USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1897 > Part 16
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STANDING COMMIMTEES OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
POLICE-Mayor, ex-officio ; Aldermen Huse and Crabtree.
ELECTIONS-Aldermen Perkins, Healey and Ireland.
BROMFIELD FUND-Aldermen Ireland, Healey and Cooper.
PUTNAM AND ATKINSON FUND-Aldermen Perkins, Healey and Ireland.
LICENSES-Aldermen Cooper, Huse and Healey.
ENROLLED BILLS-Aldermen Healey, Crabtree and Perkins.
FROTHINGHAM FUND-Aldermen Perkins, Crabtree and Ire- land.
GREEN FUND-Aldermen Healey, Huse and Perkins.
TOPPAN FUND-Aldermen Cooper, Perkins and Healey.
ABRAHAM WILLIAMS FUND-Aldermen Huse, Perkins and Ireland.
WILLIAM O. MOSELEY FUND-Aldermen Crabtree, Cooper and Healey.
STATE AID, MILITARY AID AND SOLDIERS RELIEF-Alder- men Crabtree, Perkins and Huse.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF COMMON COUNCIL.
ELECTIONS AND RETURNS-Councilmen Ayers, Sargent and Gerrish.
ENROLLED BILLS-Councilmen Brown, Casey and Emery.
BILLS OF SECOND READING-Councilmen Perkins, Wheeler and Bailey.
8
ANNUAL REPORTS.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
GEORGE H. PLUMER, [Mayor, ] Chairman, ex-officio. SAMUEL C. BEANE, Vice-Chairman 6 Harris street. WILLIAM P. LUNT, Supt. and Sec. · Office at City Hall.
ROBERT G. ALLEN, Truant Officer, · 25 Milk street.
TWO YEARS.
Ward One.
EDWARD PERKINS, [term expires 1900] . 13 Parsons street. WILLIAM T. HUMPHREYS [term expires 1899]56 Purchase street.
Ward Two.
CHARLES W. POORE, [term expires 1900] . 65 Prospect street. PRENTISS H. REED, [term expires 1899] . 55 Lime street.
Ward Three.
DAVID P. COFFIN, [term expires 1900] . 73 High street. GEORGE E. L. NOYES, [term expires 1899] IOI State street.
Ward Four.
GEORGE W. WORCESTER, [term expires 1900] 124 High street. SAMUEL C. BEANE, [term expires 1899] . 6 Harris street.
Ward Five.
HENRY B. LITTLE, [term expires 1900] . 215 High street. OLIVER B. MERRILL, [term expires 1899] . - Monroe street.
Ward Six.
PAUL A. MERRILL, [term expires 1900] . 24 Tyng street. ALBERT W. HITCHCOCK, [term expires 1899]298 High street.
9
CITY GOVERNMENT.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
ERNEST H. NOYES, M. D., (City Physician, ) ex-officio.
TERM TWO YEARS.
JOHN E. BAILEY, Chairman, (term expires Dec. '98) 6 Kent st. CHARLES W. PAGE, (term expires Dec. '99) . 12 Horton st. Agent of the Board.
GEORGE W. KNIGHT, · Parker street. Clerk of the Board. AMOS H. GEARY, (Office : City Hall) 36 Prospect st.
Inspector of Plumbing.
WILLIAM H. LAWRENCE,
2 Bromfield ct.
BOARD OF ASSESSORS. (Office : City Hall.) TERM THREE YEARS.
Amos H. Geary, Chairman, (term expires Dec. '98) 36 Prosp't st. Jos. L. Johnson, Secretary, (term expires Dec. '99) 27 Wash'n st. William. H. Huse, (term expires Dec. 1900) 173 Merrimac st.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
George H. Plumer, (Mayor) Chairman, ex-officio
TERM THREE YEARS. L. W. Sargent, Vice-Ch. (term expires Dec. 1900) 280 High st. William F. Houston, (term expires Dec. 1899) 2 Harris street. Benj. F. Hathaway, (term expires Dec. 1899) 50 Purchase st. Clerk of Overseers of the Poor. William H. Bayley, (Office : City Hall) . 63 Bromfield st.
