USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1905 > Part 14
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Five thousand eight hundred dollars of this overdraft was caused by the city paying the coupons of the water loan bonds due December 1, which in the past have been paid by the water commissioners.
MAYORS' ADDRESS
385
Gross city debt, December 16, 1905
$979,225 00
Less sinking funds, taxes and assessments due from the state, and cash on hand 307,688 17
Net debt, December 16, 1905 . 671,536 83
Net debt, December 17, 1904 . 646,829 16
Increase of debt in 1905 $24,717 67
The increase of debt in 1905 is explained as follows :
Bridge bonds issued in 1905. $66,000 00
Net expense on sewerage in 1905 . 2,107 19
68,107 19
Appropriated to sinking funds in 1905 $18,800 00
Net income on sinking funds in 1905. 5,580 39
Appropriated to ward six engine house 1,000 00.
Bromfield fund ; excess credit balance in 1905 from 1904.
233 00
Overdraft of 1905 ; decrease in 1905 from 1904.
5,776 13
Paid water bonds in 1905 .
12,000 00
43,389 52
Increase of debt in 1905, as above stated . $24,717 67
Notwithstanding the new issue of bridge bonds of $66,000, to pay for our share of the Newburyport bridge debt, the net increase of debt is only $24,717.67.
LIMIT OF TAXATION
The amount which can be raised by taxation during the current year of 1906 for municipal expenditures, $12 per thousand on net valuation, 1905, that valuation being $10,801,522, is $129,618.26. This is exclusive of amounts allowed for state and county taxes, interest on city debt, and sinking fund requirements.
386.
ANNUAL REPORTS
TAXABLE PROPERTY
I believe it is a matter of satisfaction to our tax payers to know how our money is expended. I therefore, submit the following:
Total valuation of Newburyport, May 1, 1905, was
$10,889,592, divided as follows:
Real estate. .
$7,508,900
Personal estate
3,081,100
Resident bank shares. 299,592
Classified list of buildings assessed in Newburyport May
I, 1905:
Dwelling houses
3,169
Stables.
488
Factories 50
Analysis of tax rate for 1905:
Rate per $1,000
$17 40
For city purposes.
$15 08
For county tax
For state tax ... 1 30
$17 40
Analysis for city portion, $15.08. The several depart- ments expended approximately as follows, per $1,000 val- uation.
Poor department
$ 1 00
Schools.
2 96
Fire department
88
Highways. 92
Street lighting
I IO
Police department
Board of health. 12
Interest account.
68 1
Sinking funds
I 50
Overdraft, 1904
I 82
All other purposes
2 10
Total. ..
$15 08
I 02
387
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
SCHOOLS
-Our schools are in good condition.
While this is a department over which the city has very little control, I know the school committee is very careful in its expenditures. There are in charge of this commit- tee about 2,000 children, with 56 teachers, occupying 12 school buildings.
The appropriation for this department for the year 1905 was.
$37,000 00
"The income was
2,453 45
Making the total amount
39,453 45
The expenses were 42,036 50
Making an overdraft.
$2,583 05
POOR DEPARTMENT
This department is managed by a board of overseers, elected by the people, and it is a matter of pride that no appeal from the worthy poor goes without a response.
This board has full power to expend the appropriation provided by the city council. I think this department is doing all that can consistently be done for the unfortunates under their care.
The appropriation was $12,500 00
Its income. 3,496 71
Making a total amount
15,996 71
Its expenditures were
15,965 44
Leaving a balance of. $ 31 27
388
ANNUAL REPORTS
HIGHWAYS
The annual needs of the forty-five miles of streets in this; department are very large, and it requires a very large outlay to keep them in a safe and proper condition.
During the past year Arlington street has been improved so that now it is one of our best streets, and we are at work on the upper end of Merrimac street, and hope to make a great improvement in the street in that vicinity.
Appropriation $11,450 00
Income
2, 190 55
Making a total amount.
13,640 55
Expenditures
14,342 15
Overdraft
701 60
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Newburyport is justly proud of its fire department, its utility is recognized by insurance men generally, and there is a feeling of security and safety against loss by fire in the residential and business portions of the city, which is greatly to its credit.
During the year there has been purchased 1000 feet of new hose, which was very much needed.
Appropriation
$11,000 00
Income
53 12
Making a total amount
11,053 12
Expenditures
13,676 51
Overdrawn
$ 2,623 39
389
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
POLICE DEPARTMENT
This department consists of thirteen regular and four reserve officers, who are always ready and willing to per- form any duty assigned to them by the proper officers in charge. In this department of the public service we must insist that there be a high degree of efficiency maintained the coming year.
