USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1891 > Part 13
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
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first city government, with a large number of those who have since occupied these seats, have passed into the great beyond ; and now, today, the beginning of a new municipal year, we have assembled here to take the place of those who have gone before; to assume the duties and responsibilities which are now placed upon us. Our fellow citizens have sent us to these council chambers for the pur- pose of carrying out their will. They have intrusted to our care their interests, believing we will be faithful to the trust they have reposed in us. Let us then remember that we are not masters, but servants ; and may we during the year to come so discharge our duties that when the year shall have passed, and our term of office shall have expired, it can be truly said of us, "Well done, good and faithful ser- vants."
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Before proceeding to consider in a brief manner the condition and necessities of the various departments of the city, it would seem in- gratitude on my part did I not express to the citizens of Newbury- port my earnest and sincere thanks for the honor they have conferred upon me in electing me to this office. I assure you, fellow citizens, that I fully appreciate this mark of your confidence and esteem, and more particularly from the fact that this is my native city, the place of my birth, the place where the 42 years of my life have thus far been passed, and where I hope and trust will be spent the remaining years of my life, whether they be few or many. In return for your confidence, I promise you that I will, to the best of my ability, faith- fully and fearlessly, perform the duties pertaining to the mayor's of- fice. I assure you that no act of mine shall ever cast a shadow over the fair fime of this good old city of Newburyport.
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
TAXATION.
It is an old and trite saying, "that there is nothing sure in this world but death and taxes."
To carry on the affairs of a city, to keep its roads in repair, to protect its property from burglars and from fire, with many other necessary requirements, money is needed. The money must be raised by taxation. As to the best method to be employed in levy- ing the tax there is a wide diversity of opinion. While there are those who believe in placing a low valuation on property, which must of necessity cause a high tax rate, there are others who take the opposite view, believing it better to have a high valuation and a low tax rate. While I am not in favor of an excessive valuation, I do believe that all property should be assessed at its full market value. I believe it to be better for the city at large and for the in- dividual tax payer, for while the amount of his tax bill would be no greater, his property would bring more if forced upon the market ; it would also have a tendency to equalize the taxes. It does not seem to me that the people will be inclined to find fault with the amount of their tax, if they can be assured that all are taxed equal. ly. Nine years ago, when the tax list was published, it met with general approval, and in my opinion it should be published once in five years.
I would recommend to the city council that such a list be pub- lished the present year. The expense would be very small when compared with the benefit to be derived from its publication, as it would give the tax payers an opportunity to judge for themselves as to the equality of the taxes.
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314
ANNUAL REPORT.
FINANCE.
The appropriations for the year 1891 were $172,368 97
The income from various sources 27,685 27
Making the total $200,054 24
Expenditures were
207,329 71
Showing an overdraft of 7,275 47
The net debt of the city December 20, 1890 $414,063 55
The net debt of the city December 19, 1891 391,312 32
Showing decrease of debt in 1891 of
$ 22,751 28
These figures represent the financial condition of the city as far as actual payments are concerned ; but each year there are liable to be contracts made and work completed which should be paid for in the year in which such work is done, but it often carries over to the next administration, which has to provide for the payment of the same. While the overdraft for 1891 is apparently only $7,275.47, there should in reality be added to it about $6,000, which represents bills carried over, which should have been paid the past year, and is exclusive of the regular January pay roll. Consequently, the actual overdraft for 1891, which will have to be provided for by the incom- ing administration, will be about the same as it was in 1890, rising $13,000. This would make the actual decrease of the city debt the past year about $17,000, instead of nearly $23,000 as given.
Whether there is any actual decrease of debt at all depends upon the result of the suit of Mr. Douglass. For if that should be de- cided against the city, instead of there being a decrease of debt for 1891 the debt would be increased over $20,000. All expense in-
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
curred in connection with that suit properly belongs to last year's ac- count.
