USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1872 > Part 1
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CITY OF SOMERVILLE
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CITY OF SOMERVILLE
ANNUAL REPORTS.
GIVES
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SOME
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FOUNDED 1842.
1872
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1872.
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BOSTON: W. F. BROWN & Co., PRINTERS, 1 873.
CITY STREN GT
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tack Ref. 352
56.9 1872
4798
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF THE
HON. GEORGE O. BRASTOW,
Jan. 1, 1872.
Gentlemen of the City Council :
In entering upon the duties assigned me by the very flattering vote of my fellow-citizens, the first impulse of my heart is to express my thanks for the honor which their confidence confers, and to acknowledge my full appreciation of the responsibility which it imposes upon me. The change from a town to a city form of govern- nent was regarded by the wise and good men who established our State, as of sufficient importance to be recognized and provided for in the Constitution of our Commonwealth.
For about two centuries after the settlement of the colony, the people of Massachusetts adhered without change to the town system of local government. In small communities the town organization is the most desirable and the best, because it is the most simple and the most democratic. It brings the people frequently together to consider and discuss all matters pertaining to their municipal welfare, and by them all such business is transacted in the town meeting. But where a town has increased in population beyond a certain limit, and its
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various public needs become more and more weighty and pressing, it is impossible for the people in the crowded town meeting, to give to all the questions which arise, that careful deliberation which their importance demands ; consequently a delegated or city form of government becomes a necessity. The real difference in the two forms of government is just this: In the town, the people act directly for themselves in " open town meeting; " in the city, the people elect certain officers to act for them. This change is entirely optional with the people them- selves. No town can be made a city unless its citizens desire the change.
The city charter of Somerville, granted by the last Legislature, has been voted upon and legally accepted, and a city form of government adopted by the people ; and to us, the City Council, they have delegated the public affairs of our new city. The Board of Aldermen and the Common Council, in the exercise of their various duties, hold to the City Government similar relative powers which the Senate and the House of Representa- tives do to the State Government; the upper branch being considered the conservative, and the lower branch the popular body.
Each branch in its action has a check upon the other ; and this feature, and the fact that every measure must pass through several stages of consideration before it is finally adopted, is a peculiarity of a city form of govern- ment as compared with that of a town, and furnishes ample security against hasty and inconsiderate action.
Upon us is imposed a great trust, and a weighty responsibility -to us the welfare of our beautiful and rapidly growing city is confided.
It is well that a divine blessing has been invoked for the future welfare of our city, and it was fitting that a
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thank offering was rendered for the past prosperity of our town.
· I congratulate you and I congratulate our fellow- citizens that this change in our municipal government, which is the most important event in our history, is made under circumstances so promising and so encouraging.
THE TOWN DEBT.
The present debt of the town, including the water bonds issued, is five hundred and ninety-three thousand three hundred and forty-nine dollars ($593,349), and the last assessed valuation of its public property is six hundred and sixty thousand dollars ($660,000).
GROWTH OF THE TOWN.
The growth and increase in population and taxable property in Somerville, and her progress in all that tends to improve and elevate a community, has been constant and rapid, from its incorporation as a town in 1842 to the present time. Its beginning was small and humble, and the contrast between its then " day of small things," and its present vigorous proportion, is most striking. At the time of its incorporation the population of the town was only one thousand and thirteen (1,013); to-day our pop- ulation is fully sixteen thousand (16,000). In 1842 the assessed value of taxable property of the town was nine hundred and eighty-eight thousand five hundred and thirteen dollars ($988,513); in 1871 it was fifteen mil- lion seven hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars ($15,775,000). The whole amount of money raised by taxation in 1842 was four thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars ($4,750); in 1871 the amount was two hundred and sixty thousand four hundred and sixty
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dollars and ninety-five cents ($260,460.95). In 1842 there were but four schools and four teachers in Somer- ville; to-day there are fifty-two schools and sixty-five teachers. The whole amount of money appropriated for the support of schools in 1842 was eighteen hundred dollars ($1,800) ; the amount appropriated the last year for the same purpose was fifty-nine thousand four hundred dollars ($59,400). When incorporated as a town, and for two years subsequent thereto, there was not a church edifice within our corporate limits, nor did there exist a religious society distinct from former parish connections ; to-day there are eleven church edifices, with as many distinct organized religious societies. It will be seen from this brief enumeration, that our public schools have been one of our most popular and cherished institutions, and always in advance of our progress in wealth and popula- tion. They have ever stood high on the public record ; and for several years, Somerville has ranked number one in the whole list of towns and cities in the Commonwealthı, judged by the amount of money appropriated for each scholar. That the high character of our schools has contributed much toward the rapid and vigorous growth of our town there can be no doubt. They were never as a whole in a more satisfactory condition than at the present time ; and I venture but little when I pledge in the name of myself and my associates, that they shall not be permitted to recede from their present high position, from any lack of judicious fostering care on the part of our new City Government.
THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.
The removal within a few days, of the scholars of the high school, from the building occupied by them in past years, to the new and elegant edifice just being completed,
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will leave the old high school building unoccupied and subject to such use as you may direct. I respectfully recommend that it be set apart for a City Hall, and used for the purposes of the City Government. With few alterations and small expense, it can be made to afford ample and convenient accommodations for all our wants for several years to come. If this recommendation meets the approval of the City Council, I would suggest that the necessary alterations be at once made, and that they include a thoroughly fire-proof vault, sufficiently large for the safe keeping of the town as well as city records, the preservation of which must forever be of incalculable importance.
THE STREETS.
The proper care of our streets should, and I have no doubt will, receive that attention at your hands which their importance demands. At the present time they are generally in better condition than usual ; especially is this the fact in regard to the main thoroughfares. In a city making such rapid growth as ours, and where individual interests and enterprise are constantly opening new streets, the question of accepting and maintaining them by the city is one of daily increasing importance, and will require the exercise of our best judgment in order that the interests of the city and of individual citizens may be alike properly regarded. In this connection I would recommend that a careful attention be given to the provisions of the betterment act, which have so much importance and such salutary bearing upon the question of laying out new streets and the altering of old ones ; as they have also in regard to drainage and the construc- tion of sewers. These two subjects are so intimately con- nected that it is hardly possible, nor is it desirable, to
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separate them. With so much presenting itself which requires early attention, and while so little can be accom- plished in one year, it is impossible but that individuals must be more or less annoyed by temporary delays ; and there will be much less difficulty in deciding what ought to be done than in determining what can best be deferred for a brief season. When and where reasonably practica- ble, without imposing too heavy taxation upon the people, the want of public improvement surely ought not to retard private enterprise ; nor should the waiting patience of individuals be unreasonably taxed.
I trust that by constant vigilance on your part, by reasonably liberal appropriations of money, judiciously and prudently expended, the work of public improvement will be sure and constant, and the just hopes and expec- tations of our citizens be fully realized.
STREET RAILWAYS.
Closely connected with the matter of streets and high- ways, are the street railroads which pass through our municipal thoroughfares. They were originally con- structed of the T rail on the side of the streets ; but having in the judgment of the citizens become practically the cause of too much inconvenience, they were last summer removed from Milk, Washington and Elm streets, and new tracks were constructed in the centre of the streets, with flat rails, and thoroughly paved. This change has proved most beneficial and satisfactory to our people. The same change should be made on Broadway, and I recommend the application of all proper means for its speedy accomplishment. In the matter of common sewers it is your duty to carry out what has been begun, and of perfecting the present system. A considerable extent of sewerage has been constructed, and, so far as I know, the
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plan has been proper, and the work well done. You will judge whether any improvements can be made upon the existing plan, and if so you will adopt them.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Our Fire Department is, as it has been for many years, in a most efficient and satisfactory condition, and is re- garded by our people with feelings of just and honest pride, not only for the services it has rendered, but for the manly conduct and bearing of its officers and men.
