USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1887 > Part 9
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The Overseers of the Poor have no voice in the commitment of the insane to the asylums, and they come under their care only when they are notified that the city is expected to pay for their board.
It has long been a question whether the city was obliged to pay for the clothing worn by the insane, and for the damages done by them, in addition to board. This Board, in conjunction with other cities, have taken the view that it is not a legitimate charge, and have so notified the asylums, and no further bill will be approved for clothing and breakage until the General Court has more fully defined the exact meaning of the statute.
At the close of last year there were four insane confined at Ips- wich, but as this asylum was closed on Oct. 1, 1887, it became nec- essary to remove them. One was taken to the almshouse, and three were transferred to Danvers asylum.
Of the 19 persons in Danvers asylum Jan. 1, 1887, 6 have been discharged, and 9 new cases have been added ; and there remains at Danvers, Jan. 1, 1888, 22; Westborough, 1; total, 23.
209
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
OUTSIDE RELIEF.
Outside relief, which last year was granted to 245 families, com- prising 620 persons, at a cost of $7,673.97, this present year of 1887 has been granted to 179 families, viz : 147 families comprising 426 persons, having a settlement in Newburyport ; 24 families com- prising 68 persons, having a settlement in other cities and towns ; and S families of 20 persons, who have no settlement in this state ; making a total of 514 persons assisted outside the almshouse, at a cost of $6,757.14, $916.83 less than last year.
Fifty new histories have been taken during the year, and the Board has now a full and complete history of more than 575 fami- lies who have at various times applied for aid. These history papers are properly indexed and dated, and can be referred to at any moment.
In addition to the above, 27 persons have been sent out of the city ; 106 have resided in the almshouse during a portion of the year ; 10 have been provided with food and lodging over one night ; making a grand total of 657 assisted this year, against 786 last year.
When to grant relief, and how much, to persons residing outside the almshouse, are problems hard to solve. This subject is now being agitated by all of the different boards of overseers through- out the commonwealth. Representatives from each city meet once a month to consider this, and other subjects, for the benefit of those they represent. Quite a saving has been made in this city the past year, in out door aid some $916.83, and the Board would ask the co-operation of all citizens to the end that the expense in this branch of the Department may be reduced to the lowest possible limit.
CITY PHYSICIAN'S REPORT.
The care of the sick residing in the almshouse and throughout the city at large, has been in the hands of Dr. I. B. Bolton, with whom a contract was made by this Board to supply all medicines needed by the poor, in the almshouse, and outside. for one year, for the sum of $325.
210
REPORT OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
PRODUCTS OF CITY FARM.
The products of the city farm during the past year were 40 tons hay, 150 bushels potatoes, 40 bushels onions, 75 bushels beets, 50 bushels carrots, 7 bushels beans, 2000 lbs. squashes, 800 cabbages, and sufficient green corn, string beans, tomatoes and green peas to supply the almshouse during the season.
All the labor upon the farm has been performed by the inmates of the house under the direction of Lyman W. Lord, who has proved himself to be an able and efficient officer.
Respectfully submitted,
L. W. SARGENT, - Overseers of
J. C. STEVENS, JOHN S. FROST, the Poor.
Newburyport, Dec, 31, 1887.
1
211
REPORT ON DEXTER AND ATWOOD FUND.
DEXTER AND ATWOOD FUNDS.
To His Honor the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Newbu yport:
GENTLEMEN :- The Board of Overseers of the Poor, to whom is entrusted the distribution of the incomes accruing from these funds, would respectfully report that the income from the Dexter Fund for the year ending Dec. 31, 1887, amounting to $90, has been divided among the three Overseers, giving $30 to each.
The income from the Atwood Fund, $293.50, has been divided in a similar manner, giving $97.50 to each Overseer, and has been dis- tributed according to the will of the doners in the following manner :
In wards one and two, the $30 of the Dexter Fund, nothing re- maining over from last year, has been distributed among 8 persons in sums from $2 to $5 each, leaving nothing of this fund on hand at the close of this year.
In wards three and four, the $30 of the Dexter Fund, nothing re- maining over from last year, was distributed among 7 persons in sums from $3 to $5 each, leaving nothing on hand at the close of the year.