The city holds stock to the amount of $74,000 in the City railroad, the lease of which expires August 14 of the present year. I would recommend that the stock be disposed of, provided it can be sold for a reasonable price. In holding it the City is losing money every day, having lost, in twenty years' time, over $57,500 ; that amount hav- ing been paid for interest on bonds in excess of income received.
SCHOOLS.
Our public schools will compare favorably with those of other cities, and I believe we have as good a corps of teachers as can be found anywhere. Practically the city council have nothing to do with this department. It is in charge of the school committee elect- ed by the people, who are alone responsible, not only for the man- agement of the schools but for the expense attending them. Too much care cannot be taken in selecting those who are to manage this department. None but men of intelligence, men of large ideas, men of integrity, men of high moral character, should ever be in- trusted with the care of our youth.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The public library, and free reading room connected with it, is an institution of which every citizen should justly feel proud. The ben- efits to be derived from it cannot be over estimated, furnishing as it does such a variety of reading matter that persons of all classes and conditions in life, both young and old are enabled to gratify their
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
tastes. It should receive in the future, as it always has in the past, the hearty support of the city. Full information in regard to its present condition will be found in the annual report of the directors and librarian.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
There has always been, and probably always will be, more or less criticism in regard to the management of this department. But look at the matter as we may, the fact still remains that there are a large number of poor persons in the city. Whether they are poor through misfortune, dissipation or any other cause, they must be taken care of. It would be strange if those having the matter in charge were not sometimes im- posed upon. But it were far better to give aid to nine who are un- worthy than to refuse aid to one worthy person. If the overseers err, it had better be on the side of charity. Charitable persons alone should be chosen to dispense charity. Such men we have in the present board of overseers, and we can safely trust them in all cases to do what is right.
HIGHWAYS.
In regard to this department, I have only to say that from the first I have been in full simpathy with everything that has been done with a view to placing our roads in a suitable condition for travel ,
and would recommend that the good work be continued as far as practicable the present year without exceeding the appropriation. I would suggest that in the making of new macadamized roads, they be rolled more than some of those made the past year ; for if I un- derstand the matter correctly, the durability of this kind of road de-
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
pends entirely upon the manner in which it is rolled. I would also recommend that the laying of brick or concrete sidewalks be carried on as fast as possible, so that we may have good walks as well as good roads; also, that edgestones be set more extensively than in previous years, where only gravel sidewalks are maintained ; for while comparatively few of our citizens ride, all are obliged to walk.
LIGHTING STREETS.
After nearly five years' trial of the electric system no one would for a minute think of returning to the old method of lighting our streets by gas and oil. But while the system of electric lighting has been very satisfactory, I cannot say as much for the service connect ed with it, in which I think there is great room for improvement. There are times, undoubtedly, when there is an excuse for lights be- ing out, such as during a heavy storm, or by reason of some una- voidable accident, and at such times no one will complain ; but in my opinion there is no good reason why five or six lights should be out every night, and some of them six and eight nights in success- ion, as has been the case the past year. The city did not agree to pay the electric light company a certain sum per year for lanterns to be placed on poles, or strung on wires, but for a certain number of of lights to be kept burning, and the company should not receive . pay for any lights that are not burning. I would suggest to the com- mittee on lighting that they give the matter their immediate atten- tion, and see that the city's interests are looked after. The police will be instructed to report all lights not burning, and I would re- quest the citizens, whenever it may come to their notice that a light
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
is not burning, they report it, either at City Hall or to some member of the committee. If the committee will take hold of the matter in earnest, as I have no doubt they will, I think we shali soon see a marked improvement in this respect. I also recommend that the lights be kept burning untill daylight; and I think it should be done without extra cost to the city. There are several cities and towns obtaining their light at a lower rate than this city, and there is no reason why it cannot be furnished here as low as anywhere.
