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EWB
OF
ORT
MARIDO
C
1
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT.
THE
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
AT THE
ORGANIZATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT,
JANUARY 2, 1882,
AND THE
ANNUAL REPORTS
TO THE CITY COUNCIL,
FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 17, 1881.
NEWBURYPORT
Ci
MARIQUE
MOCCCLI
NEWBURYPORT : WILLIAM H. HUSE & CO .. PRINTERS, 42 STATE STREET. 1882.
CONTENTS.
CITY GOVERNMENT, 1882,
STANDING COMMITTIES.
Page 5 7
SUBORDINATE OFFICERS,
9
WARD OFFICERS,
10
MAYOR HALE'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS REPORT of the Overseers of the Poor,
27
Directors of the Public Library, Board of Health,
55
Meterological Observations,
60
City Physician,
68 73 89
City Solicitor,
City Marshal,
City Clerk,
Board of Assessors,
Inspector of Milk,
Sealer of Weights and Measurers,
104 107
Horton Fund,
Treasurer of Follansbee Fund,
Committee on Atkinson School Fund,
Committee on Brown Fund,
108 108 110 111 111
Committee on Bromfield Fund,
Committee on Sawyer Fund.
112
Committee on Putnan: Fund,
112 113
Committee on Bridges and Culverts,
116
City Auditor.
117
TABULAR STATEMENT of Appropriations and Expenditures,
119
TREASURER'S REPORT of Receipts and Expenditures,
120
REPORT of Collector of Taxes 122
STATEMENT of Income and Expenditures 124
STATEMENT of City Debt,
125
13
39
Chief Engineer,
92 97 101 103
Sinking Fund Commissioners,
Committee on Finance,
4
CONTENTS.
STATEMENT Debts due the City of Newburyport,
126
Account with the State of Massachusetts, 126
Commissioners of Atkinson Common, 127
TRIAL BALANCE of City Treasurer's Books, Dec. 17, 1881, SCHEDULE of Public Property,
128
DETAILED STATEMENT of Expenses of Poor Departnient,
School Department,
142
Fire Department,
164
Highway Department.
172
Sidewalks and Edgestones,
181
Incidental Department,
183 190
Police Department,
201
Salaries of City Officers,
208 211
Interest paid on Notes and Bonds,
214
Expense for Lighting Public Streets and Buildings
218
Expenditures of Committee on Bromfield Fund.
221
Expenditures for Bridges and Culverts,
223
Public Library,
229
Promissory Notes Paid,
232 234
Board of Health,
235
Widening Merrimac street,
237
Repairs on City Hall building,
238 240
Non-resident Bank Tax,
240
Income from Public Buildings
241
Amount received on account of taxes,
241
Sinking Fund,
S41
Liquor Licenses,
241
State and County Taxes.
241
REPORT of the School Committee,
242
127
130
Public Property,
Fuel Department,
Expenditures charged to the State of Massachusetts,
STATEMENT in relation to the Abatement of taxes,
CITY GOVERNMENT-1882.
MAYOR-BENJAMIN HALE.
ALDERMEN.
Ward 1-ENOCH GERRISH, Ward 4-CHAS H. DEROCHEMONT,
Ward 2-THOMAS C. SIMPSON, Ward 5-J. OTIS WINKLEY,
Ward 3-NATHAN D. DODGE, Ward 6-JACOB T. ROWE.
Clerk of the Board of Aldermen-GEORGE H. STEVENS.
COMMON COUNCIL.
Ward 1-EDWARD W. BARTLETT, Ward 4-THOMAS H. DAVIS,
DANIEL P. NOYES,
BERKLEY JOHNSON.
STEPHEN PEABODY,
CHARLES C. STOCKMAN,
Ward 2-WILLIAM HOLKER,
Ward 5-DANIEL W. CATE,
CHARLES W. KIMBALL, SIMON E. WILSON,
HIRAM P. MACINTOSH, JAMES L. BRYANT,
Ward 3-WILLARD J. HALE,
Ward 6-FRANK E. CUTTER,
PHILIP H. BLUMPEY, JR., BENJAMIN F. STANLEY, JOHN W. RICKER, GEORGE E. CURRIER.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
HON. BENJAMIN HALE, Chairman, ex-officio. J. F. YOUNG, Sec'y.
JAMES A. MERRILL, Vice-chairman, A. B. DEARBORN, Agt ..
