USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1880-1881 > Part 1
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NEWTON FREE LIBRARY NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Inaugural Address of the Mayor
Jan. 3, 1881
Officers of Newton City Government (p. vi and xi of Auditor's Report)
1880
1881
Departmental Reports
Period Covered
Auditor
1880
City Clerk
1880
Overseer of the Poor
1880
City Marshal
1880
Water Registrar
1881
School Committee
1881
Newton Free Library
1881
Fire
1881
3 1323 00360 5085
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https://archive.org/details/publicdocuments1880newt
N 352 N48P 1880/8 0. 1
THE
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
ROYAL M. PULSIFER,
MAYOR OF NEWTON,
TO
THE CITY COUNCIL,
NOT
NEWTON,
LIBRARY,
KASS.
JANUARY 3, 1881.
ERTY AND
UNION
FOUNDED
73.
CITY
N
N
79.A
UM
ATE
Boston: PRESS OF ROCKWELL AND CHURCHILL, NO. 39 ARCH STREET. 1881.
LIBE
1352 N48P (1880-81)
NEWTON COLLECTION
ADDRESS.
Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen and Common Council: -
The membership of the City Council for the en- suing year is so nearly identical with the membership for 1880, it may fairly be inferred that in the care and management of municipal affairs the last City Council performed its duties in a manner which satisfied the majority of those whom you represent. This inference is strengthened by the fact that nearly every member of the City Council was elected with- out opposition, and of the few who were not re- · elected nearly every one declined longer service. This fact is important, showing, as it does, what kind of service is expected from us during the year before us.
It seems proper to consider briefly and generally what were the characteristics of the last Council which ultimated in action so satisfactory.
The two branches constituting that body were noted for almost perfect harmony of action; for
4.
courtesy in debate; for careful consideration in com- mittees, and in the stated public meetings, of all subjects upon which they were called to act; for limiting their expenditures to the amounts appro- priated; for an entire absence of partisan con- siderations; for prompt and regular attendance on important committee meetings; for a reduction of the city debt; for the inauguration of measures .
tending to the acquirement of a public park; and for the revision and simplification of the City Charter.
It is expected from you that you will attend to all your duties with the same courtesy and respect for others' opinions and rights; that you will attend committee meetings faithfully and regularly; that the several committees will respect the decisions of the City Council determining how much money shall be expended for certain purposes; that you will carry forward the works initiated by your pre- decessors; that you will realize that to be honest, useful public servants you must lay aside personal and political considerations, and devote yourselves to public work, asking only what action will be right.
I have good reason for expecting such action from you.
As the municipal year is now identical with the
5
calendar year there has been no opportunity for such a closing and examination of accounts as would enable me to speak definitely of the various depart- ments as to their financial condition. For specific and definite information I must refer you to the several department reports which will be presented at a later day. I am able to give you reliable data of the
FUNDED DEBT.
The permanent debt of the city, Dec. 31, 1880, was as follows: -
Town and City Notes $323,000 00
Accrued interest on same 4,228 72
$327,228 72
Municipal Bonds
$34,000 00
Accrued interest on same
850 00
$34,850 00
Water Loan
$855,000 00
Accrued interest on same
24,300 00
$879,300 00
Uninvested portion of the principal
of the Kenrick Fund . .
·
$500 00
Accrued interest on same, and $1,000
loaned, Dec. 4
42 87
.$542 87
Total
$1,241,921 59
Amount of funded debt with accrued
interest, Dec. 31, 1879 . 1,222,534 72
Increase during the year $19,386 87
6
The condition of the Sinking-Fund, Dec. 31, 1880, was as follows: -
Water Loan Sinking-Fund.
Cash in bank .
$2,188 24
Newton 5 per cent. Water Bonds
62,000 00
66 4 66 2,000 00
$66,188 24
City Debt Sinking-Fund.
