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CITY OF NEWBURYPORT.
CITY OFFICERS,
MAYOR'S ADDRESS,
AND THE
ANNUAL REPORTS
TO THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT
TERRA
MARIQUE
MDCCCLI
FOR THE YEAR 1892.
TOGETHER WITH
CITY OFFICERS, AND MAYOR'S ADDRESS AT THE ORGAN- IZATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT, JANUARY 2, 1893.
NEWBURYPORT : NEWS PUBLISHING COMPANY.
1893.
-
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE PRINTING COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF NEWBURYPORT.
3
NOTICES.
OFFICE HOURS.
MAYOR : From II a. m. to 12 m.
CITY CLERK : From 9 a. m. to 12 m. : : to ; p. m. Saturdays, 9 a. m. to 12 m. June, July and August, 8.30 a. m. to 1 p. m.
CITY TREASURER AND COLLECTOR : From 9 a. m. to 12 m. ; 2 to 4 p. m. Saturdays, 9 a. m. to I p. m. First Thursday evening after the first Monday, 7 to 9. June, July and August, 8.30 a. m. tor p. m.
CLERK OF OVERSEERS OF POOR : From y a. m. to 12 m. ; 2 to 4 p. m. Saturdays, 9 a. m. to 12 m. June, July and August, 8.30 a. m. to I p. m.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS: From + to ; D. m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; from 9 10 10 a. m., Wednesdays and Satur- days.
PAY DAYS.
CITY TREASI KER'S OFFICE, CITY HALL, January, 1893.
Regular weekly pay day, Monday. Monthly pay day, first Thursday after first Monday of each month. Military aid is payable the first day of each month.
Please call on the regular pay day for your money.
JAMES V. FELKER. CITY TREASURER.
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY.
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, CITY HALL, January, 1893.
Persons having bills against the city are requested to present them at this office on or before the last Monday of each month.
Charges against the different departments must be made out on separate bills.
Be careful and note who ordered the article or articles; and if for labor, where it was performed; and under whose direction, with the proper dates, and approval of person ordering the same.
GEORGE H. STEVENS, CITY CLERK.
CITY GOVERNMENT AND OFFICERS, 1892.
MAYOR. ORRIN J. GURNEY, Residence, 65 Washington Street. Office, City Hall.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
Ward One. JOHN W. ALLEN,
31 High street.
CHARLES W. PAGE,
Ward Two. . IO Horton street.
Ward Three.
HENRY C. PLUMMER,
3 Orange street.
Ward Four.
IO Titcomb street.
CHARLES C. STOCKMAN, . Ward Five. GEORGE E. STICKNEY.
Summit Place.
Ward Six. ANDREW R. CURTIS,
173 Merrimac street
Clerk of Board of Aldermen, GEORGE H. STEVENS.
6
ANNE W. REPORTS.
COMMON COUNCIL ..
IRVIN BESSE, President. Word One.
BENJAMIN F. HATHAWAY. 50 Purchase street. ANDREW H. PETTINGELL. 15 Bromfield street. WILLIAM P. LOWELL 39 High street.
Hari Two.
JAMES F. CARENS CHARLES W. LADD.
WILLIAM HOLKER.
+ Milk street. 26 Atwood street. 7 Beck street.
Word Three.
WILLIAM F. HOUSTON
PERCY L. DAME.
IRVIN BESSE.
2 Harris street. S Garden street. 10 Garden street
Word Four.
PAUL A. PATHE.
WILLIAM H. T. DODGE.
NEWELL C. TRICKEY.
5 Titcomb street. 153 High street. + Strong street.
Wird Five.
HENRY D. FOLLANSBEE.
DANIEL, F. BUCKLEY.
CHARLES W. JOHNSON.
Summit Place. 20 Warren street. +3 Kent street.
Word Six.
GEORGE W. COOPER, CHARLES H. LUNT.
ALVAH HOYT, . Clerk of Council,
I North Atkinson street. 271 Merrimac street. 26 Oakland street.
THOMAS E. CUTTER.
JOINT STANDING COMMITTEES FOR IS92.
FINANCE-Mayor, ex-officio: Alderman, Stickney; Councilmen Ilolker, Houston. Lunt, Hoyt and Lowell. ACCOUNTS-Aldermen Page and Stickney ; Councilmen Johnson, Ilouston and Pathe.
7
CITY GOVERNMENT.