Appropriation
$12,500 00
Income
917 48
Making a total amount
13,417 48
Expenditures
14,227 50
Leaving an overdraft
$ 810 02
On the morning after Christmas the city was shocked to learn of the unfortunate accident to Captain Creeden of the police force, resulting in his death a few hours after- ward.
Lincoln, in one of his immortal speeches, said: "No greater glory can come to me than to meet my end with the consciousness of duty well done."
No greater tribute can be paid the memory of Captain Creeden. He did his duty well and died in its faithful performance
I believe Patrick F. Creeden to have been one of the most faithful and efficient men who ever graced the police department. His bravery no man questioned. His modesty was apparent to all; a gentleman at all times, and a man whose conscience permitted no deviation from the path of duty.
390
ANNUAL REPORTS
As a citizen of Newburyport I mourn with you all for his untimely death. As the city's executive I feel deeply the loss of such an official. The life and example of Patrick F. Creeden will long remain as an influence for good in this community and a conspicuous example for emulation in the police department.
LICENSES
The verdict of the voters on the license question was that licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors should be granted. By this decision it remains for us to see that the spirit as well as the letter of the law is fully maintained, to the end that legalized dealers may have the protection which is their due, and that the business may be con- ducted in the least objectionable manner, and we trust that the citizens generally will give encouragement to all attempts to maintain good order.
PUBLIC PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
The work of the committee in charge of this department is varied in its character. It embraces the care of all the city buildings and repairs on the same. As the work is scattered over the entire city, the results are not so notice- able to a passerby, but from a personal inspection of the various repairs that were necessary, and the manner in which they were made, notwithstanding the necessarily limited appropriation of this department, it is believed that very thorough and intelligent service has been ren- dered, and that the city has received ample recompense for every dollar expended.
391
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
Appropriation
$2,200 00
Income I 37J 50
Making a total amount 3,571 60
Expenditures
4,635 97
Overdraft
$1,064 47
PUBLIC LIBRARY
The public library, with the reading room, is a branch of our public service which is highly prized by both old and young. It is under wise and conservative manage- ment, and stands among institutions of its kind as one of the best.
Permit me at this time to call your attention to the good work being done at the South End reading room, which was started early in the year by some of our generous and public spirited people, making it a great help to that part of our city.
LIGHTING STREETS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS
The appropriation for this department was. $13,800 00
Expenditures 14,384 65 $ 584 65
Overdraft.
It would seem that the expenditures for maintaining this department are excessive, and I hope we can make a reduction of the expense of this department.
392
ANNUAL REPORTS
BRIDGES AND CULVERTS
The appropriation for the year was $ 1,750 00
Income from sale of bridge bonds. 66,147 73
Making a total amount. 67,897 73
Expenditures 69,056 75
Overdrawn
$ 1,159 02
Of the above expenditures, $66, 147.73 was paid as New- buryport's share of the cost of the Newburyport bridge across the Merrimac river. Nearly all the balance was the cost of maintaining the same. I would recommend that we petition the legislature, asking that the entire cost of maintaining this bridge be assumed by the county, thus relieving us from this heavy burden.
WATER DEPARTMENT
This department is managed by a board of commis- sioners. The water of any city is of vast importance, and great care should be exercised to maintain the purity of the water and a sufficient supply. The experience of the past two summers has taught us that the supply of water must be increased, and stored, either in a dam constructed at Jackman's ravine to hold back the water, or a large covered reservoir or basin. A further expense will be necessary in the sinking of wells and new street mains, etc., but in order to do this permission must be obtained from the legislature to increase the bonded indebtedness of the city for use of the water commissioners. We all know the water commissioners are well qualified to handle this question, with the experience they have had in the
393
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
past coupled with their good judgment and business ability.
GYPSY MOTHS
There are now about seven thousand trees in our city, mostly on private lands, and they are in good condition owing to the persistent warfare waged against these pests by our efficient tree warden and his assistants. We have already expended $2, 192.21, and are required by Professor Kirkland, the superintendent of gypsy moth work, to ex- pend the larger sum of $5,000 during the coming year. This moth problem is one which is attracting great atten- tion in the city, state, and nation. Our representatives in the legislature, backed by the city government, should urge the enactment of effective and just measures of legis- lation. The burden ought not to be placed on municipal- ities or land owners. To suffer the ravages of these pests is burden enough without having added thereto any un- just tax. The state should bear its full share of the ex- pense, thus protecting itself and the non-infested districts.
