USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1898 > Part 3
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
including the collection of ashes and offal, has shown steady improvement. The members of the Board of Health are honored citizens, devoted to the interests in their charge.
STREET WATERING.
In the matter of street watering, I would recommend that the present policy of watering seven days in the week, when necessary, be continued. It has been said that the men and horses should not be required to work seven days a week. As a fact they do not average at street watering during the season more than five days, and on Sundays and holidays street water- ing in a city like Somerville is most needed. This particular department has a good equipment, capable of very effective work. While the streets during the past year have been better cared for than in previous years, there is a chance for improvement in street watering. Especially is it necessary to guard against the excessive use of water, and the application of water when the streets do not need it,- practices which it is often easier to describe than to prevent, considering the meth- ods of doing the work.
STREET LIGHTING.
The question of street lighting will probably not vex your honorable bodies during the present year, as it has in the past year or two. Within a few days a two-years' contract has been made with the Somerville Electric Light Company for at least 361 arc lamps at $110 per year, and at least 212 incandescent lamps at $25 and $35 per year. Contracts were also made for about 120 Welsbach gas lamps. There has been a great deal of controversy over the superiority of the Welsbach or incan- descent lamps. A sufficient number, however, of both kinds are now in use to judge of their comparative merits.
GRADE CROSSINGS.
Probably in the near future the question of abolishing all grade crossings on the line of the Fitchburg Railroad in this city will be agitated, constituting one of the gravest problems which now confront the city. During the past year consider- able work was done by the City Engineer's department in this
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
direction, in conjunction with the Chief Engineer of the Fitchburg railroad, and rough plans and designs have already been made by the railroad company. The need of relief is greatest at Somerville avenue; the next in importance is the Webster avenue crossing. Besides the element of danger, valuable time is lost at these crossings by having to wait for shifting or passing trains. The matter should be thoroughly investigated as soon as possible, as the longer the delay the more expensive will be the improvement.
On the line of the Lexington and Arlington branch of the Boston & Lowell railroad, the grade crossings at the few inter- secting streets could be abolished at the present time at a com- paratively small expense, while the land at most of these points is unobstructed by buildings. As the city pays only ten per cent. of the entire cost of this work, the income from the increased valuation in these localities, it is thought, would soon equal the original outlay. The proposed relocation of the West Somerville station and changes in the highways, it is under- stood, will materially diminish the dangers and inconveniences at Davis square, and perhaps answer the question as to the blind crossing at Thorndike street.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
While the City Council has little to do with the direct man- agement or control of the public schools, its members have more than a personal interest in them, for the reason that the appropriations for this important department are made by your honorable bodies. In a measure, we are held responsible for the prosperity of the schools, whatever authority we may have in the spending of the money. For these reasons, I would advise a most careful attention to such questions relating to schools and schoolhouses as may come from time to time to your consideration. The public schools will always demand the largest single part of the annual appropriations, and the present tendency is to increase their proportion of the whole expend- iture.
I would not for one moment suggest that the schools be curtailed in the grand work which they accomplish. Never- theless, I think we should carefully scrutinize the expenditures
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
that come within our control. We must remember that Somer- ville cannot compete with Boston or Brookline, or one or two other of our wealthy neighbors, in providing educational advan- tages. We must do the best we can, but we cannot build the handsome schoolhouses or hope to pay the generous salaries offered by these cities I have mentioned. As it is now, we stand close to the leaders in all these respects, and the great majority of cities and towns are far behind us. It must ever be a source of regret to lose teachers who are offered higher salaries to go elsewhere, but more or less of that is to be expected. It is largely a sign of progress and growth on the part of the teacher. While one or two cities are inducing our best teachers to leave us by more liberal offers, we are pursuing the same policy in respect to the others. Our city becomes a step in the professional advancement of the teachers.
During the past year the Martin W. Carr schoolhouse on Beech street has been completed and occupied. It adds fifteen classrooms to our accommodations, but does not wholly relieve the needs of the district. For the complete relief of the Spring hill and West Somerville district, the Burns schoolhouse on Cherry street should be enlarged by the addition of four rooms. Any greater enlargement would create a new grammar school centre and entail a needless annual expense of $1,500 upon the city. This addition would dispense with the use of the Cedar street building, an antiquated structure, which ought long ago to have been abandoned.
A beginning has been made on the construction of a six- room building on Washington street, near Dane street, which will relieve the needs of the Prospect hill district, and, to a slight extent, those in the Spring hill district. The complete renovation of the interior of the Forster schoolhouse has again made this building one of the best in the city. To meet the need of immediate relief in the Winter hill district, the Super- intendent of Schools recommends the erection of a six-room building on the Forster schoolhouse lot. The location, he argues, is central, the land adequate, and the cost of adminis- tration in such a school would be the least possible.