If satisfactory terms cannot be made with the present company the city should invite competition, or else put in an electric plant of its own, either of which can be done, as the time for which the elec- tric light company were granted the exclusive privilege of furnishing light in this city will soon expire.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The firemen of Newburyport have ever been ready to respond to the call of duty, and they deserve the thanks of all citizens for the faithful and efficient manner in which they perform their duties. The service which they render is largely gratuitous, for no one would suppose that the thirty dollars a year which each fireman receives would be sufficient pay for the work he is obliged to perform. As far as I know, the apparatus connected with the department is all in good order, and we have all the necessary appliances for extinguish- ing fires. I would recommend that a small amount of hose be pur- chased each year, so that we may always have a good supply on hand in case of need.
In regard to the fire alarm bell at the North-end, if the many ex- periments which have been made upon it since its arrival, and the
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
long time taken by the committee in which to decide whether or not to accept it, is any criterion to go by, it certainly has not met their expectations. I would suggest that before it is accepted the commit- tee look into the matter thoroughly, and if the bell is not just as rep resented and warranted, that the contracting parties be directed to remove it.
POLICE.
The police are often the subject of much censure, more by those who do not understand than by those who are well informed as to their duties and powers. The police force of this city, as a whole, attend to their duties as well and are as efficient a set officers as are to be found. . I believe a small increase of the present number would meet with general approval, and recommend that three more be added, for in my opinion the force as now constituted is not large enough to properly patrol the city by night ; not because the city is as wicked as some would have us believe, for it is not; there is not a place of its size in the state more free from crime than Newbury- port. There are evils in our midst, just as there are everywhere, evils which have existed from the foundation of the world up to the present time, and according to the Good Book will continue to exist until time shall be no more. A distinction should be made between crime and evil, and while it is the duty of the police to do all they possibly can to prevent crime, it is not within their province or power to exterminate evil. It is no part of their duty as officers of the police force to elevate the morals of the city ; that is a work belonging to the churches, the moral and Christian people of the
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
community, and we should not confound their work with that of the police.
LIQUOR LICENSES.
While I am strongly in favor of the law in regard to licensing the sale of intoxicating liquors, believing that it can be controlled better in that way than in any other, I have no sympathy with that part of the law which limits the number of licenses to be granted. In my opinion, it is unjust and undemocratic. If it is right for one person to sell intoxicating liquors, then all should have the same privilege. I am opposed to all monopolies, whether created in the interest of rum o· water ; but as long as it is law, it is our duty to enforce it in that respect, as well in every other, to the best of our ability.
I am in full sympathy with those clauses in the law which require the saloon to be closed promptly at 1 1 o'clock at night, and forbid the sale of liquor upon Sunday, and to minors and intoxicated per- sons : and so far as in my power, they shall be strictly enforced.
SEWERAGE.
It is well known that when the question of introducing sewerage into the city first came up I was strongly opposed to the present sys- tem.
I opposed it on the authority of a statement made by the eneineer, Mr. Bowditch, when in council assembled in joint convention, that the sixteen-outlet system was by all means the cheapest, and also the best for this city, and that the present system was better adapted for a city of sixty thousand inhabitants. Why, after making that state
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
ment, he should have insisted upon putting in the one outfall system has always been a mystery to me, as have been many other things connected with the sewerage. The one outfall system has been put in, and I believe in getting all the benefit from it we possibly can, and that it should be extended as fast as the citizens demand. As far as I can learn, it is working successfully and giving general satis- faction, except in one particular. If there is any possible way to prevent the disfiguring of houses and streets with those unsightly stand pipes it should be done. I saw some time ago, in one of the Boston papers, a quotation from the London Lancet, condemning such standpipes, and I believe they are condemned by all the lead- ing medical authorities of the world except the Newburyport Board of Health ..
In connection with the sewerage I would remind you that we have on our hands the lawsuit of Mr. Douglass against the city for $40,- ooo, and I wish to say right here, that whatever the result of that suit may be, this year's administration is in no way responsible for it. I believe that it could and should have been settled by last year's administration, instead of being left as an inheritance to the administration of '92.