In wards five and six, the $30 of the Dexter Fund, nothing re- maining over from last year, was distributed among 12 persons in sums from $2 to $3 each, leaving nothing on hand at the close of the year.
In wards one and two, the $97.50 of the Atwood Fund, with the balance of last year, $26.64, makes $124.14, has been distributed among 33 persons in sums from 95 cts. to $7 each, leaving a balance of $28.89 at the close of the year.
In wards three and four, the income from the Atwood Fund, $97.50, with $181 left over last year, $278.50, $116.63 of which
212
REPORT ON DEXTER AND ATWOOD FUND.
has been distributed among 25 persons in sums from $2 to $7.25 each, leaving a balance of $161.87 on hand at the close of the year.
In wards five and six, the income from the Atwood Fund, $97.50, with $87.25 left over from last year, makes $184.75, $127.50 of which has been distributed among 32 persons in sums from $1.50 to $5 each, leaving a balance of $57.25 on hand at the close of the year.
At the close of the year there remained in the overseers' hands :
Wards 1 and 2
Atwood Fund. $ 28 89 3 4 161 87
5 6 57 25
The individual names of the recipients of these funds are on file in the office of the Overseers of the Poor, subject to inspection.
L. W. SARGENT, J. C. STEVENS,
Overseers of JOHN S. FROST, the Poor.
Newburyport, Dec. 31, 1887.
REPORT
OF THE
CHIEF ENGINEER.
1887.
28
REPORT.
NEWBURYPORT, December 30, 1887.
To the City Council of the City of Newburyport:
GENTLEMEN :- It is with a great deal of pleasure that I herewith submit to you my fifth annual report of the Fire Department, with a few suggestions, which, in my opinion if carried out, will add greatly to the welfare of this department.
MANUAL FORCE.
The manual force of this department consists of chief engineer, six assistant engineers, three steamer companies of fifteen men each, one hook and ladder company of fifteen men, one hose com- pany of ten men, two hose companys of fifteen men each, a total of one hundred and seven men. Too much cannot be said in praise of the members of this department. They have the past year respond- ed to all alarms with great promptness, and have discharged every duty with a faithfulness which should demand something more than a passing notice. The salary which they receive is very small. being the sum of fifteen dollars per year, and I should recommend that their pay be increased, and I trust that you will take this mat- ter under consideration, and at the proper time show your apprecia- tion of their services by an increase of salary.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus of the department consists of three steamers, one hook and ladder truck, one supply wagon, four four-wheeled hose
216
CHIEF ENGINEEER'S REPORT.
carriages, two two-wheeled hose carriages, all of which can be called into service in time of fire. We have one old hook and lad- der truck and two hand engines which are not in use, and I should suggest the selling of these, together with the two two-wheeled hose carriages which are now in use by engine companies number seven and eight, and in their place purchase two light four-wheeled car- riages, which in my opinion would add greatly to the value of this branch of the department, and we should then have none but first- class apparatus, and none but what could be called into service in time of fire. The apparatus which is in use is in good condition, but I should recommend the painting of steamers number two and three, which I think is greatly needed. The past year there was purchased one new first-class hook and ladder truck which was greatly needed, and adds a great deal to the efficiency of the de- partment, and I trust that swinging harnesses will be purchased for new truck, as it is very essential in time of fire to have this part of the apparatus at the scene of fire in good season, and I consider that with new harnesses the time saved in hitching up will more than compensate the cost of the harnesses.
HOUSES.
The past year a new house has been built for engine company number two, and the location changed from Water to Federal street also adds a great deal towarks the welfare of the department. The houses are all in splendid condition, and we now have none but good houses and well located.
FIRE ALARM.
The electric fire alarm is still in good working order, and I can only reiterate my remarks of last year in regard to the present fire alarm. Indicators have been placed the past year in engine houses No. 2 and 3, and give perfect satisfaction.
WATER.
The Water Company the past year, have extended their water pipes on Merrimac street from Bayley Hat Factory to Chain Bridge, and ten extra hydrants have been located on the new ex- tension. There were three hydrants due on the former contract which have been located the past year. And with but few excep-
217
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
tions we are now well supplied all over the city with water for fire purposes. Total number of hydrants one hundred and sixty.
HOSE.
