USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1903 > Part 2
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At the present time there is available, in the hands of the sinking fund commissioners, the $3000 placed there under the first administration of Hon. Thomas Huse, which with accrued interest now amounts to $3.195.95. Plans now on file at City hall for remodelling the present station were prepared last year. The changes contem- plated by said plans can be brought about at, it is esti- mated, a cost of $6000.
It is recommended that immediate steps be taken to provide proper police accommodations. These accom- modations should be found by improving either the present structure or by a remodelling of the armory, for under existing financial conditions the project of a new building for police purposes should not be considered.
PARKS.
Our parks as constituted by the Bartlett Mall, Atkin- son Common, Brown Square and Cushing Park, are the source of much pleasure and pride on the part of our citizens. Too much credit or praise cannot be given to the ladies and gentlemen whose public spirit and unsel- fish efforts have done so much not only to beautify the city, but also to provide breathing spots for all who care to avail themselves of the opportunities.
The portion of the city below State street, constitut- ing three wards of the city, is uncared for in that line and is without a public ground of any nature.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
With the great changes upon our water front, conse- quent upon the changes in the kinds of business carried on, the people of the lower part of the city are, as a matter of necessity, denied the opportunities or priv- ileges of former years.
In casting about for a place which might be utilized for park or other purposes in that part of the city, the land beyond the sea wall, so called, on Water street, be- low the railroad crossing, impresses itself upon us as be- ing an ideal spot.
The land today is without value. At little or no ex- pense, in the course of a few years we would, by system- atic and earnest work, be able to occupy, at a mini- mum cost, as a public ground, one of the most beautiful locations upon the banks of the Merrimac, where pure air and an unsurpassed view would be found by all.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
This is a department that needs but passing notice. Amply provided with funds for the purchase of books, it stands among institutions of its kind as one of the best. It has, as an institution, been the recipient of large sums of money from many sources, the income of which, if turned over to the city treasury, would materially aid in the maintenance of the library.
PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDS.
There are at the present time, standing to the credit of the public library, several funds bequeathed for no specific purpose other than to assist the library.
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
These funds, amounting to $28,408.56, have an inter- est account for 1903 of $1,119.98, which should be ap- plied to the maintenance of the library.
I recommend the creation of an ordinance that will cover any objection that may be made to such action.
SEWERAGE.
This department of the city is now in excellent condi- tion. Throughout the city the system is reported as be- ing in first-class working order.
Up to the close of the present season the number of connections were 2216. During the present year addi- tions to the system have been made by the sewering of Greenleaf street and part of Toppan street.
While the system has been greatly enlarged the ex- pense account is about the same.
Appropriation for this department was . $650.00 The expenditures were . 699.75
And as $38.94 is chargeable to the construction ac- count, there is practically no overdraft.
SEWERAGE BONDS.
There is a credit balance on sewerage construction ac- count amounting to $4,510.64, in which is the premium received from the sale of sewer bonds, amounting to $2,649.60. On account of the decrease of income from its investments, caused by the low rates received from its securities, I recommend that, in order that the sink-
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ANNUAL REPORTS
ing fund may be maintained at its proper standard, the above named amount, viz : $2,649.60, be placed in the sinking fund for the purpose of taking care of city bonds at their maturity.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
This is a department which stands today, as it has for many years, the equal of any volunteer department. The men who constitute this branch of the city service are enthusiastic, self-sacrificing, and fearless in their work, and the best evidences of their success as fire fighters is seen in our small fire losses.
The apparatus is in good condition, with the excep- tion of engine No. 1, which is being practically rebuilt at a cost of about $1,700.00.
The appropriation for this department was . . $11,000.00
The income was 301.38
$11,301.38
The expenditures
. 11,411.92
Showing an overdraft of $110.54
OUR SHADE TREES AND THEIR PRESERVATION.