Cash in bank . $24,189 77
Newton 5 per cent. Water Bonds
8,000 00
4 66
3,000 00
$35,189 77
Total
$101,378 01
Sinking-Fund, Dec. 31, 1879
70,408 76
Increase of Sinking-Funds dur- ing the year . $30,969 25
Funded debt less Sinking-Fund, Dec. 31,1879 ·
$1,152,125 96
Funded debt less Sinking-Fund, Dec. 31,1880
$1,140,543 58
Actual decrease of funded debt . $11,582 38
No part of the funded debt will mature this year. Newton has practically no floating debt. As far as it is possible to obtain them, all bills are paid monthly. The city owes the December bills, which
7
will amount to about twenty-five thousand dollars, and the city holds, as assets, to meet these liabilities, about fifty-six thousand dollars in good tax-bills.
WATER DEPARTMENT.
During the year 1880 there were laid sixteen thou- sand nineteen feet of main pipe, and about one thou- sand five hundred feet more would have been laid had not the early closing of the ground prevented. For a similar reason a number of service-pipes which had been ordered could not be laid. There are now laid about sixty and one-fourth miles of main pipe. In 1879 two hundred and thirty-two service-pipes were laid ; in 1880 two hundred and twenty-seven.
Including the amount allowed for hydrant service the receipts for the use of water have been about seven thousand dollars larger than in 1879. Exclud- ing the hydrant charges from each year would show for 1880 a gain of four thousand four hundred dollars. During the past year the city reached the limit to the amount of water-bonds, originally fixed by the Legislature, to wit, eight hundred and fifty thou- sand dollars. Additional legislation was sought and secured, which changed the authorized amount to nine hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Of this newly authorized amount only five thousand dollars have been used.
8
The protracted drought last summer fairly tested the capabilities of our system with its present facili- ties. During that season the department was called upon to furnish an exceptionally large quantity of water ; but there was no lack, and the quality of the water was maintained in its usual excellence. The town of Watertown has, during the year, sought and rejected a proposition for a supply of Newton water. I consider the proposition made by Newton was a just one, the acceptance of which would have been of mutual advantage. I have no means of knowing which one of the many plans for a water supply which Watertown has investigated and considered will ultimately obtain the support of a majority of her voters; but if the negotiations with Newton are ever reopened it should come in the shape 'of an author- ized proposition from Watertown.
Of the main pipe laid last year nearly one-third was laid in the North-village District; and of the one thousand four hundred and fifty-five feet ordered by ,the City Council, and not laid, more than one-half would have been laid in the same district. The thorough piping of the district ought to make a marked improvement in its mortality record, which has been bad. There is no system of drainage in this district; in very many cases the drinking-water has heretofore been rendered impure,
9
unfit for drinking, and a source of disease, by the close proximity of wells to vaults and cesspools which could not be opened into sewers, and the contents of which could not, from the nature of the soil, receive even the earth purification which is possible in most parts of the city. For these reasons the last Coun- cil wisely determined to give special attention to this district, with the results above noted. I do not con- sider it probable that you will find it necessary or expedient to lay as much main pipe this year as was laid last year. Barring accidents, you may properly expect from the works this year a smaller expendi- ture for laying mains, an expense for maintenance not larger than the expense for 1880, and an increased revenue. I respectfully renew my recommendations, made at length to the last City Council, that the future management of the works be vested in a Commission. The evidence each year is renewed and strengthened, that this department, which has caused about three-fourths of our city debt, and from which an annual revenue of between thirty thousand dollars and forty thousand dollars is derived, ought to have such a stable, conservative, intelligent man- agement, as it will always be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to obtain from a committee of the Council, liable to annual change. Could the question be submitted for decision to a committee composed
10
of those gentlemen who have had the work under their immediate charge, I feel sure that their decision would be in favor of a Commission.
PUBLIC PARKS.