Ward 1-JOHN W. WINDER. Ward 4-CHARLES L. DAVIS, JOSEPH E. MOODY, H. G. JOHNSON, Ward 2-GEORGE E. POOR, Ward 5- 5 *FRANCIS A. HOWE. IN. N. WITHINGTON, ALVAH B. DEARBORN,
STEPHEN COLLINS,
Ward 6-CHARLES A. CURRIER,
Ward 3-JOHN F. YOUNG,
DAVID T. WOODWELL,
JAMES A. MERRILL.
* Resigned.
+Elected to fill vacancy.
6
CITI GOVERNMENT.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. FRANCIS W. PUTNAM, CHARLES NOYES, HARRIS C. PEARSON. Clerk of Overseers of the Poor-WILLIAM H. BAYLEY.
ASSESSORS.
CHAS. J. BROCKWAY, NAT'L GREELEY, G. W. JACKMAN, JR.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
DR. E. P. HURD, DR. J. F. YOUNG, BENJ. F. ATKINSON. Clerk of the Board of Health-GEORGE H. STEVENS.
City Clerk-GEORGE H. STEVENS. Treasurer and Collector-GEORGE W. PIPER. City Solicitor-JOHN C. M. BAYLEY. City Auditor -EDWARD BURRILL. City Physician-EDWARD P. HURD. City Messenger-WILLIAM H. JOHNSON. Superintendent of Streets-W. H. T. DODGE.
Librarian of Public Library-HIRAM A. TENNEY. Superintendent of Reading Rooms -- HANNAH E. LUNT. Sealer of Weights and Measurers-CHARLES R. SARGENT. Inspector of Milk and Vinegar-CHARLES R. SARGENT. Chief Engineer of the Fire Department-JOHN S. FROST. City Marshal-JOHN W. SARGENT.
Assistant Marshal. Day Officer. Captain of Watch. GEO. B. HICKEN.
SAMUEL W. TUCK,
EDWARD E. TAYLOR,
NIGHT WATCHMEN. JOIIN G. GOVE, JAMES STANTON,
JOHN C. BUCKLEY,
BENJ. U. JOHNSON, DANIEL RYAN, MOSES P. TOWNE,
JACOB P. TORREY, JOHN H. DANIELS.
SPECIAL NIGHT PATROL.
IRA. F. H. BLAKE, JOHN H. WORTHEN.
SINKING FUND COMMISS ONERS. HIS HONOR, THE MAYOR, ex-officio. PRESIDENT OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, ex-officio. CITY AUDITOR, ex-officio. SUMNER,
EDWARD A. MOSELEY.
COMMITTEES.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
On Police. MAYOR, ex-officio; Aldermen ROWE and GERRISH.
On Elections. Aldermen DODGE and GERRISH.
On Putnam and Atkinson Fund, Aldermen SIMPSON, ROWE and DODGE.
On Licenses. Aldermen ROWE, DODGE and DEROCHEMONT.
On Enrolled Bills. Aldermen WINKLEY, GERRISH and SIMPSON.
On Follansbee Fund. MAYOR, and BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
On Bromfield Fund. Aldermen SIMPSON, ROWE and WINKLEY.
On Frothingham Fund. Aldermen DEROCHEMONT, GERRISH and DODGE.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF COMMON COUNCIL.
On Elections and Returns. Councilmen BRYANT, BLUMPEY and NOYES.
On Bills of Second Reading. Councilmen KIMBALL, PEABODY and JOHNSON.
On Enrolled Bills. Councilmen BARTLETT, STANLEY,and JOHNSON.
8
CITY GOVERNMENT.
JOINT STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
On Finance,
The MAYOR. ex-officio; Alderman DODGE; Councilmen CURRIER, BLUMPEY, BRYANT, STOCKMAN and PEABODY.
On Accounts. Aldermen SIMPSON and WINKLEY ; Councilmen CUTTER, RICKER and WILSON.
On Public Property. Aldermen GERRISH and DODGE; Councilmen. DAVIS, CURRIER and KIMBALL.
On Highways, THE MAYOR, ex-officio; Board of Aldermen; Councilmen, NOYES, MAC- INTOSH, BLUMPEY, DAVIS, CATE and CUTTER.
On Fire Department. Aldermen GERRISH, DEROCHEMONT and ROWE; Councilmen, HOL- KER, CATE, MACINTOSH and BARTLETT.
