USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1893 > Part 3
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Charles G. Rowell and William H. Collins having been appointed Inspectors, were sworn to the faithful performance of their duties as Ballot Clerks.
Daniel F. Knowlton, Fredd O. Thompson, William F. Norcross, David W. Nisbett, Edward H. Thomas, Benjamin F. Rich, who had previously been appointed, were sworn as Tellers.
VOTED. To keep the polls open until 4.29 P. M.
There were 593 ballots cast. The ballot box register at close of polls, was 595, both check lists showing 593 checks.
At 7 P. M. the following result was given.
Electors of President and Vice-President of the United States.
FOR ELECTORS AT LARGE.
John Bascom, of Williamstown . 15
Richard W. Cone, of Boston . 15
Patrick A. Collins, of Boston 142
John E. Russell, of Leicester 142
Nathaniel P. Banks, of Waltham 405
John D. Long, of Hingham . 405
Edward Bellamy, of Chicopee . 15
George F. Washburn, of Boston . 15
Jacob Thomas, of Springfield 1
Blanks 15
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER ONE.
Augustus R. Smith, of Lee . 15
James M. Clarke, of Holyoke 142
Joseph Griswold, of Greenfield . 405
42
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK -- 1892-1893.
Irving M. Miller, of Pittsfield 14
Augustus Kleiner, of Adams
1
Blanks 16
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER TWO.
Charles G. Allen, of Barre . 15
John B. O'Donnell, of Northampton 142
George W. Johnson, of Brookfield . 405
William O. Taylor, of Orange . 14
Blanks 16
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER THREE.
Charles B. Knight, of Worcester 15
Charles Haggerty, of Southbridge 142
Edward B. Glasgow, of Worcester 105
Lot Berry, of Spencer . 14
Blanks 16
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER FOUR.
Edmund M. Stowe, of Hudson . 15
Charles J. Williams, of Acton 142
Henry A. Goodrich, of Fitchburg 405
Asa F. Hall, of Hudson 15
Blank's . 16
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE.
Varnum Lincoln, of Andover 15
Peter H. Donohue, of Lowell . 142
Peter D. Smith, of Andover . 405
Hiram W. K. Eastman, of Lawrence 14
Blanks 16
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER SIX.
George H. Hoyt, of Haverhill . 15
James F. Deane, of Salem 142
Frank Cousins, of Salem . 405
J. B. Woodfin, of Marblehead . 14
Blanks 16
43
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK-1892-1893.
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER SEVEN.
George M. Buttrick, of Everett . 15
Samuel K. Hamilton, of Wakefield 142
George W. Walker, of Malden 405
J. E. Clements, of Lynn . 14
Patrick F. O'Neill, of Boston 1
Blanks 16
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER EIGHT.
John S. Paine, of Cambridge 15
Ferdinand F. French, of Winchester 142
Edward Glines, of Somerville 405
Anthony J. Philpot, of Arlington 14
Nathan Stahl, of Boston . 1
Blanks 16
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER NINE.
James M. Gray, of Boston 15
Edward J. Flynn, of Boston 142
Jonathan A. Lane, of Boston 405
Henry Lemon, of Boston 11
J. Robert Simmons, of Boston
1
Blanks 16
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER TEN.
Henry W. Shagg, of Boston 15
Josiah Quincy, of Quincy 142
John Shaw, of Quincy 405
George J. Moulton, of Boston 14
Emil Roers, of Boston
1
Blanks 16
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER ELEVEN.
Charles C. Bragdon, of Newton 15
Robert Bleakie, of Hyde Park 142
John R. Bullard, of Dedham 405
Erastus L. Metcalf, of Franklin 14
Thomas Mooney, of Boston 1
Blanks . 16
44
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK-1892-1893.
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER TWELVE.
William H. Phillips, of Taunton . 15
Joseph L. Sweet, of Attleborough . 142
Benjamin S. Lovell, of Weymouth . 405
Thomas S. Hodgson, of Middleborough . 14
Blanks 16
FOR DISTRICT NUMBER THIRTEEN.
Robert A. Sherman, of New Bedford . 15
John W. Coughlin, of Fall River 142
John Simpkins, of Yarmouth . 405
Frank E. Peck, of Wareham 14
Blanks . 16
. FOR GOVERNOR.
