USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1889 > Part 8
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8.732,345
128,443 40
10,282 50
8,919 62
147,645 52
16 00
1889
3985
6,449,865
2.846,370
9,296,235
127,663 11
9,120 00
8.771 16
145,554 27
14 80
* The assessors' overlays are included in these amounts.
TABULAR STATEMENT.
171
1879
3299
4,766,700
2,642,888
4,370 00
7,892 30
135.645 60
17 00
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF POOR.
REPORT.
-
To the City Council of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- The Overseers of the Poor, to whom is com- mitted a general oversight and care of the poor in all its depart- ments, would respectfully submit their eleventh annual report.
GENERAL STATEMENT.
The total cost of the poor department for the year ending Nov. 30, 1889, has been $18,959.57, which is $312.04 more than last year. This increase in expenditure is explained in the detailed statement.
The income received during the past year from various sources was $2,951.89, thus reducing the expense to $16,007.68, with an overdraft of $1,007.68 above the appropriation, said appropriation being $500 less than last year. The board have been called upon during the past year to pay for the support of the Rev. Melville Smith in the Danvers Insane Asylum, $480.07; whose settlement was decided to be in this city. And also for the support of David Moses, who left this city in 1830, and was found insane and com- mitted to the Danvers Asylum in 1886 to 1888, and the cost of his support, $224.69, was paid from the appropriation of this de. partment. These extraordinary expenditures of $704.76, with a bill for the support of a family residing in Amesbury, who were
176
ANNUAL REPORTS.
sick nearly the entire year of 1888, of $319.49-which bill should have been paid in 1888-making $1,024.25,thus reducing the ordi nary expense of the department to $14,983.43, which is the low- est for a number of years.
DETAILED STATEMENT.
There has been expended for the poor residing in the Alms-
house
· $3,865 57
Salaries 2,413 47
Insane
4,649 73
Poor residing in other towns
1,666 21
Out-door relief
6,364 59
Total expense.
$18,959 57
ALMSHOUSE.
The Almshouse has been under the care and management of Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Lunt during the past year, and they have given good satisfaction to the board. An average number of forty-five have resided in the house during the year, at an average cost to the department of $1.65 per week.
INSANE.
The cost to the city for the care of its insane poor is constantly on the increase, the amount paid this past year being $4,649.73- $274.44 more than last year. The Asylum at Danvers has been visited several times during the year, and every one whom it was considered safe to remove has been brought to our Almshouse, where they can be as well provided for, and at one half the ex- pense.
At the close of last year there were twenty persons in the insane asylum whose settlement was in Newburyport; at the close of this there are twenty-two.
OUTSIDE RELIEF.
Outside relief, which last year was granted to 559 persons, at a cost of $6,435.02, this year has been granted to 585 persons, at a
177
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
cost of $6,364.59, and are classed as follows: 427 having a settle- ment in Newburyport; 90 having a settlement in other places; 43 having no settlement in the State, 25 having been sent out of the city; making a total of 585 assisted in the city outside the Alms- house.
OBITUARY.
On October 16, 1889, the board was deprived of one of its mem- bers by the death of John S. Frost. Mr. Frost was elected as Overseer of the Poor for Wards 3 and 4 in 1887, and served until his death. The vacancy on the board was not filled for the re- mainder of the year, his duties being performed by the other two members of the board and the clerk.
At a special meeting of the board, held on October 17, 1889, the following resolutions were adopted :
WHEREAS, God, in His wisdom, has deemed best to remove from our board our esteemed associate, John S. Frost. Therefore,
RESOLVED, That in the death of Mr. John S. Frost, the Board of Overseers of the Poor have lost one who was always ready to do what- ever laid in his power to ameliorate the condition of the poor, ever ready to listen to the cry of distress and to relieve suffering ;
RESOLVED, that the office of the Overseers of the Poor be draped in mourning for thirty days, as a token of respect to the memory of Mr. Frost ;
RESOLVED, That the Board of Overseers tender to his bereaved widow and children their heartfelt sympathy, in this their hour of deep afflic- tion ;
RESOLVED, That these resolutions be placed upon our records, and a copy sent to the bereaved family.
CITY PHYSICIAN'S REPORT.
