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City of Hemburyport
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CITY OF NEWBURYPORT
CITY OFFICERS
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
AND THE
ANNUAL REPORTS
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT
TERRA MARIQUÉ MDCCCLI
TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FOR THE YEAR
190 D
NEWBURYPORT SQUIRE & SWAN, PRINTERS 190I
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE PRINTING COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF NEWBURYPORT
PAY DAYS
City Treasurer's Office, City Hall, \ January, 190I. -
Regular weekly pay day, Monday. Monthly pay day, first Thurs- day 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, 1901.
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.
OFFICE HOURS
MAYOR-From 9 a. m. to 11.30 a. m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri- days.
CITY CLERK-From 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. Saturdays, 9 a. m. to I p. mn.
CITY TREASURER AND COLLECTOR-From 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. Satur- days, 9 a. m. to I p. m. First Thursday evening after the first Monday, 7 to 9.
CLERK OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR-From 9 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 4 to 5 p. m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. From 9 a. m. to Io a. m. Wednesdays.
City Government and Officers --- 1900
MAYOR THOMAS HUSE Residence-69 Prospect street. Office-City Hall.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD-JAMES F. CARENS
Ward One
EBEN C. KNIGHT
31 Purchase street
Ward Two
JAMES F. CARENS
Ward Three
IO Garden street
Ward Four
144 High street
ARTHUR WITHINGTON
Ward Six
15 Woodland street At Large
ANDREW J. CASEY
812 Buck street Clerk of Board GEORGE H. STEVENS Assistant Clerk HENRY W. LITTLE
4 Milk street
IRVIN BESSE
WILLIAM G. FISHER
Ward Five
206 High street
ALBERT H. BECKFORD
6
ANNUAL REPORTS COMMON COUNCIL ARTHUR P. BROWN, President
Ward One
EDWARD W. TILTON SAMUEL, R. WELCH
40 Purchase street 20 Barton street
33 Bromfield street
Ward Two
CLARENCE J.FOGG .
33 Milk street
MOODY B. NOVES
53 Federal street
EDWARD A. HUSE
27 Milk street
Ward Three
ROBERT G. DODGE
ARTHUR P. BROWN
EDMUND M. DOW
71 High street 9 Orange street Parker street
Ward Four
WILLIAM BALCH
.
4 Washington street
PERCY B. JACKSON
15612 High street
RALPH BAILEY
. IO Market street
Ward Five
GEORGE W. HUSSEY
GEORGE O. ATKINSON
TIMOTHY HERLIHY
,
54 Warren street . 16712 Merrimac street
. 154 Merrimac street
Ward Six
HERBERT PATTEN JOHN M. CHASE
CHARLES E. IVES .
.
.
233 Merrimac street Curson Road
275 Merrimac street
Clerk of the Council THOMAS E. CUTTER
GEORGE P. GREENLEAF
.
.
7
CITY GOVERNMENT
JOINT STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FINANCE-The Mayor, ex-officio; Alderman Fisher; Councilmen Dodge, Huse, Jackson, Balch and Ives.
ACCOUNTS - Aldermen Beckford and Knight; Councilmen Dow, Jackson and Hussey.
PUBLIC PROPERTY-Mayor, ex-officio; Aldermen Knight, Beckford and Casey ; Councilmen Tilton, Fogg. Dow, Bailey, Atkinson and Patten.
ALMSHOUSE AND POOR-Aldermen Knight and Fisher ; Councilmen Dodge, Tilton, Herlihy, Chase and Atkinson.
FIRE DEPARTMENT-Aldermen Besse, Knight, Withington and Fisher ; Councilmien Noyes, Ives, Hussey, Jackson and Welch.
BRIDGES AND CULVERTS-Aldermen Casey and Fisher ; Councilmen Patten, Tilton and Fogg.
SAWYER FUND-Alderman Knight; Councilmen Chase and Green- leaf.
BROWN FUND-Alderman Fisher, Councilmen Greenleaf and Ives.
TODD FUND-Alderman Besse ; Councilmen Welch and Patten.
DEXTER AND ATWOOD FUNDS-Mayor, ex-officio ; City Treasurer, ex-officio ; President of Common Council, ex-officio.