PUBLIC PROPERTY-Mayor, ex-officio; Aldermen Stockman, Allen and Curtis; Councilmen Hoyt, Follansbee, Dodge, Dame, Carens and Hathaway.
ALMSHOUSE AND POOR-Aldermen Curtis and Stockman; Councilmen Buckley, Pathe, Pettingell and Carens.
FIRE DEPARTMENT-Aldermen Stickney, Plummer and Allen; Council- men Cooper, Ladd, Dodge and Carens.
BRIDGES AND CULVERTS-Aldermen Page and Stockman ; Councilmen Hoyt, Buckley and Holker.
SAWYER FUND-Alderman Allen ; Councilmen Lunt and Dame.
BROWN FUND-Alderman Plummer; Councilmen Lowell and Follansbee.
ATWOOD AND DEXTER FUNDS-Mayor, ex-officio; Treasurer ex- >fficio and President Besse, ex-officio.
PUBLIC INSTRUCTION-Mayor, ex-officio; Aldermen Stickney and Allen ; Councilmen, President Besse, ex-officio, Cooper, Johnson, Dodge and Dame.
CLAIMS -- Aldermen Curtis and Page ; Councilmen Carens, Hathaway and Cooper.
ORDINANCES-Mayor, ex-officio and Councilmen Lunt and Carens.
HIGHWAYS-Mayor and Board of Aldermen; Councilmen Holker, Hous- ton, Trickey, Buckley and Lunt.
FUEL-Aldermen Allen and Curtis; Councilmen Buckley, Ladd and Hoyt. LIGHTING STREETS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS-Aldermen Plummer and Stickney; Councilmen Holker, Follansbee and Cooper.
PRINTING-Alderman Stockman ; Councilmen Lowell and Johnson.
WATER SUPPLY -- Aldermen Curtis and Page ; Councilmen Holker, Hatha- way and Follansbee.
JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEES.
SEWERAGE -- Aldermen Curtis and Allen ; Councilmen Hathaway, Dame and Ladd.
SALARIES-Aldermen Stickney and Allen ; Councilmen Hoyt, Dame and Ladd.
MAYOR'S ADDRESS-Aldermen Page and Plummer ; Councilmen Lowell, Buckley and Lunt.
S
ANNUAL REPORTS.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
POLICE-Mayor ex-officio ; Aldermen Stockman and Page.
ELECTIONS-Aldermen Plummer and Allen.
BROMFIELD FUND-Aldermen Stickney, Curtis and Allen. PUTNAM AND ATKINSON FUNDS-Aldermen Page, Plummer and Stock- man.
LICENSES-Aldermen Allen, Stickney and Page.
ENROLLED BILLS-Aldermen Curtis, Stockman and Stickney.
FROTHINGHAM FUND-Aldermen Plummer, Allen and Page.
GREEN FUND-Aldermen Stockman, Curtis and Allen.
TOPPAN FUND-Aldermen Stickney, Page and Plummer.
ABRAHAM WILLIAMS FUND-Aldermen Plummer and Stockman.
STATE AND MILITARY AID AND SOLDIERS' RELIEF-Aldermen Stockman, Curtis and Page.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF COMMON COUNCIL.
ELECTIONS AND RETURNS-Councilmen Pathe and Pettingell. ENROLLED BILLS-Councilmen Dame, Holker and Lowell. BILLS OF SECOND READING-Councilmen Cooper, Trickey and Johnson.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ORRIN J. GURNEY [Mayor], Chairman, ex-officio.
HENRY B. LITTLE, Vice Chairman, 215 High street.
WILLIAM P. LUNT, Secretary and Agent . Office at City Hall.
Ward One.
WILLIAM T. HUMPHREYS [term expires 1892] 56 Purchase street. EDWARD OSGOOD, [term expires IS93] 49 Purchase street.
Ward Two.
PRENTISS H. REED [term expires 1892] · 8 Atwood street. 65 Prospect street.
CHARLES W. POORE [term expires 1893] ·
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CITY GOVERNMENT.
Ward Three.
JOHN F. YOUNG [term expires 1892]
GEORGE H. PLUMER [term expires 1893]
Ward Four.
JOSEPH B. LITTLE [term expires 1892] GEO. W. WORCESTER [term expires 1893]
Ward Five.
EDWARD G. MOODY [term expires 1892] HENRY B. LITTLE [term expires 1893]
Ward Six.
PAUL A. MERRILL [term expires 1892] FRANK E. CUTTER [term expires 1893]
7 Fruit street. 93 High street.
22 Boardman street. 124 High street.
2IS High street. 215 High street.