Dr. Adams, city physician, having been obliged to leave the city, on account of his health, in November, 1889, Dr. E. H. Noyes was elected to fill the office during the remainder of the year, and no report was received from Dr. Adams before he left the city.
(12)
178
ANNUAL REPORTS.
PRODUCT OF CITY FARM.
The products of the city farm during the past year were 60 tons of hay, 100 bushels of corn, 1000 heads of cabbage, 200 bushels of beets, 30 bushels of onions, 1 ton of squashes, 75 bush- els carrots, 25 bushels turnips, 200 bushels of potatoes, and a large quantity of green peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other greens used in the house.
L. W. SARGENT, Overseers of JOHN C. STEVENS, S the Poor.
DEXTER AND ATWOOD FUNDS.
--
To His Honor the Mayor and the City Council :
GENTLEMEN :- The board of Overseers of the Poor, to whom is intrusted the distribution of the income accruing from these funds, would respectfully report that the income from the Dexter Fund for the year ending December 31, 1889, 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 distributed according to the will of the donors, 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 ten per- sons, in sums from $2 to $5 each, leaving nothing on hand out of this fund at the close of this year.
In wards three and four the income from the Dexter Fund, $30, nothing remaining over from last year, has been distributed among 16 persons, in sums from $1 to $4 each, leaving nothing on hand at the close of the year.
In wards five and six the $30 from the Dexter Fund, nothing re- maining over from last year, has been distributed among sixteen persons, in sums from $1 to $3 each, nothing remaining on hand at the close of the year.
In wards one and two the $97.50 of the Atwood Fund, with the
180
ANNUAL REPORTS.
balance of $23.94, making $121.44, has been distributed among twenty-eight persons, in sums from $2 to $5 each, leaving a bal- ance of $32.51 at the close of the year.
In wards three and four the income from the Atwood Fund, $97.50, with $70.87 left over from last year, $168.37, has been paid out to twenty-seven persons, in sums from $2 to $5 each, leaving $96.62 on hand at the close of the year.
In wards five and six the income from the Atwood Fund, $97.50, with $60.75 left over from last year, $168.25, has been paid out to forty persons, in sums from 50 cents to $5 each, leaving $54.65 on hand at the close of the year.
At the close of the year there remained in the Overseers' hands : Ward 1 and 2, Atwood Fund $32 51
3 " 4, 66 96 62
5 " 6, 66 54 65
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, Overseers of JOHN C. STEVENS, S the Poor.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER.
REPORT.
-
NEWBURYPORT, Dec. 31, 1889.
To the City Council of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN :- In presenting you with this, my seventh annual report of the condition of the fire department, I do so with feel- ings of devout thankfulness to Him who has so thoroughly pro- tected our beautiful city the past year from the ravages of fire.
While many cities of the nation have been visited by destructive fires, and in many cases attended by the loss of life, and even our neighboring cities, Boston and Lynn, have passed through a con- flagration which has left a mark of woe and destruction which is almost beyond our comprehension, yet we have had the smallest loss of any year since I have had the honor to be at the head of this department; and every citizen of this city should feel to acknowledge the many blessings they have received in this direc- tion, and be thankful that no large fire has visited us to occasion loss and prove destructive to our grand old city.
MANUAL FORCE.
We have the smallest number of men connected with this de- partment than ever before, and they are as follows : Chief engin- eer, three assistant engineers, three steamer companies of fifteen men each, three hose companies of ten men each, one hook and ladder company of fifteen men, -a total of ninety-four. A vacancy exists in the board of engineers, as no person has yet been ap-
184
ANNUAL REPORTS.
pointed to fill the position made vacant by the resignation of Capt. J. B. Blake.
I would here state that every man connected with this depart- ment has the past year maintained that reputation which they have so faithfully earned ; and the citizens of this city should feel proud in having for their protection such an efficient department, and one which is not in any way unmindful of their interests, but ever ready when duty calls to labor in subduing the dreadful enemy of their homes.
HOUSES.
The houses are all in good condition, and answer well the re- quirements they were erected for.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus of this department has the past year undergone somewhat of a change by the disposing of the hand engine and the two-wheeled hose carriage, which had been in use by Engine Com- pany No. 8, and in their place a new hose wagon has been pur- chased, which greatly adds to the welfare of this branch of the department.
