USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1919 > Part 7
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64
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Selectmen on one ballot, for Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Secre - tary, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney-General, Councillor, Senator, one Representative . in General Court, County Commissioner, two Asso- ciate County Commissioners, District Attorney Eastern District.
To vote yes or no upon the questions:
Acceptance of the rearrangement of the Constitution of the Com- monwealth, submitted by the Constitutional Convention.
Acceptance of Chapter 311, General Acts of 1919, entitled "An Act relative to the establishment and maintenance of continuation schools and courses of instruction for employed minors."
Acceptance of Chapter 116, General Acts of 1919, entitled "An Act to authorize savings banks and institutions for savings, and trust companies having saving departments, to place deposits on interest monthly. (Referendum.)
The polls will be kept open until 4.30 o'clock P. M.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the Town Hall. Post Offices, 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 twenty-fourth day of October, A D. 1919.
HENRY S. BALDWIN, FREDERICK H. TIMSON, GRANT S. HILTON, Selectmen of Swampscott.
A true copy. Attest:
FRANK H. BRADFORD, Constable.
Return on the Warrant
Pursuant to the within warrant to me directed, I have notified the legal voters of Swampscott by posting attested copies of said warrant at the Town Hall, Post Offices and three other public and conspicuous places in Swampscott on Saturday, October 25th, 1919, the posting of said notices being at least seven days before the time of said meeting.
FRANK H. BRADFORD, Constable.
State Election, November 4, 1919
In accordance with the foregoing warrant the voters of the town assembled at the Town Hall and were called to order at six o'clock A. M. Tuesday, November 4, 1919, by the Chairman of the Selectmen, Henry S. Baldwin, as presiding officer.
The warrant calling the meeting and the return thereon was read by the Town Clerk.
John A. Cullen, (Dem.), Samuel Hooper, (Rep.), and William J. Lynch (Dem.) were qualified as Ballot Clerks; John A. Cullen to serve at the box. The polls were declared open for balloting at 6.03 A. M. and remained open until 4.30 P. M. There were 1527 ballots cast, there were 1527 checks on both voting lists, and the register of the ballot box showing 1532.
The following were qualified as Tellers by the Town Clerk:
Republicans-Herman E. Story, Thomas E. Berry, Alfred F. Frazier, Harold C. Snow, Arthur C. Widger, Leo P. Caproni, James D. Carroll, Kalph D. Merritt, Chas. E. Hodgdon, Chas. E. Melzard.
Democrats-Harry Hutchinson, Everett W. Clark, James H. Ryan, Anthony A. Lyons, James J. Finnegan, Frank G. Melvin.
65
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
1919]
At eight o'clock P. M. the following result of balloting was an- nounced.
Governor
Calvin Coolidge, of Northampton
1238
Charles B. Ernst, of Worcester 5
William A. King, of Springfield,
9
Richard H. Long, of Framingham
254
Ingvar Paulsen, of Boston
7
Blanks
14
Lieut. Governor
Charles J. Brandt, of Brockton 17
Channing H. Cox, of Boston 1209
H. Edward Gordon, of Boston
13
John F. J. Herbert, of Worcester
244
Patrick Mulligan, of Boston
7
Blanks
37
Secretary
Harry W. Bowman, of Boston
31
James Hayes, of Plymouth
12
Albert P. Langtry, of Springfield
1179
Charles H. McGlue, of Lynn
226
Herbert H. Thompson, of Haverhill
17
Blanks
62
Treasurer
Fred J. Burrell, of Medford
845
David Craig, of Milton
13
Charles D. Fletcher, of Somerville
20
Louis Marcus, of Boston
13
Chandler M. Wood, of Worcester
568
Blanks 68
Auditor
Arthur J. B. Cartier, of Fall River
215
Alonzo B. Cook, of Boston
1171
Oscar Kinsalis, of Springfield,
14
Walter P. J. Skahan, of Springfield
13
Henry J. D. Small, of Boston
19
Blanks
95
Attorney General
J Weston Allen, of Newton 1191
Morris I. Becker, of Chelsea
12
Joseph A. Conry, of Boston
201
Conrad W. Crooker, of Melrose
22
William R. Henry, of. Lynn
23
Blanks
78
Councillor, Fifth District
Charles S. Grieves, of Amesbury 29
James F. Ingraham, Jr., of Peabody
1234
Edward H. Savary, of Groveland 169
Blanks 95
66
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Senator, First District
Martin Lewis Quinn, of Swampscott 1230
William E. Sexton, of Lynn 198
Matthew S. White, of Lynn 28
Blanks 71
Representative in General Court, 15th. Essex District
James D. Bentley, of Swampscott 1229
Frederick H. Dreuhl, of Swampscott
229
Blanks 69
County Commissioner, Essex District
John M. Grosvenor, Jr., of Swampscott 1305
George M. Webster, of Groveland 80
Blanks 142
Two Associate Commissioners, Essex County
Perkman B. Flanders, of Haverhill
69
Charles Leighton, of Lynn 1257
Horace M. Sargent, of Haverhill 758
Blanks 970
District Attorney, Eastern District
S. Howard Donnell, of Peabody 1343
James J. Rooney, of Haverhill 55
Blanks 129
"Shall the Rearrangement of the Constitution of the Common- wealth, submitted by the Constitutional Convention, be approved and ratified ?"