William H. Haille, of Springfield . 364
Wolcot Hamlin, of Amherst . 163
William E. Russell, of Cambridge 153
Henry Winn, of Malden 11
Blanks 36
FOR LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.
James P. Carroll, of Springfield . 126
Edward Kendall, of Cambridge 22
William J. Shields, of Boston . 14
Charles N. Wentworth, of Lynn 3
Roger Wolcott, of Boston 356
Blanks 72
FOR SECRETARY.
Charles S. Hamlin, of Brookline 116
George Kempton, of Sharon 17
Frederick A. Nagler, of West Springfield. 1
William M. Olin, of Boston . 347
Samuel B. Shapleigh, of Boston 19
Blanks 93
.
45
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK-1892-1893.
FOR TREASURER AND RECEIVER-GENERAL.
Wilbert D. Farnham, Jr., of Somerville 20
James S. Grinnell, of Greenfield . 118
George A. Marden, of Lowell 357
James R. Nugent, of Boston
1
Thomas A. Watson, of Braintree 15
Blanks 8:2
FOR AUDITOR.
Alfred H. Evans, of Ashburnham 23
John W. Kimball, of Fitchburg . 355
Maurice W. Landers, of Springfield 13
Michael Lynch, of Boston . 1
Irving B. Sayles, of Millbury 107
Blanks 94
FOR. ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
Charles S. Lilley, of Lowell . 115
Herbert McIntosh, of Worcester 16
Albert E. Pillsbury, of Boston . 353
Robert F. Raymond, of New Bedford 20
James Waldock, of Boston 2
Blanks 87
FOR REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, SIXTH DISTRICT.
Elbridge Gerry Brown, of Boston . 21
William Coggswell, of Salem 368
John H. Davis, of Haverhill 20
Henry B. Little, of Newburyport 120
Blanks 64
FOR COUNCILLOR FIFTH DISTRICT.
Arthur B. Breed, of Lynn 372
Francis E. Hines, of Salem 112
Blanks
99
46
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK-1892-1893.
FOR DISTRICT-ATTORNEY, EASTERN DISTRICT.
Robert E. Burke, of Newburyport 118
William H. Moody, of Haverhill 377
Blanks 98
FOR SHERIFF, ESSEX COUNTY.
William S. Hoyt, of Lynn 136
Samuel A. Johnson, of Salem 356
Blanks 101
FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER, ESSEX.
William F. M. Collins, of Salem 123
John M. Danforth, of Lynnfield 360
Blanks 108
Scattering 2
FOR SPECIAL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, ESSEX.
George W. Blatchford, of Rockport 111
Nelson P. Cummings, of Merrimac . 312
Jeremiah J. Mahoney, of Lawrence 95
Thomas F. Pedrick, of Lynn 314
Blanks 354
FOR COMMISSIONERS OF INSOLVENCY, ESSEX.
Benjamin C. Ames, of Lawrence 333
William D. Chapple, of Salem 321
Harry J. Cole, of Haverhill 322 Fred A. Haynes, of Haverhill 114
Daniel D. Saunders, of Gloucester 107
George L. Weil, of North Andover 106
Blanks 416
FOR SENATOR, FIRST ESSEX DISTRICT.
Charles H. Baker, of Lynn 363
Patrick S. Curry, of Lynn 95
George W. Harnden, of Lynn 21
Louis Wolfson, of Lynn 9
Blanks 105
47
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK-1892-1893.
FOR REPRESENTATIVES IN GENERAL COURT, SEVENTEENTH ESSEX DISTRICT.
Jessie L. Atwill, of Lynn . 115
Eugene A. Bessom, of Lynn . 321
William B. Chase, of Swampscott . 114
Frank Goodwin, of Swampscott
43
Charles T. Jackson, of Swampscott . 355
James M. Kelty, of Lynn . 22
Blanks 216
AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION.
Yes 157
No .
69
Blanks
367
SWAMPSCOTT, Nov. 15, 1892.
A recount of votes cast at the recent election for Gover- nor, was held this day, the result being the same as previously given, except the loss of one vote for William H. Haille, and a gain of one blank.
SWAMPSCOTT, Nov. 18, 1892.
At a meeting of the several Clerks of Representative Dis- trict No. 17 held at the City Clerk's Office, Lynn, at 12 M., this day, it was found that Eugene A. Bessom, of Lynn, and Charles T. Jackson, of Swampscott, had received the largest number of votes. They were declared elected Representa- tives of this District to the next General Court. Certificates of election were prepared.
