hence, to a great extent should be confined to elementary studies- reading, spelling, writing and arithmetic; for what is more than these must be for the few and not the many. It is unwise to expend too much on High schools when the large majority of pupils are not able to graduate from the Grammar schools. But in all the schools there are too many books and too many classes, em- barrassing and weakening the child and taxing the parents. Better if in the schools and school build- ings we should more nearly copy the economy, sim- plicity, and solid realities of our fathers. While I
7
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
urge you to do all you can for the schools, do not let us forget that costly houses are not education; nor is the multitude and frequent changes of text books ev- idence of wisdom and actual advancement. The Re- port of the School Committee will be before you for perusal.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND READING ROOM.
The munificence of individuals has given us a free Library of sixteen thousand choice volumes, and a free Reading Room, furnished with the leading news- papers and magazines of this country and England. They are open to ladies and gentlemen-young and old. The report of their directors will be placed in your hands, from which you can learn their condition and wants. Their value to the city can hardly be overestimated. In addition to a direct appropriation from the treasury for the Library, it has been usual to devote the receipts from dog licenses to the same object, which I trust may be done this year. The amount is $610.47. This is the more needed now that a catalogue, so indispensable to the public, is being prepared.
THE POLICE.
In ordinary times the present police force would be sufficient, but the want of employment and the press- ure of poverty increase the tramps and the number and enormity of crimes. The people demand more protection, and there is a necessity to augment the number of officers and insist upon their vigilance. The prevention of evil is easier than its cure. I also
.
8
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
call your early attention to the bad condition of the Police Station.
THE HIGHWAYS
are generally in a good condition, and one half of the expenditure of last year will keep them so. Some new streets have been contemplated, but this is not the time to urge them. If, however, they are voted, the appropriations for the coming year must cover them in full.
I have been greatly annoyed to see the encroach- ments upon the streets by buildings or projections, doorsteps, water conductors, fences; and for this evil I call for prompt and exemplary redress. This should not be allowed; and for future protection it would be well to have an outline map of all the highways in the city.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
needs no additions and few repairs. Last year the Council laid out into lots and sold the Circus field for $4,259.49, which was carried to the Sinking Fund. It was the best and most profitable use that could be made of it, and it would be well to dispose of other lands, where they will be purchased for uses that in- crease the taxable property. We hold property worth thousands of dollars at an annual cost which might be changed to income.
LIQUOR LICENSES.
The amount received into the treasury from licen- ses to sell spirituous and malt liquors, is $5,187.50, that being three-quarters of the total, 25 per cent go- ing to the State. It is the first year under the new law, the effects of which cannot be determined at so
9
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
early a day. The police records show no increase of drunkenness or crime by the repeal of prohibition. Still we may have issued more licenses than the pub- lic good requires. Intemperance is a fearful evil, and too many temptations should not beset the young, the unwary and the weak. The money received is small compared with the expenses entailed by excessive drinking; and smaller still, if at a loss of individual purity, happy homes, and an orderly and safe community. We may hope that the time will come when intelligence and religion will elevate all above brutal passions and insane appetites. This is a delicate topic to discuss, but it is clear that there should be a limit to the licenses granted; that they should not be to persons of bad repute; that the bonds given should be real security; and then that selling should not be permitted by the unlicensed, nor as a beverage on the Lord's day. Our reason and the experience of the past also warn us against the sale of spirituous liquors in connection with places of amusement, lead- ing the youth in paths of profligacy and sin. I shall deem it my duty to instruct the police.to strictly en- force the law; and promptly shall I recommend the withdrawal of every license violated.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
To no one subject do I call more serious considera- than to the fire department. It is among the most important institutions in a city like ours, where the buildings are chiefly of wood and the supply of water poor. The department is entitled to liberal support, and the firemen, in their arduous and often dangerous labor of saving life and property from the devouring flames, should have the surest assistance of all citi-
10
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
zens. Before the introduction of steam engines, and when the service of the men was gratuitous, or near- lo so, there was no fire department in New England that would excel ours. The introduction of steam, forming a mixed department, in my judgment has not tended to improve that discipline which gives efficiency to the force, while at the same time it has proved more costly. You will find all these facts detailed in the Reports of the Chief Engineer; but, beyond that, I recommend that you go into a thorough reorganiza- tion of this department; and that it be done fearless- ly, with only the duty we owe the city in view. My belief is that all the companies may be reduced in numbers and cost. The hand engines, while they are retained, should be managed by small companies. This would not render them less prompt, when they are drawn to the fires by horses, nor less useful in any great emergency, as volunteers would never fail. By a comparison of our steam companies with those of other and larger cities,* I judge that a very important
* TAUNTON.
