USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1902 > Part 2
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 | Part 16
A few words should be said at this point in reference to the care of the fire alarm and the electric wires. These separate but closely related systems are, and for several years have been, under the charge of the same official. The present superintendent unquestionably
knows the theory and practice of electric science. I sincerely hope that the city may not lose the advantage of his service the current year. The city ordinances under which he acts appear to be somewhat loosely drawn, and it is recommended that they be amended so that the superintendent's duties and his compensation may he definitely stated.
26
ANNNAL REPORTS
HIGHWAYS.
For the year just ended the appropriation in this department was $14,000, the additional income was $3,018.88, making a total $17,018.88. In the month of January, bills for work and supplies which should have been filed and settled in the month preceding, amounting to some $2,100, were received and paid from our appropriation. Early in the year it became evident that to avoid an overdraft the utmost economy must be practised. Important improvements upon the streets, which had been contemplated, were of necessity aban- doned. In more than one instance the executive was compelled to withhold his approval of orders for work which had been voted by the committee.
While no streets were macadamized, those already constructed were kept in repair, and considerable work was done upon sidewalks. The much talked of road roller was placed in thorough order, at the expense of $675, and is now practically as good as new. The in- come from railroad corporations, received in December and credited to this department, was somewhat larger than had been expected, and we were therefore able to close the year with an unexpended balance of $969. It is to be borne in mind that at the beginning of 1901 the city council, by vote, advanced the pay of laborers rather more than ten per cent. This advance is not by any means mentioned with disapproval, but only to show that the expense of the department for the year was in that one item $1200 greater than before. When it is considered that for the ten years prior to 1901 the
27
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
average overdraft was $5,605, the smallest overdraft being in 1897, $1,064.27, and the largest in 1894, $12,927.62, I submit that the showing in the depart- ment was creditable. If the administration of 1901 is criticised for not making greater improvements on the streets, I answer that we kept our expenditures within our income, and our streets today compare well with those of other cities of our class.
The present superintendent of highways succeeded, late in February, to a position where it is always diffi- cult to please the public, and where it is impossible to please when there is little money to use and only a moderate amount of labor to employ. In the ten months of his service the superintendent has accom- plished all that was possible to be done except by making a debt. He has presented each month a report which, for systematic accuracy in accounting for every dollar used, and in estimating the expense of future months, thereby showing what moneys would be avail- able in the three departments of highways, sidewalks, and ashes and rubbish, has been invaluable. I feel it a duty to say these few words of commendation for the superintendent because I know that in some quarters he has been harshly judged.
POLICE.
This department, so far as its organization is con- cerned. remains as when last reported, except that no patrolman has been appointed to fill the vacancy made in October by the resignation of Officer Joseph H. Post,
28
ANNUAL REPORTS
who in that month, after a faithful service of twenty years, retired voluntarily from the force. At that time it was apparent that the appropriation would be over- drawn, and after consultation with the chief and with the committee it was concluded not to appoint a regular officer during the balance of the year. The appropria- tion was overdrawn because it had been fixed at a smaller sum than usual by the committee on finance, because less was received in fines, and because of the extra expense at the time of the celebration in June. During the present year it will be absolutely necessary to build a new police station or to enlarge and improve the premises now in use. There is available for this purpose a fund of $3,000, with accrued interest, which was set apart in the year 1899. The public has been made aware, through the press of our own and other cities, of the urgent need for new police accommoda- tions, and it is not necessary to enlarge thereon at the present time. I think that the members of the city council will agree that with the opening of the spring we must be prepared to build, or to remodel and extend the station. To me the latter plan now appears the wiser, in view of the probable cost, and the fact that the present location is undoubtedly the best procurable.
THE NO-LICENSE LAW.
It is here that I desire to say a few plain words regarding the enforcement of the no-license system which will come into effect on the first day of May. It is the will of the people, expressed with no uncertain
29
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
sound, that on that day and for the twelve months then next ensuing, the sale of liquor shall be prohibited in Newburyport. It is the duty and the determination of the executive to enforce that will.