Yes, 911; No, 158; Blanks, 458.
"Shall an act passed by the General Court in the year nineteen hundred and nineteen, entitled, "An act relative to the establishment and maintenance of continuation schools and courses of instruction of employed minors be accepted ?"
Yes, 986; No, 110; Blanks, 431.
"Shall Chapter 116, General Acts of 1919, approved by the General Court without division, which provides that deposits in savings banks and saving departments of trust companies may be placed on in- terest once a month and not oftener; that dividends on such deposits may be declared semi-annually and not oftener, and that interest shall not be paid on any such deposits withdrawn between dividend days, be approved?"
Yes, 833; No, 358; Blanks, 336.
Voted. To dissolve at 8.15 P. M.
Attest: GEORGE T, TILL
Town Clerk.
67
TOWN CLERK'S STATISTICS.
1919]
Town Clerk's Statistics
Births Recorded, 134
Males, 69; Females, 65.
In January, 11; February, 13; March, 6; April, 9; May, 11; June, 13; July, 9; August, 14; September, 9; October, 14; November, 16; December, 9.
Marriages Recorded, 91
In January, 5; February, 1; March 3; April, 5; May, 6; June, 9; July, 6; August, 16; September, 8; October, 13; November, 11; De- cember, 8.
Deaths Recorded, 109
Males, 44; Females, 65.
In January, 13; February, 11; March, 10; April, 14; May, 7; June, 8; July, 6; August, 9; September, 9; October, 10; November, 7; De- cember, 5.
Dogs Licensed, 218
Males, 180; Females, 38.
Money paid to County Treasurer.
Lobster Fishermen's Licenses
Resident, seventeen at $1.00.
Gunners' Licenses
Foreign born, two at $15.00.
Resident one hundred and forty-seven at $1.00.
Fishermen's Licenses
Resident, two at $.50.
Money paid to Commissioner on Fisheries and Game.
Other Licenses Issued
3 Auctioneers
at $2.00
$6.00
5 Pool Tables
2.00
10.00
1 Bowling Alley
2.00
2.00
2 Junk Dealers
75.00
150.00
1 Junk Dealer (Balance of year)
42.75
42.75
1 Itinerant Vendor
25.00
25.00
1
10.00
10.00
$245.75
Paid Town Treasurer $245.75.
Attest: GEORGE T. TILL,
Town Clerk.
December 31, 1919.
68
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS BUREAU OF STATISTICS STATE HOUSE, BOSTON
To the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Henry S. Baldwin, Chairman, Swampscott, Mass.
Gentlemen :- I submit herewith my report of an audit of the ac- counts of the town of Swampscott for the period from January 1 to June 30, 1919, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 598 of the Acts of 1910 and amendments thereof. This report is in the form of a report to me by Mr Edward H. Fenton, Chief Examiner of this Bureau, who was placed in charge of the work.
Very truly yours, WILLIAM G. GRUNDY, Deputy Director.
Mr. William G. Grundy, Deputy Director, Bureau of Statistics, State House, Boston:
Sir :- In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the accounts of the town of Swampscott for the period from January 1 to June 30, 1919, and submit the following report thereon.
The records of the financial transactions of the several departments were examined and the cash on hand was verified and checked to the books.