Since the invasion of this city, one year ago by the elm tree beetle and brown-tail moth, the enemies and destroyers of trees, many of those interested in the growth and cultivation of our trees have been fearful of the result of this visit. The evidences are at hand that, without immediate and heroic action is taken, hundreds
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
of our beautiful trees will be ruined. The cost of spray- ing a large elm tree is about $1.50, and as High street alone has over five hundred trees, it will necessitate great activity and much expense to save them.
As it would be practically impossible for the city to attempt the care of them all, I recommend that the city take charge of the trees on the Mall, Brown square and the different parks; that persons having trees on their sidewalks look after them at their own expense; that persons owning or having charge of gardens see to it that all nests of worms be destroyed. I also recommend for this year, that, if legal, the full income of the Brom- field fund, together with any sum which you may see fit to appropriate, be used for the purpose above named.
I also recommend, should the above receive favorable consideration, that any committee having this work in charge invite the co-operation and advice of the City Im- provement Society, whose splendid work in this and many other lines is receiving the commendation it so justly merits.
In connection with the above subject, I wish to call your attention to the somewhat injurious uses made of our trees by the telephone and telegraph companies. Unlimited privileges have been granted these companies and without cost. As a matter of common gratitude they and their agents should use all possible care against injury to our trees in the stretching of wires. Volun- tary compliance with this suggestion is preferable; if not rendered, drastic measures curtailing privileges of said companies should ensue.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
LIGHTING STREETS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The expenses of this department are large and are ever on the increase. It is currently reported that the company which has recently purchased and is at present operating our local gas and electric lighting plant pur- pose to inaugurate an improved and modern system, which will not only cheapen the cost of production, but will enable it to extend its service and increase its earn- ings. Under these conditions the city, through its representatives, should look for, and insist upon, con- cessions from the present terms. And no contract should be made or agreement entered into, which does not bind the company to the proper lighting of the streets every night when public safety demands it.
For years an agreement or contract, based upon a so- called "moon schedule," has been in vogue. That con- tract or agreement is unfair to the city, for it is a well- known fact that many nights, cloudy or stormy, the city is in darkness as far as public lighting is concerned, to the great inconvenience and greater danger of its citizens, who today are paying altogether too much for what they receive.
It is recommended that when such agreement or con- tract is made, the power of the committee upon this particular point be delegated to some city official, the superintendent of streets is suggested, upon whom shall devolve the responsibility of protecting the citizens as far as the proper lighting of the streets is concerned.
In addition to the above recommendation, I would im- press upon the committee having this matter in charge
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
the desirability of having, where necessary, the streets lighted at the time of an alarm of fire.
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.
In this matter, which for a long time has had such a prominent place in the public eye, the present condi- tions, as I understand them, are as follows:
The city having taken the property, the gentlemen to whom the matter of valuation was referred made esti- mates which were unsatisfactory to the trustees of the Putnam fund. While the exact figures are not at my disposal, enough has been learned to say that there is a difference of several thousands of dollars between the price placed upon the property by the trustees, viz : $40,000, and that returned by those who represented the city in the matter. As a consequence the case was en- tered in the courts and is upon the trial list of the Superior Court. The city's interests will be in charge of U. S. District-attorney H. P. Moulton of Salem, who was retained in the case by the city council of 1902.
We are indeed a growing city as far as litigation is concerned. Confronted by a decade of water litigation, we are, or will be, obliged to contest a suit by the estate of N. Varina relative to the title of land or lands taken for the building of the new bridge, that structure whose ornate simplicity architecturally, coupled with its much- vaunted usefulness as a public promenade, can never offset the magnificence of its cost to the city.
With these facts in view I would, and I do, call upon those gentlemen who constitute the Putnam trustees,
2
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ANNUAL REPORTS
representative, as they are, of everything that stands for the advancement of the city, to use their best influences in bringing about a compromise, thus avoiding what ap- pears to the ordinary citizen as unnecessary, and with- out doubt costly, litigation.
LIQUOR LICENSES.