IO
ANNUAL REPORTS.
BOARD OF REGISTRARS.
GEORGE H. STEVENS, (City Clerk), ex officio, 37 Kent street. TERM THREE YEARS.
NATH'L GREELEY, Ch., (term expires Apr. 1901) 37 Marlboro st. LUTHER CARTER, (term expires Apr. 1900) II Kent street. BENJAMIN G. DAVIS, (term expires Apr. 1899) I Horton st.
Board of Water Commissioners. (Office : Bartlett street.)
TERM FIVE YEARS.
Albert W. Greenleaf, (term expires May 1901) 9 Parsons street. Nathaniel Appleton, (term expires May 1900) 126 High street. John N. Pike, (term expires May 1899) 39 Green street. Charles C. Dame, (term expires May 1898) 28 High street. 323 High street.
Charles H. Sargent, (term expire May 1902) Philip H. Lunt, Treasurer. William H. Lawrence, Superintendent. Harold S. Noyes, Clerk.
Trustees of Simpson Fund. George H. Plumer, (Mayor), ex-officio. John H. Balch, Jr. (President of Common Council), ex-officio. . Thomas C. Simpson, (term expires Dec. 1900.) Charles C. Dame, (term expires Dec. 1898.) Eliphalet Griffin, (term expires Dec. 1899.)
Treasurer and Clerk-James V. Felker, (City Treasurer.)
II
CITY GOVERNMENT.
Board of Park Commissioners.
TERM THREE YEARS. George H. Plumer, (Mayor), ex-officio.
John H. Balch, Jr. (President of the Common Council, ) ex-officio.
Orrin J. Gurney, (term expires Dec. 1898.) Eliphalet Griffin, (term expires Dec. 1899.)
Charles C. Stockman (term expires Dec. 1900.)
Commissioners of Atkinson Common. George H. Plumer, (Mayor,) ex-officio. John H. Balch, Jr. (President of Common Council), ex-officio. Alvah Hoyt, (term expires April 1898.) Leonard W. Sargent, (term expires April 1900.) Orlando F. Hatch, (term expires April 1899.) .
Sinking Fund Commissioners. George H. Plumer, (Mayor), ex-officio. John H. Balch, Jr. (President of Common Council), ex-officio. William H. Welch (City Auditor), ex officio. Charles C. Dame, (term expires Dec. 1898.) Philip H. Lunt, (term expires Dec. 1899.)
Treasurer and Clerk-James V. Felker, (City Treasurer. )
Liquor License Commissioners.
Moses Brown, chairman and secretary (term expires May 1900. ) Jacob True Rowe, (term expires May 1902.) Arthur C. Richardson, (term expires May 1904.)
I2
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Trustees Wheelwright Scientific Fund.
George H. Plumer, (Mayor), ex-officio.
Robert Codman, President.
James E. Whitney, Treasurer.
John W. Winder, Secretary.
John W. Dodge,
Lawrence B. Cushing.
George H. Stevens
City Clerk. Office : City Hall.
37 Kent street.
Assistant City Clerk.
Henry W. Little 45 Purchase street. Office : City Hall.
City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes.
James V. Felker 12 Harris street. Office : City Hall. Clerk of City Treasurer-Joseph M. Greenough, Jr.
William H. Welch
City Auditor. 24 Washington street. Office : First National Bank.
City Solicitor.
Horace I. Bartlett
Moseley. Ave.
·
Office : 25 State street.
CITY GOVERNMENT. 13
Frank H. Rundlett
City Messenger. Office : City Hall.
78 Federal street.
Superintendent of Schools. William P. Lunt
19 Pond street.
Office : City Hall.
Superintendent of Highways. Charles M. Pritchard 17 Atwood street. Office : Basement of Armory Building.
Superintendent of Sewers.