PUBLIC INSTRUCTION - Mayor, ex-officio; Aldermen Withington and Fisher ; President of the Common Council, ex-officio; Council- men Tilton, Balch, Patten and Dodge.
CLAIMS-Aldermen Besse and Casey ; Councilmen Dow, Noyes and Chase.
ORDINANCES-Mayor, ex-officio ; Councilmen Fogg and Herlihy.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT-Mayor and Board of Aldermen; Council- men Greenleaf, Huse, Dodge, Balch, Herlihy and Chase.
FUEL-Aldermen Beckford and Fisher; Councilmen Hussey, Dodge and Herlihy.
LIGHTING STREETS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS-Aldermen Fisher and Besse; Councilmen Bailey, Hussey and Greenleaf.
PRINTING-Alderman Withington; Councilmen Huse and Atkinson.
WATER SUPPLY-Aldermen Withington and Fisher; Councilmen Welch, Ives and Balch.
SEWERAGE-Aldermen Besse and Casey ; Councilmen Jackson. Noyes and Welch.
S
ANNUAL REPORTS JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEE
SALARIES-Aldermen Casey and Fishier ; Councilmen Balch, Huse and Noyes.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN
POLICE-Mayor, ex-officio ; Aldermen Beckford and Withington.
ELECTIONS-Aldermen Besse, Casey and Beckford.
BROMFIELD FUND-Aldermen Knight, Besse and Casey.
PUTNAM AND ATKINSON FUNDS-Aldermen Fisher, Knight, and Besse.
LICENSES-Aldermen Beckford, Casey and Withington.
ENROLLED BILLS-Aldermen Kniglit, Beckford and Fisher.
FROTHINGHAM FUND-Alderinen Besse, Knight and Withington.
GREEN FUND-Aldermen Beckford, Casey and Knight.
TOPPAN FUND-Aldermen Withington, Besse and Fisher.
ABRAHAM WILLIAMS FUND-Aldermen Casey, Beckford and Besse.
WILLIAM O. MOSELEY FUND-Aldermen Knight, Beckford and Withington.
STATE AID AND MILITARY RELIEF-Aldermen Fisher, Knight and Casey.
MILITARY AFFAIRS AND ARMORY-Aldermen Beckford, Withington and Knight.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF COMMON COUNCIL
ELECTIONS AND RETURNS-Councilmen Huse, Noyes and Herlihy. ENROLLED BILLS-Councilmen Jackson, Fogg and Atkinson.
BILLS OF SECOND READING-Councilmen Dow, Bailey and Hussey.
9
CITY GOVERNMENT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Thomas Huse, ( Mayor) Chairman ex-officio.
William T. Humphreys, Vice-Chairman 56 Purchase street Office at City Hall
William P. Lunt, Superintendent and Secretary
Robert G. Allen, Truant Officer 25 Milk street
TERM TWO YEARS Ward One
William T. Humphreys (term expires 1901 ) 56 Purchase street
Richard G. Adams (term expires 1902)
70 Bromfield street
Ward Two
Prentiss H. Reed (term expires 1901) 55 Lime street
Elizabeth G. Porter (term expires 1902)
5 Beck street
Ward Three
George E. L. Noyes (term expires 1901 ) IOI State street
John F. Young (term expires 1902)
9 Fruit street
Ward Four
Samuel C. Beane (term expires ICOI )
6 Harris street
Clarence C. Day (term expires 1902)
8 Washington street
Ward Five
Oliver B. Merrill (term expires 1901) -- Monroe street
Warren W. Pillsbury (term expires 1902)
63 Washington street
Ward Six
John G. P. Thurlow (term expires 1901) 20 No. Atkinson street
Paul A. Merrill (term expires 1902) 24 Tyng street
BOARD OF ASSESSORS (Office-City Hall)
TERM THREE YEARS
William H. Huse, Chairman (terin expires Dec. 1900) 173 Merrimac st. George P. Sargent, Secretary (term expires Dec. 1902) 18 Fruit st. Willard A. Hatch (terms expires Dec. 1901) 62 Federal st.
