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NEWTON FREE LIBRARY NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mayor's Inaugural Address 1874
City Government of Newton for the Year 1874
(p. 15 of Auditor's Report)
Auditor's Report 1874
School Committee Report 1874
3 1323 00360 4963
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https://archive.org/details/publicdocuments1874newt
352 040 1874 c.1
THE
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
JAMES F. C. HYDE,
MAYOR OF NEWTON,
TO
THE CITY COUNCIL.
JANUARY 5, 1874.
W
RTY AMD UNJO
FOUNDED 16
63
NC
N
UM.
79.A. CITY 187
BOSTON :
PRESS OF ROCKWELL & CHURCHILL 122 WASHINGTON STREET. 1874.
72
4
IBRARY
VION
THE
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
JAMES F. C. HYDE,
MAYOR OF NEWTON,
TO
THE CITY COUNCIL.
JANUARY 5, 1874.
EW
FOUNDED 1630. INC
LIBERTY AND UNION
NO
UM.
N
79.A CITY 1873.
BOSTON :
PRESS OF ROCKWELL & CHURCHILL 122 WASHINGTON STREET. 1874.
FREE
LI
NOIN
NEWTON,
N
MASS.
D
ADDRESS.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL: -
The old town form of government in Newton has passed away, and the first hour of its new life as a city is just opening upon us. Nearly two hundred years ago Newton became an independent town, weak, feeble, and with only here and there a settler. In 1679, the date of its organization, there were only sixty- five freemen in the town. On its broad area a few families early found a home, and bravely struggled against adverse fortune to make a place for themselves and their descendants. The first settlers were good and true men, and they laid broadly and deeply the foundations of civil and religious liberty, and we, to- day, are enjoying the rich fruits of their wise forecast. Newton has a glorious record, one which we may with pride remember. Were this the time and place, I should like to briefly refer to many promi- nent events in its history, and trace its progress even to this hour, when we look around upon a large and wealthy municipality, standing high up, even among the cities of the State, in point of wealth and popu- lation.
4
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
By the will of the people, expressed through their ballots, we have been placed here to organize under the charter that we have recently accepted; to in- augurate a new system of government in place of the old one that we have entirely outgrown.
While many of us have had experience under the town form of government, to most of us the duties of our present position are new and untried.
We can no longer follow in the old and well-beaten track, but must push out into new paths.
The material is about us and ready to our hands, out of which we are to construct a system of govern- ment, which I do most sincerely hope and believe will, in nearly all respects, prove superior to the old.
Keeping these facts in mind, it will become us to adopt, as soon as practicable, such rules and orders for the government of the respective Boards, and such ordinances for the government of the city, as shall tend to secure the most perfect arrangement for the transaction of the public business, and the high- est good of all.
The faithful discharge of the various duties of our several positions will require time, with long-contin- ued and patient labor.
Let us enter upon the work with a full determina- tion to do our whole duty without fear or favor, free
5
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
from all narrow prejudices, selfishness or envy, with an approving conscience, believing that the blessing of Almighty God will rest upon our humble efforts.
That you may better understand the present condi- tion of our city, I would respectfully call attention to some facts and suggestions concerning the various departments already in existence, or that may be es- tablished.
FINANCE.
The debt of Newton is small when compared with the amount of taxable property in the city, and could, if it should be deemed advisable, be paid within five years, without serious embarrassment to the tax- payers.
I should not, however, recommend such a course; but I do hope that it will not be increased unless it be for some permanent improvement, or temporarily, to meet extraordinary expenses.
In anticipation of the change from a town to a city government, especial efforts were made by the retir- ing Board of Selectmen to collect and settle, as far as possible, all outstanding claims against the town. Two noticeable results have come from this procced- ure. The expenditures of some of the departments are apparently much larger than usual at this period of the financial year of the town, numerous accounts
6
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
having been presented and allowed, which (accept- ing previous experience as the rule) would not other- wise have been rendered till its close, or even later; while the total amount of accrued liabilities for cur- rent expenses, other than future claims under pending contracts, to be transferred to the city government, is comparatively trifling.
