USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1858-1867 > Part 49
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FELLOW CITIZENS, -
Since our last Report another year has passed away and we are again reminded that we must account to you of the doings of the financial year just passed ; and we will here say that our
,HIGHWAYS
are in better condition than last year, although the heavy rain has at times done much damage, and been a reason for some to complain of our Superintendent. We believe he has at all times endeavored to please and distribute the money as equally as possible.
The past year more money than usual has been ex- pended on the cross streets. The two main avenues are not in such condition as the public have a reasonable right to expect ; and although a large amount of money is yearly expended, Milk Street, in our opinion, will never be satisfactory until the Railroad is placed in the centre of the street and a suitable drain laid.
In years past, when labor and material were much
17
less, there was not- that foresight in regard to the roads and sidewalks that experience has shown the good `of the town required, and we are now doing what should have been done years ago ; no doubt it appeared at the timc a matter of economy to expend the least possible amount on the highways, but time has shown that we are now paying dearly for the mistakes of the past.
There is not a town that has more natural attractions than ours, and none that has grown faster; but is the growth a healthy one ? - we think not, - at least it is not an increase that will lessen taxes; on the other hand the want of improvements in the right direction has kept capitalists away, and athough we have a good class of people, a large majority of them are not able to expend much for improvement, and while they pay a small tax, they in turn tax the town largely to educate their children. This is one of the advantages of a republican form of government that the rich help to educate the poor, and feel it a privilege to do so.
Now, if the streets and sidewalks are put in order, that will make them attractive to strangers, and a due regard by the citizens in doing what they can by plant- ing trees along the streets and seeing that the fences have a respectable appearance, it will do much toward the change so much desired.
It is advocated by many that the Railroad in our town prevents the improvements of the highways ; in many respects this is true ; and the Horse Railroads, located on the sides of the roads, especially Milk Street, have become a nuisance that should claim the attention of the town, and some steps taken that will cause them
3
1
18
to be placed in the centre of the street. The manage- ment of the Steam Roads through our town are a source of great annoyance, and cause the Board much trouble, and the time has arrived when the Railroad Corporations should be made to understand that our rights are no longer to be disregarded. By this we mean the long and disgraceful neglect to keep in suita- ble repair the bridges, crossings and drains. Some of us have been four years trying to have the evil reme- died, and so far no real satisfaction has been had; and now, in many places, the town is liable to heavy dama- ges, solely from their neglect; and we trust the next Board will have such instructions from the town that they may, if need be, apply to the legislature for redress.
The system of drainage is very deficient, and the town is called upon to take steps for immediate improvement, not only for convenience, but sanitary measures.
MEDFORD TURNPIKE.
The Board having been informed that the County Commissioners would lay out said turnpike as a county way, we, believing the town did not require it, and, if not already a highway (but made by a corporation for their own private benefit), there could be no evidence to show the Commissioners a good reason why such a road should be built ; consequently they would not build or cause it to be built. On that part of the road from Charlestown line to the Toll House were a number of houses and room for more, and that portion the town was willing to accept, but could not without assuming the
19
whole road; and believing it unjust and against the wishes of a large majority of the town, we applied to the Legislature for a statute, that would allow the Commis- sioners to make their building of the turnpike a county expense, and also, if the Commissioners final award ap- peared unjust and oppressive, the town should have the right to appeal to the Supreme Court for a rehearing ; and, if we could show just cause, the Court should ap- point three special commissioners living out of the county, to rehear the case, and their award to be final.
In all this we failed, and the same is yet in the hands of the Commissioners ; and the Board are sorry to say that their efforts to protect the interest of the town was not seconded in the Legislature, by some of the mem- bers of whom we had a right to expect assistance ; and consequently there will be an increase in taxes for high- ways which we deem unjust.
In some sections of the town there is a want for material to repair highways, and we trust the town will not delay too long in providing the same.
There have been some of the fences removed to the lines established by vote of the town, and ratified by County Commissioners ; and we trust the improvements will be completed the coming year. On some of the streets, the trees branch too low, and the Board request the abutters to see that they are properly trimmed ; if not, the town must attend to it.
There have been some claims for damages, and all has been settled with small expense to the town.
The town farm has been much improved the past year, and we think will now be a source of income.
20
STREET LAMPS
Now number one hundred and twenty, and, although some complain, we think they are very well managed ; they are extended over much territory, and it is im- possible to light all at the same time, but it has been the aim of the Board to have them so lighted and cared for, that all would be satisfied ; and, so far as we know, there have been but few complaints.
CEMETERY.