24 Tyng street. Ferry Road.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
ERNEST H. NOYES [City Physician], Chairman ex-officio.
TERM TWO YEARS.
HERBERT A. CLARK [term expires 1892] 6 Orange street. GEO. W. WORCESTER, M. D. [term expires 1893] 124 High street.
Agent of Board.
D. CLARK BATCHELDER 51 Fair street.
Clerd of Board. AMOS H. GEARY. Office : City Hall.
ASSESSORS.
Office at City Hall. TERM THREE YEARS.
CHAS C. DONNELL, chairman, [term expires 1893] 25 Marlboro street. AMOS H. GEARY, secretary, [ IS92] 36 Prospect street. J. OTIS WINKLEY [ 66 1894] Parker street.
IO
ANNUAL REPORTS
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
ORRIN J. GURNEY, [Mayor], chairman, ex-officio. TERM THREE YEARS.
LEONARD W. SARGENT. Vice chairman (term expires 1894)
280 High street.
JOHN C. STEVENS (term expires 1893) 2 Madison street.
LAWRENCE W. BROWN (term expires 1892) . 20 Fruit street.
Clerk of Overseers of the Poor. WILLIAM H. BAYLEY, (office : City Hall). . 27 Milk street.
BOARD OF REGISTRARS.
GEORGE H. STEVENS, City Clerk 37 Kent street.
TERM THREE YEARS.
NATHANIEL GREELY (term expires 1892) 37 Marlboro street. 37 Federal street.
ARTHUR L. HUSE (term expires : 894)
BENJAMIN G. DAVIS (term expires IS93)
Horton street.
SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS. ORRIN J. GURNEY (Mayor), ex-officio.
IRVIN BESSE. (President of the Common Council), ex-officio. WILLIAM H. WELCHI. (City Auditor), ex-officio.
EBEN SUMNER.
CHARLES C. DAME. Treasurer and Clerk-JAMES V. FELKER (City Treasurer.)
TRUSTEES OF SIMPSON FUND. ORRIN J. GURNEY (Mayor) ex-officio.
IRVIN BESSE (President of the Common Council, ex-officio. THOMAS C. SIMPSON, CHARLES C. DAME, ELIPHALET GRIFFIN.
Treasurer and Clerk-JAMES V. FELKER (City Treasurer. )
II
CITY GOVERNMENT.
CITY CLERK.
GEORGE H. STEVENS 37 Kent street. Office : City Hall. Clerk of City Clerk-GEO. F. POOR.
TREASURER AND COLLECTOR OF TAXES.
JAMES V. FELKER . 196 High street. Office : City Hall. Clerk of City Treasurer-PERLEY N. PLUMMER.
CITY AUDITOR.
WILLIAM H. WELCH
16 Vernon street. Office : First National Bank.
CITY SOLICITOR.
HORACE I. BARTLETT
Mosely avenue. Office : 25 State street.
CITY MESSENGER.
FRANK H. RUNDLETT. .
28 Federal street Office : City Hall.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
WILLIAM P. LUNT Parker street. Office : City Hall.
SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS.
CHARLES M. PRITCHARD · 17 Atwood street.
I 2
ANNUAL REPORTS
SUPERINTENDENT OF SEWERS.
FRANCIS CURTIS 3 Park street.
CITY PHYSICIAN.
ERNEST HI. NOYES 12 Essex street.
CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
EBEN S. DOLE 4 Otis place.
SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM TELEGRAPH.
WILLIS H. YOUNG 43 Market square. di
LIBRARIAN PUBLIC LIBRARY.
JOHN D. PARSONS 22} Market street. Office : Public Library.
SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC READING ROOM.
MARTHA P. LUNT
IO Auburn street.
NEWBURYPORT POLICE FORCE.
City Marshal. A. WARREN EMERSON. Office : Central Police Station.
Assistant Marshal. EDWARD E. TAYLOR.
13
CITY GOVERNMENT.
Captain of the Watch. SIMON E. WILSON.
ALBERT D. HALE,
Day Officers. LEMUEL HICKEN.
Night Patrolmen.
PATRICK CREEDEN,
SETH YOUNG.
JAMES W. MERRITT,
GEO. J. ROSS, JOS. H. POST,
WILLIAM H. PIKE, JOHN L. MCLEAN, WM. E. YOUNG,
CHAS. W. WELLS,
GEO. W. LATTIME.
