USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > The history of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, from the year 1876 to the year 1916 > Part 7
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At about this time, too, their position was somewhat strength- ened by a temporarily unfortunate administration of the town's affairs. The selectmen, because of a slight and technical irreg- ularity in the drawing of jurors, had been forced publicly to dc- fend themselves against charges of laxness, and, indeed, their indictment at law was sought, a proceeding which disturbed the town hardly the less because it proved to be abortive.
In a special town meeting convened in September, 1888, a motion to apply for the third time to the legislature for a charter prevailed without objection; and it was noted as a good omen of harmonious non-partisanship that the moderator of the meeting, a Demoerat in politics, designated as a committee for the purpose one Democrat and four Republicans. These were Joseph Tucker, Thomas Barber, John C. Crosby, Emory H. Nash, and H. S. Russell. By them much of the work of prepar- ing a city charter was delegated to Mr. Crosby, who published the draft in the following December. It provided for a govern- mental body of two boards. Nine aldermen were to be chosen, one from each of six wards and three at large, while the lower board was to be composed of fifteen common councilmen, of whom the number to be chosen at large was three. Every order of either board was to be presented to the mayor, and for its passage over his veto a two-thirds vote of sueh board was to be requisite, or of both boards, when concurrent action was neces- sary. The concurrent vote of both bodies was to elect a board of public works of six members. The voters of the city were to elect a school committee of nine, one from each ward and three at large. This charter was submitted to the Commonwealth's committee on cities.
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It was now clearly apparent that Pittsfield was resolved to obtain a city charter of some kind. Within three years, senti- ment had sharply veered. The general impression seemed to be that a charter in almost any form was better than none at all. The suggestion that, at the cost of further delay, it might be wise to ascertain by vote of a town meeting the form of charter con- sonant with the wishes of the town, and to present it to the legis- lature with the endorsement of such a vote, was disagreeable to the impatient public mood. The situation was not without a certain menace; for the over-hurried electorate might accept hastily any charter offered to it by the General Court.
In February, 1889, the legislative committee at Boston held a hearing in the matter of the Pittsfield charter, and there the principle of elections at large to the city council was attacked by several Pittsfield remonstrants, led by Edward T. Slocum. When the charter finally emerged from the committee-room, three months afterward, it was altered radically from the draft prepared in Pittsfield, and was not, in several essentials, the charter asked for by the town's committee. The mayor was closely shorn of power. No members of the city council or of the school committee were to be elected at large. The board of public works was to consist of three members. One alderman, two members of the common council, and two school committee- men were to be elected from each of seven wards. In May the amended charter passed the legislature, a substitute in the origi- nal form having been offered in the lower house by a Pittsfield representative, Charles M. Wilcox, and having been rejectcd. Provision was made whereby the selectmen might submit the charter to the voters of the town, and a majority of the ballots actually cast should determine its acceptance.
This form of charter was not experimental. Having been devised for the city of Boston by Lemuel Shaw, the great chief justice, it was in successful operation in most of the cities of New England; and it was framed in accordance with the dual system of governmental checks and balances familiar to the mind of every American, and fortified by the examples of the bicameral legislative bodics of the Commonwealth and of the United States.
The selectmen announced that they would not arrange for a
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vote on the acceptance of the charter until "after haying time"; and in the meantime the document was earnestly assailed and as earnestly defended. Opponents of elections at large to the city council and to the school committee had grounded their be- lief firmly upon the argument that such a stipulation would allow to the political party locally dominant more than its just power in the municipal government. To this it was retorted that town officials had always been so chosen in Pittsfield without unfair results. But the fact was that the old town method in general was now precisely what most of the people were anxious to cast aside. They had obviously had enough of it. Its unfitness for existing conditions during the past year or two had become, in their estimation, especially apparent. The proposed city charter might, or might not, be defective, but at any rate there it was, a concrete thing. If they declined it, no man could say how long a time might elapse before another would be offered to them, nor could any man predict, with even the slightest degree of certainty, that another charter would be more generally ac- ceptable.
