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NEWTON FREE LIBRARY NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Inaugural Address of the Mayor
Jan. 2, 1882
Officers of Newton City Government (p. vi and xi in Auditor's Report)
1881
1882
Departmental Reports
Period Covered
Auditor
1881
Overseer of the Poor
1881
City Marshal
1881
School Committee
1882
Newton Free Library
1882
Fire
1882
City Engineer
1882
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https://archive.org/details/publicdocuments 1881newt
352 N48P 1881/82 C.I
The Inaugural Address of Hon. William P. Ellison will be found published in the City Document of 1882.
"
LIBA
NOTA
THE
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
WILLIAM P. ELLISON,
flavor of Newton,
TO THE CITY COUNCIL,
JANUARY 2, 1882.
W
LIBERTY AND UNION MHP FOUNDED
NOI
LIBE
88. A CITY 1873
NEWTON,
MAN
M.
MASS.
AT
BOSTON : FRANKLIN PRESS: RAND, AVERY, AND COMPANY. 1882.
4352 N 48 P C .f (1881-82) NEWTON COLLECTION
ADDRESS.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL, - As a mark of con- fidence on the part of the voters of Newton, we are intrusted with the administration of the government of the city and the management of its affairs for the present year. By the solemn oaths just taken, we have pledged ourselves to discharge this trust with fidelity. Let us consider what this implies. Not only should you be regular in your attendance at the meetings of your respective boards, but you should also carefully investigate every subject intro- duced, so that you may be able to act intelligently.
As members of the committees upon which you may be placed, it will be your duty to faithfully attend the meet- ings that may be called, and give liberally of your time and thoughts to all matters referred to you for your consideration. Your action upon all questions must be prompted, not by personal or sectional motives, but by an earnest desire to promote the interests of the whole city. In a word, you should take as much interest in legislating upon the affairs of the city as you would in carrying on your own business.
It will be my duty to see that the laws of the State, the
4
conditions of the charter, the ordinances of the city, and such orders as you may make from time to time in accord- ance therewith, are promptly executed.
I have no doubt but that we shall each endeavor to discharge our several duties conscientiously, carefully, and to the best of our ability.
Among the many excellent recommendations of the commissioners for the revision of the city charter, is a provision that the annual appropriations shall be made in the month of November for the succeeding year : the wisdom of this is apparent, as the members of the City Council, after an experience of ten months, can act more intelligently and judiciously than with only the meagre knowledge that can be gained during the first few months of the year.
Under the present charter, one of your first duties will be to determine the amount that will be required for the expenses of the city for the present year, and to make the needed appropriation.
This will be the most important matter upon which you will be called to act, and I ask for it your careful attention.
Our city embraces a much larger territory in compari- son with its population than many others : the villages are scattered, with the intervening space but sparsely built upon ; so that necessarily our expenses are greater than cities which are more compact.
I believe our citizens will approve of a sufficient appro- priation to maintain the schools and the various depart- ments of the city in their present state of efficiency ; but they will require that this amount shall be determined
5
only after mature deliberation, having in view a judicious expenditure of the money, controlled by a strict but wise economy.
When this has been done, I shall expect that each of the several committees will keep its expenses within its appropriation.
As neither gravel-land nor a steam-roller will have to be purchased, and no further enlargement need be made to the City Hall, I shall be very much disappointed if the appropriations are not considerably less this year than they were last.
If to the beautiful scenery, embellished by handsome residences, the excellent schools, the pure water, and the good roads of Newton, we could add low taxes, many persons would be induced to make our city their home, thus increasing the wealth upon which taxes are levied.
The organization of the City Council follows so closely the expiration of the last financial year, that I am unable to give you the expenditures of that year; but with the various department reports which will soon be presented, together with that of the auditor, you will have full information upon all matters relating to the last city government.
FINANCES.