We have on hand at the present time eight thousand four hun- dred and fifty feet of linen hose, one thousand eight hundred and fifty feet of leather hose, being eight hundred feet of both kinds, less than we had on hand at this time last year. In my report of last year I recommended that each year there should be purchased at least five hundred feet of new hose which would not more than take the place of that which is condemned each year on account of its being in use a number of years, and becoming unfit for use on account of bursting, and in purchasing in this way in my opinion would be an advantage to this department, as we then should have at all times good serviceable hose, and the cost to the city each year would be comparatively small.
HALE FUND.
The above fund has been increased the past year by donations received from several of our well known citizens whose names are familiar to you all, as credit has been given to them, and the amounts which each gave been published in both our daily papers. We have also received from the estate of the late John Currier, jr., five hundred dollars. which is the largest donation which this fund has ever received from any one person since it was orgenized. The ball which was given in aid of this fund was a financial success, and by it we are able to swell the amount three hundred and one dollars, that being the net income from said ball. These additions together with the interest which has accumulated the past year swells the amount to four thousand and two dollars and fifty cents. The expenditures the past year were fifteen dollars, leaving the sum of three thousand nine hundred eighty-seven dollars and fifty-eight cents the net amount of fund. An increase of nine hundred and nine dollars and seventy-four cents. And I would on behalf of the trustees, and all the members of the Fire Department, thank each and every person who have in any way aided this worthy object as we all appreciate your kindly feelings.
218
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
Appropriation and income for Fire Department.
Appropriation.
$7,000 00
Income. 54 90
$7,054 90
Expenditures
7,268 43
Overdrawn. $ 213 53
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.
219
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
LIST OF FIRES AND ALARMS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING NOVEMBER 30, 1887.
1886.
Dec. 4-Dwelling house on Prospect street, owned by Mrs. Larner ; dam- age slight ; cause, unknown.
Dec. 17-Dwelling house on Wesley street, owned by H. W. Moulton ; total loss ; insurance, $1,500 ; cause defective flue.
1887.
Mar. 4-Waste house at Whitefield Mills; loss, $300; no insurance ; cause, spontaneous combustion.
Mar. 21-Slight fire in dwelling house on Independent street, owned and occupied by J. J. Murphy.
Mar. 26-Dwelling house on Warren street, owned and occupied by Cornelius Leary ; loss, $375 ; insurance, $1,000; cause, defective flue.
April 14-Dwelling house on Merrimac street, over store of A. P. Lewis : loss, $10; no insurance; cause, children playing with matches.
April 14-Building on City wharf, owned by Mrs. Amos Coffin, occupied by H. P. Currier and T. P. Mackinney ; loss, $575; insurance, $1,500 ; cause, incendiary.
April 16-Barn on Central wharf, owned and occupied by David Ma- gowan ; loss, $170; insurance, $1,300; cause, incendiary.
April 16-Slight fire in store of Edward Osgood; no loss; cause, explo- sion of lamp.
May 14-Dwelling house on Atkinson street, owned by Miss Agnes Henry ; loss, $320; insurance, $1900; cause, unknown.
May 19-Dwelling house on Water street, owned by J. G. Plumer ; loss, $50; cause, supposed incendiary.
Aug. 4-Slight fire in Couch's shoe factory on Dalton street; cause un- known.
Aug. 12-Barn oh Broad street, owned by Mrs. Downs ; loss, $538; insur- ance, $1,500 ; cause, incendiary.
Aug. 24-Block on Pleasant street, owned by J. A. Walker, occupied by J. M. Akerman, Smith & Knapp, Beard & McCartney, and C. J. White; loss, $11,885 ; insurance, $12,000; cause, incendiary.
Oct. 10-Fire at Amesbury. Locke & Jewell's carriage factory; re- sponded to by steamers No. 1 and 3.
Nov. 22-Slight fire at Hancock House ; cause, lamp explosion.
Total loss. $15,723
Total insurance 20,000
220
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
MEMBERS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
BOARD OF ENGINEERS.
Rank.
Chief,
Name. Eben S. Dole,
40,
Hatter,
Residence. Oakland street.