An additional boiler and a complete heating and ventilating apparatus have been furnished at the Prescott schoolhouse.
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
The drawing room at the English high schoolhouse has been increased nearly fifty per cent. in size by the inclusion of a corridor. This practically ends the chance of extending the much needed accommodations within the present walls. It is to be regretted that so new a building should need alteration, and that, once erected, it could not have been sufficient for many years to come. Nevertheless, larger accommodations are needed, and will be demanded more and more till the addition, which may be by one or two northerly wings, is made. If any relief can be afforded through administrative changes or com- binations with the other high school in certain branches of instruction, or by use of the building more hours in the week, we trust that every effort will be made before it is necessary to go to the expense of altering the present sightly building by an unsightly addition.
Before leaving the present subject, I would like to speak of the high character of the men who compose our School Board. They are men of exceptional ability, who give their best thought to the work in hand. The Superintendent and the teachers are also deserving of praise for their faithful efforts in behalf of the young people.
PARKS AND BOULEVARDS.
The parks of Somerville, though small, are among the most beautiful anywhere in the suburbs. Historical associations in a marked degree are also connected with them, making them all the more objects of pride to our inhabitants. The year 1898 will be memorable by the addition of another historic and sightly spot to our park system, by the purchase of a part of the vacant land on Prospect hill.
Under the authority of an act of the Legislature, approved May 27, 1898, about one and one-third acres of land on the southwesterly side of Munroe street, known as the Thompson lot, was purchased for $20,000 and the taxes for 1898. I believe that the people of Somerville congratulate themselves upon this purchase, and that the city has been freed from the criticism of allowing so sacred a spot to remain unpreserved. The purchase of the remaining land authorized by the Legislature and the
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
proper development of the park are matters for future consid- eration.
Plans were adopted early last year for the laying out of Lincoln park in Ward 2, and the roadway, 1,220 feet long, has been subgraded and considerable progress made on the athletic field. According to the original agreement, the roadway must be macadamized by July 1 of the present year. When this park, which includes the old Wyatt pit property, has been finally completed and the pit filled, one of the most useful combina- tions of park and playground will be offered to the crowded population of this side of the city. During the recent cold weather the athletic field, as well as the Broadway park pond, has been flooded for skating, a practice which I most heartily approve.
In the matter of boulevard construction, we are also in the midst of a period of transition. Within a few weeks the grand Middlesex Fellsway, from the Fells to the Mystic avenue end of the Broadway park, has been completed and opened to travel, and this, through an agreement made a few days ago between the Metropolitan Park Commission and the City of Somerville, will soon be extended by way of Winthrop and Chauncey avenues to Broadway. The completion of this boulevard will give Somerville a share in the enjoyment of the great Metro- politan Park and Boulevard system, for which we have long been paying without adequate return.
The value of this and similar improvements cannot be esti- mated. Coming generations may, for the most part, take them as a matter of course, but the wiser ones will bless the wisdom and foresight of the present.
It is a pleasure to state that the prospects are good for the preservation by the State of the banks of the Mystic river, from Mystic lake to Wellington bridge, and for the construction of a boulevard along its shores. The Metropolitan Park Commission has secured options on the land, and has reserved sufficient money for the takings, although the appropriation is not by any means sufficient to construct the boulevard. Likewise in the proposed scheme for a boulevard connecting the Fellsway with the Revere Beach Reservation, the commission has reserved
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
enough money to cover the takings. In neither case have the lands been taken, but it is to be hoped that they will be at no distant day.
The project of a boulevard from Powder House square to the Medford line, and thence in Medford, to connect with the Mys- tic Valley Parkway at Mystic lake, has been considered the past year by the Committee on Public Grounds. The route would be through the lands of the Trustees of Tufts College, and several other owners, crossing Curtis and North streets and skirting the shore of Alewife brook to the Mystic pumping sta- tion, and thence across the river into Medford. The committee has recently reported that all but one or two of the owners are willing to release the land, and are anxious that the project should be carried through as soon as possible, and the commit- tee recommends that petition be made to the Legislature for an act giving the city the necessary authority to take the land and lay out a boulevard, as suggested.
Upon the proper development of that section depends, to a large extent, the future welfare of our city. A great tract of land stands ready to be opened up for building purposes. A good boulevard, with suitably laid out intersecting streets, would determine the future of that section, and increase the valuation, adding a class of houses which would tend to lower the burdens of taxation and municipal expenditure. Such a boulevard would prevent a repetition of the mistakes made in the haphazard development and consequent deterioration of some older sec- tions of the city. It would also give us a direct and scenic con- nection with the beautiful parkway extending along the Mystic lakes. I would recommend that a petition for the statutory authority be prepared and sent to the incoming Legislature at an early date.
