USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1886 > Part 9
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Income from sale of old hose, &c. 133 80
$7,933 80
Expenditures
7,913 58
Undrawn
$20 22
All reservoirs and cisterns in the different parts of the city are kept free from snow and ice and can be used in case their use is called for in time of fire.
212
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
LIST OF FIRES AND ALARMS FOR THE YEAR ENDING NOVEMBER 30TH, 1886.
Dec. 26-Aların caused by fire in Georgetown.
Feb. 2-Slight blaze in house No. 99 Water street, owned by J. D. Pender- gast; cause, accidental.
Mar. 2-Chimney on fire in block No. 23 Olive street, owned by Hon. E. F. Stone.
Mar. 21-Shoe factories of Morgan Bros., and R. Couch, jr. & Co., and dwelling houses owned by Mrs. Charles Poole and L. S. Leavitt, in Dalton- ville ; loss, $63,350; insurance, $60,900; cause, supposed incendiary.
April 2-Stone house in rear Mrs. John Orne's house on Water street; damage, slight; cause, accidental.
May 10-Joy's block on Inn street, owned by Joy, Langdon & Co., occu- pied by C. E. Plummer, Ladies' Aid Society. Eagle Printing Co., Newbury- port Laundry, T. Castelhun, F. A. Silloway, and C. Gemignani; loss, $2,521; insurance, $12,300; cause, defective flue.
May 28-Barn on Dalton street owned by L. S. Leavitt; loss, slight; cause, incendiary.
May 28-Dwelling house on Otis street owned by Mrs. W. H. Swap, occu- pied by Mrs. Melville Smith; loss, $246; insurance, $1800; cause, unknown.
May 30-Barn on State street owned by John Stone; loss, $250; not in- sured ; cause, struck by lightning.
June 4-Roof of Almshouse ; loss, slight; cause, accidental.
June 21-Tibbetts' bakery on Purchase street; loss, $20; insurance, $500; cause, unknown.
June 29-House on School street owned by Mrs. S. J. Bailey ; loss, $85: in- surance, $800; cause, accidental.
July 8-Chrolithion works on Water street; loss, $20,000 ; insurance, $7,000; cause, explosion.
July 9-Alarm caused by fire in Haverhill.
August 4-Herald office building owned by W. H. Huse & Co., occupied by them, also by J. A. True, Toppan Brush Co. and Geo. Gorwaiz; loss, $5,200; insurance, $19,600; cause, unknown.
August 5-Shaw's block and Dr. Healey's barn on Charter street, block oc- cupied by Newburyport Dye House, W. C. Plummer and others; loss, $1300; insurance, $8,850; cause, unknown.
August 13-Building on Water street head of Huse's wharf, owned by Henry W. Moulton and occupied by Simon Swig; loss, $150; insurance, $1800; cause, incendiary.
Sept. 19-Barn in Newbury, Oldtown, owned by W C. Plummer.
October 6-Slaughter house on Low street, owned and occupied by G. H. McLauren ; loss, $1200; insurance, $800; cause, incendiary.
October 22-Slight fire in Victoria Mills; damage slight ; insured ; cause, accidental
November 14-Building on Inn street owned by Thomas Hennessey ; occu- pied .J. Murphy ; loss, $700; insurance, $1800; cause, unknown.
213
CHIEF ENGINEER S REPORT.
Total loss .$95,022 Total insurance 116,150
The greatest loss occasioned by any one fire the past year was that of March 21st, 1886, and for some reason unknown the alarm was not rung in until one of the shoe factories was fully enveloped in flames. Had the alarm been given in proper season I believe that the result in regard to the loss would have been entirely dif- ferent than that which is recorded.
23
214
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
MEMBERS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
BOARD OF ENGINEERS.
Rank.
Name.
Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Chief,
Eben S. Dole,
39,
Hatter,
Oakland street.
1st Ass't,
Wm. Holker,
41,
Stove dealer,
Beck
66
2d
G. W. Knight,
53,
Clerk,
Parker
3d
F. B. Ives,
31,
Hatter,
Merrimac
4th
E. S. Johnson,
39,
Gardener,
Marlboro' 66
STEAMER AND HOSE No. 1.
(Fifteen Members.) House East Side of Market Square.
Foreman, JOHN W. SARGENT.
Engineer and Treas., S. P. BOARDMAN.
Assistant Foreman, A. F. YOUNG.
Assistant Engineer, W. H. YOUNG.