The finances of the city are in an excellent condition, and the expenses of last year were within the receipts and taxes assessed. All bills have been paid as far as possible, except those for December, which I estimate will amount to thirty-five thousand dollars ; besides which there is a
6
temporary loan, made in anticipation of the collection of taxes, of thirty thousand dollars. The cash on hand, and uncollected taxes considered good, are much in excess of this indebtedness.
FUNDED DEBT.
The permanent debt of the city, Dec. 31, 1881, 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 bonds
$870.000 00
Accrued interest on same
24,450 00
894,450 00
Uninvested portion of the principal
of the Kenrick Fund .
$500 00
Accrued interest on same
15 00
515 00
Total .
$1,257,043 72
Amount of funded debt with accrued interest, Dec.
31,1880
1,241,921 59
Increase during the year
$15,122 13
This increase was occasioned by the issuing of $15,000 in water bonds for the extension of water-mains, etc.
SINKING-FUND.
The condition of the sinking-fund, Dec. 31, 1881, was as follows : -
7
CITY DEBT SINKING-FUND.
City of Newton water bonds, 5 per cent ·
$8,000 00
City of Newton water bonds, 4 per cent 13,000 00
Loan to Massachusetts Loan and
Trust Company at 4 per cent, 30,379 43
Cash in bank
200 00
$51,579 43
WATER DEBT SINKING-FUND.
City of Newton water bonds, 5
per cent ·
$62,000 00
City of Newton water bonds, 4 per cent ·
7,000 00
Loan to Massachusetts Loan and
Trust Company at 4 per cent, 13,851 90
Cash in bank 1,550 00
$84,401 90
Total .
$135,981 33
Amount of sinking-fund, Dec. 31, 1880
101,378 01
Increase during the year $34,603 32
Amount of funded debt less sinking-fund, Dec. 31, 1880
$1,140,543 58
Same, Dec. 31, 1881
1,121,062 39
Actual decrease of funded debt $19,481 19
No part of the funded debt will mature until next year. The sinking-fund has been judiciously managed ; and the commissioners should be commended that they were able
8
to securely invest the funds upon such a high rate of interest, the city having paid but about 34 per cent upon its temporary loans.
The principal source from which revenue is derived to pay the expenses of the city is the tax levied upon property.
In 1881 the real estate was valued
at
$18,238,510 00
the personal estate was valued at
8,169,763 00
$26,408,273 00
Taxable value of corporate
stocks .
2,266,576 00
Taxable value of bank
stocks . 933,150 00
$29,607,999 00
In 1880 the real estate was valued
at
$17,718,270 00
the personal estate was
valued at
7,481,830 00
$25,200,100 00
Taxable value of corporate
stocks · ·
1,485,000 00
Taxable value of bank
stocks .
900,000 00
27,585,100 00
Increase in taxable property ·
$2,022,899 00
9
BOARD OF HEALTH.
The general health of the citizens has been good during the past year, although in some localities diphtheria has prevailed to a considerable extent, caused probably by the use of well-water contaminated by sewage. In some in- stances city water has since been introduced, and I trust that this disease will not again appear.
The recommendation of my predecessor for the appoint- ment of a Health Officer independent of the Chief of Po- lice, whose other duties prevented proper attention to this subject, was followed by the appointment of the City Al- moner as Health Officer, whose whole time is to be de- voted to the care of these two departments which are so intimately connected.
As Health Officer he has been principally occupied in the examination of the drainage systems, more especially in those districts where sickness has occurred ; and through his influence remedies have been applied which will un- doubtedly render them much more healthy in the future.
Complimentary notice has been given in several in- stances to the rules adopted by our Board of Health ; some sections of Rule 18, for example, have been incor- porated in the regulations of the Board of Health of the city of New York.
CITY CHARTER.
The commissioners appointed near the close of the year 1880 to revise the city charter, after devoting a great deal of time and thought to the subject, presented two reports,
10
each containing a form of charter, the minority differing principally from the majority in providing that the City Council should consist of but one board. It may be frankly said that the present charter is verbose, obscure, and full of inconsistencies ; while both draughts of the commissioners are brief, clear, comprehensive, and contain many important provisions not in the present code.
