USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1903 > Part 14
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TREES.
During the past year much attention was given to protecting our beautiful trees from the ravages of the pests now so common to this section of the country. The joint special committee having the matter in charge devoted much time to the care of the trees, and the re- sults were of such a nature as to demonstrate the thoroughness of their work. The amount expended last year was $1499.01. I recommend that as far as con- sistent with the preservation of the trees, the Bromfield fund be utilized for such purpose.
PARKS.
Our park system as comprehended by the Bartlet Mall, Cushing park and Brown square, is the source of much pleasure to our citizens. Under the direction of the present board of park commissioners the first three named have been much improved and enjoyed by all our people. The Atkinson common is still being improved and will always remain a striking example of the pro-
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gressiveness and public spirit of those connected with the organization who first conceived the idea of its im- provement.
SOLDIERS' RELIEF.
The appropriation for this department was $4000, in- come $375.46, disbursements $4852.71, showing an over- draft of $477.25. During the last session of the legisla- ture a bill was introduced whose import was to cause the state to assume the liability for the amount ex- pended under this head. The fairness of such a propo- sition will be readily acknowledged when thought is given to the fact that there are communities of ten times the assessed value of Newburyport which do not pay one- fourth as much out in soldiers' relief.
We today are paying, and will continue to pay (as we should), the cost of being patriotic during the "dark days." The communities whose prosperity was builded on the sacrifices made by those men whose rights this ap- propriation protects should be made to bear a part of the burden.
The bill was referred to the next legislature. I recommend the passage of such an order or resolution as will place before our representatives in both branches of the legislature the wishes of the city council in the matter.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
This is a department that as far as my personal obser- vation extends is faithfully managed. The appropria- tion for this department last year was $21,000, its in- come was $5409.16, making a total credit of $26,409.16.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
Its expenditures were $26,492.08, showing an over- draft of $82.92. Out of its appropriation the sum of $10,000.00 was paid for maintenance of the insane poor. Beginning with January 1 of this year the state assumes the care of all insane people ; this in itself will be a sav- ing to the city, and I feel safe in saying that the appro- priation for this department may be reduced $7000.
SEWERS.
The system throughout the city is reported to be in good condition, and during the year many property own- ers have availed themselves of its advantages. The re- port of the superintendent fully sets forth the additions to the system.
The financial affairs of this department seem to be well managed, as from a glance at the report of the year, I find that from an appropriation of $650, $525 of which. is for salary of the superintendent, there is an unex- pended balance of $11.87. With no claim to originali- ty in this suggestion, I cannot but feel, with the limited time called for to perform the duties of superintendent, that this is a position whose duties might well be com- bined with those of the superintendent of highways, and I so recommend.
HIGHWAYS.
The appropriation for this department was $16,000, its income amounted to $2807.05 and its expenditures $18,322.75, showing an undrawn balance of $484.52. As the best evidence of the work done, the following streets have been in part or whole treated to a top
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dressing of crushed stone: Titcomb, Fair, State, Pur- chase, Ashland, High, Winter, Spring, Boardman, Mer- rimac, Parker streets, and Curzon Mill road. This necessitated the use of about 2500 tons of crushed stone at a cost of $2852.49, with a labor cost of $4121.32.
As this is a department that must be considered when curtailment is absolutely necessary, as at the present time, its needs have been carefully considered, and I find that the running expenses of this department amount to about $6200.
Under these conditions I recommend that $12,000 be appropriated, which, with its income of about $2500, making a total of $14,500, is, in my judgment, all that the city can afford to spend upon its highways under present circumstances.
The details of this department have been fully set forth in the published report of the superintendent
THE CLAM LAW.
By an overwhelming vote was adopted the law placing in the hands of the board of aldermen the authority to make such regulations as will best protect the interests of our own citizens. I recommend the earliest possible attention to the matter, and the adoption of such legis- lation as will remedy the present unsatisfactory condi- tions.
INDUSTRIAL.