I hereby declare the foregoing to be a true record.
Attest :
GEO. T. TILL, Town Clerk.
48
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK-1892-1893.
SPECIAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 21, 1892.
TOWN WARRANT.
ESSEX, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Swampscott in said County, Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Swamp- scott qualified to vote in Elections, and in Town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, in said Swampscott, on Monday, the Twenty-first day of November, current, at seven o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following Articles, viz. :-
ART. 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meeting.
ART. 2. To see what action the Town will take to furnish a suitable number of horses for the Fire Department, and appropriate money for the same, by loan or otherwise.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the Town Hall, Depot, Post Office. and three other public and conspicuous places in the Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting, as aforesaid.
Given under our hands, this ninth day of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-two.
A. R. BUNTING, J. H. FARWELL,
A. C. WIDGER, 1
Swampscott. Selectmen
49
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK-1892-1893.
RETURN ON WARRANT.
Pursuant to the within Warrant to me directed, I have notified the inhabitants of the Town of Swampscott, qualified as herein expressed, to meet at the time and place and for the purpose herein mentioned, by posting up attested copies of this Warrant in twelve public and conspicuous places in said Swampscott, on Saturday, November 12th, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-two.
JAMES WHEELER,
Constable of Swampscott.
In accordance with the foregoing Warrant. the voters of the Town assembled at the Town Hall, on Monday Evening, November 21. 1892.
The meeting was called to order at 7.15. by the Town Clerk: the Warrant and the return thereon was read. Eld- ridge F. Small was elected Moderator by ballot. he receiving thirteen ballots. the whole number cast. He was qualified for the office.
VOTED. (Unanimous.) To make an appropriation of fifteen hundred dollars ($1500) for the purchase of five horses for the Fire Department, the horses to be used in the High- way Department, and an account kept of their earnings, the amount credited to the Fire Department and the Selectmen and Board of Engineers to have full charge of same.
VOTED. That the Moderator appoint a committee of three to purchase the horses.
Committee .- Aaron R. Bunting. Chas K. Roberts, Arthur C. Widger.
50
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK-1892-1893.
VOTED. To take from the Town Treasury the money ap- propriated for the purchase of horses.
VOTED. To dissolve at 8 P. M.
Attest :
GEO. T. TILL, Town Clerk.
SPECIAL MEETING, JANUARY 2, 1893.
TOWN WARRANT.
ESSEX SS.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Swampscott, in said County, Greeting:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Swamp- scott, qualified to vote in Elections, and in Town affairs, to meet at Town Hall, in said Swampscott, on Monday, the Second day of January, 1893, at Seven and One-half o'clock in the evening then and there to act on the following Articles, viz :-
ART. 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meeting.
ART. 2. To see if the Town will accept an act of the Legislature, entitled " An act to give towns jurisdiction over Highways and County Bridges." [Approved April 6th, 1891.]
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the Town Hall, Depot, Post Office, and three other public and conspicuous places in the Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this Warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting, as aforesaid.
51
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK-1892-1893.
Given under our hands, this Twenty-fourth day of Decem- ber, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-two.
A. R. BUNTING, J. H. FARWELL,
A. C. WIDGER.
Selectmen of Swampscott.
RETURN ON WARRANT.
Pursuant to the within Warrant to me directed, I have notified and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Swamp- scott, qualified as herein expressed, to meet at the time and place and for the purposes herein mentioned, by posting up attested copies of the within Warrant in nine public and con- spicuous places in said Swampscott, on Saturday, the 24th day of December, 1892.
JAMES WHEELER,
Constable of Swampscott.
In accordance with the foregoing Warrant, the voters as- sembled at the Town Hall, on Monday Evening, January 3, 1893.
The meeting was called to order by the Town Clerk, who read the Warrant and return thereon.
On balloting for Moderator, there were sixteen ballots cast, Eldridge F. Small receiving the whole number, was imme- diately qualified for the duties, and thanked the voters pre- sent for the honor conferred.
VOTED. To take up Article 2.
The reading of the Act under consideration was called for and the Chapter was read by the Clerk.
William H. Niles, Counsel for the Town, was asked to ad- dress the meeting. That gentleman responded giving the information desired.
52
RECORDS OF TOWN CLERK-1892-1893.
A motion to proceed to ballot on Article 2 was negatived.