Whether or not the principle of prohibition or that of license is the wiser or the more conducive to public morals and good government is not a question for dis- cussion here. There is a law ; it must be respected and enforced.
In carrying the law into effect I count with absolute assurance upon the loyal support of the city marshal and every officer of the police. If it shall prove that the force is less in number than is required for the enforce- ment of the law it will be augmented.
While the police are the paid official persons upon whom the public depends for the detection and convic- tion of all transgressors, and while the people are in general bound to render to the authorities in the per- formance of their duty every assistance, I feel that in the enforcement of the no-license law the police and the executive have a right to expect especial and ex- traordinary help from all good citizens. That help I now invoke, appealing first to the members of the city council, particularly to the board of aldermen, in whose control, in prohibition years, is lodged the sole power of license where it is required for the conducting of any business.
I do not know, gentlemen. what attitude you will assine upon the question of licensing the sale of liquors by druggists. I believe that the law requires that you should grant one or more of such licenses. I trust that
30
ANNUAL REPOSTS
you will restrict their issue to the least number requisite for the absolute necessities of the people.
You will be asked, no doubt, for victualers' licenses in far greater numbers than have heretofore been granted, and for obvious reasons I trust that you will issue such with a sparing hand.
Should your opinion or consent be asked by the state authorities in the matter of chartering social clubs, look well to the names and records of corporators. The so- called social club, common in no-license cities, is a ten- fold greater menace to public and private morals than the open bar.
In brief, gentlemen, I beg you to use your high official power to make prohibition real. Of all reputable people, whether they approve or disapprove the new policy of the city, I ask that they will respect the voice of the majority and give their full support to the enforcement of the law.
SEWERAGE.
During the autumn of last year our system of sewer- age was extended throughout the northern district of the city. As expressed in the inaugural address of last year, it had become necessary that the work should be done, although at that time it did not appear to ine feasible to sewer the entire area. Consultation with the superintendent of sewers convinced the council that it would be wise to have the whole district sewered under one contract.
The system was constructed carefully and very expe- ditiously, under the supervision of Mr. Francis Curtis,
31
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
whose report of every detail will appear among the printed documents of the year. The total cost of the work, with a small piece at the south end and another at Bartlet street, was about $42,000, including the extra work on Woodland street.
To cover the expense, sewer bonds were issued at 31/2 per cent, which were sold at a premium, and the whole issue was taken by the commissioners of the sinking fund, the Five Cents Saving bank, and the trustees of the public library.
Incidental to the sewering of Woodland street was the regrading and rebuilding of that thoroughfare. Every contract for sewer work or excavation of any kind pro- vides that the roadway be left in as good a condition as before.
It would have been most absurd to have torn up Woodland street and then replace the cobble stone gutter in the middle, as it was before; and it would have been almost criminal not to provide for the great drainage of water peculiar to that street.
It was therefore determined, in connection with the work of sewerage, to underdrain the street, and in fact to rebuild its entire length. Plans were prepared by Mr. Curtis, and the entire work, sewerage, underdrain- ing, and grading, was completed in November, and accepted as satisfactory by the superintendent of high- ways, with the reservation, agreed to by the contractor, that certain bankings are to be turfed in the spring.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Last year, the mayor and the board of aldermen, who are trustees of the public library, were for the first time,
32
ANNUAL REPORTS
so far as the city records show, convened as a board of trustees. They elected a clerk and treasurer, placing the latter under a suitable bond. The trustees have invested such new funds of the library as have come into their hands in bonds and savings banks rather than in city notes, which last named form of security has for many years been the favorite investment for trust funds at City Hall.
There is now in the custody of the trustees about $80,000; about $44,000 being in bonds and savings bank deposits. The balance, say $36,000, is in city notes. These securities are placed in a safety box at the Five Cents Savings Bank, accessible to the mayor, the president of the board of aldermen, and the treas- urer together, or two of these officials together, but neither can have access to the box alone.
Details of the administration of the library and the reading room can be read with advantage in the printed report of the librarian, which is exhaustive and most interesting.
BRIDGES AND CULVERTS.