BEAUTIFYING THE CITY.
I have already mentioned a number of important improve- ments which ought to be undertaken. Believing, however, that in the smaller things we can benefit the people quite as much as in the larger ones, I would like to make a few additional suggestions.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
Scattered about in different sections are several lots of land owned by the city, but left in an unsightly condition. Such plots of ground as the lot on Glen street, the old Webster school- house lot on Webster avenue, the city farm, and the Harvard schoolhouse lot on Beacon street could, at small expense, be improved and made attractive, instead of repulsive, in their appearence.
Greater attention should be paid to setting out trees on our streets. Nothing so adds to the beauty of a city at a minimun expense as the planting of shade trees. The work should be done now rather than that the present and future generations should suffer from our neglect. Once set out, the trees should be protected against the destructiveness of horses left standing near them by careless drivers.
Greater care should be used in keeping the streets clean. I believe in the policy of stationing men in different sections of the city with their push carts, and leaving to them the duty of keeping their precincts in suitable condition. Rag pickers should not be allowed to interfere with ash barrels on the side- walks, and other restrictions should be made to prevent the littering of our highways. The citizens should be urged to take great precautions to this end, and, in keeping things neat and tidy, the city should set the example to the people. A few hundred dollars will go a great way in the directions I have enumerated, and the effect will be an appreciation of property values and a happier civic life.
SOMERVILLE AND CAMBRIDGE BOUNDARY LINE.
Early last year a petition was presented to the Legislature, by the City of Cambridge, for a readjustment of the line between that city and Somerville. The matter, however, was allowed to rest, pending conferences by committees of the two City Councils and the City Engineer. After long and careful consideration, everything was practically decided upon between the two cities, on the lines of a plan submitted by the Cam- bridge committee, but the order was vetoed by the Mayor of Cambridge, and the subject was allowed to drop. All the arguments which have previously been made as to the inconve- nience of the present boundary line remain in force, and it is to
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
be hoped that a final arrangement may be agreed upon by the two cities in the near future.
BROWN-TAIL MOTH.
The insect pest known as the brown-tail moth, which sud- denly put in its appearance in 1897, and did great damage to fruit trees in some sections of the city and in Cambridge, threatening to become as grievous a nuisance as the gypsy moth, is now being exterminated.
Under the first law owners were required to remove the pest from their premises. The people responded as well as could have been expected, and the highway and public grounds departments also did effective work. During the past year the insect had spread its operations from the fruit trees to all kinds of shade trees and shrubs. The method of destruction proving inadequate, an act was passed by the Legislature of 1898, making it the duty of the State Board of Agriculture to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of the pest, and confer- ring upon that board the same power given it by law for the extermination of the gypsy moth, with authority to expend $10,000 on the work. Within a few weeks operations have commenced, and are now making commendable progress.
SOMERVILLE HOSPITAL.
The Somerville Hospital is a most worthy institution, and should receive the encouragement of every citizen. It is, in a measure, a charitable organization, and must depend largely upon public beneficence for support. The management is composed of twenty-eight of our leading and public-spirited citizens, who are thoroughly devoted to its interests.
There is also a Ladies' Aid Association, which renders valuable assistance financially, and in many other ways helps the hospital by devoting a great amount of time and energy to the work.
With the present careful management, and with the revenue from city patients, the hospital comes nearer to paying its way than at any time since its inception.
The number of cases treated for which the city has paid expenses during the year is seventy-nine, and the amount paid
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
for the service, $3,134.76. I would recommend a continuation of the present liberal policy toward this deserving object.
ARMORY.
For the erection of an armory the sum of $15,000 was appropriated by the last city council. Transfers were made from this appropriation, leaving an unexpended balance of about $10,000. On account of existing circumstances and the possibility that the State will take action in the matter of armories, no recommendation is needed at this time.
DEATH IN OUR MIDST.
While the health of the city has been excellent on the whole during the past year, the death angel has been a frequent visitor among our leading citizens. One of these was our lamented friend, Ex-Mayor Mark F. Burns, who died last January, after a long illness. It was my very good fortune to be a member of the common council during the last two years of his adminis- tration ; and as president of the council during the last year, I came into close and frequent relations with him. Ex-Mayor
Burns was a man who honored the city of Somerville and the cause of good municipal government in every office that he held. Men who possess his ability and integrity, and are willing to sacrifice business interests and comforts for the public service, are too rarely found. His conception of public duty and his career as a citizen and official are worthy of our emulation.