The Board not having been able to agree on any location in town, recommend the purchase of a lot in an adjoining town if permit can be had to do so.
CHARLESTOWN WATER.
We have nothing of importance to add to our last Report except to impress upon all, the importance of laying larger mains, for we have, in case of fire, so often seen the need of a larger supply of water than is possi- ble to have from four inch pipes, as it will not supply one steamer ; and we trust the town in future will not allow less than six-inch in short streets, and in all others eight-inch pipe.
HORSE RAILROAD.
We have nothing to report since our last.
POLICE.
We think the department has given very general satis- faction, and we herewith present their Report; and we
21
again recommend a night-watch, as we think the interests of the town require it.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Somerville :
The officers of the Police Department submit the following Re- port for the year ending March 1, 1867 :
Whole number of Warrants issued, sixty-eight ; a decrease of twenty-five from last year.
Assault and battery . 25
Larceny
5
Disturbance of the peace
·
1
Liquor nuisance ·
5
Single drunk . .
3
Assault with intent to kill
.
1
Bastardy
.
1
Malicious mischief ·
2
Feeding cows upon the streets
2
Playing base ball on the Sabbath
23
The cases were disposed of as follows :
Acquitted and discharged 11
Sentenced to pay fine and costs . 38
Sent to House of Correction
· 10
Settled by parties acknowledging satisfaction 5
Bound over to Superior Court
4
68
The criminal business of the last year has not been as large as formerly, but the result of our work will be, to the citizens at least, full as acceptable. We flatter ourselves that the incendiaries, who were so industrious upon our borders with Cambridge, are now receiving their well-merited punishment in prison.
Those bold and daring house-breakers and burglars have been disposed of: one by a violent death at the hands of the State Con- stables, at Chelsea, and others by long sentences to State prison.
Among the officers, nothing has occurred to disturb the harmony
22
which has prevailed the past two years. In the discharge of their duties, each has been assisted and encouraged by the others, in accordance with their oath of office, and their earnest desire to add to the welfare of the town.
There have been complaints to the officers of a nuisance existing, which is a growing evil, viz: swill boys. This is something be- yond the control of the police at present, but it is hoped your Hon- orable Board will look into the matter, and cause such provision to be made as shall meet the case. The complaints are often and loud, being for petty-thieving, impudence, and insulting conduct and language, and are a great annoyance.
We would also call your attention to the great number of truants about the streets, of which no notice can be taken by the Depart- ment until further action by your Honorable Board.
The Department are of the opinion that a regular night watch is greatly needed ; and that one day officer in each division of the town would add greatly to the security of the inhabitants, and be a positive advantage in many ways.
The State Constables have made several seizures and complaints, and we have cause to believe that much good has been done by them in our town, as there are but a very few places where liquor can be obtained openly. -
Respectfully submitted.
JAIRUS MANN,
Sec. Som. Police Dept.
MILITARY.
The experience of the last six years has given our people enough of military tactics and discipline ; and, although we have a good company, it requires something more than a holiday dress parade for them to show true patriotism.
Our quota for the calls for the army was about 1,400; and, under the new law, less than $9,000 has been paid
23
by our town for State aid, while Newburyport, whose quota was 1,500, has paid $32,000. This will show to the State they have no cause to complain. A large pro- portion of the money paid by us has been to soldiers that have moved into our town since the war. We are as much obligated to care for them as our own; but it is creditable to our citizens that so many have been able to care for themselves.
We find some cases that are not reached by State aid, and do not properly come under the care of the Over- seers of the Poor, and we are in duty bound to care for them ; and as the relief appropriation for aid to such cases has been expended, we advise a small amount - say, not exceeding $500-be placed in the hands of the Selectmen, to be used as in their judgment is needed.
The amount paid for State aid will be shown in the Treasurer's Report.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
At the meeting, in April, an appropriation of $10,- 000 was made, to provide a steam fire-engine and the needed apparatus. The Board, with the Engineers, were appointed a committee to procure the same, and here report that we have attended to that duty, and pur- chased of Mr. Hunneman a steamer, hose carriage, hose, etc. ; horses, harnesses, etc., of others, as is shown by the Treasurer in his report.
The steamer has given perfect satisfaction, and we believe it equal to, if not the best steam fire-engine ever built.
24
We have now, with the assistance our neighbors are always so ready and willing to lend, all the apparatus we really need.
We have seen many mistakes the past year in the management of our fire department, and we trust a change for the better in future will be made.