From an industrial standpoint, all reports confirm the statement that we are indeed prosperous. During the past year our city has been fortunate in the acquisition
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of several new industries. The rapid assimilation and the demonstrated willingness of those who represent these different industries to become a part and parcel of our city in the broadest and fullest sense are matters pleasing to all our citizens. It can but show plainly to all the desirability of some trade organization that will at all times be prepared, through its membership, to place the advantages of our city as a manufacturing center before those seeking new locations, and when these advantages are taken into consideration from a manufacturer's standpoint they are unsurpassed. We have excellent water and sewerage systems, a fire de- partment the peer of any call department in New Eng- land, well-kept and at night well-lighted streets, good schools and churches of all denominations, and a plenti- ful supply of skilled and unskilled labor. These, coupled with the fact that we are on the seaboard, must of neces- sity operate in our favor when presented by any organ- ization representative of our business interests, and I trust at some day not far distant to see such an organ- ization perfected.
PUBLIC PROPERTY COMMITTEE.
To this committee falls the work of caring for our public buildings. I would ask this committee, when appointed, to exercise all possible economy in its ex- penditures. During the past year the schools, and nearly every other public building, have received needed repairs and improvements, and under these conditions will not require any great amount expended upon them this year. I therefore recommend that this appropria-
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tion be reduced $1000, being firmly of the opinion that such an amount - viz : $2800 - with an estimated in- come of $1500, making a total credit of $4300, will be amply sufficient to cover the expenses of this depart- ment if care is taken in spending the money.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
This is a subject which has taken a prominent place in the discussions of the two last years, and it is, with- out doubt, a matter for much congratulation that the price of land and building was settled upon without the uncertain costs of litigation.
At a conference consisting of a joint special commit- tee of the city council, the trustees of the Putnam fund and the mayor, a price - viz : $37,500 with interest from time of taking - was agreed upon, and later on received the endorsement of both branches of the city council. By authority of the city council bonds were issued, and from the proceeds thereof payment made for the property and all claims thereon.
The cost of the building and its equipment is as fol- lows :
Building and land $37,500 00
Interest from June 5, 1902, to December 2, 1903 3,385 01
Rebuilding and equipment 45,286 17
Total
. $86,171 18
The above amount has been paid by an issue of 31/2 per cent bonds of $35,000, from which a premium of $1115.45 has been received ; $50 from the sale of the
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boiler ; $63.16 rebate on freight of school furniture, and a second issue of bonds, in amount $50,000, at 31/2 per cent, which was sold at par, and which sale is said to have been favorable to the city, a total of $80,228.58, leaving an unexpended balance of $57.40.
In the furnishing and equipping of this building, while the city's interests have been safeguarded by the great- est possible economy, nothing of an inferior quality has been introduced, and, though from an architectural standpoint it may not meet with universal favor, it has ben pronounced a model building for the purposes for which it was designed.
NEW BRIDGE.
The bridge over the Merrimac is now complete and is considered a model structure in every particular. The cost of the same has not yet been apportioned, but it is assumed that Newburyport's part of the cost will be about $50,000, which will call for a payment this year of about $3500. And in connection with the payment of the bonds and interest thereon, it has been suggested to the county commissioners that the plan formulated and adopted by the state relative to the payment of the cost of abolishing grade crossings be adopted, viz : that the county assume full responsibility for the loan, apportioning and collecting each year the amount due from each city or town upon which the levy is made. This plan, which has the approval of many financial men about town, would keep the city debt so much less, would possibly be a factor to the city's interest when
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called upon to borrow money, and would obviate the necessity of creating a sinking fund to meet the payment of the bonds at maturity. Should this suggestion be considered favorably, I will ask the city council to pass such resolutions as will officially call the attention of the county commissioners to the matter. In view of the condition of this bridge and other matters pertaining to the department, I recommend that this appropriation be reduced $1000.
I cannot refrain at this time from making open acknowledgment of the fair and generous treatment which the city has received from the present board of county commissioners.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The high standard of excellence for which this depart- ment has ever stood is still its record. The personnel of its membership is responsible for its well-merited reputation for efficiency and good discipline. During the past year nearly every piece of apparatus connected with the department needed and received extensive re- pairs, until today it can be safely said that the depart- ment was never in better condition, and while this department shows an overdraft of $715.80, it was made unavoidable by bills contracted by the previous commit- tee and paid by the committee of 1903. And after a careful estimate, made in conjunction with the chairman of last year's committee and the chief engineer, I be- lieve that this appropriation can be reduced $1000 with- out in any sense impairing the efficiency or usefulness
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of a department to which we owe so much, and I so recommend.