Constables.
A. Warren Emerson,
Edward E. Taylor, Simon E. Wilson, Joseph M. Tappan,
Frank H. Rundlett, D. Clark Batchelder, Robert G. Allen, Henry J. Hidden.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
James W. Gunnison.
MEASURERS OF GRAIN.
Moses H. Rolfe, Charles B. Knigh!, Joseph Knight.
INSPECTOR OF MILK AND VINEGAR. James W. Gunnison.
GAUGERS.
William C. Cuseck, William A. Little, Hiram P. Macintosh.
14
ANNUAL REPORTS.
SURVEYORS OF LUMBER.
John T. Fillmore,
Geo. W. Marston,
William B. Coffin,
Chas. S. Lovejoy,
Daniel M. Felch,
Edward Perkins,
Wm. H. Morse,
John C. Kimball,
Orlando F. Hatch,
Wm. J .. Hunt,
Gideon C. Webster,
Leonard W. Sargent,
Moses P. Towne,
Thomas F. Corey, Jere Langevin,
Chas. L. Perkins.
Ezra Lunt, Alex G. Perkins.
WEIGHERS OF COAL, HAY AND OTHER MERCHANDISE.
W'm. S. Coffin, John C. Stanley, Harry W. Bayley,
Philip II. Creasey,
John J. Collins. John S. Brown,
Edw. E. Varina,
Fred L. Macintosh,
Jere Healey, James Joy, :
Daniel Balch, Fred B. Fanning,
Chas. Watts, William Conley, John Reddy,
John L. Noyes, Edw. Donahue,
James Conley, Walter E. Atkinson,
Amos H. Geary,
Benj. F. Atkinson,
Joseph L. Jacoby, Alonzo C. Pearson,
Rudolph Jacoby, John H. Balch,
Stephen P. Bray, WVm. Noyes,
Chas. W. Dame, John Collins.
FIELD DRIVERS.
Jeremiah S. Parker,
Wm. A. Hopkinson.
POUND KEEPER.
Pound No. 1-Auburn street Timothy Maroney.
MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK.
Philip H. Creasey, Fred L. Atkinson, Benj. F. Atkinson, Jere Healey, Chas. W. Dame, John L. Noyes,
John Collins, Fred B. Fanning, Wm. S. Coffin,
John Reddy, John J. Collins, William Noyes,
John H. Balch, Jr.,
Stephen P. Bray,
Leonard W. Coker, Lawrence Whalen, Geo. J. Warner,
Fred L. Atkinson,
15
CITY GOVERNMENT.
MEASURERS OF CHARCOAL.
James W. Gunnison, Fred L. Atkinson, Stephen P. Bray,
John H. Balch, Jr.,
John L. Noyes, Philip H. Creasey, Chas. W. Dame.
WEIGHERS AND MEASURERS OF CITY FUEL.
James W. Gunnison, Charles W. Nelson, L. W. Coker.
INSPECTOR OF COAL BASKETS. James W. Gunnison.
Greenleaf Dodge,
FENCE VIEWERS. Nathaniel Morse, Wm. H. Whitmore.
MEASURER OF UPPER LEATHER.
John E. Morgan.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
MEETINGS.
CITY COUNCIL.
FIRST MONDAY EVENING OF EACH MONTH.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
LAST MONDAY EVENING OF EACH MONTH.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR, LAST MONDAY EVENING OF EACH MONTH.
REGULAR COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
Commencing with the last Monday evening in each month.
Monday evening -- School Committee; Lighting Streets, etc .; Bridges and Culverts ; Overseer of the Poor.
Tuesday evening-Public Property. Wednesday evening-Highways ; Police. Thursday evening-Fire Department. Friday evening-Accounts.
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
2
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF HON. ORRIN J. GURNEY,
DELIVERED JANUARY 4, 1892.