ENGINEER'S REPORT.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen, - Agreeable to your request, I herewith submit the following Report :-
Since our last Report there have been seventeen fires, and twenty- nine alarms ; ten of which were caused by fires in Cambridge, eight from fires in Charlestown, one in Boston, one in Roxbury, one in Winchester, and eight false alarms.
The Department have rendered assistance in Charlestown six times ; in Cambridge, once ; and have received assistance three times from out of town.
At the April Town Meeting, the Town voted to procure a steam engine, and a Committee were appointed, consisting of the Selectmen and the Engineers, to procure the same ; and, after examining the working of several different engines, purchased one of Messrs. Hunneman & Co.
The steam engine was placed in the department, May 26, and has not been out of service but two hours since that time.
Owing to the change from hand to steam, the Company has been reduced from forty-five men to twelve men. The Company now consists of an engineer and driver, who are permanently em- ployed ; an assistant engineer, who acts as fireman ; a foreman of hose ; and eight hosemen, one of whom acts as clerk.
HOSE COMPANY.
In July last, the Board received a communication from the Liberty Hose Company, that they had disbanded ; and, at the same
25
time, a communication that another Company was ready to take charge of the carriage, and they were accordingly appointed, and have performed their duty to the satisfaction of the Board of Engineers.
NEW HOSE CARRIAGE.
In August last, the Board of Engineers agreed with Messrs. Hunneman & Co. to build a four-wheeled hose carriage, to be drawn by a horse, - said carriage to carry 1,000 feet of hose, to run in connection with the steam engine ; and, when it is completed, it will be of great advantage to the Department.
ALARM BELLS.
The town also voted, that the Engineers should procure a bell, to be placed on the hose house, thereby increasing the facilities for giving an alarm, and have since voted to place one on the Forster school-house ; which, when completed, will prevent the great delay which has been experienced in obtaining an alarm from that part of the town.
WATER.
Since the last Report, there have been five hydrants attached to the pipes of Charlestown Water Works, and there has been one reservoir built on Spring Hill ; and the Board would recommend that a further supply be furnished in that locality. The most thickly settled parts of the town are still without any supply of water. In some places it would be impossible to get any at all. The Board would recommend the laying as much as possible of six- inch pipe, instead of four inch, connected with the Water Works ; as the four-inch pipe will not furnish a supply for hydrant stream, nor a full supply for a steam engine. The Board would recommend, that hydrants be placed on Broadway, at intervals of five hundred feet, from Franklin Street to Temple Street.
The Department now consists of one steam fire engine, built by Hunneman & Co., with a Company of twelve men, - and will soon have the horse hose carriage in connection with it.
A four-wheeled hose carriage, with a Company of fifteen men, carrying 600 feet of 2₺ inch hose.
4
26
A ladder carriage drawn by a horse, carrying 170 feet ladders, two hooks for pulling down buildings, rakes, pitch-forks, axes, buckets and ropes.
One hand engine which can be used in case of a large fire.
HOSE.
There is in the use of the Department, -
1,000 feet new hose this year,
1,200
last year,
800 " of old, some of which is almost worthless ; and I would recommend the purchase of 500 feet this year, as it will be very much needed.
Value of property belonging to the Somerville Fire Department :
1 steam fire engine and fixtures $5,000 00
2 horses for same 800 00
Harnesses for same 100 00
1 two-wheeled hose carriage
250 00
1 four-wheeled 66
900 00
1 ladder carriage, with ladders, etc. 450 00
1 horse for new hose carriage 300 00
Harness for same 75 00
3,000 feet of leather hose 5,000 00
Sundry small articles £ 500 00
$13,375 00
All of which is respectfully submitted in behalf of the Board.
D. A. SANBORN, JR., Chief Engineer Somerville Fire Department.
With the close of the financial year, some of us will retire from the Board, with the presentation of the Report, and, after another election, our labors, as offi- cers of the town, will cease; and if in the Report any- thing appears too harsh, we ask you to throw over it the broad mantle of charity, for we do not intend to re-
27
flect upon, or injure the feelings of, any one. We are not unmindful that we may have made mistakes of omis- sion and commission, and we trust the town will grant us honesty of purpose in all our actions.
There are many conflicting interests, and a growing local prejudice, that we are sorry to see ; but we hope each and every part of the town will be willing to grant to the other all its just rights, and all work together to make our town what nature has designed she should be, - second to none other.
