USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1876-1883 > Part 6
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The neatness of the room, the orderly arrangement of the books, the promptness and courtesy with which patrons are served, testify to the fitness and efficiency of the Librarian, whose 12th year of valuable services is now just being completed.
The thanks of the committee are due to their agent at Cochit- uate for the prompt and very satisfactory manner in which the business of the agency has been conducted. The Librarian's report to the committee is herewith presented.
41
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
To the Committee of the Wayland Library : -
The following statistics and statements for the year ending February 1, 1879, are respectfully submitted : -
Total number of volumes (by actual count) 7,485. Of these, 167 vol- umes are Law Reports, etc., in the Selectmen's room ; and 402 volumes duplicates, chiefly of Public Documents, either State or National.
All the books are accounted for except one which was missing last year. Three books charged to individuals were. not returned at the time of re- moval to new apartments.
Number of volumes delivered at Library during 48 weeks 6,909
sent to Cochituate . 2,822
Total . 9,731
Greatest number delivered in one week (January 18, 1879) 313
Number of volumes purchased during the past year 427
66
presented 906
60
from Old " Charitable Library " 2
66
66 returned from an absence of over 12 years 1
66 added by exchange of Soldiers' Memorials 24
66 bound and transferred from Pamphlet De-
partment 33
Total number added the past year
1,393
Number of Pamphlets presented .
600
Volumes rebound .
274
" repaired (folios)
7
As will be seen by the list of donors appended, a noble spirit has pre- vailed among our citizens and others, resulting in an accession to the Library of an unusually large number of volumes, the greater proportion of which are works of much value, including many that will find immediate popular favor; while the value of some might almost be estimated by " their weight in gold," either from their rarity or intrinsic value. It is to be hoped that the same commendable efforts to increase the value of the Library will continue.
The contribution of works of art by persons residing at a distance from the Library is worthy of special mention, as contributing not only to the beauty of the apartments but to the sterling value of the institution. It is highly desirable that still more attention be given to this department (works of art) by all liberal-minded persons that can afford to bestow such benefactions.
Cabinets of specimens in every department of natural history would be of great value to careful students, and to every one interested in those important matters. In many families there are collections more or less extensive, that, if transferred to the Library would form, at once, not a mere nucleus, but a substantial and creditable collection. Such material
42
also as relics of antiquity, Indian relics, mementos of important events, or interesting localities, geological specimens; from the most common to those of rare value, samples of minerals, specimens of the animal kingdom, fragmentary or complete, either as fossils, skeletons or otherwise, with much more that might be mentioned, would find a ready acceptance and lay the foundation for future enlargement.
It is with much pleasure that I record the fact, that the appreciation of our valuable Library seems to be steadily on the increase, and that every visitor appears to recognize in the new apartments a fitness and harmony of effect, the inspiring result of which is already seen in a careful and praiseworthy observance of decorum.
DONORS OF BOOKS.
Charles Bridges, of Wayland, 2 vols. - Horace Heard, Wayland, 42 vols.
Mrs. C. Bridges,
2 “
Mrs. H. Heard,
11 "
Miss Bertha Bridges, 66 3 Miss Mary Heard, 1 «
" Nettie Bridges, 66 3 0
Mrs. Hosmer, 1
Dea. Wm. Baldwin, יו 27 "
R. T. Lombard,
42 4
Hon. G. S. Boutwell, Groton, 8 “
C. H. Campbell, Wayland, 15 “
Mrs. C. H. Campbell, 8 "
