USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1876 > Part 1
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THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
SOMERVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
CA'
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http://archive.org/details/annualreportofci1876some
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CITY OF SOMERVILLE
ANNUAL REPORTS.
GIVES
DO
SOMERVILLE
FREE
FOUNDED 1842.
NAL
MUNICIPAL MI
IN
ESTABLISHED
A CITY 1872. STRENGT
1876.
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SOMERVILLE : SOMERVILLE JOURNAL PRESS. 1877.
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Stack Ref. 352 569 1876
ADDRESS OF MAYOR BELKNAP.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL: -
With profound gratitude for the unanimity with which the citizens of Somerville have conferred upon me this important trust, I enter upon the duties pertaining to it, fully conscious of my inability to discharge them successfully, without the cordial support and earnest co-operation of my fellow-citizens.
While I sincerely regret that I cannot give them greater ability in return for their generous confidence, they may rest assured, that, so far as lies in my power, they shall have an honest and faithful administration of the government.
In receiving this honorable trust of our fellow-citizens it is becoming us to be sincerely grateful to Divine Providence, for the continued blessings of health, peace, and general prosperity within our city.
In discharging the first duty which the city charter imposes upon me, I shall briefly ask your attention to some of the leading subjects which will demand your investigation the present year.
The importance of a general knowledge of the condition of the finances, to those who have the practical management of our munici- pality, renders it necessary that you should have a more explicit statement of their condition than can be given at this time, and for such statistical information you are referred to the report of the · City Treasurer.
It is due to the retiring members of the city government to say that they have labored earnestly to leave the business of the city so conditioned, as not to embarrass the incoming administration.
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FINANCES.
The gross debt at the close of the year was $1,571,854, includ- ing the water debt of $295,000. Increase over last year, $152,000. Value of public property, $1,438,000.
The amount of the floating debt is about equal to the amount of taxes and assessments due the city.
Of the public debt, there will mature the present year $181,000, some portion of which should be liquidated at maturity, if it can be done without neglecting other important interests.
The entire amount of taxable property by the assessors' valua- tion of 1875 is $31,317,000.
In making a statement showing the indebtedness of the city in comparison with the value of public property, there is a liability to mislead the public. It really matters very little to the tax-payers what estimated value is put upon the public property ; for we have no rentals of importance, and no considerable portion of it can ever be used in liquidation of the city indebtedness.
On the subject of municipal indebtedness, the Legislature of 1875 passed an act, No. 209 General Laws, entitled “ An Act to regu- late Municipal Indebtedness." It seems to have been passed to enable the people to keep themselves from spending their own money. If this law remains upon the statute books of the Com- monwealth another year, it will be necessary to carry out its provisions. I would recommend a careful perusal of it, so that members may be prepared to act understandingly should occasion require.
ASSESSMENT OF TAXES.
Perhaps the most difficult and delicate duty that devolves upon any department is the assessment of taxes. The people of this country have been sensitive on this subject from its earliest his- tory ; and in this direction time seems to have wrought no change. .
The assessors are directed by the government to collect a certain sum of money on the property of the citizens, and to make the appropriation as equal as possible. The government finds a line of
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current expenses to be provided for, to which add for public im- provements such sums as may be deemed expedient, and these make the sum to be assessed.
This sum total may be larger or smaller, depending upon the amount expended on improvements, which are usually made in compliance with the request of the petitioners, who are the people to be taxed.
The remedy lies in the hands of the people. Petitions are pre- sented for the grading of streets, setting of edgestones, laying of brick sidewalks, construction of sewers, or the erection of public buildings ; the petitioners are of course in favor of the object, or they would not sign the petition. It is referred to its appropriate committee. Notice is given, through the papers, of the time and place of a hearing to be given, when those opposed to the prayer of the petitioners may have an opportunity to be heard ; no one appearing to object, the prayer is granted, and the expense of car- rying out the measure is added to the tax of the current year, or to the public debt.
