USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1917 > Part 2
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on his bond from any loss caused by the failure of any National Bank or Trust Company in which the funds of the Town may be on deposit with the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
Article 5. Voted to consider this Article in connection with all other Articles in the warrant.
The following preamble and resolutions were presented by James T. Stevens :
WHEREAS the Commissioners of Norfolk County have de- cided to erect and maintain a building on a piece of land within the watershed of Great Pond, to be used as a Tuberculosis Hospital said pond being used as a domestic water supply for the inhabit- ants of Braintree, be it therefore
RESOLVED: That the citizens of Braintree in Town meeting assembled believing that the maintenance, of such an institution would be a menace to the health conditions and a detriment to the interests of the Town, protest against the action of the County Commissioners.
RESOLVED: That the Board of Water Commissioners be instructed to use all possible means in their power to prevent the County Commissioners from carrying out their plans.
RESOLVED: That a copy of this protest be entered in the records of this meeting and a copy sent to each member of the Board of County Commissioners and a copy to the State Health Commissioner. Voted unanimously to adopt the foregoing Pream- ble and resolutions.
George H. Holbrook presented the report of the Committee on Central Fire Station. Voted to receive the report, and lay it on the table until Article 19 is reached.
The Finance Committee presented their report in print. Voted to receive the report and act on the several articles as they occur in the warrant.
Article 6. Voted to appropriate :
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
For salary of Moderator
. $25.00
Salary of Selectmen 600.00
Clerical help and other expenses 450.00
Salaries of Auditors
.150.00
Salaries of Treasurer 525.00
Expenses of Treasurer 100.00
Bond of Treasurer 120.00
Salary of Tax Collector 600.00
Expenses of Tax Collector 200.00
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Bond of Tax Collector . 300.00
Salaries of Assessors 750.00 Clerical help and other expenses 600.00 Salary of Town Clerk 650.00 Vital statistics and expenses of Town Clerk 250.00
Legal expenses 250.00
Registrations and Elections
Salaries of Board of Registrars 150.00
Election Officers and other Expenses 1100.00
TOWN HALL
Article 8. Salary of Janitor $550.00 Maintenance of the Town Hall (plus income) 300.00
Article 9. Indefinitely postponed (Motion to substitute an appropriation for seats) not carried.
Article 10. Voted to grant the Braintree Board of Trade the use of a room in Town House, without charge.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Article 11 and 12. Voted to consider Articles 11 and 12 in conjunction.
Voted, that any police service required by the Water Depart- ment, School Department, or any other department of the Town should be taken up directly with the Chief of Police and all pay- ments for such service be made directly to the Police Department; and also all charges such as witness fees, transportation expenses etc., allowed by the Court, be paid directly to the Police Depart- ment and turned into the treasury of the Town. Also' that the Police Department be required to collect all dog taxes without charge.
Voted to appropriate:
For salary of Chief of Police $1200.00
Salaries of Patrolman
3400.00
General expenses 200.00
Court expenses 300.00
Article 13. Indefinitely postponed (a motion to substitute acceptance of the Civil Service for report of Committee, not carried).
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Article 17. Indefinitely postponed.
Article 20. Voted to appropriate: For repairs and altera- tions to the Franklin Street Engine House $275.00
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Articles 14-15-16-18. Voted, to consider Articles 14, 15, 16, 18 together:
Voted to appropriate:
For the Chief of the Fire Department $1300.00
Fire Engineers at North and East Braintree 70.00
Two Stewards at North and East Braintree 150.00
Sixty Call Men from Jan. 1st to Apr. 1st 300.00 Forty-five Call Men from Apr. 1st to Dec. 31st 675.00
One permanent man at the rate of $900 per year April 1st to December 31st 675.00 Sixty-three Poll Taxes for 1917 remitted 126.00
General Expenses, including $300 for the employ-
ment of Qualey's Truck at the Central Ga- rage, North Braintree and $200 for balance of year for employment of Hollis' Truck at East Braintree and $1000 to motorize one hook and ladder truck 2400.00
For extra pay of Firemen at 50c per hour
Purchase of Hose 500.00
Water used by Fire Department (hydrant service) . 600.00
500.00
Article 19. Indefinitely postponed.