Miss Mary Campbell,
W. Campbell, 4 .
Rev. T. A. Merrill, Wayland, 2 "
Mrs. Frank Moore,
1 "
Miss S. A. Morse, 66 10 “
Dea. J. N. Morse, 25 € Nicholson File Co., Provi- dence, R.I., 1 "
Tho. W. Parsons, Boston, 12 0 E. A. Peirce, Wayland, 1
Mrs. E. A. Peirce, 66
1 "
Mrs. S. C. Dudley, 11
" E. Price, 66
Miss M. E. Reeves, 66
2 1
Wm. R. Dudley, 66
Wm. T. Dudley, 66
W. G. Roby, 66
16
R. M. Flint, 66 4
Mrs. R. M. Flint, 66 1
B. M. Folsom, 66
12 "
Abel Glezen, 8
Mrs. A. Glezen, 66 15 “
Geo. Glezen,
16 "
Mrs. G. Glezen, 1
Geo. Haskins, 1
Abel Heard, 66
4
Rev. J. B. Wight, .7
Miss Emily A. Heard, “ 16 “
Mrs. J. H. Heard,
4
Miss Grace A. Heard, “
Miss Luceba Willis, 66 5 " Mrs. H. S. Wyman, 86 “ Prof. E. J. Young, Camb-
" Blanche Heard, « 4 . bridge, 228 “
L. K. Lovell, 66 1 "
Mass. Sec. of State, Boston, 59 “ " Board of State Charities, 2 1
Mrs. L. Maria Child, 1 "
" Catharine Cotting, " 2 4
" S. A. Dorr, 66 2 " F.W. Draper, M.D., Boston, 19 “ Ira B. Draper, Wayland, 34 “ Mrs. J. A. Draper, 1
56 “ J. S. Draper,
Miss Lizzie B. Draper,“ 4
Mrs. W. G. Roby,
Hon. L. H. Sherman, " 11 « Smithsonian Inst., Wash., D.C., 4 66
U.S. Com. of Education, “ 1 "
U.S. Sec. of State, 3
Wayland Book Club, Way- land, 8 4
43
DONORS OF PAMPHLETS.
Deacon Wm. Baldwin, Way- land,
156
Leander B. Heard, Brookline, 47 Mrs. W. G. Roby, Wayland, 7
Mrs. S. A. Dorr, Wayland, 42 " H. S. Wyman, " 244
David Heard, 66
Horace Heard, 66 46
57
Miss E. J. Rutter, 1
By Miss Mary Campbell, Fac-similes of Boston News Letter, (first news- paper printed in America) and of The Ulster Gazette.
By J. S. Draper-Copy of an acrostic on Benedict Arnold - (old). By Rev. T. A. Merrill - One printed historical discourse.
DONORS OF WORKS OF ART.
Wm. H., and Myron W. Bent, of Wayland -Life-size busts of L. Agassiz, W. H. Prescott, and W. H. Channing.
Mrs. Josephine H. Benney, of Boston - Life-size portrait (oil colors) of Rev. J. B. Wight; painted by herself, and framed.
Chas. A. Cutting of Boston - Life-size portrait (India ink; framed) of Francis Wayland, D.D.
Jas. S. Draper, of Wayland - Life-size portraits (India ink; framed) of Hon. Edward Mellen, Rev. E. H. Sears, and Deacon James Draper.
Respectfully submitted,
J. S. DRAPER, Librarian. WAYLAND, Free Public Library, Feb. 1, 1879.
The above recommendations and suggestions of the Librarian are heartily endorsed by the committee.
For the expenses of the Library the past year, the citizens are referred to the Auditor's Report.
The committee would recommend the appropriation of $350 for maintaining the Library the ensuing year in addition to one- half the dog-license money.
In behalf of the Library Committee,
T. A. MERRILL,
Chairman.
WAYLAND, Feb. 1, 1879.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
.
By vote of the town the committee are required to present their annual report of the condition of the schools as early as February 1st of each year. The Winter term of the schools will close the present year on February 21st. The condition and work of the schools therefore, for the last three weeks of the actual school-year are reported by anticipation, so far as the Report embraces that portion of the year.
At the close of the Spring term Mrs. L. H. Davis presented her resignation as teacher of the Intermediate School, - a posi- tion which she had held for eighteen terms, with very marked success, and with increasing usefulness. Miss Clara E. Nichols, who had taught the Spring term of the First Primary, was pro- moted to fill the vacancy ; and Miss Grace Langmaid was ap- pointed teacher of the First Primary. Miss Langmaid's services in interesting, governing, and instructing so large a number of young pupils have been very satisfactory. The promotion of Miss Nichols to so difficult a position shows in what estimation she is held by the committee, who have had personal knowledge of her previous success in other schools. In the North School Miss Eunice N. Morse was appointed at the beginning of the Winter term to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Emma A. Moore, who had the charge of this school for the five previous terms. Miss Morse has made an excellent beginning, and bids fair to make one of our most useful and successful teachers. Owing to the increased number of young pupils in Cochituate, it was found necessary at the beginning of the year to establish a new Primary School.
Accordingly, the school, which, for some terms, had been crowded with more than ninety pupils, was divided and graded, with forty-six pupils in the first and forty-seven in the second. The one hundred and eighty pupils attending school in the new school-house in Cochituate village are now classified and ar- ranged in four grades, and are advanced from the lower to the higher according to their progress and attainments.