VOTED. To adjourn to Thursday Evening, January 5th. at 7.30 o'clock.
ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING, JANUARY 5, 1893.
Agreeable to the adjournment of Monday Evening, the voters assembled at the Town Hall on Thursday Evening. January 5th. 1893.
Called to order at 7.40 o'clock. by Eldridge F. Small. Moderator.
Records of previous meeting read and approved.
" A. R. Bunting, Chairman of Selectmen, stated that he with others of the Board had seen the County Commissioners ; that they thought the adoption of the Act under considera- tion a wise thing for the Town to do, and that said County Commissioners would be in accord with such action.
VOTED. To proceed to ballot on Article 2.
There were twenty-five ballots cast as follows: Yes. 12: No, 13.
VOTED. To dissolve at 8 P. M.
Attest :
GEO. T. TILL,
Town Clerk.
53
TOWN CLERK'S STATISTICS-1892.
TOWN CLERK'S STATISTICS, 1892.
BIRTHS RECORDED.
Males, 32: Females. 32: Total, 64.
In January, 4; February, 8; March. 3; April. 5; May 5; June. 3: July. 6: August. 5; September. 6; October. 3: November. 4: December, 8: reported too late for 1891, 4.
Nativity of Fathers .- Massachusetts. 41: Maine, 6; New Hampshire, 4; New York, 2: Nova Scotia, 4: Prince Edward Island. 3: England. 2: Scotland and Cape Breton, 1 each.
Nativity of Mothers .- Massachusetts. 33: Nova Scotia. 7; Ireland, 5: Maine. 4; New Hampshire, 3; Prince Edward Island. 2: New Brunswick. 2; Connecticut, Iowa. Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, 1 each : Canada. Newfoundland. Scotland. England, 1 each.
Fathers born in Swampscott. 15: Mothers. 9.
MARRIAGES RECORDED. 40.
In January. 1: February. 3: March. 2: April. 3: May, 4; June. 4; July, 2: August. 4: September. 2; October, 6: November. 4: December, 5.
Nativity of Grooms-Massachusetts. 25: Maine. 3: New
54
TOWN CLERK'S STATISTICS-1892.
Hampshire, 2; New York, Illinois, 1 each; Canada, 3; Nova Scotia, 2; Prince Edward Island, England and Ireland, 1 each.
Nativity of Brides .- Massachusetts, 17; Maine, 5; New Hampshire, 3; Rhode Island, New York, Georgia, 1 each; Nova Scotia, 5; Prince Edward Island, Ireland, 2 each; Can- ada, Cape Breton, New Brunswick, 1 each.
Occupation of Grooms .- Shoe Workers, 6; Carpenter 4; Salesman, 3; Hotel Keeper, 3; Shoe Manufacturer, 2; Ex- pressman, 2; Mason, Leather Cutter, Fish Dealer, Fisherman, Editor, Wheelwright, Machinist, Physician, Teamster, Assay- ist, Chemist, Engraver, Morocco Dresser, Coachman, Milk Dealer, Shipwright, Druggist, Lawyer, Painter, Merchant, 1 each.
DEATHS RECORDED.
Males, 21; Females, 35; Total, 56.
In January, 6; February. 3; March. 7; April, 4; May, 3; June, 8; July, 5; August, 4; September, 5; October, 2; November, 5; December, 4.
Under five years, 17 ; 5 to 10, 1; 20 to 30, 5; 30 to 40. 3; 40 to 50, 4; 50 to 60, 6; 60 to 70, 8; 70 to 80, 5; 80 to 90, 6; 90 to 100, 1.
Causes .- Lung Diseases, 11; Still Born, 6; Old Age, 6; Premature Birth, 5; Cancer, 4; Brights Disease, Tumor, Heart Disease, 3 each ; Bronchitis, Accidental, Child Birth, 2 each ; Spinal Disease. Apoplexy, Diptheria, Cholera Infan- tum, Vomiting, Dentition, Paralysis, Debility, Alcoholisın, 1 each.
70 Years of age and over .- John B. Harris, 89 yrs., 8 mo., 16 days, Old Age; Elizabeth Galeucia, 84 yrs., 4 days, Old
55
TOWN CLERK'S STATISTICS-1892.