1st Ass't,
S. C. Reed, 42,
Photographer,
Charter
2d
66
F. B. Ives,
32,
Hatter,
Merrimac
3d
66
W. Holker,
42,
Stove Dealer,
Beck
4th
E. S. Johnson,
40,
Gardener,
Marlboro
5th
66
I. Poor, jr.,
35,
Clerk,
Lime
6th
H. H. Landford,
39,
Stable Keeper, Purchase
STEAMER AND HOSE CO. No. 1.
(Fifteen Members. ) House East Side of Market Square.
Foreman, J. W. SARGENT.
Engineer and Treas., S. P. BOARDMAN
Ass't. Foreman, G. A. YOUNG.
Ass't. Engineer, W. A. YOUNG.
Clerk, C. S. COLBY.
Fireman, E. P. CHASE.
MEMBERS.
Occupatiou.
Residence.
Badge
J. W. Sargent 41
Reporter,
Brown street,
1
G. A. Young 30
Ice Dealer,
Federal
2
C. S. Colby. .26
Shoemaker,
Independent
3
S. P. Boardman 43
Machinist, 66
Central Station,
5
E. P. Chase 32
Shoemaker, 66
Liberty street, 12
Machinist,
Merrimac
8
R. S. Bailey
28
R. Mitchell. 28
Shoemaker,
Vernon
7
E. P. Allen .33
H. S. Rogers 30
Shoemaker,
Merrimac
10
A. F. Young 33
Stove Dealer,
Orange
11
G. L. Richardson .32
Dresser,
Kent
13
G. N. Ellery. 28
Dyer,
Prospect
14
G. E. Niles 27
Shoe Cutter,
Liberty
15
Kent 4
W. H. Young 31
6
J. P. Noyes 31
Moulder,
Liberty
PROPERTY IN CHARGE.
One second-class Amoskeag steamer, and one four-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped.
Name. Age.
Age.
Occupation.
221
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
STEAMER AND HOSE CO. No. 2. (Fifteen Members.) House on Federal street, above Prospect street.
Foreman, C. L. KIDDER,
Engineer, P. H. BOLMAN.
Ass't Foreman, W. W. HUTCHINGS.
Ass't Engineer, F. W. LANDFORD
Clerk and Treas., A. H. ADAMS.
Fireman, G. N. BLACK.
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
C. L. Kidder 40
Painter,
Broomfield street, 18
W. W. Hutchings .38
Moulder,
School 29
A. H. Adams. 30
Clerk, Franklin 24
P. H. Bolman 34
Engineer, Lunt 25
F. W. Landford. 29
Clerk,
Federal 22
G. N. Black 50
Shoe Maker,
Bromfield 19
C. W. Turner 40
Wood Worker,
School
16
T. E. Colman .28
Engineer,
Ship
26
C. S. Blake. .35
Clerk, 66
Libertv
21
T. H. Glynn. 26
Federal
23
E. E. Langland. 28
66
Chestnut
30
J. E. Meader 35
Mason,
Fair
17
C. H. M Bartlett. 37
Carpenter,
Lime
20
J. E. Leighton 33
Shoe Packer,
Bromfield
27
J. Gaddis. .58
Machinist
Beck
28
PROPERTY IN CHARGE.
One second-class Amoskeag steamer, and one Burton & Son four-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped.
29
222
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
STEAMER AND HOSE CO. No. 3. (Fifteen Members.) House on Congress street.
Foreman and Treas., C. S. POST.
Engineer, W. H. P. HOWARD.
Ass't Foreman, J. H. PAGE.
Assistant Engineer, F. E. DAVIS.
Clerk, W. H. P. HOWARD,
Fireman, C. E ASH.
MEMBERS.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge ·
C. S. Post. 28
J. H. Page 25
Hatter,
Carter 32
W. H. P. Howard
.53
F. E. Davis
.40
Machinist, Broad 36
Baker, Kent 37
A. G. Warner
.33
Hatter,
Warren 42
F. Hardy .35
Moulder,
Birch 39
W. E. Moody
21
J. T. Moore 26
J. N. Carter.
24
Clerk,
Papanti Court 34
W. R. Bradbury
24
Shoe Cutter,
Vernon 45
G. O. Atkinson. 21
Printer,
Merrimac 41
J. T. White.
22
Silversmith,
Lime
35
W. L. Sutton.
37
Painter,
Bromfleld 33
W. A. Aowland.
.31
Engineer,
Tyng
43
High 40
Clerk,
Hack Driver,
Summer 44
PROPERTY IN CHARGE.