From both sides, accusations of partisan maneuvering, in and out of the State House, were launched without disturbing very much this sweeping undercurrent of public desire. Aca- demic discussion of the charter, pro and con, apparently excited only a half-hearted attention from the majority. Local men who now attempted to revive interest in the principle of a city council with a single board found it not easy to obtain an au- dience. The city government of Quincy, so chartered in 1888, had not then been tested; nor was it probable, had any lesson of experience been properly deducible from the workings of the Quincy charter in 1889, that the contemporary voters of Pitts- field would have considered it studiously.
Nevertheless, a number of men addressed themselves to the task of defeating the adoption by the town of the proposed char- ter. Their chief contention was that a single legislative board in the city government was sufficient. According to their view, the establishment of two co-ordinate bodies was likely to engen- der ineffectiveness, jealousy, and compromises. They maintained that most of the existing evils, which made desirable the change
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to a city, could be traced to the divided responsibility for cor- porate action between two co-ordinate bodies, the town and the fire district, and the numerous officials of each, who, having no common purpose, acted independently and often antagonistically; and they reasoned that any dual government of a small munici- pality was liable to similar defects. They would have simplified the municipal government, given more power to the mayor, and curtailed the duties of the board of public works, while with loyal affection they still clung to the principle of elections at large. Several of these opponents of the charter were strategically in a position of disadvantage. For nearly twenty years they had persistently advocated the change from town to city, and now, when for the first time the change was possible, they were as persistently endeavoring to postpone it. Moreover, they were of the Democratic party; the normal Democratic majority in the town was then supposed to be about three hundred; and every Democrat who favored city elections at large was of course open to the imputation of trying to entrench his party securely in the city council.
It was long "after haying time" when the selectmen sub- mitted the charter to the decision of the people. The day chosen was February eleventh, 1890. At the town hall, the polls were open for eight hours. The majority for the charter was 146, the figures being 932 in favor, and 786 opposed. About one-half of the registered voters cast ballots.
There had been avowed suspicion of political and partisan manipulation of the electorate, but analysis of the balloting showed that any attempts, which might have been made to control a party vote on the question, had been futile. Close ob- servers declared, without contradiction, that nearly as many Democrats as Republicans voted for the charter, and that a large number of Republicans voted against it. Because of the non- partisan character of the final decision, the town was disposcd to congratulate itself. But that one-half of the voters stayed away from the town hall was with reason held not to be a subject for felicitation. It was surmised, and doubtless correctly, that the majority of the absentees were in accord with the majority of those who went to the polls, so strong and general was the
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desire for a city government. The fact remains, however, that the new city was incorporated under a charter which had ob- tained the formal approval of only a little more than one-quarter of the voting population. In this respect the auspices were not favorable, and it was a misfortune that the new form of govern- ment had not been able to command the recorded support of more of the citizens of the town.
The city charter occasioned several somewhat perplexing questions of legal construction. It provided, for example, that it should become effective upon its acceptance; and it specified dates, the first Tuesday in December and the first Monday of the following January, for the election and the installation respec- tively of the members of the city government. The charter had been accepted in February. Pittsfield had then ceased technically to be a town, although eleven months must elapse before the inauguration of a mayor and council. The charter, of course, stipulated that existing town and fire district authori- ties should continue their functions during such an interregnum. But the official terms of most of the town and fire district officers would expire in April. Was it proper that they should continue in office, de facto, until January, 1891? If not, could Pittsfield, being no longer a town, lawfully elect town officers? With- out bringing this question to a direct issue, the dilemma was evad- ed by the re-election of the existing town and fire district officers at the annual April meetings in 1890.