Clerk, C. S. COLBY.
Fireman, E. P. CHASE.
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
J. W. Sargent 41
Agent,
Fair street,
1
A. F. Young 32
Stove dealer,
Orange
2
C. S. Colby 25
Shoemaker,
Independent
3
S. P. Boardman 43
Machinist,
Kent 4
Water 5
E. P. Chase
.31
Shoemaker,
Franklin
6
R. B. Mitchell .27
Vernon
7
M. D. Broderick 26
Teamster,
Unicorn
8
E. P. Allen .32
Moulder,
Liberty
9
H. S. Rogers .29
Shoemaker,
Merrimac
10
G. A. Young. 29
Teamster,
Federal
11
J. P. Noyes .30
Shoemaker,
Prospect
12
G. L. Richardson 31
Dresser,
Kent
13
G. N. Ellery 28
Dyer,
Prospect
14
G. E. Niles.
.26
Shoecutter,
Liberty
15
PROPERTY IN CHARGE.
One second class Amoskeag steamer, and one four-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped.
W. H. Young. .30
215
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
STEAMER AND HOSE No. 2. (Fifteen Members.) House on Water Street, near foot of Federal Street.
Foreman, C. I .. KIDDER.
Engineer, P. H. BOLMAN.
Ass't Foreman, E. E. LANGLANDS,
Assistant Engineer, F. W. LANDFORD.
Clerk and Treas., A. H. ADAMS.
Fireman, G. N. BLACK.
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
C. L. Kidder .31
Painter,
Bromfield street,
18
E. E. Langlands .27
Clerk,
Chestnut
30°
A. H. Adams .37
66
Franklin 24
P. H. Bolman .33
Engineer,
Lunt
25
F. W. Landford 28
Clerk,
Federal
22
G. N. Black .49
Shoemaker,
Bromfield
19
W. W. Hutchings .37
Moulder,
School
29
J. L. T. Pearson .33
Cutter,
Middle
28
C. H. M. Bartlett. .36
Carpenter,
Lime
20
F. Annis. 29
Dresser,
Water
27
C. S. Blake .34
Clerk,
Liberty
21
T. E. Colman .27
Laborer,
Water
26
T. H. Glynn 25
Grocer,
Federal
23
C. W. Turner 39
Woodworker,
School
16
J. E. Meader
34
Mason,
Fair
17
PROPERTY IN CHARGE.
One second class Amoskeag steamer, and one Button & Son four-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped.
216
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
STEAMER AND HOSE No. 3. (Fifteen Members. )
House on Congress Street.
Foreman and Treas., C. S. POST.
Engineer, W. H. P. HOWARD.
Assistant Foreman, J. H. PAGE. Assistant Engineer, W. G. SMITH.
Clerk, W. H. P. HOWARD.
Fireman, C. E. ASH.
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
C. S. Post. 26
Shoecutter.
Boardman street,
J. H. Page. 23
Hatter,
Carter 31
W. H. P. Howard. .52
Baker,
Merrimac
32
W. G. Smith 35
Machinist,
Congress 33
C. E. Ash. .42
Baker,
Kent
A. P. Lewis. .42
Merchant,
Carter 34
A. R. Curtis 33
Hatter,
Tyng
35
A. G. Warner .33
W. R. Chase .35
Carpenter,
Oakland
37
W. R. Bradley 24
Shoecutter,
Oakland
38
G. W. Fowler .25
Weaver,
Kent
39
J. Carter. .22
Clerk, 66
Papanti's court,
40
W. E. Moody 21
High street,
41
C. R. Preble
.28
Shoecutter,
Summer
42
F. Russell ..
.21
Winter
43
Merrimac 36
PROPERTY IN CHARGE.
One second class Amoskeag steamer, and one W. W. Wander four-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped.
217
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
HOSE COMPANY No. 4. (Ten Members.) House East side Market Square.
Foreman, G. R. LUCY.
Clerk and Treas., N. D. RODIGRASS.
Ass't Foreman, L. W. RODIGRASS. Steward, C. H. SHACKFORD.
MEMBERS.
Name.
Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
G. R. Lucy .28
Hackdriver,
Essex street, 167
1 .. W. Rodigrass 25
Finisher.