High valuation of real estate has been a fruitful source of com- plaint in our city during the past year. The belief is quite general that it is taxed for more than its market value. This question is of general interest to the people, and they have a right to expect their expressed wishes will be regarded. It is plain to be seen that if personal property is taken at its market value, and real estate is taken above, injustice is done to the real-estate owner.
SCHOOLS.
The importance of education cannot well be overestimated. The perpetuity of our republican institutions depends upon the intelli- gence and virtue of the people. These are not synonymous terms, for one may exist without the other. Prison statistics show that nearly three fourths of the inmates of those institutions come from among the ignorant as well as the vicious classes. That " idleness leads to vice " is an old maxim, and is as trite as it is true.
The young pupil being assigned a definite duty is occupied in its performance, and is thus kept from idleness and vice. The text-
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books of our schools are selected with especial reference to their moral influence, as well as for the improved method of imparting instruction. Under these influences the child grows in knowledge and in goodness, and at maturity steps on the stage of life with thoughts clear, and principles of action well established on a sound basis ; for the mind, like the body, grows by what it feeds upon.
Somerville has always been liberal in her school appropriations, and her schools have for many years ranked with the best in the State.
The appropriation for schools for 1875 was $86,000. Number of teachers, 86 ; number of pupils in High School, 210; in the other schools, 3,498. Total, 3,708.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Continues its hold upon public interest, as will be seen by the num- ber of books taken out during the year. Number this year, 43,498 ; last year, 35,087 ; increase over last year, 8,411 ; number of books in the library, 5,228.
The Trustees have taken great pains to place before the reading public such books as will entertain and edify the patrons, and will elevate the reader in the scale of social, moral, and intellectual excellence.
The room accommodations have been too limited for the full realization of all the benefits that naturally flow from this source. By a recent enlargement of its apartments, books can be delivered with greater facility, and a reading-room is to be connected with the library, which will very much increase its usefulness.
HIGHWAYS.
Good streets are an essential element in the general prosperity of any town or city, especially in the immediate vicinity of Boston, where the inhabitants of that city are likely to ride for pleasure, and where they may be prompted to seek homes, that they may enjoy the luxury of driving over well-kept streets.
Prompt and constant attention should be given to general repairs on the streets and thoroughfares that have been laid out, accepted,
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and graded by the city ; that they may invite rather than repel travel, and that there shall be no waste of public money by delay- ing repairs until the cost of making them shall be increased beyond that resulting from the actual wear and tear of public travel.
The policy of opening streets through private property, at the public expense, for the purpose of bringing land into the market at an enhanced value, is of doubtful expediency, and should not be pursued in the present condition of the city finances.
Streets that have been opened by the abutters, laid out at a proper width, and graded by them in a satisfactory condition, and where dwellings have been erected and occupied, and where the con- venience of those living on the street, and of public travel requires their acceptance, with proper assurances from the abutters that on account of such acceptance and grading no damages will be claimed by them, such streets are recommended to your favorable consider- ation when petitions for their acceptance are presented.
Street appropriation, $85,000.
STREET LIGHTS
Make a city more cheerful, and give additional security to trav- ellers. The thief and the assassin seek the cover of darkness to conceal their evil deeds. When we remember that, but for these lights, we must grope our way about the city in darkness one third of the twenty-four hours of each day, we realize that they are the cheapest luxuries that can be obtained.
Appropriation, $8,500. Number gas lights, 274; oil do., 20. Number of lamp-posts erected in 1875, 19, -gas, 15 ; oil, 4.
SEWERS.
The introduction of Mystic water rendered necessary some com- prehensive system of sewerage, and as the water is extended into new sections of our city, sewerage must follow as its counterpart.
It is a matter of regret that some general system of sewerage has not been adopted by Boston and its vicinity, of which Somer- ville is a part, that will fully meet all the requirements of the present and future. This subject is receiving the attention of some
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of our scientific men, who will doubtless, at no very distant day, report a plan that will meet the combined wants of all the towns and cities in this vicinity. Drainage is much needed in West Somerville. You will probably be asked to continue the Beacon Street sewer to some point in that locality. Appropriations for 1875, $20,000.
WATER.