Population
21,000
Valuation
$18,326,228
Number of Firemen.
.82
66
to each steamer.
17
60
66
.. hook and ladder 12
LOWELL.
Valuation
$40,000,000
Population.
45,000
Number of Firemen
134
66
to each steamer.
13
66
hose carriage.
12
H. & L. truck 29
MANCHESTER, N. H.
$13,000,000
Population.
Number of Firemen
111
66
to each steamer.
14
66
06 hose carriage.
20
66
66 H. & L. truck. 30
NEWBURYPORT.
Valuation.
$8,044,000
Population
Number of men for hand engines
100
" steamers.
60
66 66
" each steamer.
20
66 66
" hose carriage. 16
66 " hook & ladder 25
Whole Number of Firemen
208
Valuation
25,000
12,500
..
11
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
reduction can be made in them. We allow 20 men to a steamer, while Taunton has but 12, and in all but 78 firemen. Lowell 13, and in all 134; and Manchester, N. H., 14, and in all 111. All of these cities have two or three times our population and valuation. I might go more into the minutia of the department, if it were necessary; but when that department has $11,042 appropriated, and its credits are overdrawn- an expenditure greatly in excess of what is necessary -I will only add-"Gentlemen, shrink not from your duty."
FINANCES.
On expenditures the people are always sensitive; and this is well, since it holds us to a more strict ac- countability. They do not require of us, however, that withholding which tends to poverty ; but they do, and may justly, demand that there shall be no extrav- agance or waste. It is with some satisfaction that I refer you to the treasurer's report, showing the ap- propriations of the past year, $137,900, or with in- comes added, $168,643, while the expenditures, in- cluding payments on the bridge, were $177,846 .; For
APPROPRIATIONS AND BALANCES. December 31st, 1875.
Appropriations. Expenditures.
Undrawn.
Overdrawn,
Poor Department
.$13.679 77
$13,621 54
$ 58 23
School
29,472 82
27,231 41
241 41
Fire
11,042 41
11,193 77
151 76
Highways.
4,701 81
4,674 69
27 12
Incidentals.
8,846 83
7.357 31
1489 52
Public Property .
7,436 51
7,987 62
551 77
Police.
8,488 05
8,338 88
147 17
Lighting Streets and Public Buildings
6,607 00
6,507 69
99 31
Interest
32,426 54
31.421 12
1013 42
Salaries.
4,800 00
4,629 12
170 88
Fuel.
7,509 00
5,850 58
1658 42
Public Library
2,277 72
2,160 63
117 09
Sidewalks and Edgestones
1,010 00
699 05
310 95
Sinking Fund
5,759 49
5,759 49
Bridges and Culverts.
2'078 47
1,851 19
227 28
Repairs of Newburyport Bridge.
20,407 50
35,367 70
14,960 20
Abatements.
2,091 94
1,195 15
896 79
$168,643 86
$177,846 94
$5659 59
$15,662 67
12
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
ordinary expenses there remained undrawn $6,459, while only two departments overdrew, and those but $702. The excess, and much more, was for the bridge, on which a balance still remains unpaid, but not large enough to increase the total assessment for the year, or the rate of taxation. It will be within your province . to seek some relief in this from the county which has imposed the burden upon us, nor can I doubt that it will be granted.