IO
ANNUAL REPORTS
BOARD OF HEALTH
TERM THREE YEARS
John E. Bailey, Chairman (term expires Dec. 1900) Charles W. Page (term expires Dec. 1901)
6 Kent street 12 Horton street 8 Washington street
Clarence C. Day ( " .. " 1902) Agent of the Board George W. Knight Parker street
Clerk of the Board Charles W. Page
Inspector of Plumbing
12 Horton street
Charles H. Sargent
323 High street
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR
Thomas Huse ( Mayor) Chairman, ex-officio TERM THREE YEARS
L. W. Sargent, Vice-Chairman (term expires Dec. 1900) 280 Highi st William F. Houston (term expires Dec. 1901 ) 2 Harris street Benjamin F. Hathaway (term expires Dec. 1902) 50 Purchase street Clerk of the Overseers of the Poor William H. Bayley (Office-City Hall) 63 Bromfield street
BOARD OF REGISTRARS
George H. Stevens (City Clerk ) ex-officio 37 Kent street TERM THREE YEARS Nathaniel Greeley, Chairman (term expires Apr. 1901 37 Marlboro st Luther Carter (term expires April, 1900) II Kent street Benjamin G. Davis (term expires April, 1902) I Horton street
II
CITY GOVERNMENT
Board of Water Commissioners [Office-Bartlet street] TERM FIVE YEARS
Abram A. Crabtree [term expires May, 1901 ] Nathaniel Appleton [term expires May, 1900] Rudolph Jacoby [ term expires May, 1904] . 7 Orange street William F. Runnels [term expires May, 1903] 255 High street
I Garden street 126 High street
Charles H. Sargent [term expires May, 1902] · 323 High street
Harold S. Noyes, Secretary and Treasurer Charles H. Sargent, Acting Superintendent
Trustees of Simpson Fund Thomas Huse [ Mayor] ex officio Arthur P. Brown [ President of Common Council], ex-officio Thomas C. Simpson [term expires December, 1900]
Henry B. Little [term expires December, 1901 ] Treasurer and Clerk-James V. Felker [City Treasurer ]
Board of Park Commissioners TERM THREE YEARS Thomas Huse [ Mayor] ex-officio Arthur P. Brown [President of the Common Council ] ex-officio Orrin J. Gurney [termi expires December, 1901 ] Charles C. Stockman [term expires December, 1900]
Commissioners of Atkinson Common Thomas Huse [ Mayor ] ex-officio Arthur P. Brown [President of Common Council] ex-officio Alvah Hoyt [term expires April, 1901] Leonard W. Sargent [term expires April, 1903] Orlando F. Hatch [term expires April, 1902]
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ANNUAL REPORTS
Sinking Fund Commissioners Thomas Huse [ Mayor ] ex-officio
Arthur P. Brown, [ President of the Common Council], ex-officio
William H. Welch, [ City Auditor, ex-officio]
Philip H. Lunt, [ term expires 1901 ]
Henry B. Little, [term expires 1900]
Treasurer and Clerk -- James V. Felker, [City Treasurer ]
Liquor License Commissioners
Moses Brown, Chairman and Secretary, [term expires May, 1900] Jacob T. Rowe, [term expires May, 1902] William Holker, [term expires 1904]
Trustees Wheelwright Scientific Fund Thomas Huse, [ Mayor], ex-officio Robert Codinan, President
James E. Whitney, Treasurer
John W. Winder, Secretary
John W. Dodge Lawrence B. Cushing
City Clerk
George H. Stevens
37 Kent street Office-City Hall
Assistant City Clerk
Henry W. Little
45 Purchase street
Office-City Hall
City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes James V. Felker 12 Harris street Office-City Hall Clerk of City Treasurer-Joseph M. Greenough, jr.
