USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1900 > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15
MERRIMAC
Alfred L. Binley 42
Frank E. Harrington 106
John Q. A. Pettingell 219
Blanks
79
Total vote. 446
SALISBURY
Alfred L. Binley . 22
Frank E. Harrington
6
John Q. A. Pettingell 218
Blanks.
34
Total vote 280
VOTE FOR REPRESENTATIVE In the Towns of Newbury, Rowley, Ipswich.
NEWBURY
Charles P. Bailey 18
John A. Brown 170
Charles W. Johnson 8
Moody Kimball 162
293
RETURNS OF ELECTIONS
Winfield P. Porter IO
George A. Schofield 34
Blanks. 126
Total vote
-528
ROWLEY
Charles P. Bailey 84
John A. Brown 166
Charles W. Johnson 8
Moody Kimball
141
Winfield P. Porter
I3
George A. Schofield . IIO
Blanks
114
Total vote
636
IPSWICH
Charles P. Bailey
77
John A. Brown 387
Charles W. Johnson 2
Moody Kimball 271
Winfield P. Porter
O
George A. Schofield
347
Blanks
404
Total vote 1488
294
ANNUAL REPORTS
CITY ELECTION
MAYOR
Wards.
One
Two Three Four Five Six
Total
Albert H. Beckford
6
3
6
20
20
73
I28
James F. Carens
91
I59
189
IIO
178
II3
840
Thomas Huse
242
100
II7
87
71
119
736
Charles W. Johnson
19
II
I7
29
23
48
I47
Moses Brown
IIO
76
219
172
III
I71
859
Blanks
8
5
I3
IO
3
II
50
ALDERMEN AT LARGE
Wards
One
Two Three Four
Five
Six
Total
Beniah F. Gerrish
207
146
251
187
88
197
1076
Alfred Pearson
169
148
236
174
247
241
1215
Blanks
100
60
74
.67
71
97
469
ALDERMEN WARD ONE
Wards ..
One
Two Three Four
Five
Six
Total
George P. Greenleaf.
97
60
91
81
87
74
490
John W. Sargent.
I23
I23
260
177
153
23I
1067
Edward W. Tilton
225
115
I29
95
93
129
786
Blanks.
31
56
81
75
73
IOI
417
ALDERMEN WARD TWO
Wards.
One
Two Three Four
Five
Six
Total
Clarence J. Fogg .
I02
IOC
I53
IIO
73
I2I
659
Alpheus G. Kinght.
I25
67
96
74
58
I20
540
Moody B. Noyes
105
IO3
147
79
69
86
589
Winfield P. Porter
78
47
I02
IOI
I30
I22
580
Blanks
66
37
68
64
76
86
397
ALDERMEN WARD THREE
Wards.
One
Two Three
Four
Five
Six
Total
Luther Dame.
200
96
I71
161
99
209
936
Edmund M. Dow.
85
57
105
54
62
89
452
Benjamin P. Ireland
II2
I32
205
I24
156
III
840
Selwyn C. Reed
26
26
39
31
33
4I
196
Blanks
53
43
41
58
56
85
336
L95
RETURNS OF ELECTIONS
ALDERMAN WARD FOUR
Wards.
One
Two
Three Four
Five
Six
Total
William Balch
220
155
297
222
181
255
1330
Charles S. Kenyon
75
67
80
66
79
79
446
William McKay
97
62
94
95
62
II2
522
Blanks.
84
70
90
45
84
89
462
ALDERMAN WARD FIVE
Wards
One
Two Three Four
Five
Six
Total
Charles L. Marble
137
IIO
155
II7
123
187
829
Arthur Withington
195
I61
286
215
226
220
1303
Blanks
144
83
I20
96
57
I28
628
ALDERMAN WARD SIX
Wards
One
Two
Three Four
Five
Six
Total
Alfred L. Binley
69
68
95
72
77
62
443
Herbert Patten
105
74
I02
108
230
730
Job Weston
195
123
234
154
I35
2II
1055
Blanks
107
89
I21
109
86
32
432
OVERSEERS OF POOR
Wards.