THE CITY DEBT.
The municipal indebtedness is learned from the treasurer, to whose efficiency and monetary experience much credit is due, and is as follows:
New School House
$30,000 00
City Railroad (742 shares) 74,200 00
Horse Railroad. 25,000 00
In anticipation of Taxes. 20,000 00
For State Aid. 4,000 00
0
For other purposes 361,813 86
Total Debt, December 1875
515,013 86
Debts due the City
78,541 82
Net Debt. 436.472 04
Net Debt 1874
332,484 85
Increase 3,987 19
The legislative act of 1875, relating to town debts, requires us now to provide for all balances from the last year; all expenditures for the current year; and such a proportional contribution to our Sinking Fund, which has reached $40,000, as will cancel our entire indebtedness, exclusive of the $100,000 we have in railroads, in twenty years. This we should be able to do, as we have been progressing in the two years past, very easily; but it is well, in a reduction of ex- penditures, to arrange for it in half that time, remem-
13
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
bering that there may be periods when we can con- tribute little or nothing to that end. Two years hence, when new arrangements will be required for our High schools, this may be demonstrated. Therefore, again and most earnestly, I urge upon you the duty of
ECONOMY.
Reduce the expenditures to the lowest possible point, and then insist that the city shall receive the full value of every dollar expended. Let each mem- ber deem this the special duty he is to perform. Let the committees realize that they are not created to expend, but to save money-not appointed to use so much in this direction and so much in that, till their credits are exhausted, but to see how much they may save from those sums-how large balances can be carried over for the liquidation of the debt, and to lighten the burden of taxation, which always falls heaviest on the poor. The country is coming to a specie basis, and that implies a shrinkage in value, a fall in prices, and a reduction of wages in all our in- dustries; and the same rule should be carried into the affairs of the city that we apply to our private busi- ness. If we are just, we shall not fear to put the pruning knife to the vine, nor hold back when re- quired to cut close and deep.
CONCLUSION.
While it might give me pleasure to consider other topics, I must not pass the limits for such remarks. The poor you will not forget to deal with generously -they are always with us, and they must be provid- ed for. In all our official acts we shall not go far in
14
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
the wrong, if we forget all personal interests and all undue pressures from without, and apply our own minds and our own consciences to the work in hand.
I cannot fail to be truly grateful to the people in their electing to this Council men of so much expe- rience and good repute in public affairs; and I am en- tirely safe, notwithstanding my deep solicitude for our action in this municipal year, and the results there- from, in leaving to you and your own good judgments, the work before us. To that let us industriously ap- ply ourselves, trusting in God for guidance, and seek- ing only the public welfare.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT.
TREASURER'S OFFICE, December 21, 1875. To His Honor the Mayor, and the City Council :
GENTLEMEN, I have the honor to lay before you a report of the Receipts and Expenditures for the financial year ending December 18, 1875 ; a state- ment of appropriations, expenditures, and balances; a statement of the city debt, and condition of the sinking fund, and my report as Collector of Taxes -all of which are most respectfully submitted.
A. W. GREENLEAF, Treasurer and Collector.
Accepted.
In BOARD OF ALDERMEN, December 30, 1875.
Attest,
GEORGE H. STEVENS, City Clerk.
IN COMMON COUNCIL, December 30, 1875.
Accepted in concurrence. Attest, THOMAS E. CUTTER, Clerk.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT.
December 23, 1875.
The Joint Standing Committee on Finance have examined the accompany- ing accounts current, together with the following schedule of receipts and ex- penditures, all of which they find to be accurate and sustained by proper vouchers. The balance in the hands of the Treasurer, December 18, 1875- thirty-five hundred, ten and fifty-seven one-hundredths dollars.
B. F. ATKINSON, AMOS COFFIN, J. C. ADAMS, J. OTIS WINKLEY, M. P. PERLEY, -- -
COMMITTEE O'N FINANCE.