Prospect 166
N. D. Rodigrass 22
Printer,
Prospect
156
C. H. Shackford 29
Hairdresser,
Purchase 159
C. F. Allen 28
Agent,
Middle
162
W. Pickard 28
Shoecutter,
Prospect
161
R. A. Rodigrass 25
Finisher,
Ashland
163
S. C. Reed.
41
Photographer,
Charter
157
C. N. Huse
.26
Printer,'
Middle
164
G. Funk.
30
Agent,
State
160
PROPERTY IN CHARGE.
One four-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped.
218
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
HOOK AND LADDER No. 1. (Fifteen Members.) House East Side of Market Square.
Foreman, W. A. TAYLOR. Clerk, D. A. BURGESS.
Ass't Foreman, L. G. BRADBURY. Treasurer, E. C. TYLER.
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
W. A. Taylor . 24
Shoemaker,
Winter street,
46
L. G. Bradbury 26
Shoecutter,
Merrimac 47
D. A. Burgess .30
Shoepacker,
Prospect 48
E. C. Tyler 25
Shoemaker.
Washington
49
W. A. Noyes 34
Stockfitter,
Prospect
50
W. B. Frost. .22
Teamster,
Middle 53
R C. Marr. .28
Shoemaker,
Lunt 56
C. E. Williams .27
Tinsmith,
Strong 52
J. H. Carver .30
Clerk,
Winter
54
J. Whittaker . . 26
Carpenter,
Merrimac
51
W. J. Packer 27
Shoemaker,
Lime
ɔ̃5
J. W. Gunning 24
Stockfitter,
Atkinson
60
W. P. Phillips 25
Shoepacker,
State
58
T. Leary . .21
Hostler,
Merrimac
57
C. F. Tucker
.29
Shoecutter,
Kent
59
1
PROPERTY IN CHARGE. One Button & Blake hook and ladder carriage.
219
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
HOSE COMPANY No. 7.
(Fifteen Members.)
Foreman, E. H. MCCONNELL ..
Clerk, S. H. GOODWIN.
Assistant Foreman, J. L. LEWIS. Treasurer, T. W. MITCHELL.
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
E. H. McConnell 24
Spoonmaker,
Merrimac street, 99
J. L. Lewis 28
Shoemaker,
Walnut
67
S. H. Goodwin. 23
Warren
76
T. W. Mitchell, jr .28
Forrester
98
J. Purcill. 32
Painter.
Howard
110
P. Curtis .50
Hatter,
66 73
E. B. Davis. .27
Laborer,
Forrester 80
W. H. Chase. 26
Shoemaker,
Ashland
87
J. Fallon. 36
Hatter,
Forrester
70
C. Farrill. 25
Shoemaker,
Middle 90
W. G. Somerby 24
Dove
91
W. S. Croker 23
Hatter,
Ashland
77
H. McQuillen 27
Merrimac
71
Geo. Carter.
Shoemaker,
Merrimac court,
F. Huntinton .32
Carriage trimmer,
Merrimac street,
PROPERTY IN CHARGE. One Jeffers hand engine, one two-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped.
220
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
HOSE COMPANY No. 8. (Fifteen Members.)
Foreman, W. B. PORTER.
Clerk, A. W. PORTER.
Ass't Foreman, J. T. RUSSELL.
Treasurer, W. G. CASWELL.
Steward, J. N. HOWARD.
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
W. B. Forter 48
Teamster,
Lunt street,
111
J. F. Russell . .28
Provision dealer,
Oak
112
A W. Porter 49
Shoemaker,
Marlboro'
122
W. G. Caswell .38
Laborer,
Purchase 140
J. N. Howard .51
Shoemaker,
Lime
120
R. H. Knapp. 51
Parsons
148
C. A. Caswell 34
Laborer,
Purchase
129
T. H. Welch
28
Combmaker,
Oak
153
L. P. Hilton.
42
Laborer,
Union
118
W. H. Perkins .42
Fishdealer,
Union
E. R. Pickard .31
Gunner,
Beck
123
W. H. Woodman 22
Finisher,
Water
138
W. S. Porter 29
Teamster,
Lunt
116
T. R. Perkins 24
Carpenter,
TTnion
142
A. Russell
22
Combmaker,
Oak
113
PROPERTY IN CHARGE.
One Button & Son hand engine, one two-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped, one supply wagon.
In conclusion I would most cheerfully and earnestly tender my sincere thanks to His Honor the Mayor, and the Committee on Fire Department, for the great interest taken in, and the support given, this department the past year. Also to the city marshal and all members of the police force for assistance rendered. I also wish to extend my thanks to my assistants on the Board of Engineers ; also to all officers and members of the department for the promptness. activity and efficiency shown at all times while in the discharge of each and every duty they have been called upon to perform the past year.