Years ago, when Newton was a town, measures were inaugurated looking to the establishment of a system of Public Parks. Again, since Newton has become a city, an intelligent Commission, appointed under the order of the City Council, has carefully considered the question and reported a scheme. Their report was made at a time when the necessity was felt for reducing all municipal expenditures to the lowest practicable limit. It was in the midst of a season of great financial depression ; the city was engaged in the construction of the water works, and it was felt that in addition to the expenditure for water works the city might be called upon at once to make provision for the construction of expensive sewers. The Commission recognized the importance of securing land for parks, and believed that at a comparatively small cost the city could obtain what at present may be considered only a luxury, but that which in a not remote future will be known to have been a wise provision for the health and comfort of our citizens.
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A year ago I had the pleasure of recommending to the City Council "that practical steps be taken towards securing a public park for Newton." The matter was properly referred to a committee, who at an early period of their investigations concluded that it would be impossible to secure suitable tracts of land, unless aided by legislation. While the com- mittee were engaged in their work, Hon. John S. Farlow communicated to the City Council his desire to donate conditionally to the city a very valuable tract of land in the populous part of Ward 7, to be devoted to public uses. The Council recognized and acknowledged the munificence of the proposition, and a little later unanimously adopted a report which had been submitted by the Highway Committee, and which recommended that the Mayor be instructed to petition for legislation which would enable the City Council to take land for park purposes and to issue bonds in payment for the same.
I trust that the legislation asked for may be granted. It would establish stringent safeguards against any extravagant expenditure of money, and under it Newton could secure a park or a series of parks, which, for beauty and for general accommo- dation, would be, outside of Boston, unequalled in New England. The City Council of 1880 took the proper initial steps towards securing a park; I trust
12
that it may be your privilege to take the more practical action which will be open to you, should the legislation for which Newton has asked be granted and be accepted.
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
During the past year the efficiency of this depart- ment has been attested by almost complete immunity from all the larger crimes. Good order has been preserved throughout the city, and an honest effort has been made to enforce the laws.
Early in the year one man was added to the force, a change was made in the location and duties of a few of the members, and all were directly instructed as to the service which would be required of them. They were particularly informed that it was no part of their duty or privilege to determine what laws should be executed, and what laws not enforced. It was ascertained that for some unexplained reason it had been the custom in Newton to exempt druggists from the operation of the law regulating the sale of liquors. At my request the Aldermen promptly met this question, and decided to license druggists to sell liquors for mechanical and medicinal purposes. This is the only class of liquor licenses issued by the city. The force now consists of the City Marshal, one Sergeant, with head-quarters at the City Hall, two
13
mounted officers, one located at Auburndale and one at Newton Centre, whose duties take them all over the city each night, and twelve patrolmen, with defined precincts.
I have no changes to suggest in this department, and its expenses ought not to exceed those of last year.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
This department is well organized, and as efficient as any fire department could be in a city covering the area which Newton does, and broken by a line of hills. Eleven new signal-boxes were added last year, and at least six more should be located this year. These new boxes are needed particularly on the high lands, in reaching which there is necessarily delay in case of fire. This delay would be reduced by in- creasing the number of boxes, so that fires could be closely located. The hose-carriage now located at Auburndale should be retired from active service. Its place should be filled by returning the hose- carriage which was purchased for Auburndale, and which is now located at Newtonville. Instead of purchasing a new hose-carriage for Newtonville, the Chief Engineer renews his recommendation that a chemical engine be located at Newtonville. His recommendation is worthy of careful consideration.
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A chemical engine is light, and by its use the great damage occasioned by flooding buildings with water is often obviated. The house at Newtonville is now left alone three hours each day. I consider this a mistaken economy, inasmuch as nearly the whole value of the department is lost unless it can respond promptly to an alarm. The only hook and ladder carriage is located at Newtonville, and arrangements should be made, so that this important part of the fire equipment could at all times be ready for imme- diate use.
CITY HALL.