Age; Rebecca D. Bryant, 79 yrs., 8 mo., 20 days, Brights Disease; William A. Bartlett, 81 yrs., 3 days, Disease of Spine; Abigail C. Bunting, 87 yrs., 9 mo., Congestion of Lungs; Sarah Cokeley, 72 yrs., 11 mo., Bronchitis; John P. Farmer, 82 yrs., 4 mo., 23 days, Brights Disease; Bethuel Wiley, 76 yrs., 9 mo., Rheumatism, Old Age; Samuel Hor- ton, 71 yrs., 10 mo., 1 day, Heart Disease; Lucinda Roberts, 73 yrs., 8 mo., Cancer ; Thomas B. Pedrick, 83 yrs., 4 mo .. 21 days, Old Age; Nabby L. Farrington, 90 yrs., 3 mo., 4 days, Old Age.
DOGS LICENSED.
Males, 119; Females. 22; Total. 141. .
GEORGE T. TILL,
Town Clerk.
56
LIST OF JURORS-1893.
LIST OF JURORS, 1893.
Prepared by the Selectmen for the consideration of the Town, at the Annual Town Meeting, to be held Monday, March 20, 1893.
ADAMS, JOHN I. ALBREE, JOHN
ANDREWS, ISAAC H.
ASHTON, ELLIOT M. AUSTIN, GUSTAVUS BASSETT, JOSEPH BLANCHARD, HORACE W. BLANEY, WILLIAM R. BULFINCH, H. CUSHING BURNHAM, ELI H. CARR, SILAS B. CARROLL, MICHAEL P. COLLINS, W. HENRY COREY, ALONZO DELANO, GILBERT EARP, WILLIAM G. ELDRIDGE, ZIBA FARWELL, JOHN H.
FREEMAN, GEORGE L. GALEUCIA, NATHANIEL GILBERT, GEORGE E.
HARRIS, CHARLES E. HARRIS, NATHAN M. HORTON, JEREMIAH L. INGALLS, SAMUEL O. JENNISON, JOSEPH R. KING, CHARLES H. KNOWLTON, DANIEL F.
LEIGHTON, LYMAN P. MARSHALL, LUTHER H. MOTT, JAMES A. NEWCOMB, NOAH R. PARKER, SAMUEL R. PETTINGELL, SAMUEL J. PHILLIPS, LEONARD H. THING, FRANCIS C. RICH, THOMAS P.
ROGERS, JOHN A. ROWELL, ARTHUR W. SEGER, WILLIAM THOMAS, EDWARD H. WARDWELL, EBEN N.
57
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN-1892-1893.
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN, 1892=1893.
TO THE CITIZENS OF SWAMPSCOTT :-
Again it is our pleasure, as it is our official duty. to lay before the citizens of Swampscott a rescript of our transac- tions for the year now drawing to a close. We feel that we can the better do this as the past year has been one of prosperity to all. The interests of the town have been well guarded. The appropriations entrusted to our charge have been judiciously expended, as will appear on reference to the reports of the different departments hereto presented. Many subjects of vital interest to the town have received our undivided attention. Our views of most of these have been fully set forth in previous reports, and we do not feel it necessary to reiterate them. trusting to the judgment of an enlightened community who must decide these important questions for themselves.
Progress dominates the present age in all that goes to make a community prosperous, and should be the first article of faith in the catechism of the public officer. Progress when made in a town is as great a factor as when made in a large city, and what would be the fate of either if it ignored this governing principle. Liberality or parsimony in judicious expenditure influences public feeling, and has its weight on future greatness or littleness of a competing municipality such as Swampscott surely is at this time, when every town,
58
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN-1892-1893.
hamlet and inlet on the North Shore is putting forth its greatest effort to entice the summer visitor within its border. The greatest factors in accomplishing this are good school houses, good roads, with wide avenues, good churches, well lighted streets, well policed, and accommodating officials who make every effort to make the visitor fully satisfied in loca- ting with us. The want of these would give us a certain forced isolation, and a sense of injury to our otherwise fu- ture progress.
HUMPHREY STREET IMPROVEMENT .- In connection with this line of reasoning we wish to call attention to the im- provement just completed on Humphrey Street, commonly called the Swamp Road, one which fully emphasizes all we have said above. The laying out and grading of Huron Street, from Pine Street to the Lynn line, already accom plished, and the acceptance of Ontario Street to be acted upon at our next annual town meeting will open up much needed territory, and add no little to our tax list.
BURRILL STREET RAILROAD CROSSING .- The abolition of the grade crossing of the Boston & Maine Railroad Co. tracks on Burrill Street, may be considered as practically accomplished and the construction of the bridge will be com- menced early in the spring.