THE WATER CASE.
Nearly a year ago an arrangement was effected be- tween the respective counsel for the city and the water company, by which the company agreed to accept pay- ment of the award, with a sum by way of interest sub- stantially less than the full amount claimed. This would have put the city on the most favorable footing in the matter of interest, as at that time the city bonds could have been issued at 31/2 per cent or less, and was be- lieved by the best judges to be advantageous for the city. Instead of accepting this arrangement the city council engaged in controversy over it, and before this was ended the bond market became so depressed that the city lost the opportunity to issue the bonds at a favor- able rate, no bids being received when they were finally offered. By this action of the council a substantial sum of the city's money was practically thrown away, to say nothing of the injury to its credit. Later in the year various orders looking toward a settlement with the com pany were adopted in the council, some of which I could not approve, as they seemed to be more in the interest of the company than of the city, and it appeared to be poor policy for the city to put itself in the position of a suppliant to the company for a settlement which the company had not openly invited and might not accept, especially as all the results of the litigation thus far have been in the city's favor. Such mistakes can be, and ought to be, avoided hereafter. The whole subject
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is now put aside for the time being, by the prospect that the case will soon be reached and disposed of at the present term of the supreme court of the United States.
STREET LIGHTING.
This is a department that, from the large amount of money necessary to its maintenance, deserves careful consideration. I am firmly of the opinion that under no circumstances or conditions should a long-time agree- ment or contract be entered upon, for if the standard of American genius, higher today than ever, is to be further developed ; if the studies of advancement in the electrical world during the past decade are indicative of one fact, it is that the enlightened unselfishness that has prompted the wizards of electrical research to ignore per- sonal comforts, and in many cases proper financial re- turns for their great achievements, will from time to time bring forth from wonderland such improvements and inventions as will lessen the cost of production ; then our city should not be so embarrassed by agreement or contract as to be unable to demand and receive such benefits and advantages as may accrue. And these de- mands to be made upon a corporation whose weight of obligation the city discharges with never-failing regular- ity in its approval of the monthly bill of this company, rendered with commendable promptness and I trust with equal accuracy.
The question of all-night street lighting has been much discussed during the three weeks preceding the city election. The agitation upon this subject is signifi-
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ANNUAL REPORTS
cant, but, notwithstanding the fact that it has been em- phatically advocated, I fail to see how, under existing financial conditions, the expenditures of this department can, in fairness to the taxpayers, be increased. In com- mon with all citizens, I recognize the value, from the standpoint of convenience and possible protection from crime, of all-night lighting, but this is a strict business proposition, and we should assume no responsibilies we are unable to carry at this time.
This company today, in electric and gas prices, are practising little less than extortion in the prices charged During the hours that we are lighted we are as well-lighted a city as there is in the commonwealth, but we are paying for it, and at prices eminently satis- factory to the company. There should, in my judgment, be a readjustment of prices between the company and the city. And if the company is as fair with the city as the city is and has been generous with the company, we will be able to announce all-night lighting at such a figure as will make no stated or important raise in the tax rate.
Before passing from this subject I wish to call the at- tention of this company to two facts, and one is, that the poor quality of gas furnished its patrons, non-com- petitive product that it is, should be made better. The second is, that your price is too high. Our sister municipality, Haverhill, buys gas at $1.00 per 1000 feet; your price is $1.50 per 1000 feet. If Haverhill's price is fair, Newburyport, with the great advantage of water transportation, effecting thereby a large saving
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in the price of coal, is paying that which is inequitable and grossly exorbitant.
Can it be possible that the franchise of this company has been capitalized, and that the people, whose free- will offering it was and whose patronage has made it valuable, are being charged to make it a dividend payer ?
LIQUOR LICENSES.