The Committee on Public Property last year obtained plans, specifications, and estimates for the enlargement of the City Hall. Carried out, these plans would give ample office accommodations for the various departments, proper and decent facilities in the basement for confining criminals and tramps, and an enlargement and improvement of this hall. Another plan has been suggested, which would cut up this room for city offices. A third plan contem- plates the erection of a new building for the police department, or simply the remodelling of the present basement.
I am satisfied that in its present form, or in a modi- fied form, the first plan should receive from you early and careful consideration. Better police accommo-
15
dations in the ward are a positive necessity. The existing ones are a disgrace to our city.
There should also be provided a proper separate office for the Auditor; the original accommodations for the Assessors' Department should be restored; the Water Department requires office accommoda- tions, and the office of the City Clerk is now too limited in size.
The building as at present arranged has fairly accommodated the city for seven years. Additions and alterations similar to those proposed by the Public Property Committee of last year could be made for about ten thousand dollars, and they would afford ample accommodations for all city business for the next seven or ten years.
I should deprecate any change which would involve the sacrifice of this hall. I believe that every city ought to provide for public uses at least one commodious hall like this, even if it yielded no income; while, in our case, this hall brings to the city, from its rental for general purposes, a net income which largely exceeds the interest on the cost of the entire changes contemplated by the plan just mentioned.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
I desire to call your special attention to the fact that, since Newton was incorporated as a city, the
16
School Committee has each year confined its expenses within the appropriation made by the City Council. I have no doubt that the future policy of the com- mittee, in this important respect, will be the same. In making the appropriation for school purposes you may safely understand that this financial limit will be as faithfully observed as though the commit- tee were not possessed of the legal powers to expend what money seemed to them wise. I mention this fact both as a deserved compliment to the School Committee' and as a reminder that such a committee, elected by the same constituents which elect you, and elected because of their special fitness for the work assigned to them, will not be likely to ask you for any appropriations which ought not to be cheer- fully granted. The committee will ask for no appro- priation this year for new buildings, except it be for a drill-shed on the High-School grounds. Such a structure is desirable, not only for the military drill, but for a place for relaxation and recreation in stormy weather. The committee will probably also ask for a slightly increased general appropriation, made necessary by the increase of pupils, and the conse- quent necessity of additional teachers, or teachers of higher grades.
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HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT.
Grouping under this head all the expenditures made under the direction of the Highway Surveyors, the Joint Standing Committee on Highways, and the aldermanic Committee on Streets and Ways, Side- walks, Drains, and Sewers, the several appropriations for last year aggregated seventy-three thousand four hundred dollars. It is safe to say that this aggre- gate can be largely reduced this year, although some of the items should be increased. You will not probably consider it judicious to expend nine thousand dollars for gravel lands, or find it necessary to appropriate nine thousand dollars for land dam- ages. On the other hand the appropriation of forty thousand dollars for general repairs should be increased, provided all the streets are to be kept in first-rate condition.
The appropriation last year was carefully expended and the expenditures were kept inside of the gross appropriations. I trust that a similar record can be made of this year's operations, although the pressure for new sidewalks, new streets, and additional drains, will render it a difficult task.
To show how difficult the task will be, let me call your attention to a list of the streets on which alterations have already been ordered. The following
18
changes have been ordered by the County Com- missioners, viz., the widening of Beacon street, Walnut street, North street, Watertown street, Cherry street, Washington street at Newton Lower Falls, Kenrick street, and Pine street.
The following widenings have been ordered by previous City Councils, viz., Ward street, Cotton street, Crafts street, Lowell street, Nahanton street, and Margin street.
Nearly all this work must at some time be done, and each year there is a strong pressure for new work. Without considering any new projects in this department, enough work has been already ordered to cost more than you would feel at liberty to expend in a single year. I recommend to your careful consideration the purchase of a fifteen-ton steam roller, which will cost about six thousand dol- lars, to be used in repairing streets. I am persuaded that the use of such a machine would be economical, and its purchase desirable, even if for this year no new work were undertaken, and enough less old work done to allow the purchase of a roller and still keep the appropriation within reasonable limits.