I3
CITY GOVERNMENT
William H. Welch
City Auditor 24 Washington street Office-First National Bank City Solicitor
Horace I. Bartlett
Moseley avenue Office-25 State street
Frank H. Rundlett
City Messenger
78 Federal street Office-City Hall
Superintendent of Schools
William P. Lunt
19 Pond street
Office-City Hall
Superintendent of Highways
Charles M. Pritchard 17 Atwood street Office-Basement of Armory Building
Superintendent of Sewers
Francis Curtis
3 Park street
City Physician
Ernest H. Noyes 12 Essex street
Superintendent of Old and New Hill Burying Grounds Alfred Gurney 262 Merrimac street
Chief Engineer Fire Department
20 Purchase street Hiram H. Landford
Superintendent Fire Alarm Telegraph Hiram H. Landford 20 Purchase street
Superintendent of Wires
Hiram H. Landford
20 Purchase street
14
ANNUAL REPORTS
Librarian Public Library
John D. Parsons
192 High street
Office-Public Library
Superintendent Public Reading Room
Martha P. Lunt
19 Pond street
NEWBURYPORT POLICE FORCE
City Marshal Frank L. Lattime-(Office Central Police Station) 13212 Water street
Assistant City Marshal John L. McLean Captain of the Watch Patrick Creeden
William Gillis
Day Officers
Lemuel Hicken
Night Patrolmen
Seth Young Joseph H. Post Philip H. Creasey
Henry C. Tate
William H. Woodman
George W Lattime
Fred'k A. E. Hodgkins
Charles W. Wells
George J. Ross
James F. Murphy
Constables
Patrick Creeden John J. Bryan
Frank H. Rundlett
John Burke
Frank L. Lattime Robert G. Allen
Deputy Collectors of Taxes
Samuel A. Bridges
Fred H. South
Inspector of Buildings Hiram H. Landford
Inspector of Animals and Provisions
George W. Knight
I5
CITY GOVERNMENT
Harbor Master Nathan D. Rodigrass
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Edward Donahue, jr.
Office-Inn street
Moses H. Rolfe
Measurers of Grain Charles B. Knight O. S. Page
Frank W. Landford
Henry P. Rolfe
Dennis Healey
Inspector of Milk and Vinegar
George W. Knight
Office-City Hall
Gangers
Hiram P. Macintosh
Orlando F. Hatch
Charles L. Perkins
Gideon C. Webster
George E. Currier
William S. Coffin
William H. Morse
Leonard W. Sargent
Thomas F. Corey Edward Perkins
Edgar Ross
Chas. W. H. Jackman Alexander G. Perkins
Edward G. Perkins
Ezra Lunt
Joseph Langevin
Fred B. Morse
George W. Hussey
Willard A. Hatch, 2d
Weighers of Coal, Hay and Other Merchandise
Charles W. Nelson
Edward Donahue,
William S. Coffin
Harry W. Bailey
Lawrence Whalen
John J. Collins
Fred L. Atkinson
Jere Healey
James Conley
James R. Conley
Herbert S. Noyes
Fred L. Macintosh
Edward E. Varina
Fred B. Fanning
James Joy
William Conley
John L. Noyes
Walter E. Atkinson
Jackson Greenaway
John Collins
Alonzo C. Pearson
Rudolph Jacoby
John H. Balch, jr.
Joseph L. Jacoby
Frank A. Bray
Edward Donahue, jr. Leonard W. Coker
Burton I. Gerrish Annie Healey
Abram Seaman John J. Beaton
Robert A. Rodigrass
John Sullivan
George D. Bruce
Charles A. Morse
Henry Kelley
Moody B. Noyes
William F. Pearson Henry Mullens
Louis A. Sloman
Albert W. Hopkinson
William S. Coffin
Surveyors of Lumber
16
ANNUAL REPORTS
Field Drivers
Jeremiah S. Parker
Nathan A. Massey
Pound Keepers
Pound No. I Auburn street ·
·
Pourd No. 2 Wesley street . .
Measurers of Wood and 'Bark
John H. Balclı, jr
Fred L. Atkinson
John Collins
John L. Noyes
Fred B. Fanning Jolın J. Collins
Jere Healey William S. Coffin
Joseph Woods
Frank A. Bray
Charles A. Pearson
Charles W. Nelson
C. W. H. Jackman
Jackson Greenaway
Measurers of Charcoal
Fred L. Atkinson
Jolın H. Balch, jr.
John L. Noyes
Jere Healey
William S. Coffin
Weighers and Measurers of City Fuel
Leonard W. Coker William S. Coffin Charles W. Nelson
Edward Donahue
Inspector of Coal Baskets William S. Coffin
Fence Viewers
Dexter W. Nutting
Laurens C. Emery
Measurer of Upper Leather
Luther Carter
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CITY GOVERNMENT
MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL FIRST AND THIRD 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 last Monday of each month
Monday Evening - School Committee, Lighting Streets, etc .; Bridges and Culverts.
Tuesday Evening-Public Property ; Overseers of the Poor.
Wednesday Evening-Highway ; Police.