Article 21. For salary of Superintendent of Fire Alarm
Removal of trouble from Fire Alarm System $200.00
400.00
Renewals of apparatus and wiring including 5 miles of
line wire, one new whistle valve and storage battery materials 255.00
Voted to appropriate the sum of 125.00 for the purchase of one extra Fire Alarm Box of the' latest pat- tern, succession type, and that the Superintendent of Fire Alarm be instructed to have each box on the System taken down and cleaned and replaced at least once every year using extra box, without interruption of service.
Voted that in the future all Fire Alarm Boxes purchased, be of the Full Non-Interfering Succession Type and of the very latest pattern.
Article 22. Voted, that a box be placed on Pond St. near Granite St. at a point to be determined by the Chief of the Fire Dept. and that the sum of $185.00 be appropriated for the same.
INSPECTION
Article 23. Voted to appropriate
For salary of Sealer of Weights and Measures $300.00
Other expenses
75.00
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FORESTRY
Article 24. Voted to appropriate
For suppression of Gypsy and Brown Tail Moths $2500 00
Forest fires 400 00
Care and trimming of trees 500.00
HEALTH
Article 25. For salaries including salary' of Secre-
tary of Board of Health
$350 00
Other expenses
100.00
Printing 175.00
Fumigation 200.00
Inspection of animals
100 00
Inspection of meats and provisions
300.00
Inspection of milk 100.00
Vital statistics 50 00
Contagious diseases 400.00
Inspection of plumbing 300.00
Care of dumps
100.00
Article 26. For collection of garbage
200.00
SANITATION
Article 27. Voted, that a committee of 7 be appointed to consider the subject of sewerage and report not later than the next annual meeting, and that $100.00 be appropriated for expenses.
Article 28. Indefinitely postponed.
Article 29. Voted to appropriate $700.00 to build a drain in Hall Avenue.
Article 30. Indefinitely postponed.
Article 31. Indefinitely postponed.
Article 32. Indefinitely postponed.
Article 33. Voted to appropriate $700.00 to extend the drain in Pearl Street.
HIGHWAYS
Article 34. Voted, to appropriate :
For salaries of Surveyors of Highways $600.00
General repairs on highways, bridges, sidewalks, stone roads, watering and oiling streets ..... 18,000.00 (Plus abutters tax, excise tax, and street railway tax.) Motion to reconsider above vote, not carried.
For removal of snow .2000.00
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Street lighting 6525.00
Cierical help and other expenses 175.00
Article 35. Voted, to authorize the Selectmen to enter into a contract with the Mass. Highway Commission to construct a State highway on Granite, Franklin and Washington Streets be- tween the Quincy Line and the piece contracted for in 1916 and appropriate for the same $5,000 on condition that the State shall expend at least 10,000 on the same.
Voted, to indemnify the Commonwealth against claims for land damages on account of said layout and construction.
Voted to reappropriate the sum of $5,000.00 to carry out the contract of 1916 relative to Washington St.
Article 36. Voted to accept Elm Knoll Road and appro- priate $200.00.
Article 37. Voted, to accept Wyman Road, leading northerly from Webster Road.
Article 38. Voted, to accept Wilmarth Road, leading north- erly from Webster Road.
Article 39. Voted, to accept Wilson Avenue, leading east- erly from Middle Street.
Article 40. Indefinitely postponed.
Article 41. Voted, to instruct the Selectmen to lay out as a Town way, May Street, so called, leading westerly from Hobart Street, and report at next annual meeting.
Article 42. Voted to appropriate $650.00, to build a new bridge on Union St. over the Monatiquot River.
Article 43. Indefinitely postponed.
Article 44. Indefinitely postponed. (Betterment Act.)
CHARITIES
Article 45. Voted, to appropriate :
For salaries of Overseers of the Poor $600.00
Clerical help and other expenses 500.00
Maintenance of the Braintree Home 2335 00 Outside relief 3500.00
(Plus reinbursements from other Cities and Towns.)
Article 46. Voted to appropriate $1,500.00, to be expended under Chap. 763, Acts of 1913.