One Two Three Four
Fiye
Six
Total
Leonard W. Sargent.
288
I86
341
256
210
301
1580
Blanks.
188
I68
220
172
196
234
1180
COUNCILMEN
Wards
One Two Three Four Five
Six
William W. Hicks.
18I
Franklin P. Knight.
191
. ..
. .
. ..
George P. Peckham
II7
Eugene Roaf.
156
..
. .
..
. ..
J. Albert Stevens.
156
Samuel R. Welch
268
...
..
Blanks.
359
. ..
. . .
...
William B. Frost.
228
.. .
.
. .
John T. Lunt.
155
...
. ..
Sewell H. Noyes
II2
. .
.
. .
George W. Parker
I25
. ..
...
...
James F. Sullivan
131
...
. .
..
Blanks
3II
...
.. .
·
. .
..
Robert G. Dodge
..
. . .
334
. .
.. .
.
Hugh Hart, Jr.
·
...
215
. . .
. . .
. . .
.
. .
.
·
.
. .
. .
·
...
296
ANNUAL REPORT
Timothy P. Linehan
.
207
..
. .
. .
Albert W. Rantoul
..
247
. ..
.
David F. Souther
198
..
.
Blanks.
..
482
. ..
.
Edgar W. Chase
..
164
Samuel J. Hughes
. . .
217
Percy B. Jackson
209
Charles P. Kelly
. .
197
Blanks.
..
497
. . .
. . .
George W. Hussey.
280
.. .
George G. Ladd
99
William H. O'Brien
159
. ..
Timothy Herlihy
258
. ..
Blanks
422
...
Joseph W. Bartlett
167
John M. Chase.
361
Franklin W. Dorr.
236
Benjamin F. Stanley
257
Elmer E. Towne.
. . .
179
Blanks.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Wards.
One Two Three Four Five Six
Ernest W. Bliss
287
Henry H. Tingley
107
..
. .
. ..
. .
. . .
Prentiss H. Reed.
200
.. .
.
. . .
Blanks.
I55
...
. .
·
. .
.
.
George E. L. Noyes
327
. . .
.
. . .
Blanks
234
...
. . .
.. .
Samuel C. Beane.
146
. ..
...
George W. Worcester.
218
. ..
. . .
Blanks.
64
.. .
.. .
Oliver B. Merrill.
234
...
Blanks.
I72
. . .
John G. P. Thurlow.
.
...
343
Blanks
.
..
. . .
192
VOTE FOR LICENSE
Wards
One Two
Three
Four Five
Six
Total
"Yes"
217
18I
331
210
222
18I
I342
"No"
223
150
196
189
I57
315
I230
Blanks
36
23
34
29
27
39
188
·
...
.
. . .
. .
. .
.
.
405
. .
...
...
. .
..
. .
. . .
.
Blanks.
82
. . .
. .
297
RETURNS OF ELECTIONS
ACCEPTANCE OF CHAP. 344 OF THE ACTS OF 1899, 8 HOURS
Wards
One
Two Three Four Five Six Total
"Yes"
238
199
327
252
258
262
1537
"No"
I54
90
I44
II2
89
187
776
Blanks.