I have thought from the beginning that it was a mistake to let the matter get into the courts at all. I believe the city council should have been permitted to settle the matter fairly with Mr. Douglass. If such an attempt had been unsuccessful, I think the matter should 'have been left out to referees. In this way the matter perhaps might have been settled without incurring the heavy expense of a lawsuit. As the matter is now in the courts, it should be settled as
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
soon as possible, both in the interest of the city, and in justice to Mr. Douglass.
THE WATER QUESTION.
The present year furnishes an oportunity to purchase the water works, if the citizens are so disposed and can obtain the necessary two-thirds vote required by law. Personally, I am in favor of the city owning the water works, believeing as I do, that such a necessary article as water, which we are obliged to use to sustain life, and which I be- lieve God meant to be free to all His creatures, should not be con- trolled by any grasping monopoly. I believe the Newburyport Water Company to be such, and that they have been ready to take advan- tage of their power to extort their exorbitant charges abundantly testify to. According to the report of the committee on water sup- ply last year, this city is paying, on an average, 50 per cent. higher for its water than other places, where the cost of constructing the works and obtaining a supply must have been at least 50 per cent. higher than it was here. Upon whoever rests this responsibility of placing the city in the power of such a company, they were either wilfully negligent of their duty to the city, or else wholly devoid of business capacity. Before the people have an oportunity to vote up- on the question of purchasing the water works, it is my purpose, with the help of the city solicitor, to look the matter up carefully, and as early in the year as possible to place before them all the facts bearing upon the subject, in such a manner that every citizen can vote with a fair understanding of the whole matter.
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, gentlemen, I ask, and I have no doubt that I shall receive, the hearty co-operation and support of both branches of the city council, that we may work together in perfect harmony, having but one end in view-to do the greatest good to the greatest number of our fellow citizens.
Setting aside all the thoughts of our own personal interests, let us ever consider that which will be for the best interests of the city.
We have been intrusted with great responsibilities ; in many re- spects the year will be a trying one. There will be many important questions for us to decide. Let us examine every measure that may come before us in the most thorough manner, consider it in all its bearings, and not act upon it untill we are sure that we are right. Let us make the administration of 1892 equal to, if not better than, any which has preceded it. To do this we must lay aside all party feeling. No man can act in the city government as a partisan and be an honest man. We have just taken a solemn oath to serve, not any political party, but the citizens of Newburyport, irrespective of party, class, or creed.
Let us, then, take for our motto, Justice to all-the humblest citi- zen as well as the most influential ; always doing that which we be- lieve to be right, with a firm belief that over all the Lord reigns, and that he doeth all things well.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FOR
THE YEAR 1891.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT PORT.
TERRA MARIQUE MDCCCLI
NEWBURYPORT : PRESS OF THE ECONOMY PRINTING COMPANY. 1892.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT-1891.
-
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
EL SHA P. DODGE, Mayor
Chairman. HENRY B. LITTLE
Vice Chairman.
Term of office expires January, 1892 :
*STEPHEN PEABODY 51 Marlboro street.
GEORGE H. PLUMER -
- 93 High street.
WILLIAM F. HOUSTON
- 2 Harris street.
MISS HANNAH E. LUNT - - - IO Auburn street.
HENRY B. LITTLE
215 High street.
* JAMES PARTON
- 256 High street.
Term of office expires January, 1893 :
WILLIAM T. HUMPHREYS - 56 Purchase street.
PRENTISS H. REED
- 8 Atwood street.
JOHN F. YOUNG -
- 7 Fruit street.
JOSEPH B. LITTLE
EDWARD G. MOODY
- 22 Boardman street. - 218 High street. -
PAUL A. MERRILL - 24 Tyng street.
Secretary and Agent,
WILLIAM P. LUNT
- Office at City Hall.