The public health as well as the convenience of the inhabitants and the safety of their property requires the general introduction of pure water in such an abundance as to meet all the demands of the people.
Total amount of distribution pipe laid in the streets to Dec. 31, 1875, 42 miles, 2,608 ft. Laid in 1875, 1 mile, 2,307 ft. Num- ber of hydrants, 236. During the year 1875, 286 service pipes have been laid, measuring 2 miles, 696 ft. Total cost of water works to Dec. 31, 1875, $320,672.08.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
This department is reported as being in good condition. The members are working together harmoniously, and the apparatus is generally in a satisfactory state.
It consists of one steam fire engine, five horse hose carriages, and one hook and ladder carriage. Reserve for relief purposes, one old horse hose carriage, and a hook and ladder carriage. There are 4,900 feet of hose fit for use.
The working force consists of 79 men, including the Board of Engineers. The fire-alarm telegraph is in order, and is working satisfactorily. The number of alarms within the city limits during the year have been 30. Net loss by fire, $8,860.
The relations between the firemen and police have been cordial, and alarms have, in all cases, been promptly given.
Our city has been exempt from fires the past year to a degree rarely attained.
The promptness with which alarms are answered, the coolness and good judgment displayed by the firemen in the management of fires, and the excellent water facilities, all combined, have placed
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Somerville first on the list of risks on the books of underwriters. As land increases in value in the more thickly settled portions of the city, there is a tendency to build wooden dwellings too near each other. If persisted in, this will eventually lead to serious consequences. Buildings erected in proximity should be con- structed of bricks or stone.
Appropriation, $27,500.
POLICE.
This department is well organized, under good discipline, and is rendering efficient service. It consists of twenty-eight men, includ- ing officers.
The importance of having this force composed of men active, intelligent, temperate, cool, courageous, and gentlemanly, cannot be overestimated, for the safety of the persons and the property of the inhabitants are committed to their care.
During the past year new, commodious and elegant quarters have been provided, with all the improvements and modern conve- niences requisite for the comfort of the men ; and so far as relates to the building, for the successful management of the department.
It is desirable that some method of communicating with the Central Station should be devised, to notify when arrests are made in different localities, and that a suitable carriage be provided for the conveyance of persons under arrest, to and from the stations.
Appropriation, $30,250.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
The duties of this subdivision of the government seem to have been faithfully and impartially performed, with an honest effort on the part of those administering to deal justly and leniently with those who are so unfortunate as to be forced by untoward circum- stances to seek relief.
The amount expended during the year is reported to be $12,000. The number of families helped, 455.
The number of dependants is rapidly increasing, as public works
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where laborers have been employed are being suspended for the winter ; and as the rigor of the season requires more food, addi- tional clothing, and a constant supply of fuel which they are unable to provide for themselves, there is left them no alternative, how- ever humiliating it may be, but to solicit aid or suffer from want.
Some of our poor are boarding in a neighboring city, which de- sires to be relieved from further service. It may be necessary to provide some place for them, should our neighbor persist in having them removed.
Probably most of the members elect are aware that Somerville owns a farm in Waltham, containing thirty-five acres, more or less. It now lies fallow. Some portions of it are suitable for cultivation, others contain large deposits of gravel, supposed to be suitable for street purposes, mixed with cobble-stone, which if crushed would make a superior quality of McAdam for a top dressing on the streets, and for general repairs. It may be deemed advisable to erect a building on this land for the poor, so that they may be em- ployed in cultivating the land, loading trains with gravel, and crushing stone, thereby earning a partial support, and thus saving a portion of the expense that must otherwise be borne by the tax- payers.
During the war, and from its close to the crash of 1873, there was unprecedented activity in all branches of commercial, manu- facturing and mechanical industry ; and while under the inspira- tion of a fictitious prosperity, public improvements were made, of great magnitude, which resulted in a material advance in the price of labor.