Yours very respectfully, EBEN S. DOLE, Chief Engineer.
REPORTS
OF THE
CITY SOLICITOR
AND
CITY MARSHAL.
1886.
24
REPORT OF THE CITY SOLICITOR.
OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR, NEWBURYPORT, December, 1886.
To the City Council :
GENTLEMEN :- I respectfully submit the following report of the business of this office for the past year :
At the beginning of the year five suits were pending in which the city was a party ; seven have been brought during the year : four are pending and undisposed of at this date.
The names, nature, disposition, &c., of the several cases are as follows :
1. Newburyport Water Company vs. Newburyport.
In May and July hearings were had before the referees on the specifications mentioned in my last report. September six a decision was rendered in substance as follows :
The outlets of all hydrants are of sufficient size and no larger are required by the contract.
Six-inch pipe should be laid on Merrimac street from J. C. Stan- ley's store to Commericial wharf, and the hydrants called for by the plan between those points should be set. The pipe on High street below State is sufficient and all that the contract requires, but six- inch pipe should be laid across the City Railroad bridge. Four-inch should be laid through the entire length of Beck and Inn streets ; six-inch from Lime to Bromfield, and four-inch below Bromfield, on Purchase. The pipe on Court street is sufficient. As to Unicorn, Independent, Ship, Madison and Toppan streets the pipe already laid is sufficient and there is no requirement of any so far as this contract is concerned.
224
REPORT OF CITY SOLICITOR.
The height of the reservoir is sufficient.
The claim that eight-inch should be laid on Merrimac from Kent to Ashland was waived, it appearing that that was the size already there.
This decision was reported to the Supreme Judicial Court at the November sitting, and duly accepted, thus ending this long pending case.
2. Eastern Railroad Company vs. Newburyport.
In this, the draw-pier case, described in several previous reports the railroad company has not moved, and, for the reasons given in the reports referred to, it has not been pressed by the city.
3. Eagle Odorless Company vs. Newburyport. Superior court, Suffolk.
This case, explained in previous reports, I hoped to be able to report as disposed of but the inability of other counsel to be present when it could be heard has prevented.
4. Nicholas J. Dean vs. Newburyport. Superior Court, Essex.
This case, explained in my last report, came up for trial in Sep- tember, and after strenuous efforts on the part of the plaintiff to get it continued, the entry of judgment for " neither party " was made. More than two years having now elapsed since the date of the acci- dent, the plaintiff's claim is barred.
5. John H. Lancaster vs. Johnson, City of Newburyport, trustee, Superior Court, Essex.
In this, also mentioned in my last report, a trial was had in the Superior Court in January, on the issue between the plaintiff and trustee, and judgment was rendered for the city.
6. Edward E. Warner vs. Newburyport, Superior Court, Essex.
Suit brought February 1, 1886. The plaintiff claimed to have broken his leg by a fall occasioned by an accumulation of ice and snow on Market street, February 25,1885. The case came on for trial in September and was settled. Judgment entered for the plaintiff for $400.
7. Mary A. Hudson vs. Newburyport ; Superior Court, Essex ; suit brought Feb. 1, 1886. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained personal injuries by being thrown from a carriage on Merrimac street, Sept. 3, 1884, at the time the street was being paved. This came up for trial and was settled at the same time with the preced-
225
REPORT OF CITY SOLICITOR.
ing case. Judgment was entered for "neither party," more than two years after the date of the accident.
8. Mary Foley vs. Newburyport; Superior Court, Essex ; suit brought March 10, 1886. The plaintiff claimed to have broken both bones of the forearm by falling on some rocks on the sidewalk in front of the premises now occupied by Mr. Charles Wills, on State street, Oct. 17, 1885. This was on the list for trial at the September sitting but was settled by the payment of $175, and judgment entered accordingly. In this case the party then own- ing the adjoining premises was cited to appear and defend but did not, and in my opinion is liable to the city for the amount paid by it with interest, costs and expenses.
9. Julia Etta Hall vs. Newburyport; Superior Court, Essex ; suit brought June 30, 1886. The plaintiff claimed to have broken both bones of the leg by a fall occasioned by an accumulation of ice and snow on Temple street. Jan. 27, 1886. This also came on for trial in September but was settled for $250, and judgment entered for the plaintiff for that amonnt.