The members of the council and the public generally are doubtless well informed of the fact that the county will build a new bridge across the Merrimac during the current year. In the message of last year, the prob- ability that the bridge would be built was mentioned, and some figures based upon a special statute then in force were given. It was stated that, should the bridge cost $175,000. the share of Newburyport would be about $52.000.
.
33
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
I am happy to report that through the untiring efforts of Mr. Kimball, our present member of the General Court, and of the representatives from Salisbury and Amesbury, assisted by our senator, and other gentlemen, among whom I should mention especially the county commissioners, Hon. E. P. Shaw, and former represent- ative Charles P. Mills, a great relief was obtained for the city of Newburyport and Salisbury. Legislation was brought about which will relieve us of at least one- third of the expenses for which we should have been responsible under the former act. These details are mentioned because the service of these gentlemen should be made a matter of record and of public acknowledge- ment.
The new bridge will be a handsome and substantial structure, built upon iron cylinders, and it is now pro- posed that the flooring shall be of vitreous tile rather than of timber. The bridge will be at least a year in process of construction.
THE WATER SUPPLY.
As all our people are aware, the law suit with the old water company is still unsettled. I quote below, in substantial form, a communication lately received from the senior counsel for the city :
"The progress of the suit of the water company against the city, in the federal court, has been delayed during the past year by an application of the company to reopen the case, after the decision in favor of the city, for the introduction of evidence that the city hydrant
3
34
ANNUAL REPORTS
contract was not in fact valued by the commissioners. This question has been twice argued, and nearly the entire year has been consumed in waiting for the decision of the court, which is not yet rendered. This delay, however unsatisfactory, is unavoidable. In the meantime, as the city is in a way to acquire its water system on the most favorable terms known in the history of water litigation in Massachusetts, there is no occasion to be disturbed by it."
I note by the daily press that the water commissioners are about to extend the plant, by building a dam so as to create a basin for a larger storage of water. The super- intendent of the works intimated as much to me, in a casual conversation, but no official information of such intention had been filed with the city council at the time this paragraph was written.
THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY.
In June of last year the fiftieth anniversary of our city was celebrated in a most successful manner. An appropriation of $2,250 toward the expense was made by the city council, and some $3,000 additional was contributed by private subscription. As this is the first opportunity that has occurred to make public acknowl- edgement to the members of the council, to the general and special committees, and to the citizens at large, who gave so liberally of their time and their money to make the occasion memorable, I desire to do so now. The prestige and the dignity of Newburyport were well sus- tained by all her people. A record of those days should
35
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
be preserved, and I trust that the city council will deem it wise and patriotic to provide some modest sum as a nucleus for the publication of a memorial volume. Men distinguished in every walk of life were the city's guests. Two of the addresses were undoubtedly the fruit of much research and labor, and they were worthy of the occasion. . They and the anniversary ode were the free will offering of the authors, and the courtesy of publication is their due. The shorter speeches of our guests at the public dinner were as a whole remarkable, and they also should be preserved. The volume need not be expensive, and would no doubt pay for itself in sales. A full account of the celebration should surely be edited and printed and made a part of the written history of the city.
COMMITTEES' DUTIES.
Before closing this address I must, at the risk of appearing tedious, reiterate what was said last year, warning the common council against the practice of frequent suspension of the rules in order to hurry legis- lation for the expenditure of money. I would again emphasize the duty of committees that every month they insist that the bills contracted, whether for labor or material, be filed for examination when the committee meets. I am informed that this business rule was fol- lowed last year more carefully than ever before, and I would urge thereto a like attention for the year to come. Last year the city council was earnestly requested to consider the expedience of employing one man to pur-
36
ANNUAL REPORTS
chase all the merchandise required in the several depart- ments of the city. I will not weary you by a repetition of the arguments then advanced in favor of such a plan, but after a year's experience and observation of our methods of purchase, I am more strongly convinced than ever that a great saving would be made if the buying were done in the manner specified. The suggestion made last year did not, apparently, commend itself to the city government. A joint committee was appointed to investigate the plan, but so far as I am aware no report was ever made.
IN CONCLUSION.