By a vote as decisive as it was unexpected, in some quarters, the people have declared in favor of no-license for a year, beginning May Ist. Since the declaration of that vote many and varied are the causes ascribed for the change from that of last year. The ideas expressed are assumptions purely, and in these discussions, particularly the one that would make my humble per- sonality a factor, I refuse to have an interest, for the memories of one post-mortem examination of election returns in which I had a striking interest and the result of which was, in all candor, as strikingly unsatisfactory, firmly convinced me that the retrospect in matters poli- tical is useless, and that our time could be more profit- ably spent in preparing for the problems of the future.
The sacredness of your trust and mine cannot fail to be comprehended by any man amongst us who, as he takes his oath of office, is sincere in subscribing his af- firmation as his Maker's name is pronounced. This oath of office, backed by the rugged purpose to hold to a strict accountability all those to whom the enforce- ment of the law is referred, strengthened by the intelli- gent co-operation of all good citizens, which is now in-
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vited, will be of unspeakable value to the administra- tion that is now entering upon its term of office, abso- lutely free of entanglements or alliances, and devoid of animosities or personal prejudices.
With no friends to reward by protection, no enemies to punish by persecution, repudiating everything that savors of the hysterical or sensational, its one hope on this particular subject is that it may be blessed with a successful outcome in an honest effort to enforce the law.
COMMON VICTUALLER LICENSES.
I cannot but feel it an imperative duty to urge upon the members of the board of aldermen the greatest care in the granting of the above-named licenses. If the police are to be aided in the enforcement of the law, the dictates of prudence and fairness demand that every ap- plication should receive the most searching investigation before being granted, and all such applications tainted with the speculative purpose of being a cloak for any- thing but what the law designs should be refused.
POLICE.
Inasmuch as to the police department is assigned the duty of protecting the lives and the property of the com- munity, then for an assurance of proper guardianship we must and will call for activity and vigilance upon the part of those upon whom that responsibility de- volves. The administration of any official connected with the enforcement of law and order, no matter how
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highly creditable, will not be free from criticism, but when that administration has the approval of the people who, after thorough and careful investigation, confer upon it their cordial endorsement, it is fully prepared to meet the disapproval that malicious envy and disappoint- ment so often prompt.
This department during the past year has been free from breaches of discipline, and should and must so con- tinue. Accurate and comprehensive work will be looked for during the coming year, to which no suspicion must be attached, but absolute equality and justice must be dealt out to all those with whom this department is called upon to meet. The duties and official movements of this department might easily be generalized, but un- doubtedly there will be looked for, upon the part of many, specific mention of the liquor law and its en- forcement.
The discipline and good feeling in the department is of such an order as to call for harmonious, temperate and sincere action upon the part of all the officers.
Plain and unmistakable is it made known that, while no attempt will be made to inflict needless or profitless wounds upon suspected parties, no condition that justi- fies honest criticism of any officer will be tolerated, and a laxity in line of duty must be taken as evidence of collusion, a condition which is so distasteful and repug- nant to all citizens as to seem an impossibility, but if created will be met by heroic measures upon the part of the administration.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
PUBLIC LIBRAKY.
This institution is one of the prides of our city. The library and the free reading room, with their almost un- limited supply of wholesome and inspiring reading, re- ceive and merit the unmeasured approval of the com- munity. It is a happy thing to record that these institutions, through the generosity of friends, are assured of a permanency.
In conclusion, gentlemen of the city council, after having commented upon matters pertaining to the pro- per conduct of the business of our city, may I suggest that during deliberations of the coming year, when the perplexing problems now unforeseen develop, ser- vice to the city, and not to the individual, be our aim ; may the duties and obligations which we have assumed be our incentive to highest effort, to give to our beloved city such comprehensive attention as will redound to the credit of all, and which will result in a sound, progres- sive and business-like administration.