In the municipal election of 1901 the citizens, by a very decisive vote, refused to sanction the issuance of li- quor licenses. One year later, by a vote almost as em- phatic, the people have declared in favor of the granting of the same.
While in the minds of some, it may be deemed un- wise or impolitic to discuss or analyze the causes that led to such action and changes, I cannot refrain from saying that primarily the great change in the vote of 1901 was due to the unveiled insolence of certain hold- ers of liquor licenses, whose arbitrary and arrogant atti- tude on many matters pertaining to municipal affairs won for them and their business public condemnation and repudiation. In all fairness to those men holding li- censes who abstained from participating in the at- tempted domination, those who did, in my mind, con- stituted a decided minority.
There has been since the election much speculation as to what stand this administration would take upon the enforcement of the liquor law. In a circular issued dur- ing my first candidacy for mayor, I said : "An election to the office of mayor stands for a resolute and impartial · enforcement of law and order." The statement made
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
then holds good today. With all the sincerity of which my heart is capable, at once and without reservation, my best efforts are pledged to the enforcement of all laws, and in such enforcement, backed by the city coun- cil, the police department are here and now ordered to do their full duty, regardless of whom or where it strikes, and in so doing they will receive the undivided and hearty support of every member of the administration.
Before May 1, 1903, the board of license commission- ers will be called upon to grant licenses for the sale of liquor. Directly or indirectly, the location of the privi- lege or the personnel of the licensee is not considered, when I make this one open request to the above named board : that they will not grant any licenses for the sale of liquor above the first floor of any building where li- quor is for sale, except in the case of inn holders, where, of course, such rule would be impracticable.
POLICE.
This is a department which has always been the sub- ject of criticism, more or less, and not always without cause. The errors or omissions of the past are now his- tory, and we have more particularly to deal with the future.
With some consciousness of the obstacles that beset the path of the police officer, we should not look for a condition of spotless purity, and I may be accused of digression, and by some of heresy, in even so mild a manner attacking any department of the city, and particularly this department.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
The police force as at present constituted does not in its entirety receive my approval. It is intended to recommend certain changes, and should the board of al- dermen, in their wisdom, see fit to concur in their fit- ness, I have no hesitancy in standing committed to a successful and harmonious police administration.
Before closing this part, a few words of advice given to the members of the police force will not be amiss, for, in the past-and it is not of very recent origin-there have been unmistakeable evidences of too strong a friend- ship existing between certain members of the police de- partment and many of those interested in the liquor business.
This business, with a recognized and admitted respon- sibility for much of the work which falls to this depart- ment, is not of a congenial nature, and while it is not within the province, neither is it the wish of any mem- ber of this administration to apply autocratic or harsh tests, it becomes a duty to say that during my term of office, I unhesitatingly and without equivocation pro- nounce in favor of an absolute and unqualified separa- tion of the two subjects under discussion, except as called for in the line of duty.
HIGHWAYS.
The appropriation for this department was . $13,000.00
The income was 3,005.73
Total · $16,005.73
The expenses were 18,817.49
Showing an overdraft of
$2,811.76
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS
This overdraft is in keeping with the result of former years, and at this time something more than the time- honored cry of economy will be necessary to remedy this condition, if we persist in the old methods of log rolling so long practised. This is a department that in its annual infancy of January and February burdens itself with a superfluity of theoretical economies, and later on unburdens itself by an over-indulgence in practical ex- travagancies.
As a matter of fairness, I fail to see why any great amount of money is or should be wasted. We have at the present time about 70 miles of street, including 20 miles of macadamized street. Without any attempt or desire to disparage the efforts of past city councils, I believe the time has come when new work upon the highways should be ignored and the entire available in- come of this department (aside from running expenses) should be devoted to making such repairs upon our streets as will place them all in good condition, and I so recommend.
There are unlimited opportunities for such improve- ments, and there will be at hand for the work a compara- tively small amount. Should this recommendation be favorably considered, great care and the best judgment of the committee having the work in charge should be used.