SOLDIERS BENEFITS
Article 47. Voted to appropriate $2,500.00, for State Aid and Soldiers' Burials (not included in tax levy).
Soldiers' Relief $800.00
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Article 78. Taken up. Voted, that the Town Clerk appoint a Committee of 7 to investigate the increased fares on the Bay State Street Railway within the Town of Braintree, confer with the Public Service Commission of Massachusetts in regard to securing a reconsideration of the matter; also to investigate the entire relations between the Town of Braintree and the Bay State Street Railway and submit their report to this Town Meeting. The Town Clerk appointed as that Committee Paul Monaghan, Charles B. Cummings, Courtenay Atkinson, William F. Rogers, Charles F. Cavanagh, Henry N. Longley and Charles O. Miller.
Article 48. Motion of William W. Gallagher to lay on the table Articles 48 to 54 inclusive.
Voted that this meeting do now adjourn until Monday, March 19, at 7.45 o'clock P. M.
A true record. Attest :
H. A. MONK, Town Clerk.
Town Hall, Braintree, March 19, 1917.
The Town met in accordance with adjournment from March 12th. The meeting was called to order by the Moderator at 7.45 o'clock P. M.
Article 48. The motion to lay this Article on the table was withdrawn.
Article 5. On motion of Mr. Steadman, a committee of 3 was appointed to draft resolutions on the death of the late Ellis Hol- lingsworth consisting of J. H. Stedman, William Gallagher, H. A. Bryant.
The Committee appointed at the last : meeting to in- vestigate fares on the Bay State Street Railway rendered a report with recommendations. (See files in Town Clerk's Office). Voted to accept the report. Voted, that the same Committee be con- tinued in office to carry out their recommendations and report at next Annual Meeting.
Article 48. Voted, that if necessary for the support of the Public Schools the School Committee are authorized, for this year only to increase the pay of those teachers receiving $700 or less per annum; $25 in addition to any automatic raise due them this year. Voted to' appropriate :
For salaries of teachers and superintendent .$48,400.00
(Plus dog tax and school fund.)
Salary of Janitors 5,445.00
Text books and supplies 3,500.00
Repairs and incidentals 1,500.00
Incidentals
1,250.00
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Fuel 2,900.00
Transportation 1,700.00 Insurance 1,519.20
Article 18. Voted that a Committee of 7 be appointed to plan the reorganization of the Fire Dept. and report at a special meeting not later than the next Annual Meeting. William P. Kel- ley, John T. Powers, William D. Aitkin, James E. Folsom, Thomas E. Sears, Harry A. Simonds, Fred L. Hayden, appointed as that Committee.
Article 5. Motion to increase the School Committee to 9 members.
At 10.10 o'clock meeting adjourned to Monday, March 26, at 7.45 o'clock P. M.
A true record. Attest:
H. A. MONK, Town Clerk.
Town Hall, Braintree, March 26, 1917.
In accordance with adjournment from March 19, the Town met and the meeting was opened by the Moderator at 7.55 o'clock P. M. Introductory remarks by the Moderator led to the offering on behalf the Braintrree Board of Trade by Atherton N. Hunt, Esq., the following:
RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS the Imperial German Government has forbidden to our people the exercise of their peaceful and legitimate er- rands on the high seas; and Whereas the President of the United States has severed diplomatic relations with Germany; and
WHEREAS, the Congress has been ordered by the President to convene on the second day of April next in extraordinary ses- sion, to consider matters of grave and important National con- cern; be it
RESOLVED by the Citizens of Braintree, Massachusetts in Town Meeting assembled,
FIRST: That we commend the President for his uncomprom- ising stand in severing diplomatic relatons with Germany;
SECOND: That we rely upon the President to protect Amer- ican citizens and American ships in their acknowledged rights on the high seas;
THIRD: That we urge upon the President the great import- ance of immediate and thorough provision against the chances of war and against aggression from any source whatsoever;
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FOURTH: That while we desire peace we stand by the motto of our Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are willing, if necessary, to "seek peace by the sword under liberty;"
FIFTH: That we pledge to the President our loyal support in any action that he may take to maintain the rights of the United States and of all her citizens:
SIXTH: That a certified copy of these resolutions under the corporate seal of the Town be forwarded to the President of the United States.