Pittsfield's last regular town meeting was held on Monday, April seventh, 1890, and appropriately at the historic town hall, although on the following day it was adjourned to the Coliseum on North Street. The moderator was Joseph Tucker. The last board of selectmen was composed of William F. Harrington, George Y. Learned, and Eugene H. Robbins; and others who served the town during its final year were William M. Clark, Thomas E. Hall, and Gilbert West as assessors, Frederick H. Printiss as town clerk, Edward McA. Learned as collector of taxes, Erwin H. Kennedy as town treasurer, and Israel F. Ches- ley, William M. Mercer, Rev. William W. Newton, John C. Crosby, Peter P. Curtin, William W. Gamwell, Harlan H. Bal- lard, Max Rosenthal, and Ralph B. Bardwell as members of the
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THE CHANGE FROM TOWN TO CITY
school committee. At the last regular meeting of the Pittsfield fire district, William W. Whiting presided. The last principal officials, who transferred the affairs of the district to the city, were George W. Branch, who was chief engineer of the fire de- partment; Michael Casey, S. N. Russell, and Gilbert West, who were the prudential committee; F. W. Hinsdale, Charles E. Merrill, and C. T. Rathbun, commissioners of main drains and sidewalks; and E. N. Robbins, W. R. Plunkett, and John Feeley, who were water commissioners.
The board of selectmen divided the township into seven wards; and in the latter part of the year Pittsfield proceeded to consider the personal composition of its first city government. The importance of a worthy selection was generally recognized. A healthful disposition was manifested by the leaders of the political parties to make the first city administration as strong and efficient as possible; the newspapers urged the nomination of the most capable men who were willing to undertake the per- formance of official duty. In this spirit of civic patriotism was alleviated some of the dissatisfaction undeniably provoked by the acceptance of a charter in a form which did not enlist the approval of a large minority.
For mayor, the Republicans in caucus nominated Andrew J. Waterman, and the Democrats, Charles E. Hibbard. Both of the candidates were lawyers of distinguished experience. Neither of them had ever been officially connected with the town govern- ment, and their supporters pressed their claims without factional animosity or unfairness. The election, held on December sec- ond, 1890, resulted in the choice of Mr. Hibbard as the first mayor of the city. The first aldermen were Peter P. Curtin, Andrew J. White, Jabez L. Peck, David A. Clary, Charles I. Lincoln, Edward Cain, and C. C. Wright. The councilmen chosen were John Churchill, David Rosenhein, John J. Bastion, D. C. MacInnes, John M. Lee, George W. Smith, Edward T. Slocum, Joseph Foote, George T. Denny, H. W. Chapman, E. B. Mead, John R. Feeley, E. B. Wilson, and E. T. Lawrence. It is noticeable that, with a single exception, no member of the first city government had served in the final administration of the town and fire district governments. According to strict
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party lincs, the Republicans on joint ballot might command a majority of one votc.
The plans for the inaugural ceremonies of the new govern- ment were made by a committee appointed by a citizens' meet- ing, which named for this purpose Morris Schaff, William L. Adam, Joseph Tucker, William R. Plunkett, and William W. Whiting. This committee increased its membership to twenty- five and chose Joseph Tucker to be its chairman. The place of the inauguration was the Academy of Music. For the occasion, the auditorium was decorated elaborately, but with dignity; portraits of men who had served the town reliably and often in the distant past were conspicuously displayed; and the as- semblage which filled the hall to overflowing in the forenoon of Monday, January fifth, 1891, was affected at once by its environ- ment.
The suggestion from things seen, however, was not in the least needed to stir in the people a deep sense of the significance of the event which they had gathered to witness. To many men the passing of the town was like the inevitable departure, in the fullness of years and honor, of a venerated friend. The necessary end of the old order was charged for them with solem- nity and with regret. It closed definitely a chapter of their memories. They recalled with pride and fondness the story of the town of Pittsfield, of the sturdy democracy of her self- government, of the loyal efforts in her behalf to which she had been able to inspire her sons.