Francis Curtis
3 Park street.
City Physician. Ernest H. Noyes
12 Essex street.
Superintendent of Old and New Hill Burying Grounds. Alfred Gurney 262 Merrimac street.
Chief Engineer Fire Department. Hiram H. Landford 20 Purchase street.
Superintendent of Fire Alarm Telegraph. Hiram H. Landford 20 Purchase street.
50
14
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Librarian Public Library.
John D. Parsons 192 High street. Office : Public Library.
Superintendent Public Reading Room. Martha P. Lunt
19 Pond street.
NEWBURYPORT POLICE FORCE:
City Marshal. Frank L. Lattime, (Office : Central Police Station) 1322 Water st.
Asst. City Marshal. Simon E. Wilson.
Captain of the Watch. Patrick Creedon.
Day Officers.
Charles W. Wells,
Lemuel Hicken.
Seth Young, Joseph H. Post, Philip H. Creasey,
Night Patrolmen. Henry C. Tate, George W. Lattime, William H. Pike,
John L. McLean, James W. Merritt, William Gillis.
Patrick Creeden, Moses P. Towne, John J. Bryan,
Constables. Frank H. Rundlett, John Burke, Robert G. Allen, Albert D. Hale.
Simon E. Wilson, Samuel W. Tuck, Frank L. Lattime,
I5
CITY GOVERNMENT.
Deputy Collectors of Taxes. Samuel W. Tuck, John J. Bryan, Robert G. Allen.
Inspector of Buildings. Hiram H. Landford.
Inspector of Animals and Provisions. George W. Knight.
Harbor Master. Nathan D. Rodigrass.
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Amos H. Geary,
Office : City Hall.
Measurers of Grain.
Moses H. Rolfe, Charles B. Knight, Frank W. Landford, Dennis Healey.
Inspector of Milk and Vinegar.
George W. Knight, Office : City Hall.
Gaugers.
Amos H. Geary, William S. Coffin, Hiram P. Macintosh
16
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Surveyors of Lumber.
Orlando F. Hatch, Charles L. Perkins,
Gideon C. Webster,
George E. Currier, William B. Coffin, William H. Morse,
Leonard W. Sargent, Thomas F. Corey, Edward Perkins,
Edgar Ross, Chas. W.H. Jackman, Alex. G. Perkins,
Edward G. Perkins, Ezra Lunt,
Fred B. Morse,
Joseph Langevin, Will'd A. Hatch 2d
Weighers of Coal, Hay and Other Merchandise.
Charles W. Nelson, Edward Donahue, Jr., William S. Coffin.
Harry W. Bayley, Lawrence Whalen, John J. Collins. Fred L. Atkinson, Jere Healey, James Conley, Fred L. Macintosh, Edward E. Varina, Fred B. Fanning, James Joy, William Conley, John L. Noyes, Walter E. Atkinson, Amos H. Geary, Alonzo C. Pearson, John Collins, Jackson Greenaway, John H. Balch, jr. Joseph L. Jacoby, Rudolph Jacoby, Edward Donahue, Frank A. Bray, Louis A. Sloman, Annie Healey.
Leonard W. Coker, George L. Bray,
Field Drivers.
Jeremiah S. Parker,
Nathan A. Massey.
Pound Keepers.
Pound No. 1-Auburn street · Pound No. 2-Wesley street
17
CITY GOVERNMENT.
Measurers of Wood and Bark.
John H. Balch, Jr., Fred L. Atkinson,
John Collins,
John L. Noyes, Fred B. Fanning, John J. Collins,
Jere Healey, William S. Coffin, Joseph Woods,
George L. Bray, Frank A. Bray, Charles A. Pearson,
Charles W. Nelson, C. W. H. Jackman, Jackson Greenaway.
Measurers of Charcoal.
Fred L. Atkinson, John H. Balch, Jr. John L. Noyes, William S. Coffin.
Jere Healey,
Weighers and Measurers of City Fuel.
Amos H. Geary, Charles W. Nelson, William S. Coffin.