16
TREASURER'S ACCOUNT.
Dr. CITY OF NEWBURYPORT in account current
To amount paid Mayor's orders, and charged as follows :
Police Department. . $8,338 88
Lighting Streets and Public Buildings. 6,507 69
Culverts. 263 92
Notes Payable.
.71,100 00
State of Massachusetts, State Aid
. $4,506 70
.. Armory rent.
600 00- 5,106 70
Public Library
2,160 63
Repairs on Newburyport Bridge
.35,367 70
Fuel.
5,850 58
Contagious Diseases.
625 71
Essex Merrimac Bridge
81 04
Costs on Taxes ..
44 39
Newburyport Bridge.
1,506 23
Sidewalks and Edgestones
699 05
Tax of 1875, refunded.
19 00
Highways.
4,674 69
Bromfield Fund.
688 24
Poor Department.
. 13,621 54
Fire
11,193 77
School
66
29,231 41
Public Property
7,987 62
Salaries
4,629 12
Incidentals.
4,863 82
Interest. 31,421 12
State Tax.
11,960 00
County Tax.
8,215 90
Sinking Fund.
.11,759 49
Cash on hand December 18, 1875.
3,510 57
$281,428 81
17
TREASURER'S ACCOUNT.
with A. W. GREENLEAF, City Treasurer, Cr.
By cash on hand December 19th, 1874. . $1,259 77
By cash received and credited as follows:
Police Department.
888 05
Lighting streets and Public Buildings.
107 00
Sinking Fund. 4,259 49
Culverts. 78 47
Notes Payable.
.95,513 86
State of Massachusetts, Armory rent.
$ 500 00
66 66 State Aid
4,634 72- 5,134 72
Public Library
777 72
Tax of 1872.
$ 717 29
Tax of 1873.
3,100 32
Tax of 1874.
9,587 45
Tax of 1875.
136,986 38-150,391 44
Repairs on Newburyport Bridge. 5,407 50
Fuel
9 00
Costs on Taxes.
44 39
Sidewalks and Edgestones.
10 00
Highways
701 81
Bromfield Fund.
650 00
Poor Department
1,679 77
Fire
42 41
School 66
1,472 82
Public Property
2,436 51
Incidentals.
7.629 54
Interest on overdue taxes.
$1,428 64
City Railroad dividend. 1,484 00
21 90- 2,934 54
off county tax
281,427 81
A. W. GREENLEAF, Treasurer.
Newburyport, December 21, 1875.
18
COLLECTOR'S ACCOUNT.
Dr.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT in account current
To uncollected taxes of 1872.
$1,181 48
66 66 66 1873
5,703 34
66
1874. .17,087 32
To additional commitment by Assessors' tax of 1874.
2 00
To tax of 1875 committed by Assessors.
159,667 84
To Non-Resident bank tax.
5,725 66
Tax of 1875:
City Tax.
$137,900 00
State Tax
11,960 00
County Tax
8,215 90
Overlay of Taxes
1,543 44
Additional Commitment.
48 50
159,667 84
$189,367 64"
19
COLLECTOR'S ACCOTNT.
with A. W. GREENLEAF, Collector.
Cr.
By Tax of 1872; collected and paid to Treasurer
$ 717 29
1873;
3,100 32
1874;
66
9,587 45
1875;
66
136,986 38
By Non-Resident Bank tax
5,725 66
By Abatement of Taxes of 1872
87 89
1873
2,493 49
66
1874.
580 95
1875.
1,176 15
By uncollected taxes of 1872, to new account.
376 30
66
1873, "
109 53
1874, single polls. $1,951 05
66
66 1874, real estate 4,969 87-
6,920 92
60
66
1875, single polls 2,250 00
66 1875, real estate 19,255 31- 21,505 31
$189,367 64 A. W. GREENLEAF, Treasurer and Collector.
Newburyport, December 21, 1875.
EXPENDITURES.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
Appropriation,
$12,000 00
CREDITS.