84
65
89
64
69
86
447
299
CITY GOVERNMENT
City Government-1901
MAYOR HON. MOSES BROWN
BOARD OF ALDERMEN President of the Board ARTHUR WITHINGTON
JOHN W. SARGENT CLARENCE J. FOGG
LUTHER DAME WILLIAM BALCH
ARTHUR WITHINGTON
. JOB WESTON ALFRED PEARSON, WARD SIX
Clerk of the Board
GEORGE H. STEVENS Assistant Clerk HENRY W. LITTLE
BOARD OF COMMON COUNCIL ROBERT G. DODGE, President
WARD ONE
WM. W. HICKS,
FRANKLIN P. KNIGRT, SAMUEL R. WELCH
WARD TWO
WM. B. FROST, JOHN T. LUNT,
JAMES F. SULLIVAN
WARD THREE
ROBERT G. DODGE, HUGH HART, JR., ALBERT W. RANTOUL
SAMUEL J. HUGHES,
PERCY B. JACKSON, CHARLES P. KELLEY
WARD FIVE
TIMOTHY HERLIHY,
GEORGE W. HUSSEY, WM. H. O'BRIEN
JOHN M. CHASE,
WARD SIX FRANKLIN W. DORR, BENJ. F. STANLEY
Clerk of Common Council THOMAS E. CUTTER
WARD ONE WARD Two WARD THREE WARD FOUR WARD FIVE WVARD SIX AT LARGE
WARD FOUR
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
Hon. MOSES BROWN
DELIVERED JANUARY -, 1901
Gentlemen of the City Council :
It is with a profound sense of inexperience in the re- sponsibilities and details of the high office to which I have been chosen that I address you upon this occasion. This consideration, together with the circumstances of my elec- tion, the narrow plurality by which the choice of the peo- ple was expressed, and the later incidents of the cam- paign, have impressed upon me the wisdom of moderation and brevity in the observations I am about to make.
The duties of this station will in some respects be dif- ficult, but they will be easier or the reverse as you and I shall cooperate in the affairs we shall have in hand. You will not of course understand that I expect for a moment that you will always agree with me, or that I can promise, invariably, to concur with you, but we can always be con- ciliatory toward each other, and should differences arise we may be sure, that if courtesy and reason and common sense be used, all will in the end be well.
302
ANNUAL REPORTS
In looking over several volumes of city reports I have found that my predecessors have, in general, followed a definite order in presenting their views to the city council and that usually they have spoken first upon the subject of
FINANCE
I understand from the treasurer that at the close of business about Dec. 15, 1899, the net debt of the city was $289,566.47, at the same date in 1900, the net debt was $289,876.59, showing a reduction of $2,689.88. There was however at that time when every bill out standing should have been rendered an acknowledged over draft of $5,483.80. When this paragraph was written on Friday last this overdraft had swollen to a sum of between $12,000 and $13,000.
What an overdraft of this amount means to a city of the class, and the moderate resources of ours, must be ap- parent to you all. Upon this most unexpected and disap- pointing revelation, I shall make no comments, except in- directly, toward the close of this address.
The net interest account paid by the city last year was $16,182.27, being about 10 per cent. of the entire sum raised by taxation.
Another item to which I desire to call your attention is this, that the debt is already some $36,000 above the limit permitted by the statute law, based upon the valua- tion.
These statistics warn us that during the coming year we and our fellow citizens must content ourselves with the necessities and forego the luxuries of municipal expendi- tures which might be quite proper for larger and richer communities.
Care and economy are the more important at the pres- ent time, because of the probability which is all but a cer- tainty that our city will be compelled, to bear in part, the
303
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
cost of a new and expensive bridge across the Merrimac ; because of a general demand for sewerage by the people of the north end; and because of the possible erection or pur- chase of a situable building for the purposes of the high school. Each of these questions will be treated in its proper place in this paper.
HIGHWAYS
The highways of the city have received much attention during the past ten or twelve years and by contrast with their former condition are in a very satisfactory state at present. We must not forget, however, that work upon streets and sidewalks is very expensive. Last year the ap- propriation for highway (with credits) was $18,412.91; the expenditures about $26,000 ; overdraft $7,700.09. Be- side, there was spent upon sidewalks $8,000, part of which came back to the treasury from abuttors.
No doubt the city received full value for the amount expended, and in this connection I desire thus publicly to express my personal regret that we are losing at the begin- ning of my term of office the services of the superintendent who for a term of fourteen years has faithfully adminis- tered the work of this department.