We have placed at the horse railroad stable, on Merrimac street, one two-wheeled hose carriage, with 300 feet of hose, to be used in case of fire in that vicinity, before the apparatus could arrive.
To have this department brought to that state of perfection which some of our zealous citizens now claim for it, can, in my opinion, only be done by the purchasing of a first-class "chemical," "as fire departments are organized to save property from destruction by fire; and if the means used for that purpose is almost as destructive as fire, other means should be availed of, and by so doing the record of losses will be materially reduced."
Many times since my connection with the fire department we have been called upon to extinguish slight fires, which has had to be done with the only available resources we have had, viz. : water; and the amount used which was absolutely necessary has at times done more damage than the fire itself. But by the use of
185
CHIEF ENGINEER.
a "chemical," which is always ready, with the men attached, and can be at the scene of the fire as readily as any of the other appa- ratus, could, in all cases where the fire has not made great pro- gress, be the only apparatus called into service, and thereby save the loss which must now be occasioned by the use of water. I trust you will take this matter under consideration, and at an early date make an appropriation for the purchasing of a first class "chemical," and by so doing add greatly to the efficiency of this branch of the department.
All the apparatus is in good condition.
HOSE.
We have on hand ten thousand, eight hundred feet of hose, and the condition of same is as follows : Five thousand feet in good condition ; five thousand feet in fair condition ; eight hundred feet condemned. I should suggest that there be purchased the ensu- ing year at least the number of feet of new hose which would take the place of that which is now condemned.
WATER.
We have in use one hundred and sixty-eight hydrants. I am informed by the superintendent of the Water Company that the three hydrants recently put in on Toppan street will be ready for service in a very short time, and when ready will make a total of one hundred and seventy-one, an addition of nine the past year, and giving us a better supply of water for fire purposes than ever before.
FIRE ALARM.
At the present time we have in use eighteen boxes, an addition of one the past year; and they are now in good working order. Owing to the closing of the Whitefield Mills, we cannot much longer depend upon the alarm which we have had from that source in the past. I would call your attention to this fact, and hope some provision will be made whereby the firemen in that portion
186
ANNUAL REPORTS.
of the city can be as promptly notified in case of fire as at the present time. I consider indicators very essential, and would rec- ommend the placing of one in each of the two engine houses not not now supplied,-Numbers Seven and Eight.
HALE FUND.
Circumstances having been such the past year, we have had no occasion to draw upon this fund, as no accident has occurred whereby aid has been required. From the proceeds of the ball given, and interest which has accumulated, swells the amount to $5,937.26; and to all those who have aided this worthy fund we extend our sincere thanks.
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
At the commencement of the year I inaugurated a set of rules, whereby, upon the first alarm of fire being given, only such appa. ratus should respond as was in the district of the alarm given, with the exception of Hook and Ladder Company, which re- sponds to all alarms ; all other apparatus to be called out only in case of a second alarm. I find this system in every case has given perfect satisfaction. and been a great saving in the expense to the city. I shall still continue these rules during my term of office, as I consider it to be for the interest of the city, whose interests it is my duty to serve.
APPROPRIATION AND INCOME.
Appropriation
$6,000 00
Income
766 01
$6,766 01
Expenditures
7,932 60
Overdrawn
$1,166 59
I have exerted myself to have this department managed in a manner which would indicate that economy had been my prevail- ing thought; but under the circumstances of increasing the sala-
187
CHIEF ENGINEER.
ries of the members, and at the same time reducing the appropri- ation one thousand dollars from the amount appropriated the previous year, I have been compelled to overdraw the sum of $1,166.59. The salaries alone are nearly $5000, and deducting this amount from the sum appropriated leaves a very small bal- ance to use for the payment of other bills which cannot be avoided.
I cannot keep this department up to that standard which is expected of me on the small appropriation which is now made, as every year supplies have to be purchased and repairs made, which cannot be deferred ; and I do hope the ensuing year the matter of appropriation for this department will have careful attention, and instead of decreasing the amount an appropriation will be made of a sum sufficient to meet the absolute wants, as I am not one eager to exceed the appropriation, but have at all times expressed a desire to have the expenses less than the appropriation made.