One second-class Amoskeag steamer, and one W. W. Wander four-wheeld hose carriage, fully equipped.
Name. Age.
Shoe Cutter, Boardman street, 31
Baker, Merrimac 38
C. E. Ash
44
223
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
HOSE CO. No. 4. (Ten Members.) House East Side of 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 29
Hack Driver,
Essex street, 167
L. W. Rodigrass .26
Finisher,
166
N. D. Rodigrass. 23
Printer,
Prospect .. 156
C. H. Shackford 30
Hair Dresser,
Purchase 159
C. F. Allen
29
Agent,
Middle
162
W. Pickard ..
28
Shoe Cutter,
Prospect
161
R. A. Rod grass 26
Finisher,
Ashland
163
C. N. Huse 27
Printer,
Middle
164
G. Funk 31
Agent,
State
160
L. Phinney
28
Finisher,
Water
157
PROPERTY IN CHARGE.
One four-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped.
224
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT
HOOK AND LADDER CO. No. 1. (Fifteen Members.) House East Side of Market Square.
Foreman, W. A. TAYLOR.
Clerk, W. P. PHILIPS.
Ass't Foreman, C. E. WILLIAMS.
Treasurer, E. C. TYLER.
Steward, W. A. NOYES.
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
W. A. Taylor 25
Shoemaker,
Winter street,
46
C. E. Williams 32
Plumber,
Central place, 47
W. P. Phillips 24
Shoe Packer,
Prospect 4S
E. C. Tyler. .26
Shoemaker,
Summer
49
J. W. Gunning 25
Stock Fitter,
Atkinson 55
J. F. Sullivan
21
Shoe Packer,
Water
51
T. Leary. 22
Clerk,
Merrimac
58
W. A. Noyes 37
Stock Fitter,
Prospect
50
J. H. Carver. 32
Clerk,
Winter
53
J. J. Whittaker 27
Carpenter,
Merrimac
52
C. H. Tucker, 33
Shoe Cutter,
Summer 46
J. T. Swain. 38
Painter,
Merrimac
54
H. L. Lang. . 24
Shoe Cutter,
Charter
59
E. N. Preble. 24
Shoemaker,
Summer
57
W. W. Wilsey 37
Artist,
Charter
60
PROPERTY IN CHARGE. One Gleason & Bailey hook and ladder truck, fully equipped.
225
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT
HOSE CO. No. 7.
House on Merrimac Street, between Forrester and Ashland Streets.
Foreman, J. L. LEWIS. Clerk, S. H. GOODWIN Ass't Foreman, P. J. CURTIS. Treasurer, T. W. MITCHELL.
Steward, W. H. CHASE.
MEMBERS.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
J. L. Lewis 28
Shoemaker,
Walnnt street, 73
P. J. Curtis 33
Hatter,
Woodland court 67
S. H. Goodwin ..
24
T. W. Mitchell
29
W. H. Chase
27
66
Ashland 87
J. Purcell. 31
Painter,
Forrester 110
E. H. McConnell. 26
Burnisher,
Merrimac 99
Laborer,
Forrester
80
C. Farrell
26
W. O. Somerby 25
W. S. Crocker 24
Driver,
Ashland
77
H. McQuillen 28
Carpenter,
Jefferson
Shoemaker, Merrimac S9
F. D. Huntington.
34
Carriage Trim'r, Ashland court
107
E. B. Davis 28
J. Fallan. 33
Hatter,
70
Shoemaker, 6€
Neptune
90
Dove
91
G. F. Carter. 33
Shoemaker, 66
Monroe street 76
Forrester 98
Name. Age.
226
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
HOSE CO. No. 8. (Fifteen Members.)
House on Purchase Street, between Neptune and Madison Streets.
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. Porter 49
'Teamster, Lunt street,
111
J. T. Russell .29
Provision Dealer, Oak
11
A. W. Porter. 50
Shoemaker,
Marlboro
122
J. N. Howard 51
Lime
120
W. G. Caswell 3S
Laborer,
Purchase 140
R. A. Knapp. 52
Shoemaker,
Parsons 1.4
C. A. Caswell
35
Gunner,
Purchase
129
P. H. Welsh .30
Comb Maker, Oak
153
L. S. Hilton
44
Laborer,
Union
118
W. H. Perkins. 44
Fish Dealer, 66
Beck
125
W. A. Woodman 22
Shoe Finisher,
Water
13S
W. S. Porter. .30
Job Wagon,
Lunt
116
T. R. Perkins 26
Carpenter,
Union court
132
PROPERTY IN CHARGE.