1 On Bridges and Culverts. Aldermen DEROCHEMONT and ROWE: Councilmen RICKER, HOLKER and BARTLETT.
On Lighting Streets. Aldermen DODGE and ROWE; Councilmen PEABODY, BRYANT and . STOCKMAN.
On Claims. Aldermen WINKLEY and DODGE: Councilmen STANLEY, HOLKER and NOYES.
On Fuel. Aldermen ROWE and WINKLEY; Councilmen HOLKER, JOHNSON and WILSON.
On Ordinances. THE MAYOR ex-officio; Councilmen BRYANT and JOHNSON.
On Almshouse and Poor. Aldermen: ROWE and GERRISH; Councilmen RICKER, KIMBALL, NOYES, STANLEY and JOHNSON.
On Public Instruction. THE MAYOR ex-officio; Aldermen WINKLEY and SIMPSON; President HALE ex-officio; Councilmen PEABODY, STOCKMAN, CURRIER and BLUMPEY.
§On Printing. Alderman DEROCHEMONT; Councilmen MACINTOSH and'DA VIS.
9
CITY GOVERNMENT.
On Sawyer Fund. Alderman SIMPSON ; Councilmen STOCKMAN and NOYES.
On Brown Fund. Alderman DODGE; Councilmen KATE and PEABODY. On Atwood Fund. THE MAYOR ex-officio; President HALE ex-officio; and City Treasurer GEORGE W. PIPER.
Clerk of Standing Committies of City_Council, GEORGE H. STEVENS.
SUBORDINATE OFFICERS-1882.
SURVEYORS OF LUMBER AND TIMBER.
John T. Fillmore, Janes Kimball,
Daniel M. Feltch,
George W. Marston,
Ezra Lunt,
Charles H. Carr,
William E. McQuillen,
Charles Perkins,
John E. Bailey,
Hervey Kimball,
Joseph L. Johnson,
William Thurston, jr.,
Frank W. Evans,
Edward Perkins,
George W. Jackman, jr.,
John P. Evans, Joseph W. Evans,
Amos Pettingell,
Charles S. Lovejoy,
Walter S. Morse,
Sewell W. Morse,
William J. Currier,
MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK.
William S. Coffin,
Hervey Kimball, William Noyes,
James V. Felker, William H. Mannix,
George W. Varina, Michael Carey.
MEASURERS OF CHARCOAL.
Hervey Kimball,
Charles R. Sargent, Charles H. Sargent,
Edward H. George.
WEIGHERS AND MEASURERS OF CITY FUEL.
Hervey Kimball, Edward H. George, Leonard W. Coker,
Charles R. Sargent.
MEASURERS OF GRAIN.
Paul Titcomb,
Moses Bartlett, Joseph Knight,
Cornelius Shea,
Charles B. Knight.
INSPECTOR OF MILK AND VINEGAR.
Charles R. Sargent.
Charles W. Hale,
GAUGERS. Philip C. Mason, William A. Little.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURERS. Charles R. Sargent.
Philip H. Creasey, Amos Coffin,
10
CITY GOVERNMENT.
WEIGHIERS OF COAL, HAY AND OTIIER MERCHANDISE.
Amos Coffin, James V. Felker,
Edward H. George,
Charles C. Stockman,
Philip H. Creasey,
George' W. Varina,
William Noyes,
William H. Mannix,
George M. Warner,
Lawrence Whalen,
Michael Carey,
George J. Warner,
Henry M. Cross,
Leonard W. Coker,
John J. Foley,
William S. Coffin,
John C. Stanley,
Daniel A. Fowle,
William A. Little, Jolın Loyd,
INSPECTOR OF CHARCOAL BASKETS. Charles R. Sargent.
FENCE VIEWERS.
Hervey Kimball, Eli Lamprey, Henry Page.
FIELD DRIVERS.
Mark W. Foye,
James W. Welch,
Augustus Safford,
Thomas Coffee,
Nicholas W. Bartlett,
Luther Ordway,
Charles W. Merrill,
Thomas G. Dodge,
George Lawrence,
POUND KEEPERS.
James Atwood, Pound No. 1. Auburn street.
Luther Ordway, Pound No. 2, Wesley street.
WARD OFFICERS.
WARD ONE-Warden, Moses E. Cook; Clerk, John C. Lang; Inspectors, Alpheus G. Knight, William Huse, D. B. Blaisdell.