Last year a new hose wagon was purchased for Hose Company, No. 7. This year a new hose wagon has been purchased for Hose Company No. 8, a set of double swinging harness for Hook and Ladder truck, a single swinging harness for Hose No. 4, new hind wheels for Steamer No. 2, new tubes for Steamer No. 3, one fire alarm box, -- all of which have been paid for from this year's appro- priation.
I mention this to show your honorable body that while the ex- penditures of this department may seem large, yet you can read- ily see that by the payment of the new apparatus and the repairs which I mention has made quite a demand upon the finances used in the maintenance of this department. ~ Yet all of the above ex- penditure was absolutely needed, and could not be delayed ; unless it would, in a certain degree, have a tendency to deprive this department of those things which are essential to maintain the reputation which we have striven hard to gain.
188
ANNUAL REPORTS.
LIST OF FIRES AND ALARMS.
FOR THE YEAR ENDING NOV. 30, 1889.
1888.
Dec. 15 .- Dwelling house on Merrimac street, owned by Mrs. John Currier; damage slight; cause, sparks from chimney.
Dec. 24 .- Grass in burying ground on Hill street ; damage slight; cause accidental.
1889.
March 14 .- Wolfe Tavern, owned by E. P. Shaw; loss, $350.65 ; insur- ance, $19,000; cause, defective chimney.
March 25 .- Forest fire near Gowen Dockam's on High street; damage slight; cause accidental.
May 21 .- Dwelling house on Water street, owned by the heirs of Philip Brookings; loss $800 ; insurance, $1,000; cause, incendiary.
July 4 .- Dwelling house on High street called the "Pillsbury" house; loss, $300; insurance, $300; cause, incendiary.
Sept. 3 .- Caused by explosion of lamp in house on Marlboro' street, owned and occupied by D. A. Goodwin, jr .; loss, $5.
Oct. 1 .- Engine house east end of the Philadelphia & Reading coal pocket ; loss, $1,000; no insurance; cause, accidental.
Nov. 26 .- Fire in Lynn; assistance asked ; steamer and Hose Company No. 1 sent.
Nov 28 .- Fire in Boston ; assistance asked; steamer and Hose Com. pany No. 2 sent.
Total loss $ 2,455 65
Total insurance
20,300 00
LIST OF APPARATUS AND LOCATION OF SAME.
One second-class Amoskeag steamer, one four-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped ; in charge of Engine Company No. 1.
One second-class Amoskeag steamer, one Button & Son four- wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped ; in charge of Engine Com- pany No. 2.
One second-class Amoskeag steamer, one W. W. Wander four-
189
CHIEF ENGINEER.
wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped : in charge of Engine Com- pany No. 3.
One Gleason & Bailey hook and ladder truck, fully equipped ; in charge of Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.
One four-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped ; in charge of Hose Company, No. 4.
One Dole & Osgood hose wagon, fully equipped ; in charge of Hose Company No. 7.
One Dole & Osgood hose wagon, fully equipped ; in charge of Hose Company No. 8.
One supply wagon ; in charge of Capt. W. B. Porter.
One two-wheeled hose carriage, fully equipped ; in charge of Horse Railroad employes.
One hook and ladder truck, not in use ; stored on premises of Frank H. Plumer.
190
ANNUAL REPORTS.
MEMBERS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT.
-
BOARD OF ENGINEERS.
Name.
Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
E. S. DOLE 42
Hatter,
Oakland street.
S. C. REED 44
Photographer,
Charter 66
E. S. JOHNSON 42
Gardener,
Marlboro'
G. W. KNIGHT
56
Clerk,
Parker
STEAMER AND HOSE COMPANY NO. 1.
(Fifteen members). House East Side of Market Square.
Foreman-J. W. SARGENT.
Engineer and Treasurer-W. H. YOUNG
Ass't Foreman-G. E. NILES.
Ass't Engineer-R S. BAILEY.
Clerk-E P. ALLEN.
Fireman-J. P. NOYES.
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
J. W. Sargent 44
Reporter,
Brown street.
1
G. E. Niles 29
Shoe cutter.