For the toils, hardships and dangers which firemen encounter, their greatest reward, next to an approving conscience, is in the knowledge, that their labors are properly appreciated by their fellow citizens : and in both these respects, I am sure the Somerville firemen have been richly rewarded. The proper maintenance and encouragement of this indispensible organization is in your keeping.
THE WATER WORKS.
The comfort and convenience of a large proportion of our people have been much enhanced by the intro- duction of the Mystic water. More than twenty-eight miles of pipe is laid in our streets, with one hundred and forty-six fire hydrants connected therewith, and ju- diciously distributed over our territory. The former ap- propriations for the Water Works have been expended, and the responsibility of their further extension, and of making the requisite appropriation therefor, devolves upon you.
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The Police Department of Somerville has increased in numbers and efficiency with our increase in population
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and wealth, until it has become of great interest and importance. In my judgment the force is well organ- ized, and the members generally vigilant and faithful to their trust. In every large community a well organized Police is indispensible for the protection of persons and property, and for the maintenance of good order; and although strong by being clothed with the authority of law, its usefulness and efficiency depends much upon the personal character and manly deportment of its individ- ual members, and upon the moral support and sympathy of the citizens, of whose lives and property they are the constant protectors and guardians.
THE SANITARY CONDITION OF THE CITY.
Upon the Health Department rests a great responsi- bility. It is charged with duties which immediately effect the comfort and well-being of every citizen. Inti- mately connected with this department is a matter of great importance, and one which demands judicious con- sideration and efficient action. I allude to the nuisance in Miller's River, caused by an accumulation of filth which covers a large area of flats which are bare at low water. These flats are partly in Somerville and partly in Cambridge, the river being the boundary line be- tween the two cities for a considerable distance, and both are equally responsible for the nuisance. During the "heated term" of last summer, when the tide was out, the, stench from these flats was most offensive. The Selectmen of Somerville and the City Government of Cambridge sought by united and harmonious action to improve the condition of this locality. The aid of the State Board of Health was sought, and stringent rules were adopted for the prevention of further corruption of the water; but in the judgment of the authorities
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of Cambridge and Somerville, and of the State Board of Health - nothing short of the filling the flats with sand or gravel could cure the existing evil; and such filling cannot be undertaken without permission from the Legislature.
I know you will heartily unite with the authorities of Cambridge in procuring the needed legislation, and in devising the best and most speedy mode for abating the nuisance, and thereby reclaiming a large extent of worth- less territory to valuable building land. The improvement contemplated, embraces the construction by the two cities, of a large box sewer of sufficient size to conduct off all the water of the stream, and to serve the purpose for drainage for quite an extent of both localities.
With the requisite legislation granted, it is hoped and expected that the several owners of the flats will at once enter upon the work of filling, and that without any unreasonable delay this great improvement will be accom- plished. Of course it will take time to complete these improvements, and the people realizing and acknowledg- ing the fact that the work of a year cannot be accom- plished in a day, must endeavor for awhile to cultivate the virtue of patience.
THE CARE OF THE POOR.
The services of the board of Overseers of the Poor, which in the earlier history of our town were hardly required, are now, and have been of late years of much importance in relieving the wants of the destitute and needy. The people will require of their servants that this class be kindly cared for, that necessary aid be cheerfully, not grudgingly bestowed ; that none among us shall suffer from want of the necessaries of life, and that no child be kept from school from want of proper
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clothing. \The Board of Soldiers' Relief have a most sacred duty to perform. The sick and needy of our returned soldiers, who endured hardships and privations, and periled their lives for the preservation of our National Government, are worthy objects of our favor and solici- tude. The people of Somerville, who, in the time of their country's need, exhibited so much liberality in encourag- ing enlistments, and in caring and providing for the wants and comforts of her men in the field and their families at home, will never consent that one of them shall suffer from want, or that he or any one of his family shall ever be classed or treated as a pauper; and espec- ially will they require that the families of our fallen heroes shall be regarded with the most tender care. If the oc- casion permitted, I would gladly say more in regard to the part which our people took in promoting enlistments and furnishing volunteers for the war; but a single state- ment of Gen. Wm. Schouler, in the second volume of his most valuable " History of Massachusetts in the Civil War," must suffice. After speaking of the great liberality of our people, both men and women, he says: “Somer- ville furnished eleven hundred and thirty-five men for the war, which was a surplus of one hundred and forty- seven over and above all demands." That statement stands as the proud record of our town, when its popula- tion was much less than at present, and that record will forever stand as enduring proof of the patriotism and liberality of its people, who, by their devotion to the public welfare, have in the years that have passed been steadily laying the sure foundation of our city, which is destined at no distant day, to rank favorably among the older cities of our Commonwealth.