THE ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
City of Newburyport, Massachusetts
FOR THE YEAR 1903
TYPOGRAPHICAL
SQUIRE & SWAN UNIONLABEL
PRINTERS
NEWBURYPORT
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT - 1903
JAMES F. CARENS (Mayor)
Chairman
JOHN F. YOUNG
Vice Chairman
Ward I - RICHARD G. ADAMS, 70 Bromfield street, Term expires 1904 ERNEST W. BLISS, IO Allen street, 66
1905
Ward 2 - CHARLES W. BAILEY, 62 Prospect street, PRENTISS H. REED, 55 Lime street, 1905 66
1904
Ward 3 - JOHN F. YOUNG, 9 Fruit street, WILLIAM F. LUNT, 33 Prospect street, 66
1904
1905
Ward 4 - CLARENCE C. DAY, 8 Washington street, CHAS. F. JOHNSON, 45 Washington street,
1904
1905
Ward 5 - EDWARD H. LITTLE, 215 High street, OLIVER B, MERRILL, 35 Monroe street, 66
1904
1905
Ward 6 - PAUL A. MERRILL, 24 Tyng street, ‹ .
1904
GEORGE A. DICKEY, 14 Toppan street,
1905
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
WILLIAM P. LUNT . Office at City Hall
TRUANT OFFICER
ROBERT G. ALLEN Office with Superintendent
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.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT (CONCLUDED)
SUB-COMMITTEES
HIGH SCHOOL-O. B. Merrill, C. C. Day, R. G. Adams, P. A. Mer- rill, C. W. Bailey.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS- P. H. Reed, E. H. Little, G. A. Dickey, E. W. Bliss, C. F. Johnson.
TRAINING AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS-E. W. Bliss, O. B. Merrill, C. C. Day, C. W. Bailey, W. F. Lunt.
TEXT BOOKS AND SUPPLIES - G. A. Dickey, J. F. Young, E. W. Bliss. RULES AND REGULATIONS- J. F. Young, O. B. Merrill, P. H. Reed. EVENING SCHOOLS - C. C. Day, R. G. Adams, G. A. Dickey.
PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE- P. A. Merrill, E. H. Little, C. F. John- son.
SALARIES- E. H. Little, G. A. Dickey, C. W. Bayley.
JANITORS AND BUILDINGS- R. G. Adams, P. A. Merrill, P. H. Reed. DRAWING AND MUSIC-C. W. Bailey, R. G. Adams, W. F. Lunt. COOKING AND SEWING- W. F. Lunt, C. C. Day, C. F. Johnson.
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SCHOOL DIRECTORY AND CALENDAR
SCHOOL COMMITTEE ROOM - City Hall.
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT - City Hall.
REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE BOARD - Last Monday evening of each month except July and August.
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE HOURS- Wednesdays, 9 to 10 a. m .; other days, 4 to 5 p. m.
SCHOOL YEAR - Begins tenth Tuesday after the Friday preceding the Fourth of July.
VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS- Saturdays ; Thanksgiving day and two succeeding days ; Washington's birthday ; Patriot day ; Memo- rial day ; Labor day ; from Christmas to New Year, inclusive ; one week commencing the first Monday in April; also, nine weeks from the Friday preceding the Fourth of July.
SCHOOL SIGNALS
8:15 a. m .- Two strokes of fire alarm, no forenoon session of primary and grammar schools.
1:15 p. m .- Two strokes of fire alarm, no afternoon session of primary and grammar schools.
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HIGH SCHOOL
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HIGH SCHOOL - Walter E. Andrews, principal; Dana C. Wells, Frank A. Page, sub-masters ; Sara A. Leonard, Elizabeth Goldsmith, Edna S. Moffatt, Mabelle L. Moses, Edith M. Brown, assistants.
PUTNAM SCHOOL - Harriet C. Piper, Clio Chilcott, assistants.
After about seven months' stay in the armory, the High school returned to what was formerly the Putnam school, but henceforth the Newburyport High school. Great credit is due to both teachers and pupils for carrying on successfully the work of the schools under many difficul- ties and adverse conditions.
On Tuesday, June 30, 1903, graduating exercises of the Newburyport High school were held at City hall. There were thirty-two graduates from the city, and ten non-resi- dents, belonging in the Putnam school. The salutatory essay was given by Miss Thetis G. Questrom, and the val- edictory by Miss Lida A. Eaton. An address of remark- able eloquence and ability was delivered by Rev. Everett D. Burr of Newton. The Toppan prize was awarded by
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
the committee of awards, consisting of Hon. T. C. Simp- son and Rev. G. H. Miner, to Miss Eleanor J. Little. This prize is annually given to the pupil passing the best written examination in Civil Government.
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