Leonard W. Coker, Edward Donahue.
Inspector of Coal Baskets. Amos H. Geary, Office : City Hall.
Fence Viewers.
Fred B. Morse,
Dexter W. Dutting.
Measurer of Upper Leather. Luther Carter.
18
ANNUAL REPORTS.
MEETINGS.
-
CITY COUNCIL. FIRST MONDAY EVENING OF EACH MONTH.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE. LAST MONDAY EVENING OF EACH MONTH.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. LAST MONDAY EVENING OF EACH MONTH.
REGULAR COMMITTEE MEETINGS.
Commencing with last Monday of each month.
Monday evening-School Committee; Lighting Streets, etc .; Bridges and Culverts ; Overseers of the Poor.
Tuesday evening-Public Property.
Wednesday evening-Highway; Police.
Thursday evening-Fire Department; Sewerage; Printing.
Friday evening-Accounts.
First Friday evening after first Monday each month -- State Aid, Military Aid and Soldiers' Relief.
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 1898.
HON. GEORGE H. PLUMER, MAYOR.
.7
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF HON. GEORGE H. PLUMER.
DELIVERED JANUARY 3, 1898.
Gentlemen of the City Council :
We have been selected by our fellow citizens to administer the affairs of our city for the municipal year of 1898.
The man of property desires careful and prudent management of public affairs that his investments may prove profitable and that no undue burden of taxation may be imposed upon him.
The wage earner wants good streets and sidewalks to drive or to walk upon; pure water to drink; the best of schools for the instruction of his children; with a strict enforcement of the laws and ordinances, that he may dwell here in happiness and content.
51
24
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
From our citizens and manufacturing industries the city draws its financial support, and during these times of business depression we should carefully look after the financial interests of the city and see that not a dollar of the city's money is wasted or careless- ly expended, or used in any way that the city does not receive full value for every expenditure. Let us use our influence in favor of our city as a place for business; as a place for residence; take pride in our birthplace and work and talk for its prosperity and growth.
The wellfare of our community, its policy in a business way, and its moral reputation will be meas- ured to a great degree by the character, ability, and methods of its city government.
The inspiring force that should control all our actions should be for the greatest common good without reference to locality or party cliques. With these thoughts in mind we shall perform our duty to ourselves and to all our people whom we represent.
THE CITY'S FINANCES.
The city's finances is the first subject to receive our consideration. A wise financial policy is the first necessity of good municipal government; such
25
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
a policy requires a careful estimate of the current expenses for the year, the raising by taxation of an income sufficient to cover such expenses, and so spending that money as to live within our income, and any work done or improvement made should be paid for out of this year's income and not have the burden hidden by debt.
Appropriations and income for the year 1897. . .$193,400 71 Expenses for the year 1897 198,966 60
Making an overdraft
$
5,565 89
Yet this overdraft of $5,565.89 does not represent all the indebtedness that this city government will be called upon to provide for, as there are several out- standing bills of material size that have not been presented which will add to the overdraft of $5,565.89.
The gross debt of the city ending Dec. 18, 1897. . .. $548,005 86 Less sinking fund, etc. 148,161 84
Dec. 18, 1897, leaving net debt. $399,844 02 Dec. 19, 1896, 385,686 36 66
Making an increase of the net debt for 1897 of $ 14,157 66
The net city debt ending Dec. 18, 1897 is. $399,844 02
6 6 " 19, 1895 is 378,955 44
Making an increase in the net debt during the past
two years of .$ 20,888 58
26
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
One permanent expense is the interest account of some $23,464.00 which is practically one-ninth of our total annual expense. I trust our finance commit- tee will carefully consider this item when the appro- priations are made.
BOSTON & MAINE R. R. STOCK.
The city owns 41 I shares of B. & M. R. R. stock. It cost to carry that stock for 1897:
Interest on the loan $2,874 31
Dividends received on the stock 2,466 00
Making a loss of $ 408 31
For 1896 :
Interest paid on loan . $2,670 0I
Dividends on stock. 2,466 00
Loss. $ 204 0I
Making a loss in two years of $612.32. Hence the city should surely dispose of this stock as soon as it can, without too much loss on the cost of the stock, and if sold at 175 per share would realize a sum sufficient to take up the temporary loan.