Thursday Evening-Fire Department ; Sewerage ; Printing. Friday Evening-Accounts.
First Thursday afternoon after first Monday of each month-State Aid, Military Aid and Soldiers' Relief.
3
·
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
Hon. THOMAS HUSE
DELIVERED JANUARY 1, 1900
Gentlemen of the City Council :
To-day the care and management of the affairs of our city, for the year 1900, have been placed in our custody by the people who hold us responsible for our official acts We should therefore put forth our best efforts to transact the city's business in a careful and business-like manner.
FINANCES
I will first call your attention to the city's financial con- dition.
A recent examination of the books of the city treasurer, shows the present debt of the city is $289,566.47, which is $88,720.01 less than the debt of 1898. Also, that all the city notes have been placed, at a very low rate of interest,
20
. ANNUAL REPORTS
and unless something unusual occurs an excellent showing will be made at the end of the current year.
SCHOOLS
I have heard no complaint in regard to the management or condition of our schools during the past year, and I be- lieve they are maintaining the excellent reputation they have always sustained in the past.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Our fire department, which has always been a source of pride to our citizens, has again demonstrated that it is one of the very best.
The work of the department at all fires during the past year has been most prompt and efficient and has reflected great credit on all its officers and members.
The running expenses of the department have been kept down to the minimum; but additions, improvements, ne- cessary repairs to the fire alarm system and an increase in the pay of the firemen, have made a larger annual appro- priation necessary.
A careful examination shows that in order to keep the department up to a proper standard, and that it may be thoroughly equipped for efficient service it will be neces- sary to purchase 1500 feet of leading hose.
During the past year 1000 feet of hose burst while in use at fires, and at a trial test 500 feet burst at a water pressure of less than 65 pounds.
21
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
POLICE DEPARTMENT
This department is in good condition and has accom- plished a large amount of work at a small cost to the city. For the details of the work during the past year I refer you to the report of the city marshal.
The appropriation for this department was nearly $2000 less the past year than in 1898, and an undrawn balance of $531.33 remained in the city treasury at the end of 1899.
The officers are as a whole efficient and have performed their duty satisfactorily, but owing to the large increase in population at the extreme ends of the city I have decided to nominate two additional patrolmen.
POOR DEPARTMENT
The expenditures in this department during the past year have been very large for a city of this size.
. Estimating our population to be 15,000, the expense of maintaining this department has been $1.26 1-2 per capita ; but deducting the amount paid out in caring for insane persons the cost would be 72 I-2 cents per capita.
Caring for the insane in 1899 cost this city $8, 113, and as four new patients were taken to the Asylum last month the expense will probably be increased this year.
Although the expense for caring for the insane is paid for by the overseers of the poor and comes out of the city's treasury, yet it is a matter entirely beyond their control from the fact that the charges are fixed by the statutes of the commonwealth.
I have examined the accounts of this department and am satisfied that its officers are doing all they can to prevent improper persons from drawing aid from the city treasury.
22
ANNUAL REPORTS
HIGHWAYS AND SIDEWALKS
This department has always been severely criticised and I expect it will continue to be.
Some of the criticism is born of ignorance, some of mal- ice and some because the superintendent of streets has been unable to carry out the whims of some persons who have become possessed of the idea that the appropria- tion for highways was intended for their exclusive benefit.
But when we see work laid out the cost of which would exceed $60,000, and the amount appropriated for such work is only $12,000, any intelligent person knows that it is beyond the power of any man to indulge the whims of such people.
No one will deny that good streets and sidewalks are very desirable and add materially to the comfort and hap- piness of our citizens.
Superintendent Pritchard and those working under him are entitled to great praise for the large amount of good work done by them on the streets during the past year and under the most trying circumstances.
The work of building good road beds, and sidewalks with suitable edgestones, must be continued each year until all our streets are in a first class condition.
CITY ENGINEER
Before any steps are taken towards creating an official to be known as city engineer I hope the matter will be thor- oughly investigated and the duties which he is to perform well defined ; also, that it will be conclusively shown that such action will result in a decided improvement over the present condition of affairs.