WARD Two-Warden, Samuel K. Gillman; Clerk, J. L. Dockham; Inspec- tors, Isaac Poor, jr., J. Barlow, D. A. Pingrey.
WARD THREE-Warden, A. R. Nutter; Clerk, George Donnell ; Inspectors, F. W. Young, S. C. Reed, F. E. Silloway.
WARD FOUR-Warden, W. J. Creasey; Clerk, W. H. Welch; Inspectors, Sam E. Sargent, G. W. Page, W. H. T. Dodge.
WARD FIVE-Warden, C. J. Cutter; Clerk, W. H. P. Howard; Inspectors, G. A. Pearson, R. H. Hooper, Patrick Barry.
WARD SIX-Warden, J. G. Flanders; Clerk, E. F. Lee; Inspectors, J. M. Chase, E. E. Cutter, G. A. Coffin.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
HON. BENJAMIN HALE,
MAYOR.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
HON. BENJAMIN HALE,
MAYOR.
ADDRESS
OF
HON. BENJAMIN HALE,
MAYOR.
-
Gentlemen of the City Council :
We meet here to-day to pledge ourselves, as the law of the State provides, to fulfill the duties of the responsible positions to which the voices of our fellow citizens have called us. In accordance with the teach- ings of an older and higher law, the blessing of God has been invoked and his guidance sought to direct us; for we know that without the wisdom that comes from Him the wisdom of man is foolishness, and with- out His protecting care-to whom the darkness and the light are both alike-all human precautions are in vain, either from the pestilence that walketh in dark- ness, or the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
It is with hesitation we enter on these places, and take up the business of the city as it falls from the hands of our predecessors. So many men, skillful in business, wise in counsel, and eminent in the various
16
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
walks of life, have been here before us, and have faithfully applied themselves to the work, that we feel that no mean task lies before us if we would be their peers in doing the duties devolving on us.
I believe in entering on these scenes our highest ambition is to do that which we think will best pro- mote the welfare and interest of those who have placed so much confidence in us.
I could adopt as my own the remark of the late President Garfield, made in the course of his address the night previous to his inauguration: "You may write in your books the largest per centage of blun- ders which you think I will be likely to make, and you will be sure to find in the end that I have made more than you have calculated upon;" and again, af- ter a few cautious words, he says: "I will go forward to meet the responsibilities and to discharge the du- ties that are before me, with all the firmness and abil- ity I can command."
He was a good man, and in earnest; and none the worse in that he felt his liability to err. The brief period of his life is replete with useful lessons. Happy indeed will it be for this community, as well as for our whole country, if our young men and youth will make his life a study and follow in his steps, and be animated by the same honorable and unselfish ideas, which car- ried out in the bustle and stir of an active life made him the man he was.
While we wonder at the inscrvtable ways of Prov-
17
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
idence, we must acknowledge that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. The terrible sufferings of the martyred president, and his seemingly untimely death, and called to leave the scenes of his success and triumph, may be used to further the highest interests of this great people for whom he labored, and whose well being and highest prosperity seemed to lay very near his heart. The lives of good men are the best legacies they can leave to their children, or to their countrymen. Famous deeds may be forgotten, riches may vanish, but the power of a pure and honest life is difficult to be over- estimated. If, as in this case, it filled a high and con- spicuous position, its influence will extend far and wide, and like the light from a tall beacon it will illumine the path of life, warn the wayfarers of its dangers, and point out the straight path through all its difficulties. We have good reason to suppose that the lesson taught by his endurance of pain and death, and the noble spirit he showed through all, have al- ready had some effect in modifying the rancor of party strife, and in purifying partisan politics.
To do well our work here will require a careful in- vestigation of several matters that are now before the public, and a close scrutiny of any new propositions that come to us.
The comfort, security, financial and educational in- terests of our fellow citizens, are in some measure in our keeping.
18
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Our powers are not very extensive, still we should keep a high standard of duty before us in our man- agement of affairs, and especially should a due regard to the interests of the tax-payers enter into every plan.
Some allusion to the different divisions of the civil service is customary, still, limited experience in those things renders considerable caution necessary in deal- ing with matters in whose exposition men of deep thought and large experience differ so widely, as we know they do.
THE FINANCES.
Naturally the financial condition of our city affairs first calls for our attention, as it will have to be consider- ed in connection with almost every question that can arise for consideration.