The total net expenses allowed and paid since the close of the last financial year, or during the eleven months ending December 31, 1873, subject of course to slight variations in some of the final adjustments yet to be made (and which will appear in the forth- coming Auditor's Report), amount to upwards of $400,000, including interest on the town debt. Of this sum nearly $50,000 accrued under contracts for which provision had been made in the previous year, and are therefore not properly chargeable as ex- penses of 1873. The principal items which make up the last-named aggregate were those paid on account of the Vernon street and Crafts and Watertown street school-houses, the Steamer Houses Nos. 2 and 3, and unfinished contracts for drainage and highway improvements.
The final adjustment of the highway account will show a net disbursement varying but little from $79,000, for expenses in that department legitimately „chargeable to the appropriation of $80,000 for the
7
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
year 1873. It will be seen, therefore, that provision must be made for the payment of any claims arising under unfinished contracts in that department.
The appropriation of 1873 ($21,400) for lighting streets was very nearly exhausted in the payment of claims allowed, the unexpended balance being insuf- ficient for the liquidation of expenses still remaining unsettled in that connection.
The compensation and expenses of the Police De- partment during the eleven months ending December 31, 1873, amounted to nearly $7,500, the appropria- tion therefor being $3,000.
The aggregate appropriations for the compensation and expenses of the Fire Department, amounting to $13,500, proved insufficient for that purpose, the whole amount having been exhausted before the close of the year, leaving claims to the amount of several hundred dollars for transference to the City Government.
The cost of the Fire Alarm Telegraph with its contingent expenses, amounting thus far to about $12,500, has been fully paid to December 31st.
Several of the appropriations for the last fiscal year of the town have been so far exhausted by the un- usual effort to collect and pay all outstanding claims, that some provision will be necessary for the settle- ment of remaining demands. But the aggregate of all these will probably be very small.
8
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The total expenditures of the town for eleven months of 1873, including the payment of State and County taxes, amounted to upwards of $100,000, and the net receipts into the treasury, including cash on hand at the commencement of the year, were but little in excess of that amount.
A large amount of the tax assessed for 1873 is still unpaid, thus depriving the treasury of the means necessary for a reduction of the town debt, as con- templated by the vote making an appropriation for that purpose at the last annual meeting of the town. The outstanding liabilities of the town then amounted to $421,000, which, for the reasons here stated, remain nearly the same.
It will be observed that though there was an appropriation made last March to reduce the town debt, it has, nevertheless, not been materially dimin- ished in the eleven months that have elapsed since the last Auditor's Report was made.
There are taxes remaining unpaid, a portion of which will soon be available to supply the needs of the treasury; but I think it will become neces- sary to immediately borrow money, to meet out- standing and accruing liabilities.
I believe the time has come to adopt a system of the most careful economy in the home, the town, city, county, state and nation.
MAYOR'S ADDRESS. 9
We cannot, as a people, go on much longer as we have been going for the last ten years, without disastrous results. There is a positive and un- mistakable demand from the people for retrench- ment.
With business at a low ebb, and uncertainty hanging over the future, should we not be very careful in the expenditures we make?
We know that some large cities in the country have pursued such an extravagant and reckless course that they find it very difficult to borrow money at any fair rate of interest. On all sides we hear of rapidly increasing city and town debts. The time for the payment of both principal and interest of such debts will come sooner or later, and must, in some cases, prove a very heavy burden.
While we are so fortunate as to have a small debt, let us see that it is not increased for ordinary expenses. Let us be content to do without some luxuries that we should like well enough, rather than burden ourselves and our children with a large debt.
I do not ask or expect you to stop all progress, and improvements, and maintain a "masterly in- activity," but to exercise a wise discrimination, and only attempt those improvements which are neces- sary, and for the best interest of all concerned.
2
10
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
We should raise money enough by taxation to cover all ordinary expenses, and then, if possible, keep within the appropriations that are made.
The times have so changed that money is not so easily obtained as it has been during the past few years, and the people are less willing to pay large taxes.