A complaint has been made that during the past year or two, the north end of the city has been neglected in the proportion of outlay in this department. Whether or not the feeling is justified I have had no time to ascertain by personal observation. I wish to say, however, that in the large committee having this work in charge there is per- haps more need and more opportunity for the exercise of a spirit of mutual concession than in any other. As a mem- ber or that committee I shall exert whatever influence I may possess toward the equitable distribution of whatever outlay may be made.
It will be noted that a large part of the overdraft of
304
ANNUAL REPORTS
last year was in this department We must as a commit- tee so lay out the work for the present ysar as to keep the expenditure within the income, and I hope it may be found possible to ask for a smaller appropriation than heretofore.
I have been told that there has lately arrived a cargo of edgestones, but notwithstanding this fact I think we should make up our minds to great economy in their use. The sidewalks of the city are in fair condition and for the present year, at least, we can curtail this expense without injury to anyone.
SCHOOLS
The school system in our city is a most excellent one and the general results in scholarship will compare favor- ably with any in the state. It is also undoubtedly true that the expenses of the department are less in proportion to the number of students than in most other cities. Whether this is due to the fact that smaller salaries are paid, or that more work is done by individual teachers, I am not in a position to say. There is now in process of construction a commodious brick schoolhouse upon or near the old Jackman foundation. This building when com- pleten will be spacious and convenient and will meet all the requirements of these modern days. It would seem wise that the small house on School street, next to the school, should be purchased if it can be had at a reasona- ble price, so as to make the grounds in better proportion.
In this department by far the most difficult problen is that of the High school. Under authority of the city gov- ernment of last year, plans and estimates for the enlarge- ment of the Putnam school were made. These plans are now in the hands of the city council. They provide for an increase in the capacity of the building, Making it a 14- room schoolhouse. The estimate of cost is $17,500. This
305
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
plan involves, I suppose, the purchase of the building any grounds of the Putnam trustees. There are apparently some of our citizens who favor the erection of a thoroughly modern High school building upon the mall or elsewhere. I have had little opportunity for consultation with mem- bers of the school board and it may appear presumptuous upon my part to offer an opinion in the premises, but in view of the very costly nature of each of the projects noted, and considering the state of the city finances, it seems to me as at present advised, wise to renew the contract or agreement, under the terms of which the High and Putnam schoois are now being operated, amending it in some par- ticulars. I am aware that there are grave objections to this arrangement, and that more or less inconvenience to teachers and students arises from it, but I submit that upon the whole it is the better course to follow.
BRIDGES AND CULVERTS
In this department last year the large sum of $10,- 749.21 was expended, an overdraft of $1,766.54 being made, The condition of the Newburyport bridge has for years been such that almost continual repairs have been needed to keep it safe for travel. The county commissioners will, without doubt, early in the present year condemn this bridge and wiil order the construction of another of stone and iron. Under the act of 1896 no less than 40 per cent. of the cost may be assessed upon the city of Newburyport and the next towns, and of that 40 per cent. three-fourths at least is likely to be the proportion of Newburyport, so that if the bridge cost $175,000 it is easy to figure that our share will be $52,500, and our city debt increased in that amount.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
In every city there is and will continue to be more or less criticism of the police department ; of the men who
306
ANNUAL REPORTS
compose the force and the methods followed by them. So far as I can learn there is in our own city less cause for criticism in this direction than in most places. The men are competent, honest and attentive to their duty. The chief is a man of tact and ability, well fitted for the postion which he holds. The force consists of 15 officers and men, a number amply sufficient for our needs. The expenses of the department last year were $13, 103-73 and there was a balance undrawn of $710 57 to its credit at the end of the year. One of our greatest needs is a new and convenient station. While it seems impossible to have it at preseut, I am glad to report that a fund for the purpose is accumu- lating, amounting now to $3000.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Of the affairs of this department I am unable to speak with particular knowledge. December 15th its total ex- penditure had been $12,539.19, overdraft $203.84, since in- creased $500 or more. A large proportion of the expense is the salary list of the officers and the annual pay of the several companies. I believe that the apparatus is in ex- cellent repair, and the various houses are convenient and in satisfactory condition, save that of the hose company in ward six. For the accommodation of this company and its apparatus a lot of land has been recently purchased upon Forrester street where it is proposed to build a house in the future. As to the morale and general efficiency of the department it is now, as it has been during the entire history of the city, unquestionably good.