The reports of the commissioners were considered by the last City Council ; but final action was not taken upon them.
A petition for the revision of the charter presented to the last Legislature having been referred to that of the present year, it is necessary that you take immediate action upon the reports of the commissioners, and prepare a draught of charter for presentation to the Legislature at its coming session.
CITY ENGINEER.
The last year has been an extremely busy one for the City Engineer. The demands of the Highway Surveyors and property-owners for grades and street-lines; of the Committee on Public Property for plans, estimates, and supervision of the extensive alterations and repairs made upon the public buildings; of the Committee on Water for work in their department, together with the laying out and superintendence of the various drains which have been built, - have kept him and his assistants constantly employed.
To render vacant land accessible for building purposes, new streets are constantly being laid out, which at some
11
time the city will be asked to accept. After a new street has been built, it is difficult to effect any radical change, however desirable it may be, though this could readily have been made at the commencement of the work. For this reason it is highly desirable that the city should con- trol to some extent the lines and grades of these new streets.
Before improvements are begun upon land abutting upon accepted streets, owners should apply to the City Engineer for a grade-line upon which to base their work.
I would recommend that an ordinance be passed provid- ing for municipal regulations in both of these cases.
CLAFLIN GUARD.
This organization continues to increase in proficiency, and, should occasion require, would render valuable assist- ance to the police in quelling any disturbance. Its popular commander, who, three years ago, was largely instrumental in re-organizing the company, and has since labored per- severingly to elevate it to the high degree of discipline and drill it has attained, has recently resigned. His suc- cessor, however, is well qualified for the position; and its present rank will undoubtedly be maintained. The aid which it has usually received from the city should be con- tinucd.
DRAINS AND SEWERS.
Last year important drains were constructed in several villages, thus relieving the streets of surface water, which, in wet seasons, has occasioned much annoyance and dis- comfort. A number of new drains will be asked for this
12
year. As buildings are erected, drains become necessary to provide for the water which property-owners have allowed to be turned upon their land. Care should be taken in the construction of these to make them, so far as is practicable, suitable also for sewerage purposes.
During the last few years many cities and towns have built water-works ; and, as the introduction of water and the gradual growth in population necessitates in time a system of sewerage, this subject has been brought forcibly to public attention, and has received a great deal of care- ful study. No action has been taken as yet in Newton in this respect, beyond the appointment of a commission to recommend some plan, and the acceptance, in the year 1879, of their report. In the thickly settled villages on the north side of the city, especially in Wards One and Seven, and in a portion of Wards Two and Three, a sew- erage system will, before many years, become imperative for the preservation of health.
A complete system will necessarily involve a considera- ble expenditure of money : and, before any plan is adopted, a very thorough investigation should be made, by the for- mer commissioners or some other competent persons, of the various methods which may be in use ; but this can be delayed until it becomes necessary to commence upon the work, in order that we may receive the benefit of the information gained by the many scientific gentlemen who are engaged in investigating this subject, and the experi- ence of other places.
A commission, appointed by the Governor in conformity with an act of the last Legislature, is engaged in prepar-
13
ing a plan for the draining of the Mystic and Charles River valleys, which will include Newton. It has not yet made its report, but I trust that eventually some economi- cal way will be devised to dispose of our sewage matter. A strict enforcement of the rules of the Board of Health in the thickly settled portions of the city will compensate in some measure for the lack of sewers.
FIRE-DEPARTMENT.
The fire-department has responded to seventy-seven alarms in the past year, a larger number than ever be- fore since we became a city.
The losses by fire were . $14,743 76
Insurance paid on the same
.