This advance invited labor to leave the cultivation of the soil for the more lucrative employment offered in the cities and large towns of the Commonwealth. This activity and these industries are checked, because they are not remunerative ; and improvements are stopped because the property-holders cannot pay for them, and to continue them on borrowed capital must eventually end in bank- ruptcy. The only remedy for this difficulty is a redistribution of labor. The surplus laborers, concentrated in the cities and large villages, must retire into the country, and become producers as well
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as consumers, or the trials and sufferings of the poor laboring man must be intensified with no immediate hope of relief.
STATE AID AND SOLDIERS' RELIEF.
It will be remembered that when soldiers were wanted to go to the front, one of the strongest inducements offered was the assur- ance that in the event of their decease, or of their being disabled for life, their families should not be left to suffer in poverty and want. Many a volunteer stood hesitating, with love of country in . one balance and love of home in the other, until this assurance was given ; when, with an abiding confidence in the sincerity of those whose pledge he had received, he parted with those most dear to him, and hurried forward to help save his imperilled country. This promise should be religiously kept, and the pledge cheerfully redeemed.
Care should be taken that those who were unfaithful do not impose upon the generosity of the city. No fear need be enter- tained of the good soldier attempting to deceive you ; for the man- liness that makes a good soldier places him above the practice of dishonesty.
Appropriation $1,000 for Soldiers' relief. State aid refunded by the State.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
During the four years of our municipal existence great improve- ments have been made in the condition of the low lands. There are still remaining some places where stagnant water collects, and dur- ing the summer months becomes a nuisance. Such places ought to receive attention early in the spring, that they may not engender disease in warm weather.
The city is fortunately free from all epidemics at the present time. Appropriation, $6,000.
THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Are reported to be in thorough repair. While the Forster School- house was undergoing repairs, after the fire, it was critically exam-
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ined by competent experts, who pronounced it safe and substantial, except in the roof, where the trusses had shrunk and parted joints. These have been brought together, strengthened and secured, so that it is now believed to be safe beyond doubt or question. The building known as the old Police Court is now unoccupied. It was formerly a school-house, and with a few hundred dollars expended in alterations, rooms may be provided for two schools.
PUBLIC PARK.
The work of constructing the park is reported to be so far advanced as to warrant the belief that it will be completed within the time specified in the agreement with others interested in its construction. The amount appropriated for this work is $200,000. It is expected that this sum, with the betterments to be collected, will complete the park and pay for ornamentation.
Gentlemen of the City Council, -"In entering upon the trusts committed to our care, let us firmly rely upon each other in the discharge of every duty that falls to us to perform ; while we look to one another for mutual assistance in all that shall be required of us, let us profit by the advice of others who are equally interested with ourselves in the management of the diversified responsibilities which must necessarily be connected with our city."
" While we must adhere to the most rigid economy in all expendi- tures, we must maintain the honor of our city, meeting its engage- ments and fulfilling its obligations."
While " we must do all we can to promote the prosperity and advancement of our city, we must defer entering upon great enter- prises that will require great outlays, until our finances will permit the same being done without increasing taxes so as to oppress all classes of our citizens."
In our attempt at economy we must not exceed the limits of pru - dence, and refuse improvements that a judicious regard for the welfare of the people require.
" Harmony is the strength and support of all institutions," and where this is disregarded permanent success cannot be attained. You will not expect entire unanimity of thought and feeling while
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important questions are under consideration. Differences of opinion and courteous discussion are necessary to bring out the facts and present the bearings of questions, and to perfect legislation.
" The harmony of things, As well as that of sounds, from discord springs."
All feeling of a local or personal nature should be studiously avoided ; for a, benefit jnstly bestowed upon a single individual is a benefit to the whole community. In determining the precedence, reference should be had to the urgency of the work ; disregarding locality, ownership, or private interest. Viewed in this light, and tried by this standard, legislation becomes equitable, and easy to adjust to the wants and requirements of the people.
TREASURER'S
FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
FINANCIAL CONDITION
OF THE
CITY OF SOMERVILLE;
AND THE
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1876.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Feb. 12, 1877.
The Report of the City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes for the year 1876 was received, accepted, and referred to the Committee on Finance, and sent down for concurrence.