Arriving at the end of this paper, I desire to thank my colleagues in the city council of last year for the uniform courtesy which they used toward me. Whether in personal conference or in committee, when I had the pleasure of meeting them our relations were most cor- dial. Looking forward into the year now opening, I trust that like conditions of mutual respect and mutual forbearance may prevail. That each member of the city council for 1902 may be useful and happy in the honorable station which he holds is my fervent wish and hope.
-
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT, December, 1902.
To the City Council of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN, - The Joint Standing Committee on Finance respectfully submits the following statements and reports of the City Treasurer and Collector and the City Auditor for the financial year ending December 20, 1902.
The books and accounts of the City Treasurer and Collector have been examined, under direction of the committee, by the City Auditor, and found by him to be correct and properly vouched.
For the Committee,
MOSES BROWN, Chairman.
/
FIFTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
OF.
............
THE CITY AUDITOR.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT, AUDITOR'S OFFICE. December 20, 1902.
To the Committee on Finance :
GENTLEMEN,- In conformity with the requirements of the city ordinances, I herewith submit the fifty-second annual report of the receipts and expenditures of the city of Newburyport, for the financial year ending December 20, 1902, together with a statement of the city debt and debts due the city, and a schedule of the real and personal property belonging to the city. I have audited the books of the city treasurer and find them correct and properly vouched.
I examined all securities, belonging to the city, in possession of the treasurer, including the sinking fund investments, trust funds of the Newburyport public library, and found the same properly accounted for.
They are deposited. for safe keeping, in a deposit box in the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank.
39
CITY AUDITOR
I verified the accounts of the collector of taxes, in- cluding the amount committed to him by the assessors, the abatements made by them during the year, and the amount collected.
I audited the books of the treasurer of the board of water commissioners for the year ending November 30, 1902, and found the same correct and properly vouched.
I examined the cash account, kept by the city clerk, of all moneys received by him as fees or otherwise (ex- cept dog licenses), during the year ending December 20, 1902, and found the amount to be $589.55. Of this amount the sum of $495.24 has been paid to the city treasurer and a receipt taken therefor.
I examined the cash account kept by the city mes- senger, as agent for rental of City Hall, of all moneys received by him during the year ending December 20, 1902, and found the amount to be $1655.00, all of which has been paid to the city treasurer and a receipt taken therefor.
I examined the books of the clerk of the overseers of the poor, and found that the bills as approved corre- spond with the payments made by the city treasurer.
I examined all bills passed by the committee on accounts, as presented weekly and monthly, and found the same correctly cast and accurately placed upon the books.
The books of the city treasurer show an increase of the city debt during the year ending December 20, 1902, of $4,453.26. The overdraft for the year 1902 is $1,276.98.
Very respectfully,
WILLIAM H. WELCH, City Auditor.
40
ANNUAL REPORTS
RECEIPTS.
The receipts for the year ending December 20, 1902, are shown in aggregates, as credited to the following accounts.
Poor
$ 5,263 08
Schools
1,208 05
Fire
301 38
Highways
3,005 73
Incidentals
2,229 95
Public property
444 43
Police
2,259 47
Lighting
3 00
Interest on overdue taxes
2,980 09
Interest on bank deposit
1,519 39
Public library
1,469 98
Sidewalks and edgestones
89 00
Notes payable
131,467 73
State of Massachusetts, state aid
10,134 00
66 military aid .
296 73
66 66 burial· expense . 350 00
66 66 armory rents
100 00
Bromfield fund
400 00
Liquor licenses
1 00
Ashes and rubbish
8 75
Non-resident bank tax, city banks
2,971 79
state of Massachusetts 3,305 31
92
Income, corporation tax, 1901
1902
12,092 57
Soldiers' relief
529 46
County of Essex, seals
42 00
City hall
1,655 00
Burial lots
303 00
Carried forward
. $184,431 81
41
CITY AUDITOR
Brought forward
$184,431 81
Board of health
1,129 59'
Parks, Atkinson common
2 20
Newburyport bridge .
963 20
Betterments
1,514 60
Watering streets, 1899
20 04
1900
263 37
.‹
1901
676 29
66
66 1902
3,657 17
Taxes, 1899 .