The books in the accountant's office were examined. The cash book was footed and receipts and payments were verified by com- parison with the treasurer's books. The payments were proved by checking the original vouchers and pay-rolls to the classification book; the classification book was checked to the ledger, and the ag- gregate of the ledger accounts was checked to the cash book.
The appropriation accounts were checked with a certified copy of the town clerk's records of appropriations made.
The commitments, abatements, and apportionments made were checked with the records of the departments in which they originated.
The surety bonds of the several officials are on file in the ac- countant's office, and all were found to be in proper form.
The books in the accountant's office were well kept, all financial transactions having been promptly and accurately recorded.
The books and accounts in the treasurer's office were examined and the cash on hand was verified. The cash book was footed and compared with the accountant's books.
The receipts were checked with the stubs of receipts given and with departmental payments to the treasurer. The payments were proved by checking the approved warrants with the cash book entries.
The debt and interest payments were checked with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled bonds, notes, and coupons on file.
69
BUREAU OF STATISTICS REPORT.
1919]
The bank deposits for the payment of debt and interest were verified with the bank statements, and coupons not presented as paid were listed.
The accounts had been kept up to date and were easily verified.
The books and accounts of the collector of taxes were examined. The collections on account of taxes and on account of moth, side- walk, and sewer assessments were checked with the payments to the treasurer. The abatements were checked with those granted and outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the account- ant's books.
A sewer assessment of 1915 of $13.68 and one of $61.06 committed on December 1, 1917, are still open on the books. These accounts represent some old assessments and are of doubtful value; they should be either collected or abated and the accounts closed.
The tables appended show a number of entries on the commit- ment books that had not been entered on the cash book at the time the audit was made. Differences of this kind add materially to the time necessary to audit the accounts where such a large number of accounts are involved. This extra work could be easily eliminated by the prompt entering on the cash book of all accounts posted to the commitment books or lists.
Verification notices were sent to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town. Only one reply claiming payment was received, and upon investigation, this payment was found entered on the cash book, but not posted to the commit- ment book. As no other replies were received claiming to have paid cther than as appears on the books, I am satisfied that the accounts are correct.
The books and accounts of the water and sewerage board were examined, and the payments to the treasurer were checked with the treasurer's books and with the reports to the accountant. The out- standing accounts were listed and reconciled with the accountant's books.
The accounts had been kept up to date and were easily verified.
The securieties of the several funds were not examined at this time, but will be reported upon at the end of the year.
Appended to this report are tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's cash, a summary of the tax, assessment, and water ac- counts, and a balance sheet as of June 30, 1919.
While engaged in making the audit, I received the usual co-opera- tion from the several town officials and I wish, on behalf of my as- sistant and myself, to express to them my appreciation of the assist- ance rendered.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD H. FENTON, Chief Examiner.
70
TOWN DOCUMENTS. [Dec. 31
RECONCILIATION OF TREASURER'S CASH
Cash on hand January 1, 1919:
General
$30,196 63
Water
47 83
$30,241 46
Receipts January 1 to June 30, 1919:
General
$250,420 80
Water
19,444 88
$269,865 68
$300,110 14
Payments January 1 to June 30, 1919:
General
$224,345 32
Water
18,323 74
Cash balance June 30, 1919:
General
$56,272 11
Water
1,168 97
$57,441 08
-$300,110 14
Manufacturers' National Bank $16,527 27
State National Bank (Water)
1,168 97
Security Trust Company
24,396 79
Central National Bank
15,308 75
Advance c/o Phillips School Medal Fund.
39 30
$57,441 08
Manufacturers' National Bank
Balance July 1, 1919-per bank statement
$16,578 17
Interest for June
47 26
Outstanding checks
3 64
Balance per check book
16,527 27
$16,578 17
State National Bank
Balance July 1, 1919-per bank statement
$2,188 46
Interest for June
$3 40
Outstanding checks
1,016 09
Balance per check book
1,168 97
$2,188 46
Security Trust Company
Balance July 1, 1919-per bank statement.
$26,045 49
Interest for June.
$67 40
Outstanding checks
1,581 30
Balance per check book.
24,396 79
$26,045 49
Central National Bank
Balance July 1, 1919-per bank statement ..
$15,386 42
Interest for June
$65 92
Outstanding checks
11 75
Balance per check book.
15,308 7F
$15,386 42
$242,669 06
71
BUREAU OF STATISTICS REPORT.