45
Miss Merrill, who for eleven successive terms, with the ex- ception of the Winter term of 1878, taught the Primary School, has now the charge of the Second Primary. The four ungraded schools - Lokerville, Thomas, Rutter, and North, as well as the Centre Primary - are all in a prosperous condition and are mak- ing fine progress under the management of teachers whose ser- vices are of inestimable value to the town. Some of these schools are crowded with scholars, and in them no teacher could reasonably be expected to succeed in maintaining good order and in awakening and securing a desirable degree of interest in study among the scholars without the skill that comes from good judgment, efficiency, and experience.
The two Grammar Schools, taught by Mr. Adams and Mr. Holton, are both in a desirable condition. Mr. Adams, at Co- chituate, was appointed at the beginning of the year to fill the vacancy occasioned by the retirement of Mr. Carrington, the teacher of the previous year. The good order of the school, the good degree of interest on the part of the scholars in their school-work, and the evident progress of the classes, clearly testify to the ability and fidelity of the teacher. At the Centre, the Grammar School, under the direction of Mr. Holton, the efficient and deservedly popular teacher of the previous year, has had a year of marked prosperity.
The general deportment of the scholars of this school, and their efforts for improvement in mind and manners, are such as to meet the hearty commendation of the committee.
In order that the pupils attending the Grammar Schools may receive greater benefit from attendance, the committee have adopted a course of studies embracing a period of three years, with elective studies for an additional year. The cooperation of parents is desired in carrying out this plan.
Pupils are admitted to the South Grammar School from the Intermediate, and also from the Lokerville School; and to the Centre Grammar School from the Centre Primary, the Rutter, the North, and the Thomas Schools. The interests of the pupils require that thorough preparation should be made by them be- fore being promoted to a higher grade. To admit a child to any grade of school for which he is not prepared, is to do him great injustice. We would say to all the scholars in the lower schools, Do not be in haste to enter a higher grade ; but make the best
46
use of your opportunities in the school where you are. The more thoroughly you are prepared for the higher schools, the greater benefit you will receive from them, and the more satis- factory to yourself will be your school-life.
In order that the school-life, as well as the home-life of the child, may be happy and successful, there must be the right discipline at home as well as at school. The child that is taught obedience and good manners at home will seldom, if ever, dis- obey good rules or violate good manners at school. Great wrong is sometimes done to the child as well as to the school by parents sustaining the child in complaints about the teacher. This is often done unintentionally. The parent takes it for granted that the teacher is wrong and the child right, when the reverse often is true.
The committee are sorry to be obliged to report that some of the school-houses of the town have been unlawfully entered by thoughtless or malicious persons, for their own amusement. The committee have done what they felt impelled to do by a sense of duty to the town, for the protection of its property-which, for the time being, has been committed to their care -from the depreda- tions of thoughtless or lawless persons./One object of our schools is to reduce to as small a number as possible those who have no interest in society. The State endeavors to furnish such an education to all its children as will make them loyal and law- abiding citizens. We wish to provide equal advantages for all, so that all the citizens shall be able to control and respect them- selves, and to take advantage of any favorable conditions that may arise for their own improvement, and for the honorable ad- vancement of their own condition in the world, so that every one may be an ornament to society and an honor to the State. You have not educated the boy in any true sense when you have taken lıim through a course of mathematics and language and natural science and history. In addition to all this, and in con- nection with it, there must be the education of the conscience. We want men who are honest, as well as intelligent; fair- minded, truthful, and just, as well as intellectually developed ; not wanting in virtuous and honorable principle, and in calm and dignified self-possession when any crisis comes,2 The process of education is a process slow and silent ; but a small part of it comes from books. The copy which the boy imitates most
47
closely, because unconsciously, is the example of the parent and the teacher. The teaching of direct instruction does much ; the silent teaching of character does more by far. Because the teacher is unconsciously impressing himself on the spirit of the pupil, therefore the highest moral traits and the truest moral developments are needful in the teacher for the best re- sults to the pupil. The formation of correct habits ; the cher- ishing of every virtuous principle ; the practice of truthfulness and sobriety, and obedience; the cultivation of true benevo- lence ; the training of the child in those elements that consti- tute charcrter, - these are of the utmost importance to the child's happiness and to the welfare of society.