469 90
1900
17,937 90
1901
27,446 79
1902
137,632 54
Sewer construction
311 19
Fuel
1,385 00
High schoolhouse
1,165 45
City bonds, 3} per cent high school loan
35,000 00
Dog licenses .
437 04
Making a total of . $414,444 08
EXPENDITURES.
The expenditures for the year ending December 20, 1902, as approved, are shown in aggregates as charged to the following accounts.
Poor
$ 25,563 08
Schools
37,485 42
Fire 11,411 92
Highways 18,817 49
Incidentals
4,618 93
Public property
5,998 31
Police
13,533 22
Carried forward $117,428 37
42
ANNUAL REPORTS
Brought forward $117,428 37
Lighting
13,755 86
Interest .
22,470 83
Public library
4,242 14
Sidewalks and edgestones
2,257 94
Newburyport bridge .
2,336 91
Culverts 1,539 93
Notes payable
127,167 73
State of Massachusetts, state aid
10,822 00
military aid .
469 46
.6 . burial expense
175 00
66 state tax
5,592 50
County of Essex, county tax
9,924 53
Non-resident bank tax
4,504 46
Fuel
1,543 07
Salaries
10,149 70
Board of health
8,013 59
Printing .
637 28
Sinking fund commissioners
16,000 00
Ashes and rubbish
1,469 41
Memorial day
200 00
Sewer, maintenance
481 90
66 construction
6,102 34
Parks, regular
492 82
66 Atkinson common
496 75
6 : Cushing 89 52
Soldiers' relief 4,811 60
County of Essex, seals
42 00
Watering streets, 1902
5,353 86
Bromfield fund . .
406 59
Anna Jaques hospital
600 00
High schoolhouse .
25,885 77
State of Massachusetts, corporation tax, 1901 3 63
66 6: non-resident bank tax, 1901 254 65
Carried forward
$405,722 14
43
CITY AUDITOR
Brought forward $405,722 14
Liquor licenses . 348 83 Memorial volume . 50 00
Grading new street, ward 6
300 00
Copying records of Old Newbury 100 00
South-end reading room 200
Making a total of $406,720 97
The whole amount of receipts during the year ending December 20, 1902, was $414,444 08 The whole amount of expenditures dur- ing the year ending December 20, 1902, was . 406,720 97
Excess of receipts over expenditures . $7,723 11
The balance in the treasury at the close of business, December 21, 1901, was $60,843 49 The total amount received into the treas- ury from all sources from December 21, 1901, to December 20, 1902, in- clusive, was 414,444 08
Making a total of . $475,287 57
The total amount expended and ordered to be paid from the treasury from De- cember 21, 1901, to December 20, 1902, inclusive, was $406,720 97
The balance in the treasury at the close of business, December 20, 1902, was 68,566 60 Making a total of . $475,287 57
44
ANNUAL, REPORTS
CITY DEBT
Showing the increase and decrease during the year ending December 20, 1902, in detail :
The amount of the net city debt, De- cember 21, 1901, was $317,272 13 The city debt has been increased dur- ing the year 1902 as follows :
By the amount of note No. 622, is- sued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated December 26, 1901, payable in twelve months, with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum . (temporary loan) .
By the amount of note No. 623, is- sued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated February 15, 1902, payable in nine months, with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum (temporary loan) . . . 12,000 00
By the amount of note No. 624, issued to the order of W. F. Houston, trustee under the will of R. W. Drown, dated February 17, 1902, payable in twelve months, with in- terest at the rate of three per cent per annum (temporary loan) . . 1,467 73 By;the amount of note No. 625, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated February 25, 1902, payable in nine months, with inter- est at the rate of three per cent per annum (temporary loan) 9,000 00
Carried forward . $340,739 86
1,000 00
45
CITY AUDITOR
Brought forward $340,739 86
By the amount of note No. 626, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated February 25, 1902, payable in nine months, with inter- est at the rate of three per cent per annum (temporary loan)
By the amount of note No. 627, issued to the order of Water Commission- ers, City of Newburyport, dated April 25, 1902, payable on demand, with interest at the rate of three per cent per annum (temporary loan) .
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.