23
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
From the best information I can get regarding the en- ployment of such an official, I am of the opinion that he is an expensive luxury which a city of this size cannot maintain.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
The general conditions of the public property of the city has not materially changed since last year ; but need of proper accommodations for the school children below State street, the necessity of building a new house for Hose 7, improving the seating and lighting arrangements and general improvements and repairs in the auditorium at City Hall, are matters upon which you will be called upon to exercise your best judgment. In addition to the above, the expediency of building a new police station will demand your attention.
In connection with this matter, I will state for your in- formation, that with alderman Carens, architect Bailey and city marshal Lattime, I visited the police stations in several cities, and as a result of our investigations, we de- cided, that if the city council deemed it advisable to build a police station on the vacant lot of land in the rear of the City Hall, the same could be done at a cost not exceeding $10,000. Plans for the building, including a room for holding the police court, were furnished by Mr. Bailey and are now on file.
With this end in view alderman Carens introduced an order transferring to the sinking fund $3000 appropriated last year for repairs at the police station, and the same was unanimously adopted by both branches of the city council.
2.4
ANNUAL REPORTS
PLAY GROUND
In view'of the fact that it is almost impossible for the chil- dren of the south end of the city to engage in outdoor sports without violating state laws, city ordinances, or trespassing on the rights of private individuals, I recom- mend that a sufficient sum of money be appropriated for the purpose of purchasing a suitable playground for them.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
The public library has continued its beneficent work in the community with gratifying results. Many new vol- umes have been added, and our city can well pride itself on the possession of one of the finest libraries in the coun- try.
WATER QUESTION
The water case was heard in the United States circuit court on June 28, 29 and 30, 1899, upon the merits as to the constitutionality of the act under which the purchase of the plant by the city was made, and is now awaiting the decision of the judges.
STREET RAILROADS
The service furnished by the local street . railway com- panies has been greatly improved above State street, but I am sorry to state that the condition of affairs at the south end of the city is far from satisfactory.
The controversy relating to the replacing of the curve at the corner of State and Middle streets is now in the hands of the railroad commissioners, and a favorable de- cision is looked for.
25
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
In the year 1898 the legislature passed an act relative to street railways, materially modifying and changing the relations between street railways and municipal authori- ties.
This statute has proved in several respects to be unsat- isfactory, and the cause of more or less friction between the city and town officers and the managers of street rail- ways.
There has been particularly a great deal of trouble aris- ing from the indefinite provisions of that act as to whose duty it is to remove ice and snow from streets where street railways are located.
By the above mentioned act the powers and authority of city governments and other authorities over street rail- ways have also been much limited and restricted.
The board of public works of the city of Worcester in August last issued a circular letter to which a majority of the cities and towns answered that in their opinion some of the crooked places in the law should at least be made straight and other salutary amendments made.
Accordingly a meeting of the representatives of cities and towns interested in changing the existing law has been called to be held in Worcester on January, the fourth inst., to take action towards amending the law in such particulars as may be deemed wise and expedient.
I intend to be present at that meeting, and if it is the pleasure of the city council that the city should be further represented, action should be taken accordingly.
CONCLUSION
I have just a few words more to say in conclusion. We have solemnly promised to attend to the city's inter-
26
ANNUAL REPORTS
ests in a fair and impartial manner. Let us do our best to leave behind us at the end of the year a record which we can conscientiously point to with satisfaction and pride.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT, DEC. 1900.
To the City Council of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The Joint Standing Committee on Finance respect- fully submits the following statements and reports of the City Treas- urer and Collector and the City Auditor for the financial year ending December 15, 1900.
The books and accounts of the City Treasurer and Collector, have been examined, under direction of the committee, by the City Audi- tor and found by him to be correct and properly vouched.
For the Committee,
THOMAS HUSE, Chairman.
FIFTIETH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CITY AUDITOR
City of Newburyport Auditor's Office, Dec. 15, 1900.
TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE :
Gentlemen :- In conformity with the requirements of the city ordinances, I herewith submit the fiftieth annual report of the receipts and expenditures of the city of New- buryport for the financial year ending December 15, 1900, together with a statement of the city debt and debts due the city, and a schedule of the real and personal property belonging to the city. I have audited the books of the city treasurer and find them correct and properly vouched. I examined all securities belonging to the city in posses- sion of the treasurer, including the sinking fund invest- ments, and found the same properly accounted for. They are deposited for safe keeping in the vaults of the Mer- chants National Bank.
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