In these times of general business depression and of high rates of taxation, the committee feel that in all departments of administration, including the educational, there should be the practice of the most rigid economy in the expenditure of the public money. Retrenchment is the duty of the hour. It has been the study of the committee to endeavor to find, if pos- sible, some method by which the expenses of our educational department may be diminished without lessening the efficiency and usefulness of the schools. After mature deliberation and much study, the committee are not prepared to recommend any such changes as would reduce the number of weeks in the school-year, or in any way materially lessen our school ex- penses. We wish we could do so, and be true to what we con- sider the best interests of the town. It will be seen by the following statistics that the expenses of Wayland for education are less in proportion to the number of scholars than in either of the adjoining towns, with the exception of Natick. The statistics are taken from the Annual Report of the Board of Education of Massachusetts for 1877 : -
Cost per scholar in Weston,
$18 73
66
.6
" Sudbury,
12 62.3
66
" Framingham, 15 51.3
66
66
" Lincoln,
15 22.8
66
" Natick,
8 89.4
66
66
" Needham,
16 73.6
66
66
66
" Sherborn,
12 74
66
" Wayland,
10 28.8
It will be seen that it costs this town, with one exception, from 2 to 8 dollars less per year to educate each child than it
48
costs these neighboring towns ; and 4 dollars each less than the average of these 7 towns. The average wages of female teachers in Lincoln is
$11 00 per week.
" Natick is
10 30
" Weston is
9 20
66
" Framingham is
11 78
66
" Sudbury is
9 25
" Wayland is
9 15
The average for the present year in Wayland is still less, being $8.93. The average wages paid to the two male teachers for our Grammar Schools is $20 per week.
Number of weeks in the school year, 34.
TABULAR VIEWS OF THE SCHOOLS.
No. of Scholars in Attendance.
Spring Term.
Autumn Term.
Winter Term.
Name of School.
Teachers.
Salary.
Whole
Number.
Average
Attendance.
Whole
Number.
Average
Whole
Number.
Centre
Seba A. Holton.
$680 00
38
35
31
27
40
Grammar.
South
Everett T. Adams.
680 00
45
41
40
36
40
Grammar.
Lucy H. Davis,
104 50
33
28
40
35
38
Second
Anna A. Merrill.
306 00
47
42
43
37
38
First
Clara E. Nichols. }
99 00
46
38
47
28
49
Lokerville. North
S Emma A. Moore, Eunice N. Morse.
198 00
18
13
22
16
22
Centre
Mrs. Ella Wheeler.
306 00
34
30
36
33
39
Primary.
Carrie A. Lee.
306 00
30
24
38
30
38
Thomas.
Lizzie M. Norton.
306 00
19
17
19
16
17
For the ensuing year the committee would recommend that the sum of $4,000 be appropriated and assessed for the support of schools, including only the teachers' salaries, care of school- houses, and fuel.
In behalf of the School Committee,
.
T. A. MERRILL, Chairman.
WAYLAND, Feb. 1, 1879.
306 00
40
35
35
31
32
Intermediate.
Clara E. Nichols.
218 00
Primary.
Primary.
¿ Grace Langmaid. ) Nelle R. Rice.
207 00
96 00
School.
Rutter.
Attendance.
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
An examination of the journals and ledgers, with papers and documents pertaining to the offices of the Selectmen and Treasurer, shows their accounts to have been correctly cast, and the books kept with sufficient care to indicate, with the aid of some verbal explanations, the condition of the town's finances. The vouchers exhibited by the Treasurer, consisting of notes paid and cancelled, receipts for interest and orders from the Selectmen, are ample and satisfactory.
The payments of the Collector of the present year correspond with the Treasurer's receipts from that officer. His casts of interest have been carefully revised.
The reports of the several officers and agents of the town have been examined and the accounts contained therein are found correct. Their several statements and recommendations, with those of the Auditor, will be for the public approval or otherwise.
CRITICISMS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
The office of Treasurer is usually conceded to be of the highest importance, financially, in our municipal affairs. Yet, in reality, his operations are so hedged about by customary re- quirements, checking him at every step, that he has but little room for the exercise of discretion in disbursing the public funds. No citizen, agent, or officer of the town can secure from him any payment for any service, however urgent their claims, unless they bring the properly filled order over the signatures of the proper officers.
The Board of Selectmen, so far as the payment of all bills and accounts is concerned, virtually holds the keys of the Treasury, and on the fidelity of that Board in examining all . such claims for payment rests the question of disbursing, to a
4w
50
large extent, the toil-earned funds deposited in the Treasury. The vouchers they have submitted to the Auditor, while they cover the amount of the orders issued, are deficient in particu- lars necessary to insure a proper transaction of the town's busi- ness. Some are of a mixed character, containing items which belong to different departments. Many, incurred under direc- tion of official Boards, are approved by a single member only, instead of a majority ; and some bear no marks of approval. Several bills have no items attached ; and others, with items, have no corresponding dates.