Cash of Town of Mattapoisett,
26 25
City of Chelsea,
96 25
Town of Methuen,
38 25
City of Haverhill,
99 75
Town of Salisbury,
107 88
State Pauper Account,
42 05
Town of Newbury,
16 00
City of Lynn,
9 00
Town of Easton,
20 00
Town of Lynnfield,
18 50
Town of Amesbury,
129 99
Sale of cow and calf,
63 00
Town of Wellfleet,
39 00
Town of Lynnfield,
18. 00
Towns of Somerset and Easton,
31 00
Town of Mattapoisett,
46 50
City of Boston,
26 00
City of Cambridge,
26 00
City of Gloucester,
25 50
City of Worcester,
41 49
Town of Ipswich,
67 00
Town of Methuen,
42 00
Sale of hay,
80 66
City of Chelsea,
53 00
22
EXPENDITURES.
Cash of Town of Revere,
256 00
Sale of Hay,
13 60
State Pauper Account,
69 60
Wm. Groves,
5 50
Town of Methuen,
39 00
Town of Wellfleet,
17 00
City of Salem,
81 00
Town of Somerset,
35 00
$13,679 77
Expenditures,
13,621 54
Undrawn,
58 23
To Incidentals,
58 23
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
Appropriation
$28,000 00
CREDITS.
State school fund,
572 82
One year's interest on Brown fund,
900 00
Expenditures,
29,231 41
Undrawn,
241 41
To Incidentals,
241 41
HIGHWAYS.
Appropriation,
$4,000 00
CREDITS.
John Currier, jr., for ballast,
391 56
Barrett,
4 00
S. H. Rundlett,
4 60
Amos Coffin, tree sold,
5 00
Parsons Ordway,
1 00
Amos Coffin,
7 20
29,472 82
23
EXPENDITURES.
Amos Pettingell, two loads of dirt,
1 00
Parsons Ordway, gutter dirt,
2 00
J. A. Greeley, hauling stone,
29 66
A. W. Greenleaf, gravel,
1 00
W. H. Toppan, for sand,
7 50
Parsons Ordway,
2 60
Atkinson & Fillmore, ballast,
87 83
Parsons Ordway,
13 46
John Currier, jr., for ballast,
100 20
Parsons Ordway, for gravel,
3 00
C. E. Plumer, 3 loads gravel,
3 00
Hale Knight, for gravel,
3 45
Edward Burrill, for chip stones,
I2 00
Caleb Stickney, gutter dirt,
1 50
A. J. Atkinson,
20 25
4,701 81
Expenditures,
4.674 69
Undrawn,
27 12
To incidentals,
27 12
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Appropriation,
$11,000
From Chief Engineer,
27,41
E. A. Dimmick, old iron,
15 00
Expenditures,
11,193 77
Overdrawn.
151 36
From Incidentals,
151 36
CREDITS.
11,042 41
.
24
EXPENDITURES.
PUBLIC PROPERTY.
Appropriation, CREDITS. $5,000 00
D. C. Batchelder, rent of circus field, 15 00
Wm. Porter, for Hose Carriage, 50 00
D. C. Batchelder, rent of Woodman field, 15 00
Rent of Public Landing of T. Hennessey, to Nov. 3d., 1875, 15 00
One-half rent of circus field from C. W. Woods. 15 00
Wm. Kidder, 2 loads gravel, 2 00
City Clerk, from circus,
50 00
D. C. Batchelder, Manure,
3 33
J. L. Lancy, 1 00
G. L. Francis, on account of grass for 1874,
12 18
D. Hamblett, for grass, 10 00
Amos Coffin, for cart, &c.,
15 00
Justin Noyes,
2 00
Gas at Market Hall, of Bethel Society,
10 50
Oak Hill Cemetery for turf,
7 00
City Hall, Income
1628 50
Market House and cellar, «
325 00
Burial Lots,
260 00
7,436 51
Expenditures,
7,987 62
Overdrawn,
551 11
From incidentals,
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