SEWERAGE
In reference to the subject of sewerage I have little to offer. It is certain that the system is, for a city like ours, the very best that could be employed, and it is surprising
307
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
that the cost of its maintenance is so small, only $675 hav- ing been expended last year. There is a pressure from the people of ward six to have the system extended to that part of the city, and there are plans and estimates in the hands of the city council showing the expense thereof. Although it would be too costly to carry the system through the whole district at one time and under one con- tract, and although we are under tne urgent need of pru- dence in every expenditure, yet considering that proper sewerage is so necessary to the public health, and consid- ering likewise that the taxpayers at that end of the city have been obliged to contribute toward the building and support of the sewers already in operation, and from which they have received no direct benefit, I would recommend that the city council investigate this subject with a view to doing a portion of the work, providing it can be done in harmony with the whole plan proposed.
LIGHTING STREETS.
The service of providing lights for streets and public buildings is placed in the hands of a joint committee from the board of aldermen and the common council. I sup- pose there is no department of public service where mem- bers of a committee are more importuned than in this of street lighting, and it may be laid down as an axiom that where a lamp is once placed there it stays. The cost of lighting streets and public buildings last year was $13,- 430.86. Since it may be difficult to reduce the number of street lamps, I trust that the committee to be appointed for the current year will be enabled by contract or other- wise to make a saving from the present cost.
THE WATER WORKS
The case of the Water Company vs. the City has dur- ing the past year advanced another stage toward settle-
308
ANNUAL REPORTS
ment. The next will be final as the exceptions will then be heard and decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. So far at every trial the contentions of the city have been sustained and there can be no doubt but that the last decision will be in our favor. Meanwhile the ser- vice has been improved, the rates somewhat reduced and the plant itself with its surroundings, formerly in appear- ance a bog hole, has, under the care of the Board of Com- missioners and its superintendent, become a pleasure to the eye.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
So far as I can learn no fault can be found by the cap- tious with the manner in which this large department is maintained. The present board of overseers and their clerk appear to receive the confidence of the public in a marked degree. The almshonse is well managed by the superintendent and the method of dispensing what is known as out door relief is most excellent and economical. The total expense of the department last year was $24,- 811.12 of which sum more than $9000 was paid for the maintenance and care of the insane.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The Public Library and Reading Room are being con- ducted in a most satisfactory and liberal manner. The library has, during the past year, received several be- quests amounting in all to $30,000. For full statistics you are referred to the report of the Librarian lately issued.
SUGGESTIONS
As I approach the end of this paper there are two or three recommendations, or rather suggestions, which I beg leave respectfully to submit.
309
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
First. To members of the Common Council, where all orders for the outlay of the public funds should originate, that they be very careful, especially at the beginning of the year, and prior to the passage of the appro- priation bill, as regards the suspension of the rule which re- quires that such orders shall have two separate readings presumably at different sessions of the board. When, as now, the board meets twice in a month the delay from one meeting to another can seldom be detrimental to the inter- ests of the city and it may often be of benefit.
Second. I wish to speak a word of warning to the mem- bers of committees about to be appointed. It is in reference to the practice of holding back bills for labor or supplies, or causing or permitting such bills to be so held by those with whom committees or their agents deal. Every bill should be filed in the month when it is contracted and every credi- tor of the city should be paid upon the pay roll next follow ing. A neglect of this plain duty whether from careless- ness or motive is the sure forerunner of debt and overdraft.