Voted, to adopt the foregoing resolutions, the vote was taken by rising and was unanimous.
Voted: That the Board of Selectmen, the Moderator of this meeting and fifteen citizens selected by the Selectmen and Moder- ator be appointed and constituted a Committee on Public Safety with full power to appoint such, sub-committees as may be ne- cessary for the protection of our Town, our homes and our indus- tries, this Committee to serve for one year without pay unless otherwise ordered by the Town at a duly called town meeting.
Voted: That any officer of Co. K., 5th Regiment, State Mili- tia here present be granted the privilege of addressing the meet- ing.
The meeting was a very enthusiastic one, interspersed with patriotic speeches and music.
At 10 o'clock it was voted to adjourn to Monday, April 2, at 7.45 o'clock P. M.
A true record. Attest :
H. A. MONK, Town Clerk.
Town Hall, Braintree, April 2, 1917.
The Town met in accordance with adjournment from March 26, Moderator Woodsum in the chair.
Article 5. Mr. J. H. Stedman, chairman of the Committee appointed at the last meeting to draft Resolutions on the death Mr. Ellis Hollingsworth, presented the following in behalf of said Committee.
Dear Mrs. Hollingsworth :
The Citizens of Braintree in town meeting assembled March Nineteenth, Nineteen Hundred and Seventeen, desired to enter on their permanent records their high appreciation of the generous benefactions of their fellow-townsmen, Ellis Hollingsworth, lately deceased.
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Born and reared in this town, inheriting wealth and increas- ing it by successful business enterprises he has not been unmind- ful of the cries of the needy, or failed to forward with heart and hand measures adapted to improve the community life.
With gentlemanly modesty, free from ostentation and dis- play, not letting his left hand know what his right hand was doing, ever ready to respond to the suggestions of those who were more conversant with the facts, he has furnished us an inspiring exam- ple of the genuinely democratic use of wealth, shown especially in his magnificent contribution for the erection of the Town Hall and in providing by his public bequests for the relief of distress in the town through the centuries.
Very sincerely yours,
(Signed by) JAMES H. STEDMAN. WM. GALLAGHER, HERBERT A. BRYANT,
To Mrs. Elsie M. Hollingsworth, Committee.
South Braintree, Massachusetts,
April Tenth, Nineteen Hundred and Seventeen.
Article 49. Voted to appropriate, for the purchase of two portable school-houses, fully equipped with heat, desks, chairs and blackboards, the sum of $3060.00
Article 50. Voted to appropriate, for new sanitals and heating system at the High School, the sum of . 8000.00
Article 51. For exterior repairs at the Pond School 800.00
Article 53. Indefinitely postponed.
Article 54. Voted to appropriate towards the build- ing of a band-stand on the Hollis School grounds, pro- vided the structure meets the approval of the School Committee 300.00
LIBRARY
Article 55. Voted to appropriate for Thayer Public Library: For general expenses . $1400.00 Distribution of books (East Braintree) 150.00
Janitor 250.00
RECREATION
Voted, to appropriate :
Article 56. For Parks, Playgrounds and public lands to be expendedd under direction of the Park Com- missioners $750.00
Article 57. Voted to allow boating and fishing on Sunset Lake.
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UNCLASSIFIED
Article 58. Voted, that when this meeting adjourns it be to Monday, April 9, 1917 at 7.45 o'clock P. M.
Voted, to lay this article on the table.
Article 59. Voted, to appropriate, to assist Post 87 G. A. R. in defraying expenses Memorial Day $200.00
Article 60. For insurance under Employees' Com-
pensation Act 550.00
Article 61.
Indefinitely postponed.
Article 62. Indefinitely postponed.
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPT.
Article 63. Voted to appropriate: from the income:
For Depreciation Fund $3810.98
Interest on Bonds 330.00
Sinking Fund 550.00
Line Extensions 1954.02
Salaries of Municipal Lights Board 300.00
Article 64. Voted to appropriate the remainder of the income of the Electric Light Department, together with
293.54
the remaining balance of the income of 1916, for operating ex- penses, repairs, renewals and new construction.