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FINIS.
Gentlemen of the retiring Board of Selectmen : I cannot let the occasion of entering upon my term of official ser- vice pass without expressing to you my appreciation of the magnitude and importance of your public duties during the past year ; and also my high appreciation of the fidelity with which those duties have been discharged. In thus expressing to you my own judgment, and my own feelings, I am sure I am but giving utterance to the sentiments of all our citizens who have had opportunity to know and judge of your official action. The faithful manner in which the duties of a long line of town officers have always been performed has been most creditable to them, and most satisfactory to an appreciative. public ; and I congratulate you that in retiring from public service you carry with you the confidence, the esteem, and the best wishes of our entire community.
Gentlemen of the City Council : The people of Somerville, always confiding and liberal, are ever watchful and exact- ing in regard to all matters pertaining to the public good ; and while they will justify liberal appropriations for the welfare of the city, they will exact . of its Government zealous devotion to its various duties, and a judicious economy in the expenditures of the public money. Let us see to it that no duty be neglected, and that not a dollar be wasted !
. TREASURER'S
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
FINANCIAL CONDITION
OF THE
CITY OF SOMERVILLE,
AND THE
RECEIPTS AND . DISBURSEMENTS;
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR
1872.
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CITY OF SOMERVILLE,
TREASURER'S OFFICE, FEB. 24, 1873.
To the Hon. the Mayor and the
City Council of the City of Somerville,
GENTLEMEN :
In compliance with a requirement of the City Ordin- ances, the undersigned has the honor to present the fol- lowing statement of the FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE CITY at the close of, and an account of the RECEIPTS AND DIS- BURSEMENTS during, the year 1872.
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE CITY. Public Property.
The value of the property of the City at the com- mencement of the year as appears by a "Statement of the Financial Condition of the Town of Somerville, De- cember 30, 1871," was $649,570.26. The valuation of much of the property comprised in this statement, was from an appraisal of an earlier date; and an inventory taken at the present time would, therefore, give an en- hanced value to much of the property. The value of the property acquired during the past year was $81,- 697.51; making as the total of "Public Property " at the present time $731,267.77, as will be seen by Table A, appended hereto.
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The items of the increase the past year are as fol- lows: -
City Hall - for heating apparatus, fire-proof vault, plumbing, gas pipes and fixtures, and win- dow screens, . $4,549 80
for furniture, 3,457 24
Fire Department - for hose-carriage for steamer,
valued by Chief Engineer at 1,000 00
for horse for Winter Hill hose-carriage, 375 00
School Contingent - for additional furniture, . 4,700 00
High School-house - additional to amount expend- ed in 1871, 10,213 29 · Edgerly School-house - additional to amount ex- pended in 1871, . 451 38
City Stables - additional to amount expended in 1871, . 209 10
Winter Hill Hose-house - additional to amount ex- pended in 1871, . 5,298 51
Hose-house in Ward 4 - cost of land, 3,184 86
School-house in Beach Street, - cost of Chapel and land, purchased for school purposes, . 5,000 00
Somerville Water Works - additional construction, 43,288 33
Amounting to
$81,727 51
Less safe disposed of, valued by estimate, at
30 00
Making the increase as before stated, $81,697 51
Funded Debt.
The debt of the City in bonds and notes, at the com- mencement of the year amounted to $593,349.00. The increase of the funded debt, the past year, was $50,005 .- 00; making the total of "Funded Debt" at the present time $643,354.00.