27
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
THE WATER DEPARTMENT.
The records of the water commissioners show that the Newburyport Water Company deeded their works and plant to the city in February, 1895.
As you already know, the commissioners appoint- ed by the Supreme Judicial Court of this common- wealth awarded the Water Company $275,000.00 as being the fair value of its property and rights.
From this award the company appealed to the above court, with the result that the said award was sustained as being in accordance with the law and justice of the case as presented.
From this decision an appeal has again been taken by the Water Company to the United States Circuit Court upon questions of law arising under the Fed- eral Constitution, and the case having been argued before this court, we are now awaiting its decision.
I believe we should continue to employ the very best legal talent, and continue the defence of the city in sustaining the award as made.
The cost of the works to date is,
$275.000 00 Commissioners' award
COUNSEL FEES PAID.
A. E. Pillsbury. $ 17,500 00
W. H. Moody 5,000 00
Amount carried forward. $22.500 CO
28
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Amount brought forward. $22,500 00
C. C. Dame.
5,088 50
Three Commissioners 8,450 00
R. E. Burke, City Solicitor 2,578 0I
38,616 51
Sundries 15,397 98
Tatal expense paid to Dec. 18, 1897 $54,014 49 Making total expense to date $329,014 49
Bill of R. E. Burke, City Solicitor, pending $ 2,866 00
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
One of our important duties is to look after and foster our public schools, for they are the hope and strength of the state.
There needs to be an awakened public interest in our schools, and that our city council should take pride in the education and improvement of our children, mentally morally and physically; also be in closer touch with the School Board that each may assist the other that the mark of improvement begun in the Curtis school house and the Kelley shall be continued until every school building in the city is made a model place for health, for comfort and for instruction.
29
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The expenses of the School department have been gradually increasing, but they still remain much be- low the cost in most cities and towns of the State. The little town of Hull leads the list with $51.33 spent for each child between the ages of five and fifteen; Medford with some two hundred less children than our own city appropriates $55-446.00, or $25.19 per child; Brookline, $41.53 per child of school age; North Hampton, $15.21; and we spend per child of school age only $10.19. These figures are taken from the last report of the State Board of Education and include only the salaries of teachers, fuel and care of fires and school rooms.
The expenses for the year 1897 were. ·$30,520 19
Salaries of teachers, superintendent, janitors and truant officer $26,283 96
Books and supplies 1,389 59
1,650 93 Fuel.
Evening schools 273 25
Rent and sundries
922 46
$30,520 19
We need a more liberal supply of school readers, of reference books, and of school tools to work with to obtain the best results or to keep our schools up to the average of the schools of the state.
30
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
The total expense of the Poor Department for the year 1897 has been $23,356.61. The income from business sources, including the appropriation of $18,- 500.00, has been $23,487.63, leaving an undrawn balance of $131.02.
The cost of supporting the insane in the State insti- tutions during the past year has been $6,973.82, which is $986.47 more than last year. This is the largest sum ever paid in any one year in the history of our city.
Insanity in our city is increasing to an alarming extent, 15 having been committed the past year for whom the Poor Department must provide. Bills will be presented at the next meeting of the General Court asking for an increase in price of board in the State Asylums of 45 cents per week, which, should it be- come law, will greatly increase the already heavy burden upon our city.
Some twenty families have for the first time been obliged to call upon the city for aid on account of the depression in business, and it is feared that the ex- penses of this department will be greatly increased during the coming year.
31
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
HIGHWAYS.
Extensive improvements have been made in many of our streets and walks the past few years, and as one main thoroughfare, High street, is nearly completed (being only nine hundred feet short of Three Roads) would urge that it be finished as far as possible and meet the State highway, thus giving us one perfect road the whole length of our city, and joining the last link with the State road through to West New- bury; other new work to depend upon the absolute necessity of each case and our financial condition to afford it. For further information I would refer you to the superintendent's report.