Liberty " 2
E. P. Allen 35
Moulder,
So. Pond " 3
W. H. Young . 33
Machinist,
Market square. 4
Merrimac street. 5
Middle 6
R. Mitchell 29
Shoemaker,
Dove
7
E. P. Chase .34
Fireman,
Ashland 66
8
S. B. Carroll 34
Shoe cutter,
Merrimac 66
9
H. Bowden 28
Merchant,
Market square. 11
G. A. Young 32
Expressman,
Charter street. 12
G. L. Richardson 34
Dresser,
Kent 13
G. N. Ellery 30
Carpenter,
Prospect 66
14
F. W. Knapp 35
Carpenter,
Merrimac «
15
A. F. Young
35
Expressman,
Spring 10
R. S. Bailey 29
Machinist,
J. P. Noyes 33
Shoemaker,
191
CHIEF ENGINEER.
STEAMER AND HOSE COMPANY NO. 2.
(Fifteen members.)
House on Federal Street, Corner of Horton.
Foreman-C. L. KIDDER.
Engineer-P. H. BOLMAN.
Ass't Foreman-W. W. HUTCHINS. Ass't Engineer-F. W. LANDFORD.
Clerk and Treasurer-A. H. ADAMS. Fireman-G. N. BLACK.
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
C. L. Kidder .42
Painter.
Bromfield street.
18
W. W. Hutchins 40
Painter,
School
29
A. H. Adams .40
Clerk,
Franklin
P. H. Bolman .36
Engineer,
Lunt
25
F. W. Landford. .31
Clerk,
Federal
22
G. N. Black . .52
Painter,
Bromfield
19
C. W. Turner .42
Wood worker, School
16
T. C. Colman 30
Engineer,
Ship
26
C. S. Blake 37
Machinist,
Fair
21
E. E. Langlands 30
Clerk,
Chestnut
30
C. H. M. Bartlett .39
Carpenter,
Milk 66
20
G. E. Leighton 34
Shoe packer,
Prospect
27
J. Gaddis .30
Machinist,
Temple
28
A. Parsons. 28
Shoe maker,
Bromfield
17
B. G. Davis .42
Sail maker.
Horton
23
1
192
ANNUAL REPORTS.
STEAMER AND HOSE COMPANY NO. 3.
(Fiftcen members.)
House on Congress Street.
Foreman-C. S. POST.
Engineer-W. H. P. HOWARD.
Ass't Foreman-J. N. CARTER.
Clerk -- W. H. P. HOWARD.
Ass't Engineer-C. W. ADAMS. Fireman-W. R. BRADBURY.
MEMBERS.
Name.
Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
C. S. Post .30
Shoe cutter,
Boardman street.
31
J. N. Carter .24
Teamster,
Papanti court. 32
W. H. P. Howard 54
Baker,
Merrimac street.
38
C. W. Adams .42
Machinist,
Pond
39
W. R. Bradbury 28
Shoe cutter,
High 66
41
A. G. Warner. 35
Hatter,
Olive 66
42
G. O. Atkinson
.22
Printer,
Munroe 66
40
J. H. Page.
26
Hatter,
Griffin's court. 36
W. L. Sutton .39
Painter,
Bromfield street. 33
J. F. White .23
Silversmith,
Merrimac
35
J. T. Moore. .27
Hackman,
Summer
34
D. A. Anthony 28
Teamster,
Boardman
45
E. Hardy
.27
Shoe cutter,
Merrimac
44
A. Roaf .22
Shoe cutter,
Merrimac
37
C. W. Brown
.22
Silversmith,
Merrimac
43
193
CHIEF ENGINEER.
HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY NO. 1.
(Fifteen members.)
House, East Side of Market Square.
Foreman-J. F. SULLIVAN.
Ass't Foreman-W. B. FROST.
Treasurer-G. P. DOLE. Steward-E. C. TYLER.
Clerk-W. P. PHILLIPS.
MEMBERS.
Name.
Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
J. F. Sullivan .21
Shoe shipper,
Water street. 46
W. B. Frost .24
Wood worker, Middle
66
62
W. P. Phillips .27
Shoe cutter,
Prospect 66
49
G. P. Dole.
.20
Clerk,
Oakland 66
61
E. C. Tyler
.27
Shoe cutter,
Summer 66
52
G. O. Stevens
32
Electrician,
Boardman 66
47
J. P. Atkinson 22
Printer,
Market
6.