The impressive inaugural proceedings in the Academy were characterized by earnestness and simplicity. Joseph Tucker presided. In appropriate recognition of the identity of the town and the First Parish, in their early days, Rev. J. L. Jenkins was selected to offer prayer. The brief speech of the chairman sounded a significant note of warning. "This ancient town" said he, in the course of his remarks, "is passing away; sorrow- fully we await its last moments. When they come, let us cry, with loud acclaim, long live the city of Pittsfield. But I beg of you to remember that the history of American cities is not sav- ory, and that only in those where all the people take a lively in- terest in their welfare, and resolutely keep them free from na- tional politics, is a such a government a blessing".
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THE CHANGE FROM TOWN TO CITY
An address, long remembered by its hearers for its force and grace, was delivered by James M. Barker. "We are at home", he began. "We meet under happy auspices. We come with proud memories, high hopes, and with an inspiring purpose". The honorable record of Pittsfield was eloquently reviewed; and toward the conclusion of his address the speaker said:
"We come then, as we have the right, recounting the glories and virtues of the town. In our homes are peace and plenty. In our midst have long dwelt religion and education. Here are thrift and industry and prosperity. Here are noble, beneficent institutions, well founded, well tried, doing good work. Here are cheer and friendliness and good manners. Here have been shown bright examples of patriotism, of loyalty, and of devotion to the welfare of man. Here, today, is a people proud of the past, but filled with high ambition for the future. For ourselves and for our successors, we demand with confident expectation yet more and finer things. Each proud memory, each glory won, each blessing of today, is but the force, which, rightly used, shall raise us higher, make us better, richer.
"This is the lesson of the hour-that this community, hitherto well ordered and governed by itself, shall henceforth be well and faitlifully served by those to whom its government is now to be entrusted. That each shall bear in mind, for his inspiration and guidance, the fair story of the past, shall realize the priceless value of his trust, and in every act and thought be loyal to the common weal.
"Mr. Mayor, and you, honored aldermen and councilmen of the new city, it is because we believe that you have accepted service in this spirit, and will thus perform it, that you have been chosen to this new government. We are willing to commemorate this day because of our confidence that you and your successors will do well. That in your care and keeping the honor and wel- fare of the community are safe. That here shall ever be found a place beautiful by nature, made finer and better by your adornment-a people ever wiser, better, happier, more prosperous.
"This lesson is impersonal. It comes not from us, nor from those who have deputed us. It is the voice, the plea to you and your successors of all those, the dead, the living, those yet to live, identified with this community-nor of them alone-but of all those fine ideas and forces which are part of that which has been known as Pittsfield".
The orator, himself a frequent, capable, and loving servant of the old town, delivered the valedictory with quiet emotion;
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and of this there was no lack in his soberly minded and sympa- thetic auditors, for whom he secmed to be a spokesman rather than a protagonist. The oath of office to the first mayor was then administered by Henry W. Taft, clerk of the Superior Court. Mr. Hibbard's inaugural address was attuned to the same chord of courageous hopefulness which had vibrated throughout Judge Barker's farewell to the town. Said the mayor: "The record of the town of Pittsfield, just closed, is secure, the record of the City of Pittsfield is yet to be made. A record as distinguished and brilliant we are not justified in expecting, but a record no less honorable is possible, if we will but carry into the new system of local self-government the spirit of the old; if our public servants shall be animated by the same exalted purposes, the same honor- able ambitions, the same devotion to duty and to the best inter- ests of the city as were their predecessors, and if all our citizens shall unite in maintaining the same high standards of citizenship, which the fathers established and maintained."
Then followed Mr. Hibbard's compact and perspicuous state- ment of municipal assets, needs, and problems; and before his attentive auditors left the theater one advantage, at least, of their new form of government had been made apparent to them. Under the town system, it had been nobody's particular business to inform all of the voters, comprehensively and with authority, of public concerns. The printed reports of the various inde- pendent officials of the town and fire district had never been an- nually consolidated, and often they had been fragmentary and ill-arranged by men inexperienced in the expressive marshaling of facts and figures. The oral information, given by them in town meeting, was customarily that merely which was elicited by debate or by such questions as might happen to be asked. The lucid inaugural address, therefore, of the first mayor opened the eyes of many persons; it is probable that scores of people in the hall had never before realized completely the full extent of the public activities, their interrelation, and their demands.