Do I ask too much, when I ask you to con- duct the affairs of the city in the same careful and economical manner that you do your own; to see that not one dollar is expended which is not necessary, and for which the city does not receive a full equivalent?
In time past, money has been wasted through a want of system; but this evil, I hope, will be remedied in the future. Newton has, in many re- spects, been a model town; let us endeavor to make it in all respects a model city.
There may be a few interested parties who `will complain if we guard the treasury too carefully, but the great majority of our citizens will thank us for all honest endeavors to conduct the affairs of the city in a truly economical manner.
The following facts are interesting as showing the valuation of property on which taxes were assessed during the year 1873, with amount of taxes and rate of taxation: -
11
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Value of real estate
. $18,446,275
Personal estate .
·
7,537.775
Taxable value of corporate and bank stocks
2,218,552
Total valuation .
. $28,202,602
Town grant .
· $333,300 00
State tax
26,482 50
County tax
15,086 98
Overlay
9,220 36
Assessment on corporate and bank stock
30,385 37
Total assessment
. $414,475 21
Rate of taxation $14.50 on $1,000.
SCHOOLS.
The schools of Newton are the pride of her citizens. Few cities or towns make more liberal appropriations for educational purposes than do we. The tax-payers seem to be willing to be taxed te any extent that may be necessary, to place this department among the best in the State. Large appropriations have been made from year to year, and the schools are among the most important interests that we shall be called upon to support. A competent School Committee, with an efficient Superintendent, have been able, during the past year, to so manage as to show excellent results, financially considered, while a large number of scholars, as well as their parents, can and do appreciate the advan- tages of the liberal expenditures made. The follow- ing statement gives the financial condition of this department: -
12
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
SCHOOL APPROPRIATIONS.
Balance, Jan. 31, 1873 . . $1,803 16
Amount to be received from the School Fund 570 00
66 66 66 dog tax 600 00
Appropriation, March 3, 1873
· 73,000 00
$75,973 16
Amount paid to superintendent and teachers, salaries to
Dec. 24, 1873 .
. $57,071 97
Amount paid janitors .
2,563 90
66 66 for coal .
· 5,104 76
66
66 for wood
187 10
64,927 73
Balance, Dec. 24, 1873
$11,045 43 Amount required to pay superintendent, teachers and
janitors to Jan 31, 1874
. $6,669 00
Contingent (wood, etc.)
75 00
6,744 00
Leaving a balance Jan. 31, 1874, of .
$4,301 43
SCHOOL INCIDENTALS.
Appropriation, March 3, 1873
$16,999 99
Amount expended, Dec. 24, 1873
16,195 69
$804 30
EVENING SCHOOLS.
Balance, Jan. 31, 1873
$967 73
Appropriation, March 3, 1873
1,500 00 .
$2,467 73
Amount expended, Dec. 24, 1873
749 33
Balance, Dec. 24, 1873
$1,718 40
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS.
Balance, Jan. 31, 1873
$711 27
Appropriation, March 3, 1873
1,500 00
$2,211 27
Amount expended, Dec. 24, 1873
1,996 92
Balance, Dec. 24, 1873
$214 35
The School Committee have control of all the schools, and the expenditure of all moneys that may be .
13
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
granted by the City Council for the support of the same.
The question of additional accommodations for the High School will soon force itself upon the attention of the committee and the City Government. There are already nearly two hundred scholars in the present building, that was never intended for so large a number. Several plans have been proposed to meet the constantly increasing wants in this par- ticular branch of our educational interests.
One is to add to the present building; another is to take the building for a City Hall, and build a much larger one, near the same place, to meet the present and prospective wants of the school; another is to shorten the High School course, making it three, in- stead of four years, and add one year to the Gram- mar course, and thereby greatly reduce the number in the High School; still another plan is to estab- lish a second High School, on the line of railroad that runs through Wards 5 and 6. I only men- tion the several plans proposed, feeling sure that the whole subject will receive the attention it deserves at the hands of the School Committee, whose special duty it is to take charge of and inves- tigate all such matters. I have no doubt but the City Council will be ready to co-operate with the
14
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
committee to maintain the deservedly high reputa- tion of all our schools.