50
J. W. Gunning . 27
Stock fitter,
Independent “
48
C. H. Tucker .31
Shoe cutter,
Olive,
66
63
E. P. Frost 20
Shoe cutter,
Dalton 66
53
J. F. Conley 24
Shoe trimmer, Milk
51
H. M. Lord 22
Shoe cutter,
State
66
54
A. C. Hall. 27
Conductor,
Water,
55
G. P. Peckham
19
Shoe cutter,
Bromfield,
56
T. Leary 24
Plumber,
Water
66
60
(13)
194
ANNUAL REPORTS.
HOSE COMPANY NO. 4.
('Ten members.)
House, East Side of Market Square.
Foreman-C. H. SHACKFORD. Clerk and Treasurer-G. W. SARGENT. Ass't Foreman-M. J. WILKINSON. Steward-C. H. SHACKFORD).
MEMBERS.
Name. Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
C. H. Shackford .32
Hair dresser,
Purchase street.
167
M. J. Wilkinson .49
Plumber,
Charter
160
C. W. Gardner 36
Machinist,
Fair
166
J. A. Bean. .50
Dresser,
Otis Place
157
G. W. Sargent 22
Silversmith,
Brown
164
F. H. Marston .22
Silversmith,
Oakland, ٠،
158
E. C. Lang 23
Shoemaker,
Marlboro'
161
G. A. Banks .22
Painter,
Tyng
66 159
J. B. West 24
Shoemaker,
Purchase
.. 163
E. P. Gartner 21
Silversmith,
Middle
66 162
195
CHIEF ENGINEER.
HOSE COMPANY NO. 7.
(Ten members.)
House on Merrimac, between Forrester and Ashland streets.
Foreman-J. L. LEWIS.
Clerk-E. H. WHITMORE.
Ass't Foreman-E. E. TOWNE. Treasurer-G. A. COFFIN.
Steward-T. W. MITCHELL.
MEMBERS.
Name.
Age.
Occupation.
Residence.
Badge.
J. L. Lewis .31
Spoon maker, Merrimac street.
66
E. E. Towne. 29
Hatter,
Ashland 66
67
T. W. Mitchell. 31
Shoemaker,
Forrester
98
E. H. Whitmore 25
Conductor,
Merrimac 66
99
G. A. Coffin
34
Shoemaker,
Jefferson
73
G. A. Carter 37
Shoemaker,
No.Atkinson "
77
P. Ives 23
Shoemaker,
Ashland 66
71
F. Carson. 22
Laborer,
Jefferson,
110
C. Farrell .30
Shoemaker,
.Jefferson
90
A. Blackie
.33
Hatter,
Maple
80
196
ANNUAL REPORTS.
CONCLUSION.
I cannot command words adequate to express the feelings of appreciation I have for all those who, either by deed or word, have been instrumental in the furtherance of this department the past year ; and, on behalf of the members of this department, I take this opportunity of thanking you, one and all. I also remember with feelings of great pleasure His Honor the Mayor, the Board of Aldermen and the Committee on Fire Department, for the in- terest which they have taken, and the willingness which they have displayed in purchasing for this department all that has been ab- solutely needed to aid the efficiency, and help maintain the record it has had in the past. The city marshal and all members of the police force have not been unmindful of our interests, but have, in their usual way, aided us ; and they, also, are entitled to our sincere thanks. To my assistants on the Board of Engineers, and all officers and members of the department, I can but compli- ment you for performing your duties in a manner which is highly creditable ; and I certainly appreciate every effort you have made in this direction. And as this year is about to close, you have every reason to look back with feelings of gratitude that while you have been prompt in answering all alarms, and performed every duty in that manner which is above criticism, you have in a great degree been spared the toil and danger which is so characteristic of men of your calling ; and while many departments of other cit- ies have been called upon to mourn the loss of those who have heroically given up their lives while in the performance of their duties, we have been very fortunate, as not an accident of the slightest form has come to any of us, to even cast a shadow of sorrow over this department.
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