10,270 76
Total insurance on the same . 32,000 00
Assessed value of the same
. 70,550 00
That the amount of loss is so very small, notwithstand- ing the large number of fires, must in a great degree be attributed to the promptness and skill of our competent Chief Engineer, and the efficiency of the members of the department. With the exception of Steamer 3, the ap- paratus is in good order. Last year a new hose-carriage was purchased, and Steamer 1 extensively repaired. Seven signal-boxes were added to the fire-alarm circuit, and six hydrants placed upon old mains.
The Chief will ask for additional signal-boxes and hy- drants. The readiness with which fires can be located, and the possession of an abundant supply of water, will very materially augment the efficiency of the department : hence, within reasonable bounds, it is desirable that thesc requests should be granted.
14
For other recommendations and reasons therefor I refer you to his report, which will soon be presented.
HIGHWAYS.
The streets of Newton, now over one hundred miles in length, must necessarily require a large expenditure of money to be kept in repair. They have been brought, at great expense, into an excellent condition; and it will be the best economy to maintain them in the same, even at the cost of considerable annual outlay. But as so large a sum can be expended upon them, and as the re- quests for new streets are so numerous, it will require very deliberate and conservative action by the surveyors to pre- vent extravagance.
The fifteen-ton roller which was purchased appears to have been a judicious investment. Not only has the ex- pense of repairing streets been materially lessened by its use, but the roadways are made much more durable than they could otherwise have been made.
In the building and repair of streets for the equal wear- ing of the surface, it is of great importance that the ma- terials in the road-bed should be as nearly as possible of equal size, and degree of hardness. This uniformity can- not be obtained except by passing the materials through screens of different sizes. The City Engineer is convinced from investigation that the durability of the roads will more than compensate for the additional expense, and, therefore, recommends that cylindrical screens be pur- chased, to be operated by steam, and run in connection with the stone-crushers.
15
During the last two years the cost of materials and labor has advanced considerably, so that the amount which in 1880 was sufficient for general repairs is now found to be inadequate. The surveyors therefore will ask for an increased appropriation. This request should re- ceive your careful consideration.
With the exception of a very few instances where the good faith of the city is pledged, I do not consider that it is expedient to widen any streets during the present year ; neither do I deem it necessary to purchase additional gravel-lands. On this account both of these appropria- tions should be very small, as should also be that for land- damages.
The policy which has prevailed in the past, for the city to pay one-half the expense for curbing and the concret- ing of sidewalks, should be continued, as both promote the convenience of the citizens, and render the city more attractive.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The police have continued to perform their duty in a quiet and commendable manner. Although small in num- bers, with a large territory to protect, they have preserved the peace, and no serious crimes have been committed.
A much larger number of arrests were made in the last twelve months than in previous years ; but this increase may be attributed to the exercise of greater vigilance on the part of the police, rather than to the growth of crime.
The recent enlargement of the City Hall included a new police-station and lock-up, which will afford sufficient accommodations for many years to come.
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The police-force now consists of the chief, one sergeant, and fourteen patrolmen, two of whom are mounted : only two additions have been made since 1877.
The chief recommends the appointment of another patrolman, to be stationed in Ward Six. A large district in that part of the city is now without police protection, except such as is rendered by the mounted officers in riding through it occasionally.
THE POOR.
The management of the almshouse under its present efficient warden has been very satisfactory. During the past year some twenty-eight acres of land adjoining the farm were purchased at an expense of about thirty-two hundred dollars. The need of this additional land to make the farm complete has long been felt; and the wis- dom of the purchase has been demonstrated by the income received, amounting to a very high rate of interest upon the cost.
Upon this land is a house completely isolated from all others, which could readily be converted into a small-pox hospital, should our city be again visited by that scourge.
The almshouse is inadequate to meet the needs of the city. At present it has more inmates than it can well ac- commodate, necessitating the placing of too many persons in a room, and not affording that disposition of children which is required. Should others apply for admission, the overseers will have much difficulty in providing for them.
I am informed that the house was built some thirty-five years ago, and has never been enlarged.