The city of Somerville sustained another severe loss in the death of its librarian, John S. Hayes. His work in the cause of education, first as a public school teacher for many years, and latterly as the one who brought our public library to its present high standing, has had an important effect on the life of a large number of our citizens. Mr. Hayes was a conscientious and faithful public servant, who united ability and zeal in his work, and whose career has left a permanent impress for good on the life of our municipality.
Others whom I should mention are Ezra D. Souther, a valued member of the Board of Overseers of the Poor and
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
former councilman and alderman ; Franklin Henderson, one of our oldest residents, and formerly superintendent of streets ; Edward Foote, a prominent citizen, who was at one time a member of the Mystic Water Board ; and J. Leland Norcross and Gershom T. Burnham, who served four years each in the city council.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Considering its cost, and the good it accomplishes, the Pub- lic Library is one of our most beneficial institutions. It is a matter of congratulation that the vacancy caused by the loss of a man so valuable to the city as the late John S. Hayes has been filled by the selection of Sam Walter Foss to guide its destinies. Mr. Foss has brought to his new position a breadth of learning, literary reputation, and a talent for painstaking, genial work. Already he has brought honor to the city, and is helping to popularize and extend the usefulness of the institution to a marked degree. We have a working library which is a credit to the city, but it will need increased appropriations if it is to continue the same measure of usefulness. One special feature of the recent work will deserve mention. That is the recent opening of the juvenile room, by which hundreds of boys and girls from all parts of the city are provided with intellectual amusement. In this, as well as in the other lines of work, the Librarian and Trustees should be encouraged. They urge the necessity during the coming year of additional appropriations for such needs as a card catalogue, books for the children's room, more books to aid in the excellent practice of distribu- ting books among the schools, increase of clerical assistance in the matter of a proposed opening of the library three additional evenings per week, music department, and the general purchase of new books to keep pace with the best literature of the day.
The plan to open the library more evenings during the week I would most heartily approve. For this and for some of the other reasons mentioned, I would recommend such increase in the appropriation as the resources will permit. The appropria- tion last year was $7,500, in addition to the dog tax, and the library authorities consider that this year $9,000 will be necessary.
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ANNUAL REPORTS.
CITY CHARTER.
The City Charter question will come before you at an early day, having been referred to the City Council of 1899 at the closing meeting of last year's city council. I very strongly favor a revision of the city charter along modern lines. The old patched and amended charter now in force is inadequate to present conditions. One of the great needs of Somerville, I believe, is the giving of more responsibility and authority to the heads of departments, which will result in the end in more efficient service. The question will also come up in the Legis- lature, the report of the citizens' charter commission made last winter having been referred to the next General Court. With the city council and the citizens' committee preparing drafts, it seems as if a suitable and modern charter could be prepared, which would be approved by the Legislature and accepted by the people. If consideration is given to the subject by your honorable bodies, it should be within the next few weeks, so that the draft may be presented in due season to the Legislature.
Gentlemen of the City Council : -
The different departments which I have described, and the problems suggested, all pertain to a business corporation. They must all be handled with the same care that we would bestow upon a private business concern, with the added responsibility that we are trustees or directors not merely for ourselves, but for the thousands who have selected us to do their work.
I have perfect confidence that you will be willing to per- form your part in this business management. I feel sure that we shall work in harmony for one object only, to merit the approval of our citizens. Most of you have had experience in these duties and are aware of the long hours of confinement and study. You will be called upon to decide difficult and perplexing questions, it may be, effecting the interests of your best friends. In all such cases let us not hesitate to take our stand for the best interests of the whole city according to our best knowledge and belief on every occasion. I ask you for your hearty co-operation in working for the honor and welfare
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MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
of our city, and I pledge you every assistance within my power. You will be obliged at times to decide adversely to the ยท wishes of some of your constituents for desirable improvements which you feel cannot be afforded this year.
Our tax rate is too high. Nothing catches the public ear as quickly as the tax rate. People looking for a home make that one of their first inquiries. The same is true of the manufacturer, the investor, the merchant. Other cities use this point against us, and urge the investing with them to save taxes.
I would not advise so much economy in any department this year that it would require extra expenditure next year. That would be no saving. We do not want to impair the efficiency of any department by too much economy, neither do we want any expenses approaching extravagance. Our policy should be so conducted that the present high tax rate of $17.90 should be materially reduced. I believe we can do it. Believing that economy has been the one prominent issue in our election, I feel that we shall carry out the wishes of the people only by constantly keeping this principle in mind.
MAYOR'S VALEDICTORY ADDRESS.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE.
IN BOARD OF ALDERMEN, Dec. 31, 1898.
ORDERED : That the valedictory address delivered by His Honor the Mayor, before the City Council, December 28, 1898, be, and it hereby is referred to the next City Council, with a request that it may be printed with the annual reports for the current year.
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