A lesson easy of comprehension, showing the conse- quence of such utterly unbusiness-like courses, come to us with unpleasant emphasis today, when an overdraft of $12,000 or $13,000 is presented us, with the compliments of the season, from the administration of last year. This de- ficit we must meet by the application of about eight per cent of a tax not yet assessed. Do you realize, gentlemen, that this overdraft with the interest account will absorb more than one-sixth of the total tax upon the basis of last year's rate and valuation ?
There is another matter which I would earnestly com- mend to the attention of the city council. I ask you gentle- men, to consider carefully whether or not the time has come for a reform in the methods of buying such merchandise as is required in the various departments of the city. I am sure that such supplies could be bought at a saving of much money if the entire business should be placed of one honest and competent man. My observation shows me
310
ANNUAL REPORTS
that a knowledge of goods and quali ies, of trade dis- counts and cash discounts, and other up-to-date methods enables, always, the close buyer in every line and depart- ment of trade to make a distinct saving and profit over and above the ordinary gains ol business. A corporation like the city of Newburyport is in the aggregate a large buyer : its credit is of the best, and in its purchases should have every advantage of price and quality. I was pleased last year to note in one of our daily papers some editorial comment upon the methods of purchase then and now in use, and I hoped that the public would show some interest in a subject so important. It may be said in objection to surh a plan that it would create another salaried office, that it would place too great a power in the hands of one man,-that it would be difficult to find a proper person to exercise so great a trust. Other objections may be urged, but I am inclined to think that a man such as the people would elect (for surely to the people should such an elec- tion go) would be able to show a saving of five times his salary annually. I am aware that this plan may not at first be popular, and that it can never be introduced save by amendment to the charter with referendum to the peo- ple, but I have felt it a duty to bring it to your notice in the hope that it will some day be adopted.
OUR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
On June 24, 1851, was inaugurated the first city gov- ernment, a charter having been accepted by the town's people on the the 3d of June preceding. Preparations for the due observance of the 50th anniversary of this event should be at once begun. Notwithstanding our somewhat impoverished state, we must needs, as patriotic citizens, make ready at some expense, personal as well as public, for an event so important. The anniversary will be of large and general interest.
It will intimately concern
31I
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
every son and daughter of the soil, every man, who coming from abroad has here found citizenship, and every woman born without our borders who by marriage or in any other way has become identified with the city of our love and pride. We of the city council cannot for a moment think of arranging upon our own responsibility for such a celebration as this should be. A large com- mittee chosen from every profesfon, trade, calling, and interest represented in our city should be invited to share with us the care and pleasure of preparing for so great a day. I doubt no, gentlemen, that you will at once take the preliminary steps, and so leave the matter in your hands.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
And now, gentlemen, having indicated the principal points which has occurred to me as claiming our attention, I have little else to say.
Last week when I had arranged in my mind the the order in which to present these topics, I was considering in what form of words to close this brief address. Perhaps it was because my last paragraphs had been in reference to the the anniversary, but at the moment I found myself recall- ing the memory of some of those, who long ago, stood in the places now occupied by us; and especially the name and greatness of that famous man, the first mayor of our city, came into my mind, and as I thought of that great personality and with it contrasted my own, you will not wonder that it was borne in upon me that any words of mine, safe in reference to the business of the day, should be very few, and very simple.
So, gentlemen, I wish you all a happy year in public and in private life, I add this only : May we each have strength of purpose to follow the line of duty without faltering, through evil or through good report.
Table of Contents
CITY GOVERNMENT, 1900.
PAGE
5 . .
1901 . . 290
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS, 1900. 19
1901
301
OFFICE HOURS OF CITY OFFICIALS. ·3 and 4
REPORTS :
Board of Assessors 175
Board of Health. 177
Bridge Tender. 194 Chief Engineer . 16I
City Auditor.
City Marshal 18I
City Physician 158
City Registrar 199
City Solicitor. 189
City Treasurer 58
Election Returns for 1900. 289
Inspector of Animals 233
Overseers of the Poor. I55
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.