INDUSTRIAL IMPROVEMENTS
The prosperity of a community can only be judged by its activity in trade. While the investments in manufac- turing industries in our city are gaining, and the mer- chants and manufacturers are showing greater activity, so should we, as representatives of the people, strive to keep pace with this advancement and provide in a judicious way for the future. I would respectfully urge the joint standing committee on commercial interests to further
394
ANNUAL REPORTS
consider our industries and trade, so that we can all have a feeling of pride in having had a share in some measure in the improvement of our city.
OTHER DEPARTMENTS
These departments are in good condition, and there has been an earnest effort during the past year on the part of the officials to keep their expenses within the appropria- tions. For this they should be commended, and the city council should do all in its power to assist them.
Nobody is more conscious than I am of the fact that some ears grow weary of the constant need of economy. It would be a great deal easier and pleasanter to say: "Let it go; what do I care?" But there are many in this com- munity who are obliged to practice saving literally every cent; to them each additional dollar of taxation is a serious question. They cannot turn it down lightly, as perhaps each of us can do. To us it is not a difficult matter to pay taxes. But consider the small householder, who is carry- ing, it may be, a heavy mortgage on that home, who is trying to care for and educate a large family, who works for a day's pay and who has no work in the winter. These are the men whom we ought to keep thoughtfully in mind. The small householder has always been regarded by stu- dents of social conditions as a most desirable factor in the community ; his class ought to be increased. He must not be taxed out of existence. Let us not use our efforts in behalf of the individual or individuals, but rather on every question consider the whole people. If we do this I
395
MAYOR'S ADDRESS
.
am sure our record for 1906 will be one that we can look back upon with satisfaction, and on which the citizens will pass the judgment, " Well done."
CONCLUSION
I commend to you the action of the past city government for their faithful efforts in the line of economy and their earnest desire to solve the various financial problems. A still more difficult task awaits you. Permit me to suggest that you may be sorely tempted to break away from your good resolutions by some apparent inconsistencies or by losing some personal advantage, but he who can sink his own personal ambition for the good of all is the true friend of the people. Such sacrifices are seldom made in vain.
Finally, let us so conduct the affairs of this city that we may, at the close of our term of office, transfer to our suc- cessors the trust confided to our care, conscious of a work well and faithfully performed.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1905 190
CITY GOVERNMENT, 1905.
5
CITY GOVERNMENT, 1906. 381
DETAILED ACCOUNT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES :
Abatement of Taxes 99
Ashes and Rubbish IOI
Board of Health IO3
Bridges and Culverts 105
Bromfield Fund 108
City Bonds
109
Elections
I39
Fire Department IJO
Fuel Department. II5
Highway Department II7
Ice and Snow
I36
Incidental Department. 122
Interest Department.
I34
Lighting Streets and Public Buildings
I43
Memorial Day 144
Notes Payable. 145
Parks and Public Grounds 147
Parks (Atkinson Common). 148
Police Department. 149
Poor Department. 152
397
398
ANNUAL REPORTS
DETAILED ACCOUNT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES :
Printing Department. 157
Public Library 158
Public Property 160
Salaries of City Officers 164
School Department I66
Sewerage (Construction)
172
Sewerage ( Maintenance)
175
Sidewalks and Edgestones
176
State of Massachusetts, Military Aid 178
Soldiers' Relief
179
Watering Streets for 1905 180
Miscellaneous 18I
JURY LIST 365
MAYORS OF THE CITY OF NEWBURYPORT. 21
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS, 1905 . 23
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS, 1906. 383
MEETINGS . 19
OFFICE HOURS OF CITY OFFICIALS.
4
REPORTS :
Board of Assessors 219
Board of Health 223
Bridge Tender. 24I
Chief Engineer 207
City Audito 39
City Marshal 231
City Physician 202
City Registrar 247
City Solicitor 237
City Treasurer 81
Election Returns for 1905 . 371
Inspector of Animals and Provisions 289
Inspector of Milk 287
Overseers of the Poor 199
399
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REPORTS :
Public Library. 293
School Committee. 40I
Sealer of Weights and Measures 29I
Sinking Fund Commissioners.