Article 65. Voted that the street lights be extended on Tre- mont St. from Academy St. to West St. from the income of the Electric Light Department.
Article 66. Voted to place street lights on Dewey Road and Marietta Avenue from the income of the Electric Light Depart- ment.
WATER DEPARTMENT
Article 67. Voted to appropriate:
For salaries of Water Commissioners, to be paid from the
revenue of the Water Department .
.$300.00
Voted, that the balance of the income of the Water Depart- ment for 1917, together with the unexpended balance of the in- come of 1916 amounting to $176.65, be appropriated for oper- ating expenses, extensions and repairs.
Voted, that the Water Department charge each consumer a minimum rate of $4.00 per year.
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CEMETERY
Voted, to appropriate, to be expended on Plain St. Cemetery $200.00
MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS
Article 69. Voted to appropriate:
For Payment of Notes.
Liberty St. Water Note Oct. 4, 1917 $2500.00
Mayflower Park Water Note July 15, 1917 1000.00
Union Street Water Note Nov. 1, 1917 2465.00 Refunding Genl. Thayer Note Hunt Trust July 1, 1917 .. 1000.00
Refunding Genl. Thayer Note Trustees of Library July 1 1917 750.00
Note Trustees of Library, Oct. 1, 1917 500.00
Abraham Lincoln School, June 1, 1917 2000.00
Bonds:
Hollis School, July 1, 1917 3500.00
Hollis Playground, July 1, 1917 500.00
Town Hall, June 1, 1917 3000.00
Additions to Water Plant at Great Pond, Oct. 1, 1917
(to be paid from the revenue of the Water Dept. .. 1500.00 For payment of Interest $13,704.11 For payment of Interest on Water Loan of 1888, to be paid from the revenue of the water department . 4000.00
SINKING FUNDS
Article 70. Voted to appropriate for Water Loan, Sinking Funds 2120.00
MISCELLANEOUS
Article 71. Covered by Public Statue.
Article 72. Voted to amend Section one of Article fifteen of the By-Laws by adding the word "fish" in the fourth line after the word fruits, so to read as follows:
Section 1. No person, except one engaged in the pursuit of agriculture shall go' about from place to place within this town, carrying or exposing for sale, or selling fruits, fish or vegetables in or from any cart, wagon or other vehicle, or in any other man- ner, without a license therefor from the Board of Selectmen.
Article 73. Motion made that the Town adopt the By-Law on Building Regulations as printed in town report of 1913 except Article 13, which shall take effect in 1921. Voted to lay this matter on the table.
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Article 74. Indefinitely postponed.
Article 75. Voted to accept the gift of Mr. N. E. Hollis of about 21 acres of land on Pond St. next to the Southwest School House, for park, playground and school purposes.
Article 76. Voted to accept the gift of Mr. N. E. Hollis of the drinking fountain erected by him in Storrs Square, Braintree. Voted that the Town Clerk acknowledge the gifts and express the appreciation of the Town for the same.
Article 77. Voted that a committee of 7 be appointed to investigate the "Town Manager" form of government as adopted by the town of Norwood, consider the advantages and disadvan- tages that would accrue to Braintree under such an administration and report at the Annual Town Meeting in 1918.
William H. J. Fitzgerald, Marcus L. Urann, Elmer E. Aber- crombie, Charles C. Mellen, Carl P. Lothrop, Charles O. Miller and J. Frederick Kemp appointed.
Voted that the Moderator appoint an Appropriation Com- mittee consisting of 15, to consider all warrants calling for appro- priation of money by the Town.
Henry F. Arnold, H. F. Kneeland, W. F. Rogers, Marcus L. Urann, G. V. Pennock, Geo. A. Walker, D. Baxter Hayward, Wm. P. Kelley, William J. Walters, E. M. Alexander, O. A. Bridgham, C. H. Ferguson, H. C. Thayer, Fred L. Hayden, Geo. W. Stevens, appointed.
. Voted to adjourn to Monday, April 9, at 7.45 o'clock P. M.