JOHN R. POOR, NELSON HOWE, GEORGE W. HADLEY, FRANCIS HOUGHTON, SILAS H. HOLLAND, Selectmen of Somerville.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The Treasurer, in making his Report, feels it his duty to make a few statements in regard to the financial condition of the town. It will be seen that the debt has not increased but $6,500; many votes have been passed by the town to borrow money, - the Treasurer has only availed himself of the above votes as necessity required. Two demand notes of $10,000 and $5,000, which were at 7,3 per cent, have been paid out of available fund. The Treasurer's instructions on these notes were to bor- row money at the best rates for short time, until it could be had at six per cent or under, - loans cannot at present be made for any length of time at that rate. Institutions that usually lend -
can get a better price for their money by holding government bonds, and they are for the present prohibited from taking a larger rate. The Treasurer has therefore taken such chances as offered to keep the Treasury in funds, as will be seen by refer- ence to notes payable account. Notes to the amount of $34,050 fall due or are on demand the coming year. The most of these can probably be renewed, but, as the laws in regard to rates of interest are likely to be changed, allowing a higher legal rate than six per cent, and as money is evidently worth more, the Treasurer will require authority from the town to meet the increased rise in the rate of interest. The new law, if passed, does not come into effect until July 1, 1867. The town will be a borrower to a considerable extent in the first part of the financial year, on several votes, in anticipation of taxes, etc. '
29
There has been received by the Treasurer the last year, from all sources, $199,967.32 ; and he has paid out $187,451.52, leav- ing a balance in the Treasury, March 1, 1867, of $12,515.80. Under instructions from the Board of Selectmen, there has been paid to about ninety-five applicants the sum of $9,341.81, as State aid, mostly under the application of the new law, giving aid to disabled soldiers, and widows and orphans caused by deaths of soldiers. The State has refunded to the town $8,000 of the amount paid in 1865, and there is now due for 1864 $135; 1865, $647.04; 1866, $7,592.54; in all, $8,701.58. This amount, with perhaps some small deduction, will be available in part payment of State tax for 1867. The monthly payments are now about $700. The Treasurer will require a vote of the town to borrow or use such funds as may be in the Treasury to meet this demand. At the request of the Selectmen, there has been made, under advice and approval of the chairmen of the various boards, a valuation of town property herewith presented, amounting to $146,875, which shows a close offset to the town debt.
The above Report and annexed accounts are respectfully submitted.
THOMAS CUNNINGHAM,
Treasurer.
SCHEDULE OF TOWN PROPERTY WITH LOCATION AND VALUATION.
High school-house and land on Highland Avenue, $12,000 00 Philosophical instruments, piano, and school furniture, 1,200 00 Franklin school-house and land, on Milk Street, 10,000 00
Harvard 66 66 Beacon St.,
1,500 00
Spring Hill, 66 66
6 Spring Hill, 1,400 00 Walnut, 66 66 6
Broadway, 66 800 00
Prospect Hill, 66
66 Washington St.“ 15,000 00
Amount carried forward,
$41,900 00
30
Amount brought forward, $41,900 00 Brastow school-house and land on Medford St., furniture, 5,000 00
· Bell, 66 66
Cherry, 66
1,400 00
Forster,
66
66
Sycamore, 66
32,000 00
Prescott,
Pearl, 66 8,000 00
Union,
66
66
Prospect,
2,000 00
Lincoln, 66
66
10,000 00
Jackson, 66
66
66 Maple,
5,000 00
Land on Broadway, Town farm,
5,500 00
Land corner Prospect and Milk Streets, with buildings, (Court House, stable, etc.), 3,500 00
Engine house, stable, and armory,
8,000 00
Ledge on Milk Street,
2,000 00
Ledge on Bond Street,
1,000 00
Gravel land in Winchester,
700 00
Steam fire engine, horses, harnesses, etc.,
6,000 00
Hand engine No. 1, and apparatus,
1,800 00
Hose carriage, hose and fixtures,
5,200 00
Hose-house, land and bell,
3,400 00
Hook and ladder carriage, apparatus and building, 1,300 00
Town Pound on Town farm,
100 00
Safe in the Police Court,
175 00
Safes, Town Clerk and Treasurer, 200 00
Horses, carts, harnesses, tools, etc., for highways,
2,700 00
$146,875 00
TAXES.
Received of B. Randall, Collector, on ac-
count of Taxes, 1864 and 1865, $7,712 61
Received of B. Randall, Collector, on ac- count of Taxes, 1866, 114,425 18
Received of J. H. Loud, State Treasurer,
Corporation Taxes, 1865 and 1866, 3,000 47
125,138 26
Paid State tax, 1866, 17,280 00
Paid County tax, 1866,
4,579 86
21,859 86
66 66
Balance, $103,278 40
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NOTES PAYABLE.
1866.