In conclusion, gentlemen of the city council, the peo- ple have entrusted to our care interests of vital impor- tance to the welfare and success of the municipality.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
Fortified by the highest and tenderest sense of duty, under the stimulus which comes from the support and sympathy of honest and fair-minded people, the path, though narrow, is straight, and the way is clear.
By our emulation of all that has been best in our fif- ty-two years of municipal life ; by our devotion to every measure that promotes our moral, economic, industrial or commercial interests ; by our treatment of one anoth- er with personal consideration, frankness and courtesy ; by our toleration of all shades of opinions ; may we win the approval and the gratitude of our fellow-citizens. And, conscious of being actuated by the purest purposes as to the performance of the public service which we have at this hour assumed, may we so steadfastly stand by our high ideals throughout the year that at its close we shall, looking back upon our work, enjoy that feel- ing of satisfaction which comes to him alone who does his duty and does it well.
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REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT, December, 1903.
To the City Council of the City of Newburyport :
GENTLEMEN : The Joint Standing Committee on Finance respectfully submit the following statements and reports of the City Treasurer and Collector and the City Auditor for the financial year ending December 19, 1903.
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,
JAS. F. CARENS, Chairman.
Fifty -Third Annual Report OF
The City Auditor.
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
.......... OF
THE CITY AUDITOR.
CITY OF NEWBURYPORT, AUDITOR'S OFFICE. December 19th, 1903.
TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE :
GENTLEMEN,- In conformity with the requirements of the city ordinances, I herewith submit the fifty-third annual report of the receipts and expenditures of the city of Newburyport, for the financial year ending December 19, 1903, 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 the possession of the treasurer, including the sinking fund investments, trust funds of the Newburyport public
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ANNUAL REPORTS
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.
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, 1903, 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 19, 1903, and found the amount to be $586.60.
Of this amount the sum of $481.90 has been paid 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 19, 1903, and found the amount to be $1,599,50, all of which has been paid 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 correspond 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
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CITY AUDITOR
the city debt, during the year ending December 19, 1903, of $47,961.91. The overdraft for the year 1903 is $9,603.63.
Very respectfully,
WILLIAM H. WELCH,
City Auditor.
RECEIPTS.
The receipts for the year ending December 19, 1903, are shown in aggregates, as credited to the following accounts :
Poor
$5,409 16
Schools
2,403 80
Fire .
12 00
Highways
2,807 05
Incidentals
467 40
Public property
270 00
Police
1,118 47
Culverts
25 80
Interest on overdue taxes
3,430 43
. Interest on bank deposits
1,311 16
Public library .
1,270 81
Sidewalks and edgestones
120 98
Notes payable.
65,467 73
State of Massachusetts, state aid
10,830 00
military aid
230 73
burial expense 175 00
Amount carried forward $95,350 52
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ANNUAL REPORTS
Amount brought forward . $95,350 52
State of Massachusetts, corporation tax, 1902 95 47
corporation tax, 1903 12,046 08
Newburyport bridge
2,573 69
Bromfield fund
400 00
Board of health
9 00
Soldiers' Relief
403 46
City hall . 1,599 50
Burial lots
299 50
Ashes and rubbish
4 80
Dog licenses
426 98
Liquor licenses
25,290 00
Sewers (construction)
4 80
Non-resident bank tax, city banks
2,465 17
state of Massachusetts 3,377 51
County of Essex (seals) 15 00
Betterments
845 17
Taxes of 1899
1900
389 85
22,184 76
66 1902
31,239 53
1903 125,749 66
Watering streets, 1901 . 290 88
66
1902 542 69
3,678 82
Preservation of shade trees
142 31
New high school house
63 13
City bonds, 3} per cent high school loan
50,000 00
Making a total of
$379,716 58
66 1903
228 30
1901
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CITY AUDITOR
EXPENDITURES.
The expenditures for the year ending December 19, 1903, as approved, are shown in aggregates, as charged to the following accounts :
Poor $26,492 08
Schools
41,019 24
Fire .