CITY CHARTER.
In accordance with my recommendations made last year, the City Council, in December, authorized the
19
appointment by the Mayor of a Commission of five persons to consider what changes in our charter would be desirable. This Commission has been appointed and in due time will report to you its con- clusions. I take it for granted that the Commission will report recommending some changes, but I scarcely dare to hope that their work can be com- pleted at such an early day that the necessary legislation authorizing the changes can be procured from the Legislature this season.
PUBLIC SEWERS.
The great question of how properly and effectually to provide drainage for our city is still undecided. The Sewerage Commission has presented a careful and exhaustive report, upon which no action has been taken. The committee of last year respectfully recommended its reference to the City Council for this year. It is only a question of time as to when some comprehensive system must be adopted. It will be very expensive, and successive city govern- ments will postpone the expense just as long as in their judgment public safety will permit. Except for the introduction of pure water in abundance for all domestic purposes, the construction of sewers would have been demanded before now. A large section of North Village, which was last year supplied
20
with water, has less need of drainage to-day than before; but, with the growth of the city, a system of sewerage must be adopted. I do not think you will need to commence the construction this year, but I consider that it would be wise for you to determine in general what the system shall be, to the end that all work done in this department, from year to year, may eventually form parts of the general system.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH.
While the record of general health in the city has been good during the past year, there has been an alarming epidemic of diphtheria during the latter part of the year in parts of Wards One, Two, and Five. I believe that this epidemic, with its attendant suffering, and expense, and death, might have been earlier checked, if not prevented, had there been in Newton a Board of Health com- posed of experts, or even if the Board of Alder- men, who, by ordinance, are in Newton the Board of Health, had been authorized to employ regularly a health officer, whose entire time and attention could have been devoted to ascertaining and remov- ing sources of disease. Such duties are too onerous to impose upon the aldermen in person, and their only assistant in the work has been the City Marshal, an official whose regular duties are suffi-
21
cient to absorb all his time, and who could not bring to the performance of this extra duty the aid of any special training or experience.
As an economical as well as a humanitarian meas- ure, I earnestly renew my recommendation, made last year, that you provide for the appointment and compensation of a competent health officer. A care- ful examination should be made at once of the sanitary conveniences in all our public buildings, and particularly in the various school-houses. The City Council of last year was compelled to make an extra appropriation to put in proper order the con- veniences in the Mason School-house. This year, the sanitary needs of the school buildings should be known before the annual appropriation for public buildings is made, so that the funds may then be provided, the plans perfected at an early day, and the work performed during the school vacation.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
I do not recommend any increased appropriation for this valuable factor in the education and culture of our citizens. The same appropriation as was made last year will enable the Trustees to maintain the Library and Reading-room properly, to add as many new books as it would be judicious to add in a single year, and to provide for a tri-weekly distribu-
22
tion of books in villages remote from the Library building. At the proper time the City Council may consider it wise to establish six or seven additional public reading-rooms, furnished with newspapers, periodicals, and books of reference, and it may be wise this year to provide for a daily distribution of books from the Library. Both of these measures should, in my judgment, precede any attempt to establish branch libraries. The establishment of even one branch library would inevitably lead to the establishment of one in each village, calling for an aggregate annual expenditure for library purposes which I am sure tax-payers would justly consider excessive.
THE POOR DEPARTMENT.
The very general demand for all grades of labor consequent upon the return of prosperous times has relieved the Overseers of the Poor from the care of nearly all able-bodied persons. They will always have to care for the aged, the infirm, the improvi- dent, and the insane; but eliminating from their expenditures those made in previous years for per- sons who were able to work and desired to work, but were unable to find employment, the overseers will be able to report for the year 1880 the smallest expendi- ture for the care of poor out of almshouse which has
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