Gentlemen of the City Council :
Forty-one years ago the citizens of Newburyport gathered for the first time within these walls to inau- gurate a city government. Since that first inaugura- tion day the changes through which we have passed as a city have been many and varied. Prosperity and adversity have alternately been welcome and unwel- come visitors within our borders. From time to time as we are called upon to grant state aid and military relief, year by year as upon each Memorial day we gather around the graves of those who fought in our country's defence, we are reminded of that five years of civil war which swept over our land, bringing
20
ANNUAL REPORTS.
sorrow and death into so many of our homes, for Newburyport was in no way backward in offering its wealth and its blood upon the nation's altar. Nearly all of the men who composed that first city govern- ment, with a large number of those who have since occupied these seats, have passed into the great be- yond; and now, today, the beginning of a new muni- cipal year, we have assembled here to take the place of those who have gone before; to assume the duties and responsibilities which are now placed upon us. Our fellow citizens have sent us to these council chambers for the purpose of carrying out their will. They have intrusted to our care their interests, be- lieving we will be faithful to the trust they have reposed in us. Let us then remember that we are not masters, but servants; and may we during the year to come so discharge our duties that when the year shall have passed, and our term of office shall have expired, it can be truly said of us, "Well done, good and faith- ful servants."
Before proceeding to consider in a brief manner the condition and necessities of the various departments. of the city, it would seem ingratitude on my part did I not express to the citizens of Newburyport my earnest and sincere thanks for the honor they have conferred upon me in electing me to this office. I assure you, fellow citizens, that I fully appreciate this
2I
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
· mark of your confidence and esteem, and more par- ticularly from the fact that this is my native city, the place of my birth, the place where the 42 years of my life have thus far been passed, and where I hope and trust will be spent the remaining years of my life, whether they be few or many. In return for your con- fidence, I promise you that I will, to the best of my ability, faithfully and fearlessly, perform the duties pertaining to the mayor's office. I assure you that no act of mine shall ever cast a shadow over the fair fame of this good old city of Newburyport.
TAXATION.
It is an old and trite saying, that "there is nothing sure in this world but death and taxes."
To carry on the affairs of a city, to keep its roads in repair, to protect its property from burglars and from fire, with many other necessary requirements, money is needed. The money must be raised by taxation. As to the best method to be employed in levying the tax there is a wide diversity of opinion. While there are those who believe in placing a low valuation on property, which must of necessity cause a high tax rate, there are others who take the opposite view, believing it better to have a high valuation and a low tax rate. While I am not in favor of an excessive
22
ANNUAL REPORTS
valuation, I do believe that all property should be assessed at its full market value. I believe it to be better for the city at large and for the individual tax payer, for while the amount of his tax bill would be no greater, his property would bring more if forced upon the market; it would also have a tendency to equalize the taxes. It does not seem to me that the people will be inclined to find fault with the amount of their tax, if they can be assured that all are taxed equally. Nine years ago, when the tax list was pub- lished, it met with general approval, and in my opinion it should be published once in five years.
I would recommend to the city council that such a list be published the present year. The expense would be very small when compared with the benefit to be derived from its publication, as it would give the tax payers an opportunity to judge for themselves as to the equality of the taxes.
FINANCE.
The appropriations for the year IS91 were $172,368 97 The income from various sources . 27,685 27
Making the total . .. $200.054 24
Expenditures were. 207.329 71
Showing an overdraft of. 7,275 47
The net debt of the city, December 20, 1890 . $414.063 55
The net debt of the city, December 19. 1891 . . 391,312 32
Showing decrease of debt in 1891 of. $ 22.751 28
23
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
These figures represent the financial condition of the city as far as actual payments are concerned; but each year there are liable to be contracts made and work completed which should be paid for in the year in which such work is done, but it often carries over to the next administration, which has to provide for the payment of the same. While the overdraft for 1891 is apparently only $7,275.47, there should in reality be added to it about $6,000, which represents bills carried over, which should have been paid the past year, and is exclusive of the regular January pay roll. Consequently, the actual overdraft for 1891, which will have to be provided for by the incoming administration, will be about the same as it was in 1890, rising $13,000. This would make the actual decrease of the city debt the past year about $17,000, instead of nearly $23,000 as given.
Whether there is any actual decrease of debt it all depends upon the result of the suit of Mr. Douglass. For if that should be decided against the city, instead of there being a decrease of debt for 1891 the debt would be increased over $20,000. All expense in- curred in connection with that suit properly belongs to last year's account.
The city holds stock to the amount of $74,000 in the City railroad, the lease of which expires August 14 of the present year. I would recommend that the
24
ANNUAL REPORTS
stock be disposed of, provided it can be sold for a reasonable price. In holding it the City is losing money every day, having lost, in twenty years' time, over $57,500; that amount having been paid for inter- est on bonds in excess of income received.
SCHOOLS.