STREET LIGHTING.
Our streets are lighted principally by electricty in a manner not quite satisfactory. The committee having charge of this department should by careful investigation ascertain if prices cannot be reduced and better results obtained.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
is an institution of which we may well be proud, and it should continue to receive our fostering care and support. I would refer you to the annual report ot the directors for full information as to its condition.
52
32
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Chief Engineer reports the fire department in first-class condition and the members thereof as equal to any in the state. They are brave, faithful and never refuse to go where duty calls, and we should commend them for their noble work. The apparatus is all in good condition having been newly repaired and painted.
The committee at their November meeting voted to adopt the storage system for the fire alarm, believ- ing it to be for the best interests of the city. The cost of that system will be about $650.00.
The chief also informs me that permission has been granted the city to take the electric current from the street railway company's wires free of cost, thus making the running expenses comparatively small.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The police should be a body of men well drilled, under thorough discipline, and always obedient to their officers; temperate, courteous and gentlemanly, and yet in the performace of their duties firm and in- exorable; tidy in dress and personal appearance, in short, an officer and at the same time a gentleman. Ours falls much short of this (according to poupular
33
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
belief,) hence needs our early attention that it may wake up and become an active, efficient, well drilled and strong arm of the law.
I trust that the license commissioners will co-oper- ate with the executive and the police in the enforce- ment of the license laws and that said commissioners will insist that all who hold licenses shall in all re- spects obey the law.
MAYOR'S SALARY.
By comparison with other cities the amount paid for the mayor's salary is too large, and in my opinion should be reduced to $900, or not exceed $1,000, and I would call the attention of the committee on salaries to that item when adjusting salaries of city officials.
In conclusion, gentlemen, we are here under our solemn oaths to do the will of the people as best we know how. I desire to express to you the earnest hope that in the transaction of all the business of the city that shall come into our hands, we may work in harmony, economically and faithfully; for by so doing we shall have done our full duty and satisfy those who have entrusted us with this great responsibility.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
--
PAGE
CITY GOVERNMENT, 1897 .
5
1898 last of book 3
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS, 1897 19
1898 last of book 19
OFFICE HOURS OF CITY OFFICIALS, ETC. 3
REPORTS :
Atkinson Common Commissioners 317
Board of Assessors . 243
Board of Health 293 Bridge Tender . 233 Chief Engineer 211
City Auditor 37
City Marshal 237
City Physician 206 City Registrar 269
City Solicitor 227
City Treasurer 80 Overseers of the Poor 201
Public Library · 329
School Committee, middle of book I
Sinking Fund Commissioners 63
Surveyor of Highways . 305
Tax Collector
92
Trust Funds 249
Water Commissioners 357
Watering Streets 285
JURY LIST.
. 32 1
DETAILED ACCOUNT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES : PAGE
Abatement of Taxes 97 Ashes and Rubbish 98 Board of Health. 99
Bridges and Culverts IOI Bromfield Fund. IO5
City Bonds 106
Curtis School House 106 Fire Department. 107
Fuel Department II2
Highway Department 114
Incidental Department 123
Interest Department.
138
Janvrin's Landing 140
Lighting Streets and Public Buildings. 141
Memorial Day 143
Notes Payable. . 143
Parks and Public Grounds
I45
Police Department 147
Poor Department.
149
Printing Department. 156
Public Library . 157
Public Library (Special) 159
Public Property . 160
Salaries of City Officers 167
School Department. 169
Sewerage (Construction) 176 Sewerage (Maintenance) 178 Sidewalks and Edgestones 179
State of Mass., Armory Rent 182
State of Mass., Military Aid. 182 Soldiers' Relief. 183 Water Account. 184
Watering Streets for year 1897 185
Water Supply 186
Miscellaneous
187
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NEWBURYPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 2128 00338 658 9
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