In the four cases last mentioned Attorney General Sherman was associated with me.
10. Town of Topsfield vs. Newbuyport ; Superior Court, Essex ; suit brought March, 1886. This is a suit to recover for support of a pauper whom it is claimed has a settlement in this city. There being evidence tending to show the contrary, it was decided to defend the case. It is on the trial list for the present sitting of the court.
11. Newburyport vs. Daniel Creadon ; Superior Court, Essex. This suit was brought by me in the Police court in September, to recover for money paid for board of the defendant in the Ipswich Receptacle for the Insane. Judgment was for the defendant in the Police court, but there being in my judgment good ground for maintaining the action, an appeal was taken to the Superior court, where it was entered Dec. 6th.
12. Alexander T. Amthor vs. Newburyport ; Superior Court, Suffolk ; suit brought Oct. 7, 1886, returnable Dec. 6th. Plaintiff claims to have sustained personal injuries by falling into a culvert near the corner of Merrimac and Strong streets, Feb. 13, 1886. An appearance has been entered.
226
REPORT OF CITI SOLICITOR.
In addition to suits in court there has been a large amount of other business.
In the spring the city for the third time petitioned the legislature for relief from the Deer Island bridge award. A long hearing ex- tending over many days was had before the legislative committee on roads and bridges. More opposition appeared before the com- mittee than ever before. Every other city in the county had its solicitor there to oppose. The result was a unanimous report of the committee in favor of the petition, but the bill did not pass the house. The bill which was drawn by me was nearly the same as that reported last year, and provided for a rehearing before a board of arbitrators to be appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court.
I appeared several times before the legislative committee on cities, on the petition for leave to increase the city debt to provide for the bridge award and water debt, and drew a bill. The matter was favorably reported and the act granting such increase passed.
I appeared several other times before the last named committee, on the matter of the mayor's salary, and drew a bill. The present act, differing in some respects from my draft, was passed.
I prosecuted several criminal cases in the Police court during the year ; have drawn various documents and writings, including the petitions in the cases before the legislature ; given many opinions on questions submitted by different officers, committees, and de- partments, and attended to many other minor matters.
The amount of business for the year has been large. My dis- bursements and receipts have been as follows ;
Paid for travelling expenses
$64 35
witness fees. 23 40
officers and court fees 14 20
telegrams. 2 83
blanks and postage 2 20
copies . 2 00
108 98
Received of the city
95 98
Due Dec. 28th
$13 00
Respectfully submitted,
HORACE I. BARTLETT, City Solicitor.
REPORT OF THE CITY MARSHAL.
To His Honor the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The whole number of arrests during the year 1886, for offences committed within the city of Newburyport, is five hundred and eighty-six, of which three hundred and twenty-eight were of foreign birth, two hundred and fifty-eight were born within the limits of the United States, forty-five were females, and forty- three were minors.
The arrests were for the following causes, viz :
Assault and battery 23
Assault on officers 3
Assault with intent to kill
1
Adultery 2
Bastardy 4
Breaking and entering
11
Cruelty to dumb animals
1
Common drunkard.
6
Drunkenness 298 15 Drunk, second offence.
Drunk, third offence
14
Disturbing the peace
24
Evading railroad fare.
1
For out of town officers
5
Non support of wife and minor child
Insane.
3
Larceny
16
Profane language
1
Malicious mischief
5
Safe keeping.
130
3
228
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
Tramps 2 Vagrancy . 3
Violation of city ordinances 7
Violation of the liquor law
7
Total. 586
DISPOSED OF AS FOLLOWS:
Appealed
Bound over to Superior Court. 9
Cases continued 11
Committed for non-payment of fine 125
Committed to Danvers hospital
3
Committed to Ipswich hospital 18
Discharged without complaint. 180
Discharged by court. 12
60
House of Correction 19
4
Ordered to pay costs
8
Placed on file.
2
Put under bonds to keep the peace 1
Turned over to other officers 8
MISCELLANEOUS.
Amount of property reported lost .$522 25
Amount of property recovered $493 46
Amount of imprisonment imposed, days 10,235
Accidents reported .
13
Assisted other officers
302
Buildings found open and secured.
57
Complaints investigated
1,263
Defective places in streets reported
85
Dogs killed
10
Disturbances suppressed without arrest
186
Escorts furnished processions
1
Fire alarms given
7
Fires extinguished without alarm.