1919]
BOND AND INTEREST COUPON ACCOUNT
Commonwealth Trust Company
Balance January 1, 1919.
$122 50
Deposits January 1 to June 30
6,106 25
$6,228 75
Sewer and water coupons paid. $3,018 75
Water bond paid
3,000 00
Balance June 30, 1919-per bank statement 210 00
$6,228 75
Coupons due and not presented for payment:
Sewer loan due Sept. 1, 1915 $17.50
Water loan due Feb. 1, 1919, Nos. 111, 112, 114 to 121
175 00
Water loan due April 1, 1919
17 50
$210 00
First National Bank
Balance January 1, 1919
$495 00
Deposits January 1 to June 30
32,041 00
$32,536 00
Notes and bonds paid
$22,000 00
Coupons paid.
6,293 25
Balance per bank statement
4,242 75
$32,536 00
Deposit June 26 for bonds and coupons due
July 1, 1919 $3,992 75
Coupons due and not presented for payment:
Sewer loan No. 305.
10 00
Sewer loan Nos. 320, 327 and 328.
60 00
Water loan No. 342.
10 00
Hadley School land loan Nos. 11 to 22.
120 00
Concrete paving and sidewalk loan No. 300
10 00
Humphrey street loan Nos. 65 and 82.
40 00
$4,242 75
Taxes 1917
Outstanding January 1, 1919-per ledger $15,421 54
Paid treasurer.
$13,954 58
Abatements
484 30
Outstanding June 30, 1919-per list
982 55
Cash on hand June 30, 1919
11
$15,421 54
Taxes 1918
Outstanding January 1, 1919-per ledger. $41,799 18
Moth assessments credited to taxes in error .... 2 00
$41,801 18
72
TOWN DOCUMENTS. [Dec. 31
Paid treasurer Abatements
$19,900 48
220 40
Payments on commitment book not on cash book:
Page
3, line 32
$34 00
4, "
40
75 00
66
5,
42
98 00
59, ,
21
50 00
59,
50
6 00
,,
62,
15
20 13
"
102,
,,
2
9 00
102.
32
522 00
$814 13
Abatement after payment, refunded by treas- urer in 1918
$40 00
Unlocated difference
3 00
Outstanding July 10, 1919, per list.
20,823 17
$41,801 18
Moth Assessments-1917
Outstanding January 1, 1919-per ledger.
$124 00
Paid treasurer
$120 50
Abatements
1 25
Outstanding June 30, 1919-per list ..
2 25
$124 00
Moth Assessments-1918
Outstanding January 1, 1919 -- per ledger,
$294 75
Paid treasurer
$104 75
Abatements
1 00
Credited to taxes in error.
2 00
Payments on commitment book not on cash
book:
Page 47, line 19
.75
Page 102, line 32
.50
1 25
Outstanding July 10, 1919-per list
185 75
$294 75
Sidewalk Assessments-1917
Outstanding January 1, 1919-per ledger.
$93 64
Paid treasurer
$55 91
Outstanding June 30, 1919, per list ..
37 73
$93 64
Sidewalk Assessments-1918
Outstanding January 1, 1919, per ledger
$800 12
Paid treasurer. $474 95
Outstanding July 10, 1919, per list .. 325 17
$800 12
73
BUREAU OF STATISTICS REPORT.
1919]
Sewer Assessments 1917-Apportioned
Outstanding January 1, 1919, per ledger.
$58 91
Paid treasurer
$31 44
Abatements
17 23
Outstanding June 30, 1919, per list.
10 24
$58 91
Sewer Asessments 1918-Apportioned
Outstanding January 1, 1919, per ledger.
$2,037 32
List in excess of warrant. 20
$2,037 52
Paid treasurer $462 66
Payments on commitment book not on cash
book:
Page 62, line 15
7 87
Outstanding July 10, 1919, per list.
1,566 99
$2,037 52
Sewer Assessments-Unapportioned
Outstanding January 1, 1919-per ledger. --------- $74 74
Committments 1,860 82
$1,935 56
Paid treasurer
$563 11
Abatements
81 99
Apportioned
229 73
Warrant in excess of list
10
Payments on commitment list not on cash
book:
Number 330
54 72
Outstanding June 30, 1919, per list
1,005 91
$1,935 56
Summary of Outstanding Water Bills
June 30, 1919
Outstanding January 1, 1919, per ledger. $7,089 34
Commitments 27,206 59
Additional commitments entered on account-
ant's books in July 43 91
$34,339 84
Payments to treasurer.