17
A plan has been suggested whereby a number of rooms can be added, sufficient to meet the probable demand for many years, at an expense of $2,000, and I recommend that the usual appropriation should be increased by that amount. It would then be less than that last year, when $3,100 were added for the purchase of land. The general · prosperity of the past year has benefited many of the poor by creating a demand for their labor, thus enabling them to support themselves without aid from the city ; and had not the number of insane paupers increased, with the attendant expense of providing for them, the amount paid for the support of the poor would have been less than last year, which was smaller than the outgo of any year since 1875.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The library is constantly increasing in popularity and in usefulness.
The trustees, who are greatly interested in its success, have rendered a valuable and gratuitous service in its man- agement. Having always exercised great care in the selec- tion of books, few, if any, of a questionable character can be found in its collection ; and, by placing only those of value upon the shelves, the reading public have been edu- cated to care for no others, so that the demand for light fiction is very small. Many valuable foreign works have been added during the year, purchased by the superin- tendent while in Europe.
Generous donations have been made to establish a fund, the income of which shall be expended in the purchase of
18
works of art ; this fund will undoubtedly be augmented from time to time by other gifts.
Last spring the trustees were requested by the City Council to establish a daily delivery of books in all the wards of the city except One and Seven : this request was complied with, and improved methods of distribution adopted, which have given general satisfaction, and in- creased the circulation considerably. As no provision was made to meet this additional expense, the trustees were obliged to make sacrifices in other directions, in order to keep within their appropriation. They will therefore ask this year that five hundred dollars be added to the usual appropriation for the public library, that being the in- creased cost for a daily delivery of books.
PUBLIC PARKS.
An act for the laying out of public parks in Newton, passed by the Legislature, was rejected by the voters of this city at an election held on the 8th of last June. A new act has been draughted, which omits that feature in the former act to which many object. That is, the establish- ing of a commission for the care and management of the parks. By the new draught, the full control is vested in the hands of the City Council. This was approved by the last City Council, and a petition for its passage by the next Legislature filed with the Secretary of the Common- wealth, as required by law. If this is granted, I hope, when it is presented to the citizens for their approval, it will be accepted.
Every thing should be done which at small expense will
19
render our city more desirable as a place of residence, seeing that it is essentially a residential city ; and I know of nothing which will add more to its beauty than public parks. We ought, therefore, to have power to accept of land for that purpose, and to purchase it if necessary. Al- ready a munificent gift from one of our citizens is await- ing acceptance ; and no doubt others will be incited to follow the example of the generous donor referred to, if the city has authority to accept such donations.
In some of the villages, societies have been formed for the purpose of improving and beautifying the public squares and streets. These we should encourage by co- operating with them in the execution of their work. A part, at least, of the annual appropriation for improvement of public squares, could be judiciously expended in this manner.
If the members of these societies would induce persons whose lawns are kept in excellent condition to give atten- tion to the sidewalks and grass-borders in front of their estates, the beauty of our streets would be much enhanced. These may seem to many to be small matters; but I believe that the future prosperity of Newton is closely connected with the attractions she can hold out to those who wish to have, in the place they choose for their homes, the comforts and conveniences of a well-ordered city, combined, how- ever, with those beauties which are essentially rural in their character.
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PUBLIC PROPERTY.
The city buildings generally are in good condition, and will not require any considerable expenditure of money during the present year. By the enlargement of the City Hall, just completed, new rooms for the City Council and Police Department have been added; the police court-room has been enlarged ; and ample accommodations provided for all officials, - thus postponing for a number of years the necessity for a new building.
The schoolhouses should be better ventilated, and the sanitary condition of some improved for the health, no less than for the convenience, of the pupils. These improve- ments will involve considerable expense, and can, without detriment to health, occupy several years in their ac- complishment. In the year 1880 the Mason school-build- ing was changed, last year the High School; and I would recommend that at least one of the others should be im- proved during the coming year.
The experiment of requiring that all repairs in and upon schoolhouses should be made under the direction of the Joint Standing Committee on Public Property has proved successful, and the practice should be continued.
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