Our public schools will compare favorably with those of other cities, and I believe we have as good a corps of teachers as can be found anywhere. Prac- tically the city council have nothing to do with this department. It is in charge of the school committee elected by the people, who are alone responsible, not only for the managementof the schools but for the ex- pense attending them. Too much care cannot be taken in selecting those who are to manage this de- partment. None but men of intelligence, men of large ideas, men of integrity, men of high moral character, should ever be intrusted with the care of our youth.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The public library, and free reading room connect- ed with it, is an institution of which every citizen should justly feel proud. The benefits to be derived from it cannot be over estimated, furnishing as it
25
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
does such a variety of reading matter that persons of all classes and conditions in life, both young and old are enabled to gratify their tastes. It should receive in the future, as it always has in the past, the hearty support of the city. Full information in regard to its present condition will be found in the annual report of the directors and librarian.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
There has always been, and probably always will be, more or less criticism in regard to the management of this department. But look at the matter as we may, the fact still remains that there are a large num- ber of poor persons in the city. Whether they are poor through misfortune, dissipation or any other cause, they must be taken care of. It would be strange if those having the matter in charge were not sometimes imposed upon. But it were far better to give aid to nine who are unworthy than to refuse aid to one worthy person. If the overseers err, it had better be on the side of charity. Charitable persons alone should be chosen to dispense charity. Such men we have in the present board of overseers, and we can safely trust them in all cases to do what is right.
26
ANNUAL REPORTS.
HIGHWAYS.
In regard to this department, I have only to say that from the first I have been in full sympathy with everything that has been done with a view to placing our roads in a suitable condition for travel and would recommend that the good work be continued as far as practical the present year without exceeding the appropriation. I would suggest that in the making of new macadamized roads, they be rolled more than some of those made the past year; for if I understand the matter correctly, the durability of this kind of road depends entirely upon the manner in which it is rolled. I would also recommend that the laying of brick or concrete sidewalks be carried on as fast as possible, so that we may have good walks as well as good roads; also that edgestones be set more extensively than in previous years, where only gravel side- walks are maintained; for while comparatively few of our citizens ride. all are obliged to walk.
LIGHTING STREETS.
After nearly five year's trial of the electric system no one would for a minute think of returning to the old method of lighting our streets by gas and oil. But while the system of electric lighting has been
27
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
very satisfactory, I cannot say as much for the service connected with it, in which I think there is great room for improvement. There are times, undoubt- edly. when there is an excuse for lights being out, such as during a heavy storm, or by reason of some unavoidable accident, and at such times no one will complain ; but in my opinion there is no good reason why five or six lights should be out every night, and some of them six and eight nights in succession, as has been the case the past year. The city did not agree to pay the Electric Light Company a certain sum per year for lanterns to be placed on poles, or strung on wires, but for a certain number of lights to be kept burning, and the company should not receive pay for any lights that are not burning. I would suggest to the committee on lighting that they give the matter their immediate attention, and see that the city's interests are looked after. The police will be instructed to report all lights not burning, and I would request the citizens, whenever it may come to their notice that a light is not burning, they report it. either at City Hall or to some member of the commit- tee. If the committee will take hold of the matter in earnest, as I have no doubt they will, I think we shall soon see a marked improvement in this respect. also reccommend that the lights be kept burning un- til daylight; and I think it should be done without
28
ANNUAL REPORTS.
extra cost to the city. There are several cities and towns obtaining their light at a lower rate than this city, and there is no reason why it cannot be furnish- ed here as low as anywhere.
If satisfactory terms cannot be made with the pre- sent company the city should invite competition, or else put in an electric plant of its own, either of which can be done, as the time for which the electric light company were granted the exclusive privilege of furnishing light in this city will soon expire.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The firemen of Newburyport have ever been ready to respond to the call of duty, and they deserve the thanks of all citizens for the faithful and efficient manner in which they perform their duties. The ser- vice which they render is largely gratuitous, for no one would suppose that the thirty dollars a year which each fireman receives would be sufficient pay for the work he is obliged to perform. As far as I know, the apparatus connected with the department is all in good order, and we have all the necessary appliances for extinguishing fires. I would recom- mend that a small amount of hose be purchased each year, so that we may always have a good supply on hand in case of need.
29
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
In regard to the fire alarm bell at the North-end, if the many experiments which have been made upon it since its arrival, and the long time taken by the committee to decide whether or not to accept it, is any citerion to go by, it certainly has not met their expectations. I would suggest that before it is ac- cepted the committee look into the matter thorough- ly, and if the bell is not just as represented and war- ranted, that the contracting parties be directed to re- move it.
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