The finances of the city have been on the whole carefully managed, and with evident prudence. But of course there are so many things in themselves de- sirable and sought for, that we must have the princi- ples of true economy ever before us.
It is related of an early reformer that when once discussing with certain learned men one of his main propositions, he took a piece of chalk and wrote on the table certain words that indicated his position so that they could not be overlooked. Thus it might be well for us so have ever in view the word economy.
Our city, with a population of nearly 14,000, has a taxable property of $7,535,456, and a system of taxa-
19
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
tion to meet an annual expenditure of about $150,- 000.00, to be drawn from the tax payers, and causing an average rate of assessment that seems to be too high for the best interests of the community.
It is far easier to increase than to reduce the ag- gregate of expenses, so we must some sometimes hes- itate to adopt even well matured plans that may add to the burden of taxes.
The debt of the city was diminished in 1881 $4,891 .- 19, being now $377,061.92 and $2,907.16 carried to the sinking fund; $2,085 of this sum was realized by the sale of the Brown high school building on State street.
THE HIGHWAYS.
The amount of money expended on the highways was $4,917.39 in the year 1881, an increase over the previous year.
Our roads are mostly earth, or gravel, and of course are not equal to well paved roads, but if carefully constructed and well drained a good gravel road will possess all the essential requisites.
It would seem desirable to continue the paving of Merrimac street and gradually extend the improve- ment to other streets of great traffic. The short por- tion of High street that was macadamized nearly three years ago was much improved by the process; though a gravel road constructed with the same care might be nearly as good.
20
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
THE WATER QUESTION.
A contract for supplying the city with water for fire . purposes was made with the Newburyport Water Company last year, and pipes were laid and water introduced. The supply was tried by fire department for the benefit of the committee having the matter in charge, and the result was not quite satisfactory. The city agreed to pay a good price, and valuable privi- leges have been given to the company, and we hope that the matter can be satisfactorily adjusted and that a supply sufficient to assure the safety of the city in case of fire may be secured, which may well be con- sidered of vital importance.
THE LICENSE QUESTION.
The vote of the city of Newburyport on the license law was in the negative, and it devolves on you to de- vise some way to carry out the wishes of the people. Every one admits the evils of intemperance, but how best to 'stop or check them, is a question that gives rise to great diversity of opinion. It is to be regret- ted that the vote did not more strongly express the sentiment of the people, or perhaps it would be better to regret the want of a stronger sentiment to be ex- pressed.
There is great difficulties in legislating on what are called moral topics, and still greater difficulties in ex- ecuting such laws when made. One thing is as cer- tain as any great truth can be, and that is, that with- out the active assistance and co-operation of good
21
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
and thoughtful men, not in official positions, a law cannot be fully enforced, but with their aid it is pos- sible.
The responsibilities of good citizens are not fully realized by themselves. They can easily exert an in- fluence in favor of the right that cannot readily be resisted.
THE SCHOOLS.
The public schools of the city, although not under the control of the city council, have claim upon our attention, and that of all good citizens. "The preacher" said in old times: "One generation passeth away, and another cometh." That the youth of the coming generation may have every opportunity for fitting themselves for the faithful performance of life's du- ties, is an obligation resting upon us. Our schools are under the care of an able band of instructors, and seem to be well attended. The expense of over $26,- 800 appears large, but where to apply the pruning knife of economy is not evident. If the primary schools could be extended one year in the direction of the grammar schools, and the latter take up one year's work of the High school, the combined course of study would furnish a sufficient education for the ordinary occupations of life, to many not desirous of pursuing the more advanced studies. The year or more, at present, necessary for that purpose in the High school, increases the cost of that year, not only to the city, but to the pupil.
2
22
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
We cannot afford to impair in any degree the effi- ciency attained at so much cost of trouble and money.
SOME OF OUR BENEFACTORS.
Where, better than here, can we speak of the higher institution of learning provided for us by the will of the late William Wheelwright? The trustees have already received the securities, and an act of incor- poration will soon be applied for. This princely gift will cause the name of Wheelwright to be held ever in affectionate remembrance.
The improvements in our public library building have been provided for by large-hearted, liberal-hand- ed men, from among the successful sons of New- buryport, and the commodious and elegant structure as it now stands will long keep their names on the list of her honored benefactors.