CHARLES E. GILMAN, Clerk. IN COMMON COUNCIL, Feb. 14, 1877. SOLOMON DAVIS, Clerk.
Concurred in.
IN COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, Feb. 26, 1877. To the City Council of the City of Somerville :
The Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the Treasurer's Report for the financial year, ending Dec. 31, 1876, have made a careful examination of the same by comparing it with the Auditor's accounts, and with the vouchers on file ; they take pleasure in reporting that they find the same correct; that it contains a faithful history of all financial transac- tions for the year, and that his books are kept in a systematic and accu- rate manner. They therefore recommend that his report be accepted. JOHN F. COLE, for the Committee.
IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Feb. 26, 1877. Report accepted and adopted. Sent down for concurrence. CHARLES E. GILMAN, Clerk.
Concurred in.
IN COMMON COUNCIL, Feb. 28, 1877. SOLOMON DAVIS, Clerk.
IN BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, Feb. 26, 1877.
ORDERED : That the Committee on Printing be, and they are hereby au- thorized to cause to be printed, a suitable number of the Treasurer's Report for the financial year, ending December 31, 1876.
Sent down for concurrence.
CHARLES E. GILMAN, Clerk. . IN COMMON COUNCIL, Feb. 28, 1877. SOLOMON DAVIS, Clerk.
Concurred in.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE,
TREASURER'S OFFICE, Feb. 12, 1877.
To the Honorable, the Mayor, and the City Council of the City of Somerville.
GENTLEMEN, - The undersigned has the honor of presenting his Fifth Annual Report of the financial condition of the city, and also a statement of the receipts and disbursements for the year 1876.
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE CITY.
Public Property.
The value of the property of the city Dec. 31, 1875, as appears by the report for that year, was $1,468,853.12; and this amount has been increased the past year by the extension of the Water Works, $6,409.49 ; expended in completion of the Public Park, $27,333.04 ; additions to the Public Library, $750.00 ; and cost of land on Oliver Street, acquired by surrender of land filled by authority conferred by Chap. 299 of the Acts of the Legislature of Massachusetts for the year 1872, $11,252.01 : making as total value of the public property Dec. 30, 1876, $1,511,597.66.
Funded Debt.
The funded debt of the city Dec. 31, 1875, amounted to $1,571,854.00. Of this sum $171,000.00 became due in 1876, and was provided for by taxation, $10,000.00, and by the issue of new bonds, $161,000.00. On authority of orders of the City Council, bonds were issued and negotiated during the year for the purpose of extending the Water Works, $10,000.00, and for the purpose of
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constructing the Beacon and Elm Streets sewer, known also as the " West Somerville sewer," $35,000.00, increasing the funded debt to $1,606,854.00.
Taking advantage of the favorable condition of the money mar- ket, the City Council, in September last, authorized the issue of bonds on Funded Debt account for $165,000.00, in anticipation of the requirement of an equal amount of the part of the debt falling due the present year. The bonds, bearing interest at five per cent and made payable April 1, 1895, were sold at a premium. Funded Debt is, consequently, temporarily increased by this amount, and the sum has been and will be employed until required for the pur- pose for which it was acquired, in lieu of borrowing on Temporary Loan Account in anticipation of the collection of taxes and assess- ments.
The amount of the sinking funds, applicable to the reduction of the $1,606,854.00, and being the first contribution under the law of 1875, is $45,130.62.
The liabilities of the city Dec. 30, 1876, other than the Funded Debt, were Temporary Loans, $110,000.00 ; Reduction of Funded Debt, for amount (except Sidewalk Loan Bond, No. 5, for $10,000.00) of the debt falling due the present year, $165,000.00, and sundry accounts, including the credit balance of Excess and Deficiency Account, unappropriated, $48,767.56, amounting to $323,767.56 ; the assets available for the payment of this sum are, cash, $8,203.21; Taxes uncollected, $243,950.32 ; Highway Bet- terment Assessments, $59,262.19 ; Real Estate Liens, $8,976.67 ; and sundry accounts, $23,438.04 : amounting to $343,830.43.
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