In two departments a system has been practised (though not to a large extent) of adjusting and settling accounts outside the proper offices of the town, in one case involving a draft on the treasury to pay a personal private debt; and in another, an overdraft to pay proper claims. Such a course, while very con- venient among private citizens in a good neighborhood, is not to be approved in public officers, and should never be allowed. Whatever debts are due the town are its own assets and should be paid directly to its Treasurer; and all claims against the town should pass the proper ordeal before being paid.
The public funds cannot be too well guarded, not only against actual fraud, but against extravagant charges and drafts upon appropriations to which they do not belong.
It cannot be too strongly recommended to every person, com- mittee or agent, in making out bills and accounts against the town, that every item be distinctly stated against its appropriate date ; and that the auditing of these bills before payment should be done with such careful vigilance as will prevent such unfor- tunate facts as overdrafts on the treasury, which have occurred in two cases the current year, evidently with no intention to de- fraud.
In view of some of the imperfections covered by the above remarks, the Auditor cannot well resist the impulse of recom- mending to the School Committee to allow no child of either sex to graduate from our schools without instruction in the simplest principles and forms of common business transactions. A blackboard exercise once a week, to be copied by all who can write, might be of essential aid in the Primary Schools, to be · more fully elaborated in the higher grades.
By reference to the Overseers' report it will be seen that
51
nearly 900 tramps have been fed and 850 of them lodged dur- ing the year. In the opinion of the Warden, a large majority of those sent to his care were impostors, who make it their avo- cation to travel from town to town to procure food and lodging. It must be apparent to any one that such indiscriminate indul- gence proffered to this class of persons only tends to increase their number, and to stimulate instead of repressing the evils of which there seems to be universal complaint throughout this Commonwealth. Should no legal remedy come to our relief, then it must be enjoined upon the Overseers to exercise a severer scrutiny in detecting the false, and to enforce on all such the laws applicable to common vagrancy. Feeding tramps at pri- vate houses at the expense of the town tends also to encourage applicants and should be discontinued.
The duties of the Treasurer have been unusually arduous the past year ; and his financial management reflects much credit on his fidelity to the interests of the town. Not only have the heavy negotiations for placing the town's bonds been success- fully accomplished, but by borrowing for temporary loans only at suen unns as actual necessity required, he has saved the town a very considerable sum of interest-money.
FINANCIAL CONDITION.
The present financial condition of the town demands careful consideration. Its indebtedness, - incurred mainly by three heavy expenditures : the Railroad, the Town Hall, and the Water Works, - while tending to some immediate hardship for tax-payers, has, nevertheless, a brighter side, to which it may be well to look.
The erection of the Town Hall (which could not have been long postponed) has been completed at a time very favorable for economical expenditure ; and we have to show for the out- lay a structure of which the citizens may be justly proud.
The Water Works - constructed at the same favorable period - are substantially built ; and it may be affirmed that while, at no distant period, the revenue derived will equal or exceed the interest on cost, there is the additional assurance of safety to property, and a larger inducement for enlarging business, there-
52
by increasing the number of habitations and of population ; all of which will tend to relieve the burdens of taxation.
The completion of the Railroad through the centre of the town seems now nearly certain ; and it scarcely need be stated that this result will work in the same favorable direction of increasing the amount of taxable property. In this connection it is worthy of special notice that, within the past year, and mainly through the exertion of Mr. H. B. Braman, the railroad note has been withdrawn from further expensive litigation, and a settlement effected, at a saving of nearly $10,000 from the face of the demand.
But, while these cheering views are before us, it still remains a fact that our municipal debt is large, and that the year 1879 will be marked with the crucial test of successful financiering. What shall be done at our next annual meetings is the important question ?
PRINCIPLES OF ACTION.
On general principles, the reply obviously would be, Do as a private individual of good judgment would act under similar circumstances.
First. Incur no more debts.
Second. In every reasonably possible way reduce the annual expenditures.
Can it be doubted, if these principles of action were car- ried out by a united and determined effort, in every depart- ment, by every officer and agent, and every citizen of the town that may require access to the public funds, that the com- ing year will be one of success? Suppose even that, under the extraordinary pressure resulting from last year's financial opera- tions, the citizens should allow some sacrifice of former plans, incur some inconvenience, or even temporary detriment, in some departments, for a brief period, would not this be amply com- pensated by the general relief of lessened taxation ?
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