$19,400 04
Abatements entered on accountant's books in
July 372 21
Outstanding June 30, 1919
14,567 59
$34,339 84
74
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT
Balance Sheet-June 30, 1919.
General Accounts ASSETS
Cash:
In Banks,
$ 57,441 08
Accounts Receivable:
Taxes:
Levy of 1917,
$ 982 66
Levy of 1918,
21,640 30
22,622 96
Special Assessments:
Moth 1917,
$2 25
Moth 1918
187 00
189 25
Sidewalk 1917
$37 73
Sidewalk 1918
325 17
362 90
Apportioned Sewer 1917
10 24
Unapportioned Sewer
1,060 63
Apportioned Sewer 1918
1,574 86
2,645 73
Water Rates, etc.
14,895 89
Tax titles held by Town,
277 65
Property taken for taxes
309 61
Joanna Morse Library Fund Income
114 23
Revenue 1919 (Appropriations),
$334,822 14
Less estimated revenue (receipts)
7,198 91
327,623 23
Special Assessments abated
101 47
Abatements in Excess of Overlay 1917
55 42
Military Aid
160 00
Loans Authorized,
17,800 00
$444,599 42
75
BUREAU OF STATISTICS REPORT.
1919]
TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT
Balance Sheet-June 30, 1919
General Accounts
LIABILITIES
Temporary Loans:
Anticipation of Revenue
$200,000 00
Cemetery Lots Fund
$1,468 00
Ellen R. Whittle Library Fund
2,000 00
Municipal Insurance Fund Income
70 00
3,538 00
Premium on Bonds and Notes
20 03
Unexpended Balances:
General Purposes
$125,705 01
Victory Celebration
5,613 40
Water
1,168 97
Cemetery
957 51
Interest
11,114 66
Debt
29,609 38
Appropriations from Loans
29,477 64
203,646 57
Overlay Reserve Fund
3,095 92
Overlay reserved for Abatements:
Levy of 1918
814 03
Water Revenue (reserved for water depart-
partment when collected)
14,895 89
Surplus Revenue:
Property taken for taxes
$309 61
Tax Titles
277 65
Excess and Deficiency
18,001 72
18,588 98
$444,599 42
76
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT
Deferred Revenue Accounts
ASSETS
Apportioned Assessments-not due $2,973 25
$2,973 25
Debt Accounts
Water Loan Sinking Fund $92,272 01
Net Funded or Fixed Debt 599,327 99
$691,600 00
Trust and Investment Accounts
Trust and Investment Funds:
$24,883 58 Securities
$24,883 58
1919]
TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT Deferred Revenue Accounts LIABILITIES
Apportioned Sewer Assessments due 1919 to
1928
$2,321 31
Apportioned Sidewalk Assessments due 1919 to 1922
651 94
Debt Accounts
Permanent Improvement Loans
$239,600 00
Sewer Loans
215,900 00
Water Loans (Serial)
86,100 00
Water Loan (Sinking Fund)
150,000 00
$691,600 00
Trust and Investment Accounts
Phillips School Medal Fund:
Principal
$1,000 00
Income
754 20
Joanna Morse Library Fund:
Principal
$5,196 00
Income
2,131 38
Mary L. Thomson Library Fund:
Principal
$1,000 00
Income
22 50
A. F. Nesbitt Private Cemetery Fund:
Principal
$200 00
Income
38 01
A. F. Nesbitt General Cemetery Fund:
Principal
$200 00
Income
79 26
279 26
Cemetery Lots Investment Fund:
Principal
$9,513 16
Inconie
1,109 07
10,622 23
Municipal Insurance Fund:
Principal
$3,500 00
Income
140 00
3,640 00
$24,883 58
$1,754 20
7,327 38
1,022 50
238 01
BUREAU OF STATISTICS REPORT.
77
$2,973 25
78
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
SCHOOL COMMITTEE-1919
Rev. Edward Tillotson, Chairman 60 Monument avenue Telephone 2481
Arthur W. Stubbs, Secretary 74 Paradise road Telephone 4344-R
John Vannevar 95 Monument avenue Telephone 1094-W
Regular meeting, first Tuesday of each month at 8 o'clock, P. M.