One Button & Son hand engine, one two-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped, one supply wagon.
CONCLUSION.
My report would not be complete, neither my duty done if I neglected to extend to His Honor the Mayor, the board of alder- man and the committee on fire department my sincere thanks for the great interest which they have taken in the welfare of this department the past year. Everything which has been absolutely needed to aid the efficiency of this department has been done with a cheerfulness which I appreciate. I also wish to extend my thanks to the City marshal and all members of the police force for assis- tance rendered, to my assistants on the board of engineers, and to
113
E. R. Pickard 32
227
CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT.
all officers and members of the department, 1 extend to them my heart felt and sincere thanks. They have the past year honored the positions they have occupied by their manly behavior, and respond- ing to all alarms with that promptness which cannot be excelled, and in time of fire discharged each and every duty, with that degree of activity and efficiency which has maintained the reputation which we have always borne, of having a fire department second to none in the State,
Yours very respectfully, EBEN S. DOLE, Chief Engineer.
REPORTS
OF THE
CITY SOLICITOR
AND
CITY MARSHAL.
1887.
30
REPORT OF THE CITY SOLICITOR.
CITY SOLICITOR'S OFFICE, NEWBURYPORT, December, 1887.
To the City Council:
GENTLEMEN :- I respectfully submit my annual report of the bus- iness transacted in this office during the year :
The city has been a party to the following suits :
1. Eagle Odorless Apparatus Company vs. Newburyport. Su- perior court, Suffolk.
This suit has made little progress. In February there was a hearing upon the demurer filed by the city, and the plaintiff was required to amend the pleadings. Since then no disposition has been manifested to press the suit, it having been delayed from time to time at the request of plaintiff's counsel.
2. Topsfield vs. Newburyport ; Superior court, Essex. This case has been on the trial list several times, but has not been reached for trial.
3. Newburyport vs. Creedon ; Superior court, Essex. Case heard at the March term judgment for defendant as in the Police court, on the ground that the city had paid for defendant's support at Ips- wich without authority of law. This question being of importance to the city, the case was taken to the Supreme Judicial court, where it was argued in November. No decision has been rendered.
4. Alex. T. Amthor vs. Newburyport ; Superior court, Suffolk. This case has not been put on the trial list by plaintiff.
The above cases were commenced prior to the present year, and further particulars may be found in the reports of my predecessors. The following have been begun during the year.
5. City of Waltham vs. Newburyport ; Superior court, Middle- sex. Begun February 18. Suit to recover, for money paid by
= == =
14
232
REPORT OF THE CITY SOLICITOR.
plaintiff to the city for the support of one Charles Haines, an idiot pauper, alleged to have a settlement in this city, Waltham having for many years acknowledged that he was settled in that place, and there being evidence that he is not chargeable to Newburyport, the case was defended. It has not been reached for trial.
6. Anastasia Henry vs. Newburyport; Superior court, Essex. Suit begun March 5th to recover damages for injuries alleged to have been caused to the premises of plaintiff by the filling of the Green street landing, whereby plaintiff's drains into the dock were stopped up, etc. Trial on December 20 and 21. Verdict for plain- tiff for $1600. The question of the liability being solely one of law and the court having ruled against the city, no defence was possible on the facts. A motion for a new trial has been made. If this is not granted the questions involved will be taken to the Supreme court.
7. Lucy Adams vs. Newburyport ; Superior court, Essex. Begun April 11th. Claim for damages for injuries caused by plaintiff's slipping on the ice, near the corner of Prospect and Fruit streets on February 10. Will probably be tried in January.
8. Ruel Philbrick et. al. vs. Newburyport ; U. S. Circuit court, District of Massachusetts. Begun May 20. Suit to recover $50,000 for alleged infringement of the so called Knibb's valve pa- tent. Answer has been filed. Several cities of this state having been sued at the same time a joint defence will be made.
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