STACEY'S BROOK OUTFALL .- The long contemplated out- fall for Stacey's Brook so much needed has at last been ac- complished, and so far has realized all that its advocates predicted. The outlet at no time has been obstructed by the action of the sea, nor is such a result feared in the future. The territory bordering the brook has on account of this im- provement, been better drained, thus adding to the health, convenience and future prosperity of its immediate locality, as well as to the general improvement of the shore. The lateness of the season prevented us from completing the straightening of the brook, as contemplated, to facilitate the
59
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN-1892-1893.
better flow of water, which can be better accomplished during the dry season of summer.
POLICE .- The Police department of the town has been administered during the past year to the eminent satisfaction of the Selectmen, and we trust to that of our citizens gener- ally. The members of the force are gentlemen well known, and under their care and guidance we may all feel sure the safety and interests of the community will be well cared for in the future as in the past. These are no experimental evi- dences of what will result in the general principle of pro- gress.
WIDENING OF HUMPHREY STREET .- At the annual town meeting the Selectmen were instructed to petition the County Commissioners to widen and straighten Humphrey Street from the Lynn line to the hay scales.
In compliance with the vote, the Selectmen immediately brought this matter before the County Commissioners, who. on two occasions, at least, viewed the ground, giving two public and many informal hearings, after which they were unanimous in their determination not to undertake the work in behalf of the County, but advised the Selectmen to bring before the town for acceptance the act of the year 1891. which gives to the Selectmen powers concurrent with the County Commissioners over such matters within the limits of the town.
Accordingly a special meeting of the voters was duly called and the matter laid before the meeting, which refused to ac- cept the act to give the Selectmen power to hear and deter- mine whether or not public convenience and necessity required the widening and straightening of this highway. It was our intention, had we been empowered so to do, to have issued immediately the legal notices for such hearing, as the law requires, and to have determined before the annual meeting whether or not such highway ought to be widened, the prob- able cost of such widening with definite recommendations
60
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN-1892-1893.
as to how money for such improvement might be secured.
It is clear that the travel on this great thoroughfare is constantly increasing, that the value of land is likely to ad- vance and the construction of new buildings upon the street may at any time vastly increase the cost of making this im- provement. The Selectmen having asked the town to vest them with authority to deal with this question, and having been refused, now leave the matter in the hands of the town for such further action as it may see fit to take.
PETITION OF LYNN & BOSTON RAILROAD CO .- A peti- tion has been presented by the Lynn & Boston Railroad Co. for the right to erect and maintain a double line of poles, one on each side of the street, together with the overhead wire system over Humphrey Street from the Lynn to the Marble- head line. The street over which this privilege is desired is one of our most important business streets as well as a pleas- ure drive, the only thoroughfare through a portion of our town, already too narrow for its present use. To add to this the electric system with its cars driven at a rate of speed to make the proposed quick time is a matter which every one should carefully consider before deciding in favor, for the simple asking. At a public hearing on the subject, where it was stated by the officials of the road that no additional tracks or turnouts would be required, the sense of the meet- ing was tested by vote, a majority of those voting were in favor of the petition, provided the Railroad Company would pay to the town a portion of the cost of street widening. Communications were received from several large tax payers of the same nature. Numerous interviews have been held with the railroad officials, who decline to pay for the privi- lege alone, or any part of the street widening, unless they are allowed to double-track Humphrey Street from their stable to the junction of Burrill Street, a proposition we decline to entertain under any consideration, and are of the unanimous opinion that their petition should not be granted unless the
61
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN-1892-1893.
Railroad Company comply with such terms as may be deemed reasonable.
A bill is now pending before the Legislature allowing such charges to be made as will be deemed advisable for the best interests of the public at large with a view for revenue to the city or town treasury.
ESSEX STREET EXTENSION .- A petition was also received for the extension of tracks with the electric system over Essex Street to the Salem line. A public hearing on the matter was given, which was fully attended, no objection was offered, the petition was granted and a side location was given. The difficulties mentioned in the case of Humphrey Street do not exist on this street, as the road with the excep- tion of the railroad bridge is of ample width, giving plenty of room for all travel ; a change of grade was necessitated by the laying of tracks. Considerable blasting will have to be done. A special appropriation of twelve hundred dollars is recommended, to be used in blasting and regrading this street.
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