The beneficial effect of the inaugural exercises upon the community spirit was far more profound than that usually produced by such ceremonies. Whether by accident or by de- sign, they reconciled and encouraged those who had been dis-
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THE CHANGE FROM TOWN TO CITY
turbed and, in some cases, disheartened by the agitation incident to the acceptance of the charter and by the uncertain prospect of the new government. The high moral tone, which marked the proceedings, gratified everybody, and was rightfully deemed significant. Not only had sentiments of reminiscence and civic aspiration been adequately voiced and responsively greeted; but also the practical, workaday, common sense of the citizens had been satisfied by a business-like and comprehensive report of their affairs. The baptism of the city was propitious.
It remained to add the proper note of social congratulation, and in the evening of the same day a public inaugural ball was the event at the Academy of Music. The city, through a com- mittee of which William G. Backus was chairman, conducted its first family party on a large and hospitable scale. Those who attended it are fond of recalling the way in which it appropriately blended old and new fashions of enjoyment, as if to suggest the merging of an ancient town and a modern municipality. The then modish waltz and polka alternated with the square dances of village times; Captain Israel C. Weller, of genial memory, was persuaded to call of, in rural style, the figures of a quadrille; supper was served at the American House across the street; and festivity reigned.
CHAPTER VI
PHASES OF THE CITY'S GROWTH
T HE assumption by Pittsfield of the title of city had some- what the same subjective effect which had been exerted upon local pride twenty years before by the establishment of the town as the county seat; for it was vaguely believed by many good citizens in 1891, quite as it had been in 1871, that the possession of a more sounding title assured the possession of a more accelerated welfare. Indeed, if one is so fancifully minded as to push the analogy between the two events in another direc- tion, his whimsical curiosity may be rewarded. The establish- ment of Pittsfield as the county seat was preceded by a period of great prosperity, and it chanced to be followed by hard times; while the final years of the town were those of industrial buoy- ancy, and the new city was soon to be confronted by the general business depression throughout the country of the early nineties of the last century.
Part of a paper read in Pittsfield in 1870 before the Monday Evening Club is here relevant. The paper was a protest against the idea that prosperity was attainable without effort, and through the decrees either of fortune or of the legislature in Bos- ton. "The future growth of Pittsfield", declared the writer, "will in a great measure depend upon the increase of those manu- facturing and mechanical employments not requiring much water power. One large factory would do more for the permanent prosperity of this town than our new court house." It was pre- cisely along these lines that the welfare of the town was develop- ing in 1891; and the possession of the title of city had little direct bearing upon that welfare.
In the history of Pittsfield for the quarter-century after 1890, the essential fact was not its new form of government, but its material growth, due in chief to the development of non-textile
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PHASES OF THE CITY'S GROWTH
manufacturing, and especially of the manufacturing of electrical appliances. The twenty-five years after 1890 saw the popula- tion increase from 17,252 to 39,607, and the number of dwellings from 2,735 to 6,022.
This rapid rate of gain is by no means remarkable in the history of our younger American cities, but in the individual case of Pittsfield it was surprising. Pittsfield, for one hundred years prior to 1890, had been a thriving town, according to the New England standard. The civic mind had become accustomed to a certain easy rate of increase in population. The average rate of increase for each decade of the nineteenth century was about twenty-five per cent., although the percentage of gain was fifty- six between 1840 and 1850, when railroad connections were first established. For the decade ending in 1910, the rate of increase was forty-seven per cent., and larger than that of any other city in Massachusetts, except New Bedford. The growth of the property resources was even more marked and precipitate. The federal census authorities stated the value of the city's manufactured products to be $5,753,546 in 1899 and $15,215,202 in 1909.
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