HIGHWAYS.
The proper management of the streets is one of very great importance, and well deserves our atten- tion. Under the Town Government liberal appro- priations have been made from year to year. Our streets and highways have been greatly improved. The great increase of travel on some of our main streets has required a more durable material than even good gravel, and stone has been substituted to some extent, broken by a steam-crusher. I be- lieve this material, if of sufficient hardness, to be in the end much cheaper and far better than the very best gravel that can possibly be obtained. As we have within our city plenty of stone, that is not val- uable for other purposes, I cherish the hope that much of it will be employed to furnish us with roads equal to any that can be found in the vicinity.
Proper drainage is an important matter to be con- sidered in connection with the making of good roads, and should not be overlooked.
We now have about one hundred miles of roads that need constant attention at all seasons of the year. In connection with the roads are the side- walks, culverts and sewers, all of which need con-
MAYOR'S ADDRESS. 15
stant care. I would suggest the propriety of putting all of these interests under the control of one able committee, instead of dividing the duties and responsibilities between two or three committees
I think there should be a Superintendent of Streets, who should have the general charge of all matters connected with the making and repairing of the same, under the direction of the Committee of the City Council, and special direction of the City Engineer, who shall give his whole time and attention to the same; with assistant superintendents, or fore- men, in each ward, to have direct oversight of the work. The making of sidewalks of concrete and other material is an item of large expense, and care should be taken to see that the money is judiciously expended. It is a great convenience to have good sidewalks, and suitable ones should be provided cer- tainly in all thickly populated portions of the city.
The laying out and building of new highways and streets has not been neglected in Newton, and is not likely to be. I learn from the best sources that there are new roads and widenings of old ones, already or- dered by the County Commissioners, or determined upon by the Selectmen, that will cost nearly a hundred thousand dollars, and it will be a question for you to determine whether all of these jobs shall be entered upon during this year, or whether a part may not with
3
16
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
prudence be postponed until next year, or even longer. While I believe in progress and improvement, I feel that our city would not suffer seriously if the County Commissioners should not favor us with another official visit for some months or years.
I would call particular attention to some of the roads which have been ordered to be built or im- proved : -
The cutting down of the hill on Parker street, near the house of Mr. Philbrick, and filling the valley north of the same. '
The completion of Walnut street between Centre and Dedham streets, that is now well advanced.
The road leading from Homer street to West New- ton through the Valentine estate, the most expensive one for its length ever built by Newton, and which is something more than half finished.
The bridge across Charles River at the Lower Falls, which will cost when completed about three thousand dollars.
The widening of Walnut street through Ward 2, and thence to Waltham line, which will involve considerable expense. A portion of this work may need to be performed this year.
The widening of Waltham street is also ordered by the commissioners, as well as a less extensive widening near the old hotel property in Ward 3.
17
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The new road from Newton Highlands, in Ward 5, to Charles River, as laid out by the Commission- ers of Middlesex to meet a road laid out by the Nor- folk Commissioners, will prove expensive. It involves the building of a bridge, probably of stone, across the river, one half of the expense of which must be paid by Newton. Two years will be given to complete this work.
The commissioners have also ordered the widening of Beacon street from Newton Centre to the Chest- nut Hill Reservoir, to the width of seventy feet. This will prove a very costly undertaking, as it in- volves a large amount of stone work. The esti- mated cost is fifteen thousand dollars. The City of Boston are at work on a tunnel near this street, and it may be well to take advantage of this fact to secure at a low price material for this widening.
Whether this work shall be done this year will be a question for your consideration.
The same Board have ordered the widening of Hammond street, which crosses Beacon street, and the work may perhaps be profitably done in connec- tion with the latter.
At the last March town meeting, the town voted to widen and straighten Fuller street. It is about seven-eighths of a mile in length, and is laid out fifty feet wide, and must prove an expensive undertaking.
3
18
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
As this work has been carried over from last year, it may be well to take early action for its completion.