Superintendent of Schools
Willard M. Whitman
9 Fuller terrace; telephone 1928
Office of Superintendent of Schools, Hadley School; Telephone 2067. The Superintendent's Office is open on school days from 8.15 to 1.30, and from 2.30 to 5; Saturdays, from 9 to 12.
The Superintendent's office hours on school days are from 8 to 9 A. M., and from 2.30 to 4.00 P. M. Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
School Calendar
Winter Term closes on Friday, February 20, 1920. Spring Term begins on Monday, March 3, 1920. Spring Term closes on Friday, April 16, 1920. Summer Term begins on Monday, April 26, 1920. Summer Term closes Wednesday, June 23, 1920. High School Graduation, Thursday, June 24, 1920. Fall Term begins on Wednesday, September 8, 1920.
Legal Holidays
The words "legal holiday" shall include the first day of January, the twenty-second day of February, the nineteenth day of April, the thirtieth day of May, the fourth day of July, the first Monday of September, the twelfth day of October, Thanksgiving Day and Christ- mas Day, or the day following when any of the four days first men- tioned, the twelfth day of October or Christmas day occurs on Sun- day; and the public offices shall be closed on all of said days .- Chapter 136, Acts of 1911.
79
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
1919]
Observance of Flag Day
Resolved: That the Governor shall annually set apart the four- teenth day of June as Flag Day, the date being the anniversary of the adoption of the national flag by the Continental Congress in the year seventeen hundred and twenty-seven; and shall issue his proc- lamation recommending that the day be observed by the people of the Commonwealth in the display of the flag and in such other ways as will be in harmony with the general character of the day .- Chapter 5, Resolves of 1911.
Hours of Session
Senior High School, 8 A M. to 1 P. M. Junior High School, 8 A. M. to 1 P. M. Grades 5 and 6, 8 A. M. to 1 P. M. Grades 3 and 4, 8.30 A. M. to 1 P. M.
Grades 1 and 2, 9 A. M. to 1 P. M.
No School Signal
Two double strokes on the fire alarm, 2-2.
7.20 A. M. No school in the Junior or Senior High Schools and Grades 5 and 6.
7.50 A. M. No session in grades 1 to 4 inclusive.
Important: If the signal does not ring at 7.20 but rings at 7.50, sessions of school will be held in the Junior and Senior High Schools and Grades 5 and 6, and no school in grades 1 to 4 inclusive.
80
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Report of the School Committee.
To the Citizens of the Town of Swampscott:
In reviewing the school work of the past year one fact stands out in bold relief. It is not peculiar to the town of Swampscott and it is not due to local conditions. It is general throughout the United States, and it has got to be fairly and squarely met in every com- inunity in the country. Briefly, it is the inadequacy of present salary standards to fulfill the requirements of a broad American education. As faithful and competent teachers drop out it becomes more and more difficult to fill their places. The sources of supply are becoming rapidly depleted, and young men and women of ability are not find- ing the salaries generally paid sufficiently attractive to induce them to enter the profession. In consequence of this situation an under- trained, unsympathetic type of teacher is making its appearance.
Swampscott must do its share in remedying this condition. In the light of what the war has revealed in the shortcomings of our entire educational system, it is now being generally recognized that too small salaries have always been paid. The Americaniza- tion of this great country, the instilling of patriotism and loyalty into the character of each incoming generation of citizens, the up- building of a national character that shall have all the attributes to make it immune from the insidious attacks of any foreign ele- ment, depend in no small measure upon the teachers in our public schools. In order, therefore, that young men and women may be induced to spend the several years of time which are necessary to properly equip themselves for the task of teaching, it is the duty of the American people to reward them beyond the recompense of the window washer, the hod carrier or the street digger.
In the past two years the schools of Swampscott have lost a num- ber of their best teachers and it has been extremely difficult to fill their places, not only because of the fact that the moderate wage has been little inducement, but also because of the entire absence of a list of available candidates of the standard which Swampscott desires to maintain. Teachers of the highest grade are being ab- sorbed one by one in the cities and towns which pay the best sal- aries, and the normal schools are not turning out the material to take their places. The American people, however, are indicating a keen interest in the subject, and action taken in communities all over the country is an indication that the present situation will not exist much longer.
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