3
House of Correction.
18
Injured persons assisted . . . 13
Intoxicated persons helped home ... 134
Lights furnished for dangerous places 24
Lost children returned to parents .. 33
Meals furnished lodgers and prisoners 3,509
Nuisances investigated . 9
Officers for extra duty at City Hall, hours 366
6
Fined and paid.
Newburyport workhouse
229
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
Persons provided with lodgings 1399
Search warrant for liquor served. 12 Street obstructions removed 126 Stray teams put up 26
Workhouse 6
Respectfully submitted,
C. H. DEROCHEMONT, City Marshal. Newburyport, Dec. 31, 1886.
25
REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH
OF THE
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT.
1886.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
DR. ISAIAH B. BOLTON. CHAIRMAN. AMOS H. GEARY. JOHN L. DODGE. GEO. H. STEVENS. CLERK.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
To His Honor the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The following is a statement of the appropriation and expenditures of the Board of Health for the year ending Dec. 31, 1886.
Annual appropriation by the city council
.$500 00
EXPENDITURES.
Salaries of officers $204 20
Expense of meteorological observations. 200 75
66 burying dead animals 4 50
66 vaccine points 24 80
Incidentals
4 00
Amount undrawn 61 75-8500 00
The duties of the board for the past year have not been of a very onerous character, and have consisted for the most part in dealing with complaints arising out of the attempts to evade the regulations of the board with respect to the keeping of swine within the health limits of the city, and the foul condition many landlords allow the privies and cesspools on their premises to be in during the summer months, to the great annoyance of their tenants and other citizens residing in the immediate vicinity. The cause of complaint in most instances has been removed at once, on written notice from the officers of the board, and but few cases have arisen when their notices have required repetition or a personal view and inspection by members of the board.
234
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
The general health of the city for the past year has been good. Of the so-called zymotic diseases there is a slight increase over the fatal cases of the previous year, but nothing to show that they were epidemic in the city. There were but sixteen cases of scarlet fever reported to the board during the year, but one case of diphtheria, and two cases of measles. In the return of deaths there were eight fatal cases of diphthera, three of scarlet fever, and one of measles.
It will be seen that physicians do not notify the Board of Health in all cases of the existence of diseases of a contagious character, as required by law, and that this board is thus prevented from taking the necessary steps to prevent the spreading of these contagious diseases or of obtaining the knowledge that everything is done by attending physicians to prevent further spread. No serious results have been observable thus far from this negligence of physicians and heads of families, but the custom is not a safe one to be con- tinued.
The attention of the board during the year was called to the qual- ity of the water at the Kelley School Building by a complaint that the pupils attending this school had suffered in consequence of its use. The importance of the subject was so great, in the estimation of the board, that they directed a competent chemist of this city to furnish them with an analysis of the water from the well in the Kelley School Building, as a basis for future action, which he did, as follows :
" KELLEY SCHOOL WATER.
To the Board of Health :
GENTLEMEN :- The following is the result of an analysis of water from the well in the Kelley School Building.
The figures represent parts in 100,000 parts of water.
Total dissolved matter 28.7
parts
Chlorine 2.9
Free ammonia. 0.014
Albuminoid ammonia .
0.016
Natural water contains a variety of substances in solution. In a sanitary view ammonia is the most important, being the indication of the presence of nitrogenous, animal or vegetable organic matter. 'Free ammonia' may exist already in water by natural decomposition
235
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
of organic matter, while the so-called ‘ albuminoid ammonia' is pro- duced by the action of permanganate of potash on the organic matter. From the amount of ammonia the quantity of organic matter in the water and again the degree of purity or pollution is concluded upon. Now, in order to judge from the above table on the quality of the water it will be of assistance to you to compare it with figures adopted by some as the limits which water of good quality should not exceed.
In 100,000 parts.
Kelley school, Limits.
Total solids
28.7
50 .-
Chlorine.
2.9
1 .-
Free ammonia .
0.014
0.005
Albuminoid ammonia
0.016 0.010
It will be seen by this that the water must be considered suspicious for drinking purposes, besides the location of the well in the vicinity of the water closets always exposes the water to the danger of pollution. The appearance is another objection to its use for drinking. It is filled with small floating particles, which, after standing, form a flocculent, rusty colored sediment, composed chiefly of fine structureless masses intermixed with fibers of wood and spores of filiaments of fungia.
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