*Deceased.
ANNUAL REPORT.
GENTLEMEN OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE :-
In conformity with your vote at the last meeting, and with the requirements of the State, I respectfully present the following report for the year 1891.
The accompanying statistics show the number of school build ings, their capacity and how they are occupied, the enrollment, attendance, etc., of the different schools, the financial statement for the year, the census of school children, the present list of teachers with their salaries, and other information connected with · the school department.
In summing up the work of the past year, I believe the public have reason to be congratulated that a department so important has been so faithfully and successfully administered. The schools themselves have been as a whole prosperous beyond any preced- ing year, whether we consider the progress made in education or the wise discipline and control of the different teachers.
There have been remarkably few conflicts with parents, and it is a very rare thing in Newburyport to hear a complaint of undue severity. Yet we must not conclude from these premises that the children are all saints, or that there are not many decided improvements needed in the management of the schools.
There has never been a time when leading educators were more
ANNUAL REPORT
unsettled as to the proper branches to be taught in the schools, and the proper methods of teaching them. Manual training, in places where the finances would justify the necessary expense, has been introduced, in one form or another, with beneficial results. Now stenography and type-writing are advocated, and recently presidents of colleges and leading superintendents have come out in favor of algebra and the languages in the lower grades.
The time that must always elapse between the realization that old usages are not equal to modern needs and the full adoption of new measures is always a restless and difficult one. In this as in other responses to popular demands the wise course seems to be the gradual introduction of tested and approved methods.
It is not believed that the public schools are the proper places to teach special trades, or to add to the already too large class who hope to gain a living by becoming clerks or book keepers. If the time should come when a plan is devised by which all the children of every grade could devote a part of their time to manual employ- ment, such as would develop and cultivate their skill of hand and eye, and lay the foundation for future skill in any calling, it would be the duty of those having our schools in charge to adopt . it if within their power.
Till such a plan has been reached and successfully tested, we must be careful in making changes in our present line of school work.
Respectfully, WILLIAM P. LUNT, Secretary.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
THE HIGH AND PUTNAM SCHOOLS.
HIGH SCHOOL - E. C. Adams, A. M., Principal; O. B. Merrill, A. M., Miss Sara A. Leonard, Miss Mary T. Spalding, Miss Emma H. Parker, Assistants.
PUTNAM SCHOOL - Miss Mary R. Bond, Miss Sarah W. Pike, Assistants.
The High and Putnam Schools have continued the good work which has for several years met such hearty approval of the com- mittee and of the citizens of Newburyport and of the adjoining towns.
A visitor to the various departments, seeing how steadily and without friction the work in each goes on, the 'apparent freedom of the pupils from outward restraint, might conclude that here was an institution that ran itself, and that there was only teaching to be done. But a large, and in some senses complicated, system like the consolidated school, presents problems within and with- out, known best to those who are in immediate connection with its affairs. And like all seemingly simple effects, this smoothness of movement is a very costly matter. These good results are not fortunate circumstances or happenings Only an exceptionally wise and energetic direction, and a steady, cheerful co-operation of all the heads of the departments with the principal and with each other, can show work so excellent in each and so harmonious as a whole.
The schools have been fortunate in the good health of pupils and of teachers, and in the fact that the corps of instructors has remained the same throughout the year. These conditions have given continuity to the work, and tended to increase its efficiency.
There has been for some time a steady increase in the member- ship of these schools. This year there have been about twenty-five
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ANNUAL REPORT
pupils more than last year. It is an interesting fact to note that this growth is due more to the continuance of pupils in school than to larger entrance classes. Should there be a corresponding increase in the size of the school next year, the work will demand an additional teacher. During the year the principal's time has been fully occupied in teaching his own classes. This is a condi- tion that ought not to prevail in a large school, as he must either neglect his classes or give up largely direct supervision of the work for which he is held responsible.
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