There are other improvements, of less magnitude, that will early demand your attention. In accord- ance with the views I have before expressed, that we ought not to add to our city debt, unless for ex- traordinary expenses, I sincerely hope that you will hesitate before laying out other roads, or incurring any considerable expense in this direction, unless the public convenience and necessity positively demand and require it.
In regard to streets laid out by land owners for the purpose of opening and bringing their lands into market, I do not hesitate to express the hope that you will not lay out or accept any such street unless it shall be at least forty feet wide, - and better if fifty feet, -properly graded and gravelled, so that the city will not need to be at further expense to make it safe for travel.
The parties who are directly and pecuniarily inter- ested should meet this expense, and not put it, where it does not belong, upon the tax-payers.
Persons purchasing estates upon such unmade private ways should not complain if the city does not put such streets in good condition until accepted.
Let it become the well-settled policy, and not to be departed from, that such streets must be properly
19
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
built before the city will take them, unless the public convenience and necessity should require the laying out and acceptance of the same.
Streets half made have often been forced upon the town in times past, and have caused a heavy outlay to render them passable.
While I do not wish to put any check upon en- terprise, or throw any obstacle in the way of those who are helping to build up our city, I at the same time wish to have the expense of such improvements placed just where it belongs.
The bridges, of which Newton has several, need attention from year to year. When any are rebuilt, the wooden structures should, if possible, be replaced with stone or iron.
I would again suggest that the management of highways, sidewalks, bridges, drains, sewers and culverts be placed in charge of a single joint stand- ing committee for the present.
Under our Charter we can avail ourselves of the provisions of the "Betterment Law," which I be- lieve will be of very great advantage. This law should be carefully and judiciously applied. In many cases it will place a portion of the cost of needed improvements just where it belongs, upon those who are directly and largely benefited by the same.
20
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
At the present time there are two steam fire engines in service, one in Ward 1, and one in Ward 3, connected with which there are twenty-eight men. Another steamer is being built and is nearly ready for service, to be located in Ward 6. The house to be occupied by this machine is in process of erection, and will be finished next March.
There are four hand-engines in service, each hav- ing its full number of men, forty-five to each machine. Two of these are located in Ward 4, one in Ward 5, and the other in Ward 6. When the last-named ward receives a steamer, it may be deemed advisable to locate the hand-engine, Eagle No. 6, at the High- lands, a part of the city now entirely without appli- ances for the extinguishment of fires; or the same can be retained as a relief. I should not recommend its sale.
There is one large hand-engine in Ward 1 that has no company, and probably will not have.
There are two chemical engines, one located in Ward 2, and the other in Ward 4, but neither are provided with a company, or are in service. These engines have failed to meet the expectations of some of those who favored their purchase. If they can- not be made to do good service, I should advise
21
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
selling the same, as they will be, if kept, a constant expense.
A hook and ladder truck, with all necessary ap- pliances, is maintained in Ward 2, and is regarded as an indispensable branch of fire apparatus; twelve men are connected with the same.
There are ten engineers, including the chief, who have had control of the Fire Department. The chief has received two hundred and fifty, and his associates one hundred and twenty-five dollars each per annum.
The members of the steamers receive forty dollars each; of the hook and ladder company, twenty-five dollars; and members of the hand engines ten dollars each. The engineers of steamers receive nine hun- dred and sixty dollars per annum.
I am informed by the present chief that no ex- traordinary expenses will be likely to arise this year, unless one of the hand-engines shall be located where there is at present no engine-house, in which case it will be necessary to erect a wooden house at moderate cost.
The horses used in connection with the steamers are also employed on the highways, and I regard this as a wise and economical arrangement. Such horses should not, however, be taken during the day far away from the engine-houses.
Most of our school-houses are supplied with fire
22
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
extinguishers, which are known to serve an excellent purpose against fires in their incipient stages. These form quite a protection during school hours.
We have lost school-houses from incendiarism, but not from accident. If there are other public build- ings not supplied with these little machines, it may be well to furnish them with the best thing for the pur- pose that can be procured.
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