11,769 32
Fire (repairs on steamer No. 1) 1,857 31
Highways 18,322 73
Sidewalks and edgestones . 1,994 32
Ashes and rubbish
1,384 84
Newburyport bridge
3,892 11
Culverts 519 07
Essex Merrimac bridge.
20 00
Watering streets, 1903 .
5,439 08
Public property
7,422 04
Incidentals
4,908 14
Police
14,397 78
Lighting
13,980 88
Salaries
10.404 04
Fuel
8,352 13
Public library .
4,130 99
Printing
758 08
Board of health
1,405 12
State of Massachusetts, state aid
10,797 00
military aid
546 46
66
burial expense
245 00
. 6 66 state tax
9,262 70
Soldiers' relief
4,852 71
Parks
495 50
Parks, Atkinson common 495 39
Parks, Cushing
73 06
Amount Carried forward . $205,237 12
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ANNUAL REPORTS
Amount brought forward $205,237 12
Memorial day .
200 00
Sewer (maintenance)
638 13
Sewer (construction)
1,240 48
Anna Jaques hospital
600 00
Interest
23,369 05
Sinking fund commissioners
17,200 00
South end reading room
250 00
Copying Newbury records
100 00
Foot bridge over City railroad .
321 13
Preservation of shade trees
1,499 01
Notes payable
41,467 73
County of Essex, county tax
11,540 15
(seals) 15 00
Non-resident bank tax, 1903
3,627 29
Bromfield fund 429 12
New high school house
60,285 41
State of Massachusetts, non-resident bank tax, 1902 162 62
Liquor licenses (25 per cent to state and sundries) . 6,596 30
Water account 649 00
Making a total of
$375,427 54
The whole amount of receipts during the year ending December 19, 1903, was .
$379,716 58
The whole amount of expenditures during the year ending December 19, 1903, was 375,427 54
Excess of receipts over expenditures . $4,289 04
49
CITY AUDITOR
The balance in the treasury at the close of business, December 19, 1903, was .
The total amount received into the treasury from all sources, from December 21, 1902, to December 19, 1903, inclusive, was
$68,566 60
379,716 58
Making a total of
$448,283 18
The total amount expended and ordered to be paid from the treas- ury, from December 21, 1902, to December 19, 1903, inclusive, was $375,427 54 The balance in the treasury at the close of business, December 19, 1903, was 72,855 64
Making a total of $448,283 18
CITY DEBT.
Showing the increase and decrease, in detail, during the year ending December 19, 1903.
The amount of the net city debt, De- cember 20, 1902, was $321,725 39
The city debt has been increased dur- ing the year 1903, as follows : By the amount of note No. 634, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated January 3, 1903, payable in nine months, with inter- est at the rate of 34 per cent per annum (temporary loan) 3,000 00
Carried forward . $324,725 39
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ANNUAL REPORTS
Brought forward . $324,725 39
By the amount of note No. 635, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated January 3. 1903, payable in nine months, with inter- est at the rate of 34 per cent per annum (temporary loan) 7,000 00
By the amount of note No. 636, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated February 16, 1903, payable in twelve months, dis- counted at the rate of 34 per cent per annum (temporary loan)
By the amount of note No. 637, issued to the order of W. F. Houston, trustee under the will of R. W. Drown, dated February 17, 1903, payable in four months, with inter- est at the rate of 3 per cent per annum (temporary loan) .
By the amount of note No. 638, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated April 13, 1903, payable in nine months, with inter- est at the rate of 32 per cent per annum (temporary loan)
By the amount of note No. 639, issued to the order of J. V. Felker, city treasurer, dated April 13, 1903, payable in nine months, with inter- est at the rate of 3} per cent per annum (temporary loan)
14,000 00
1,467 73
1,000 00
1,000 00
Carried forward .
$349,193.12
5I
CITY AUDITOR
Brought forward $349,193 12
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