A true record. Attest :
H. A. MONK, Town Clerk.
Town Hall, Braintree, April 9, 1917.
The Town met in accordance with adjournment from April 2, The meeting opened at 8 o'clock P. M., the Moderator in the chair:
Article 58. Taken from the table:
Voted to appropriate for Miscellaneous expenses, $2,000.00, and the sum of $5,000.00 for an Emergency Fund, the latter not to be included in the tax levy.
Article 62. Voted that the Assessors be a Committee to look into the matter of a lay out for making maps, and report at the next Annual Town Meeting.
Article 72. Taken from the table.
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Voted to indefinitely postpone all action under this article. Voted to appropriate in the aggregate the sum of $214,044.50 and that $183,329.31 of that amount be raised by direct taxation. Voted that the thanks of the citizens be extended to the Moderator for his efficient manner of conducting this meeting.
The following Committee on Sewerage was appointed under Article 27. M. L. Emerson, H. A. Bryant, W. B. Skinner, Frank S. Bailey, W. E. Thompson, L. E. D. Gaudreau, C. A. Sullivan.
Voted that this meeting adjourn, sine die.
A true record. Attest :
H. A. MONK, Town Clerk.
WARRANT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION PRIMARY
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
NORFOLK, ss. To either of the Constables of the Town of Braintree,
Greeting:
In the name of the Commonwealth you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said town who are qualified to vote in Primaries to meet in
Polling place in Precinct No. 1, Town Hall.
Polling place in Precinct No. 2, Hose House, Hollis Ave.
Polling place in Precinct No. 3, Hose House, Allen St.
TUESDAY, THE THIRD DAY OF APRIL, 1917
at 4 o'clock P. M., for the following purposes: To bring in their votes to the Primary Officers for the Nomination of Candidates for Delegate to the Constitutional Convention-
32 DELEGATES AT LARGE.
2 DELEGATES FROM SIXTH NORFOLK REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.
All the above candidates are to be voted for upon one ballot. Each voter may vote only for SIXTEEN candidates at large, and ONE by representative district. The polls will be open from 4 to 8 P. M.
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And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof seven days at least before the time of said meeting as directed by vote of the town. Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at the time and place of said meeting. Given under our hands this twenty-first day of March, A. D. 1917.
GEORGE H. HOLBROOK, B. HERBERT WOODSUM. Selectmen of Braintree.
Braintree, April 3, 1917.
In accordance with the foregoing warrant, the Primary to vote for Candidates for Nomination of Delegates to the Constitu- tional Convention was held by Precincts.
The polls were opened at 4 o'clock P. M. and closed at 8 o'clock . P. M.
The Election Officers serving were as follows:
Precinct 1-Edward Shay, Warden; George E. Sampson, Clerk; Albert F. Hollis, J. Frank Lane, Courtenay Atkinson, John W. Cuff, F. R. Carmichael, Tellers; C. A. Hobart, Constable.
Precinct 2-Geo. H. Wetherbee, Jr., Warden; John H. Kirby, Clerk; Geo. A. Arnold, Arthur A. Blunt, H. F. Stackhouse, John J. Drinkwater, Jr., Tellers; Clarence R. Bestick, Constable.
Precinct 3-Benj. Hawes, Warden; W. T. McCormick, Clerk; John A. Ryan, John F. Sullivan, Joseph M. Allen, T. J. F. Dalton, Tellers; William E. Maybury, Constable.
The whole number of Ballots cast was eight hundred and two (802) and were for the following offices and persons:
DELEGATES AT LARGE
Charles Francis Adams, 479; George W. Anderson, 213; William G. Andrew, 131; Albert S. Apsey, 193; Charles J. Barton, 171; John L. Bates, 448; Addison P. Beardsley, 104; William H. Brooks, 248; Walter A. Buie, 125; Harvey S. Chase, 215; Charies F. Choate, Jr., 312; Charles W. Clifford, 182; George W. Coleman, 306; Louis A. Coolidge, 347; John W. Cummings, 250; Edwin U. Curtis, 337; Samuel R. Cutler, 71; Arthur W. DeGoosh, 38; Dan-
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