By authority of the City Council, bonds of the City have been issued and disposed of, the past year, to the
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amount of $172,500.00: of this sum $122,495.00 was applied to the payment of so much of the debt as be- came due during the year; leaving the increase, as be- fore stated, $50,005.00, which was mainly for the exten- sion of the Water Works and the erection of a Hose- house in Ward 4.
At the commencement of the year a part of the City debt was in bonds and a part in notes : for such of the latter as would not mature during the year, bonds of cor- responding amounts, payable at nearly even dates with the notes, have been substituted, by authority of the City Council; the only variation in dates having been the dat- ing of the bonds on the first day of July or October, in- stead of, as was the case with the notes, a few days prior or subsequent thereto. One advantage in dating all bonds on the first day of January, April, July or Octo- ber, is, the uniformity in time at which the semi-annual interest will become due; to the obvious convenience of whomsoever may be called upon to provide for its pay- ment. The entire "Funded Debt" of the City, as will be seen by Table B, is now in bonds.
Authority has been given by the Committee on Fi- nance, for a further increase of the funded debt, by the issue of "Sidewalk" bonds for $30,000.00 of the 100,- 000.00 authorized by the City Council; and also, - mak- ing provision for the purchase of the Chapel and land on Beach street, - a bond for $5,000.00. The stringency in the money market has rendered it impossible to nego- tiate these bonds at a satisfactory rate of interest, and the money has been borrowed temporarily. The disposal of these bonds at some future day, while it will increase the "Funded Debt," will also reduce, correspondingly, "Tem- porary Loans," and therefore not disturb the aggregate indebtedness of the City.
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Available Assets.
The assets of the City, other than the public property already alluded to, amount to $139,776.67, as will be seen by Table C.
Unfunded Liabilities.
The liabilities of the City, other than the funded debt, amount to $161,439.88, as will be seen by Table D.
Property & Debt Balance.
The total assets of the City exceed the entire liabili- ties $66,250.56 as will be seen by Table E.
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS.
Receipts.
The receipts from all sources have been $784,371.66, as will be seen by Table F.
Disbursements.
The aggregate disbursements have been $779,467.86, as will be seen by Table G.
The excess of receipts over disbursements was $4,903 .- 80; this sum being a part of the available assets at the close of the year, as in Table C.
The excess of appropriations for current expenses, over the expenditures therefor, was $1,513.25 to the credit of Excess & Deficiency account, as will be seen by Table H.
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In addition to the appropriations for current expenses and for the State and County taxes, there was appro- priated for the extension of the Water Works, $40,000 ; for the Construction of Sidewalks, $100,000; for the purchase of the Baptist Chapel, $5,000; and for the erec- tion of a Hose House in Ward 4, $10,000. The unex- pended balances of these appropriations are, Sidewalks $66,837.89 ; Hose House in Ward 4, $6,815.14, as in Table D.
Respectfully submitted.
AARON SARGENT,
Treasurer.
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Table A.
PUBLIC PROPERTY, DECEMBER 31, 1872.
Central Hill Land, (13 acres, 1,603.6 feet)
$66,108 99
City Hall, $12,049 80
Furniture, .
4,247 24
- $16,297 04
Steam Fire Engine House, $20,576 31
Steam Fire Engine and Apparatus, 6,000 00
Steam Fire Engine Hose Carriage and Apparatus,
4,500 00
- $31,076 31
High School-house,
$59,919 45
Furniture,
3,300 00
Philosophical Apparatus,
500 00
$63,719 45
Prescott School-house Land (21,444 feet)
and Building, $42,650 00
Furniture,
3,050 00
$45,700 00
Prospect Hill School-house Land (25,313
feet) and Building, $12,600 00
Furniture,
1,650 00
$14,25 00
Forster School-house Land (32,693 feet)
and Building, $43,100 00
Furniture,
1,900 00
$45,000 00
Morse School-house Land (29,109 feet) and Building, $28,885 89
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