Conspicuous among these is the name of Michael H. Simpson, to whom also we are indebted, in part, for the jetties, that promise to curb our turbulent and wayward river, compelling her to furnish greatly im- proved facilities for navigation.
THE FIRE DEPATMENT.
The Fire Department of this city is one of our very important institutions, and is deserving of praise for its prompt efficiency and heroic deeds. All proper means should be used to aid it in the discharge of its arduous duties. The expenditure for this depart- ment last year was $9,465.
23
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
POLICE.
Our police force has generally kept good order in our streets, the city expending on this department $8,144. There seems, however, room for reform and improvement, and I hope a careful consideration of this subject may suggest to you some changes for the better.
SUNDAY OBSERVANCE. €
The apparent increasing disregard of the Sabbath ought to be spoken of here. Our forefathers kept the day well, and God's blessing was on them. There is no uncertain sound in the expression of God's will, in the Bible on this point. "Them that honor me I will honor." A French scholar travelling in this country, and much impressed with the sanctity of the day, remarked: "France must have your American Sabbath or she is ruined." Let us not thoughtlessly renounce the priceless benefits of this day of holy rest, which are our inalienable inheritance; rather let us strive to preserve with all its hallowed associations, as a precious legacy to our children, The Christian Sabbath.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
" The poor ye have always with you." The city expended in 1881 $17,096 in the care of this depart- ment. In view of the fact that there is a fund amounting to $20,476 left by the late Rev. Dr. Horton for the erection of new and more convenient buildings, would
24
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
it not be well to consider if a more rural site might not be of essential benefit as regards the health of the occupants, and the economic working of the in- stitution.
IN CONCLUSION.
We are now entering on a year of common duties, which of course will bring in its train frequent asso- ciation and business intercourse, and my hope is that the relations we shall maintain to each other may be pleasant and harmonious, and that our present mutual esteem may not only continue but increase.
We enter upon these duties animated by a desire to seek as far as we know the welfare of this city. How far our aims are to be realized, of course is uncer- tain. But when we come to lay aside our trust, I hope the recollections of it will be pleasant, and kind and friendly thoughts alone remain as its memorial.
There must be differences of opinion, judgments will differ even on the most ordinary subjects, but here in municipal affairs, where no party lines need be drawn, we can discuss the things that seem to make for the common good, untrammelled by external con- siderations.
REPORT
OF THE
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
OF THE
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT,
FOR THE YEAR 1881.
REPORT.
To the City Council of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN-The Overseers of the Poor, to whom is committed a general oversight of the poor of this city, in all of its depart- ments, would respectfully submit their third annual report.
GENERAL STATEMENT.
The total cost of the poor department for the year ending Nov- ember 30, 1881, has been $17,096.66, and the amount reimbursed « by the State and other cities and towns, and for the board of sundry persons who have been found able to pay in whole or in part for their support, was $2,213.95, thus showing the net expenditures of this department to have been $14,882.71.
DETAILED STATEMENT.
There has been expended :
For support of the Poor in the Alms-house
$4,682 98
Salaries. 2,147 34
Insane 3,025 14
Criminals
212 85
Poor residing in other cities and towns 957 99
Our door relief .
6,070 36
$17,096 66
The following causes, which were wholly beyond the control of the Board of Overseers, have materially added to the cost of the department, viz :
Loss by fire, replaced by the overseers $254 98
Cost of insane over last year .. 744 49
Cost of criminals over last year. 78 43
Twenty tons of hay consumed by fire. 400 00
$1,477 90
28
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
While that portion of the department coming under their direct control, the expense has been decreased, as will be seen by the following :
Support of Poor in Alms-house, lest than last year .. . $142 22 Support of Poor in other cities and towns, less than last year 27 67 Support of outside relief, less than last year. 114 40
Decreased expense $284 29
ALMSHOUSE.
The Almshouse has been under the care of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Lunt, who have labored faithfully and dilligently to promote the health and comfort of the inmates throughout the year. Five of the number have died, and no births recorded during the year.
An average of 50 persons have resided in the almshouse during the year, at a weekly cost of $1.80 each.
The removal of swine from the almshouse yard by the Board of Health, under the mistaken idea that by so doing they were study- ing the health of the city, has tended to increase the expense of the Poor Department, as some 4000 pounds of pork were consumed in the almshouse during the past year of 1880 and 1881, which was raised within their premises, and in the coming year will have to be purchased from their appropriation.
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