73
Superintendent of Sewers. 243
Surveyor of Highways. 257
Tax Collector 81
Trust Funds
269
Water Commissioners
335
7
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
City of Newburyport, Massachusetts
FOR THE YEAR 1905
SQUIRE & SWAN, PRINTERS
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT-1905
HON. WM. F. HOUSTON ( Mayor), 2 Harris street. .Chairman PRENTISS H. REED, 55 Lime street. Vice-Chairman
Ward I - RICHARD G. ADAMS, 70 Bromfield street, Term expires 1906 ERNEST W. BLISS, IO Allen street, .. 66 1907
Ward 2 - CHARLES W. BAILEY, 62 Prospect street, 1906
PRENTISS H. REED, 55 Lime street, 1907
Ward 3-JOHN F. YOUNG, 9 Fruit street, 1906
WILLIAM F. LUNT, 33 Prospect street, 1907
Ward 4 - PHILIP H. KIMBALL, 2 Bradstreet place, 66
1906
CHAS. F. JOHNSON, 45 Washington street, 66 1907
Ward 5 - RANDOLPH C. HURD, 230 High street, 66
66
1906
OLIVER B. MERRILL, 35 Monroe street, 66
1907
Ward 6 - PAUL A. MERRILL, 24 Tyng street,
66
1906
WILLIAM R. USHER, 30 Broad street,
1907
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
WILLIAM P. LUNT Office at City Hall
TRUANT OFFICER
ROBERT G. ALLEN . Office with Superintendent
3
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT-(CONCLUDED)
SUB-COMMITTEES
HIGH SCHOOL-J. F. Young, C. W. Bailey, O. B. Merrill, C. F. Johnson, E. W. Bliss.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS- R. G. Adams, W. F. Lunt, C. F. Johnson, R. C. Hurd, W. R. Usher.
TRAINING AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS-C. W. Bailey, J. F. Young, P. H. Kimball, E. W. Bliss, P. A. Merrill.
TEXT BOOKS AND SUPPLIES-C. F. Johnson, J. F. Young, C. W. Bailey.
RULES AND REGULATIONS - P. H. Reed, P. A. Merrill, O. B. Merrill. EVENING SCHOOLS - W. F. Lunt, E. W. Bliss, W. R. Usher.
PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE- R. C. Hurd, C. W. Bailey, P. H. Kim- bal1.
SALARIES - E. W. Bliss, W. R. Usher, R. G. Adams.
JANITORS AND BUILDINGS- W. R. Usher, R. G. Adams, R. C. Hurd. DRAWING AND MUSIC-P. A. Merrill, W. F. Lunt, C. F. Johnson. COOKING AND SEWING - P. H. Kimball, O. B. Merrill, W. F. Lunt.
4
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 Io, 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; Patriots' 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.
5
HIGH SCHOOL
WALTER E. ANDREWS, principal; DANA C. WELLS, ROLLIN H. FISHER, sub-masters; SARA A. LEONARD, ELIZABETH GOLD- SMITH, CLIO CHILCOTT, C. MAUD NORRIS, ELIZABETH A. TOWLE, BERTHA A. BONART, FRANCES H. KINGSLEY, FRANCES E. MAY, assistants.
Mr. William P. Lunt, Superintendent of Schools :
I have the pleasure of submitting to you the follow- ing report of the condition of the High School : -
The general conditions for satisfactory school work have been for the past year and are at the present time very favorable. Fewer changes than usual in the teach- ing force are to be noted. The relations between teacher and pupil have been exceedingly pleasant. Our building is comfortable and convenient for our needs. The teach- ers are working in departments for which they have es- pecially prepared themselves and bring to every class an enthusiasm sure to inspire interest in the pupil.
Last year we adopted the plan of sending each alter- nate month, in place of the full monthly report, a note to
6
7
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
the parents of pupils failing to do satisfactory work in one or more studies, emphasizing the need of more study and asking the co-operation of the home for better results. The parent was asked to see that the pupil gave proper attention to home study. It was suggested that there should be at least two hours of home study each day.
The teachers feel that this plan has been beneficial to the school. It is certain that there were fewer failures than usual.
During the past year a gas engine and belt-connected dynamo have been installed in the school. The dynamo is of the gas engine type and has a heavy fly-wheel and three bearings. These peculiarities result in a variation in electric pressure of less than one-half of a per cent. The output of the machines is at present equal to lighting fifty-two 16-c. p. incandescent lamps with a steadiness that is perfect to the unaided eye. The installation was made possible by a gift to the science department of four hundred dollars by the Trustees of the Putnam Free School. This has recently been supplemented by one hundred and fifty dollars by the city. It is planned to distribute the current to various portions of the building for lighting, running of a stereopticon, and for the varied work of experimentation and research in science. In ac- quiring this equipment a valuable addition has been made to the school's resources.
That our commercial department is meeting a want is shown by the increasing number of pupils desiring to take
8
ANNUAL REPORT
that course. At the present time there are eighty-six tak- ing stenography and thirty-two bookkeeping. Forty- eight pupils are using the typewriter and ought to receive regular instruction. All this involves an amount of work beyond the power of one teacher if satisfactory results are to be expected. This department certainly demands some relief.