Cr.
April 2. Borrowed of Warren Institution for Savings, on note of this date, at 7 3-10 per cent, $5,500 00 Borrowed of Lydia A. Fenno, on note, dated May 5, at 7 3-10 per cent, 1,400 00
May 5.
66 5. Borrowed of Henry Partridge, on note, dated May 5, at 7 3-10 per cent, 3,000 00
66 9. Borrowed of Henry Partridge, on Town note, dated May 9, at 7 3-10 per cent, 3,000 00
14. Borrowed of John M. Pinkerton, Trustee, on note dated May 14, at 7 per cent,
7,000 00
June
2. Borrowed of Martha Hadley, on note dated June 2, for one year, at 6 per cent, 700 00
66
2. Borrowed of Sarah L. Morse, on note dated June 2, for one year at 6 per cent,
4,000 00
16
13. Borrowed of Cambridge National Bank, on note dated June 13, on demand, at 6 per cent,
5,000 00
66
23. Borrowed of Tremont National Bank, on note dated June 23, four months, at 6 per cent, 5,000 00
July 17. Borrowed of Cambridge National Bank on demand, five days after notice, at 6 per ct.
5,000 00
Jan. 10. Borrowed of Mrs. Rebecca Carville, on demand, after ten days' notice, at 6 per ct. 750 00
Feb. 16. Borrowed of Cambridge National Bank, on demand, on account of Town Hall, etc., at 6 per cent, 4,200 00
$44.550 00
Dr.
Paid Warren Institution, note due March 16, $5,500 00
Paid Henry Partridge, note due May, 5,
2,500 00
Amount carried forward, $8,000 00
32
Amount brought forward, $8,000 00 Sept. 25. Paid Cambridge National Bank, demand note, dated Feb. 26, 1866, 5,000 00
Oct. 1. Paid Cambridge National Bank, demand note, dated June 13, 5,000 00
Oct. 8. Paid Cambridge National Bank, demand note, dated July 17, 5,000 00 1 Oct. 23. Paid Tremont National Bank, 4 months' note, of June 23, 5,000 00
Oct. 26. Paid D. R. Sortwell, demand note, dated May 17, 1865, 10,000 00
$38,000 00
INTEREST ACCOUNT.
Paid Warren Institution for Savings, 6 months' inter- est on $5,500, $165 00
Bunker Hill Fire Insurance Company, 6 months' interest on $21,000, 630 00
Warren Institution, 17 days' interest on $5,500, 18 70
Safety Fund Bank, six months' coupon on $14,- 400, 396 00
Henry Partridge, one year's interest on $2,500,
152 70
Warren Institution, 6 months' interest on $20,- 875, 574 06
Warren Institution, for 6 months' interest on $7,495, 215 48
Warren Institution, 6 months' interest on $5,000, 150 00
Martha Hadley, interest on $700, 7 00
Sarah B. Moore, interest on $4,000,
40 00
Cambridge National Bank, 6 months' interest on $10,000, 365 00
Tremont National Bank, discount on note of $5,000, 2 00
Amount carried forward, $2,715 94
.
33
Amount brought forward,
$2,715 94
Paid Margaret Crudden, 6 months' interest on $20,000, 550 00
Cambridgeport Savings Bank, 6 months' interest on $4,500, 135 00
Lucius R. Page, 6 months' interest on $1,500, 45 00
Mrs. Lucy Bell, 6 66 on $5,000, 150 00
Warren Institution, 6 months' interest on $12,- 000, 330 00
Warren Institution, 6 months' interest on $21,- 000, 630 00
Cambridge National Bank, 212 days' interest on $5,000, 212 00
Cambridge National Bank, 3 months, 17 days in- terest on $5,000, 89 16
Safety Fund Bank, coupon on $14,400,
396 00
Cambridge National Bank, 2 months, 21 days' interest on $5,000, 67 50
Warren Institution for Savings, 6 months' inter- est on $5,500, 200 75
Tremont National Bank, 4 months' interest on $5,000, 102 50
D. R. Sortwell, 162 days' interest on $10,000, 324 00
Warren Institution for Savings, 6 months" in- terest on $7,495,
215 48
Warren Institution for Savings, 6 months' inter- est on $20,875, 574 06
Lydia M. Fenno, 6 months' interest on $1,400,
51 10
J. M. Pinkerton, 6 months' interest on $7,000, 245 00
John Peabody, 1 year's interest on $2,500, 150 00
Warren Institution, 6 months' interest on $5,000, 150 00
Sarah L. Moore, 6 months' interest on $4,000,
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