Commercial studies were first introduced five years ago. They were first made elective studies of the general course and the work was conducted by the regular teach- ers of the school. Later a commercial teacher was em- ployed. Two years ago a distinct commercial course was outlined and since then there has been a marked increase in the number electing it until we find the number as men- tioned above.
Up to the present time thirty-six pupils may be said to have taken a fairly complete commercial course. Of this number fourteen entered upon office work directly upon leaving school. Of the others six entered the train- ing school, six pursued further the commercial studies at some business college, while five afterward changed their plans and are now in college or are preparing to enter another year.
Last February Miss Stark resigned to accept a posi- tion in the Chelsea High school. Miss Stark had been with us not quite two years, yet, through her attractive personality, her able instruction and tactful discipline, she had won a deserved popularity in the school. Her
9
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
loss to the school was keenly felt. Miss Kingsley was at once put in charge of the classical work, and Mr. Stan- wood Cobb, a Dartmouth graduate, was secured as a sub- stitute for the rest of the year to assist in this department. At the close of the year Miss Frances E. May, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke, was elected to the permanent position. Miss May had had several years of successful experience and came to us very highly recommended.
On June 27th a class of thirty-one was graduated. This was a smaller number than usual. Nearly half of the class are now pursuing advanced courses of study. Four members are now in the Training School. Twelve graduates of the school entered college this last Septem- ber.
Brown University : - Everett M. H. Follansbee (1904), Daniel J. Harrigan, Chester L. Nourse.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology : - William M. Pettingell, Woodbury H. Wingate.
Smith College : - Sarah A. Blake, Margaret Dodge, Mabel N. Fillmore.
Wellesley College : - Julia G. Locke, Marion D. Savage (1904).
Radcliffe College : - Hannah W. Pingree (1903).
New Hampshire State College : - Edna O. Brown.
There are at present forty-seven graduates of the school in college. They are distributed as follows : - Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 13 ; Harvard ยท University, 4; Brown University, 4; Dartmouth, 2 ;
IO
ANNUAL REPORT
Bowdoin, I; Wesleyan, I; Tufts Medical, I; University of Vermont, I; Smith, 5; Wellesley, 4; Mt. Holyoke, 3 ; Simmons, 3; Radcliffe, 2 ; Bryn Mawr, I; Boston Univer- sity, I; New Hampshire State College, I.
There are three graduates in the State Normal Schools and seven in the Training School.
The Toppan prize was awarded to Winthrop H. Thur- low. The committee of award consisted of Messrs. Arthur Withington and Arthur P. Brown. The prize was award- ed for the best written examination in civil government.
At the opening of school in September. ninety-five were admitted from the grammar schools, seventy-one upon the recommendation of their former teachers and twenty-four upon examination. Twenty of these pupils came from adjoining towns. There are at present in the school three hundred and six pupils of which number sixty-five are non-resident Putnam pupils.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. ANDREWS.
STATISTICS OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
Whole membership of boys in High School I28
66
66 girls
I71
66
pupils 66 299
Average 66 pupils
270.7
Average attendance of pupils
256.7
Per cent of
pupils 94.8
Average age of boys in class I, High School.
17.7
66 girls I, 17.8
66 boys II, 16.9
girls " II, 66 16.II
66 66 boys "III, 15.9
66 66 girls
"III, 6 15.10
66
" IV, 66 66
boys 15.I
66 girls "'IV, 66
14.4
Number over 15 years of age, boys. 9I
66
girls 125
Non-resident pupils sent by trustees of Putnam School 70 Other non-resident pupils 3
II
GRADUATING EXERCISES-CLASS OF 1905
MUSIC, "Athenian Youths "
ORCHESTRA
PRAYER
REV. GEORGE PLUMER MERRILL
MUSIC, "Gloria " From Bordese's Mass in F SCHOOL CHORUS
ESSAY, " A Great Literary Friendship of the 19th Century " LILLIAN HUNTINGTON ORDWAY
PROPHECY
JULIA GARLAND LOCKE
MUSIC, "The Stormy Evening ". Chadwick
SCHOOL CHORUS
ADDRESS, "The Friendship of Books"
REV. GEORGE H. FERRIS
MUSIC, " Blow, Soft Winds" Vincent
SCHOOL CHORUS
I2
13
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
ESSAY, "The Boyhood of Shakespeare, " with Valedictory
MARTHA EVELYN ROWE
AWARD OF TOPPAN PRIZE
ARTHUR WITHINGTON Committee of Award ARTHUR P. BROWN
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