USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1872 > Part 2
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"I have received letters, asking the result of our experience, from nearly all the large cities of the country. In New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis, the reading rooms of the principal public libraries are now open on Sunday."
In a letter to our librarian the same writer says: "I think there is nobody in Cincinnati who has seen the working of the Sunday opening, who objects to it. Certainly the clergymen and religious people do not. The rooms of the Christian Association have always been open on Sunday, and Thane Miller, the presi- dent of the Association, was one of the most earnest advocates for Sunday use of the public library."
These statements show what has been done in other places, and from all the facts I am able to gather, a similar result may be expected here.
The whole number of books in the library at the present time is 30,798, of which number 3,547 belong to the medical depart- ment. During the year, 577 volumes have been added to the Green library, and 3,180 to the circulating and intermediate. The number of books given out during the year was 73,264.
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 27.
The number of new applications made for books during the year has been 2,412. Number of books lost, 151. More than 8,000 persons asking information of the librarian have been satis- factorily served. The reading rooms are well stocked with news- papers and periodicals, the number taken being 178. The ex- penses of this department have been $10,723 65, and the income $1,954 74.
WATER.
The time is not far distant when it will become necessary to make preliminary arrangements for a further supply of water for the use of the city. Should you be called upon to perform any of this work during the present year, it would be well to give ample scope to your early investigations, so as to fully compre- hend the needs of the city at the present time, and also for a gen- eration to come.
I have no plan to lay before you to be carried out or even com- menced during my brief administration, unless it becomes an imperative necessity, which I do not anticipate. On the first day of January, 1871, the water at Lynde Brook reservoir, which had been drawn off for repairs upon the dam, only indicated a supply for thirty days. Since that time it has been gradually rising, and there is not much doubt that it will be full before the first of April.
So long as the city is supplied and the water continues to rise there is no just cause for alarm. It is estimated that this reser- voir, when filled, will hold a supply for 200 days without being replenished, and the dam, when raised to its full height, will be doubled in capacity.
When it becomes necessary to further increase the supply of water there are several methods whereby it may be accomplished, some of which have already been contemplated. The waters of Kettle Brook may be diverted and conducted into the Lynde Brook reservoir, at an expense of about $15,000, but the buying of water rights and mill privileges on the stream below will ne- cessitate a heavy outlay, and work permanent injury to the busi- ness prosperity of the town of Leicester.
19
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
There is no doubt but Kettle Brook, with its ample reservoirs in Leicester and Paxton, would furnish a full supply of water for a hundred years to come; but it will be a question of vital im- portance whether the city can afford the outlay so long as there are other ways of obtaining a supply of water at less expense.
The building of a dam at North Pond, such as has been here- tofore contemplated, would make a reservoir capable of holding over seven hundred million gallons of water. This pond is 70 feet above Lincoln Square, and its waters could be used along the entire valley, from the Wire Works on Grove street to South Worcester.
This would relieve Lynde Brook reservoir, so that there would be a surplus of water there, even without Kettle Brook, which might be carried into North Pond reservoir if needed, thus leaving both reservoirs full at the commencement of the dry season, which would supply the present wants of the city for two years, without any addition. It would undoubtedly cost less to build this dam and lay the main pipe through the city, than it would to build two or three small reservoirs for storing water on the adjacent hills, a work which has already been contemplated. The high service pipes will be connected with the present works, so that there will be no need of any high reservoir near the city to keep up the pressure or supply extra water at fires. These suggestions, crude as they may seem to be, embrace an outline of the future Water Works of Worcester.
The idea of pumping water in sufficient quantities and to a sufficient height, from Lake Quinsigamond, to supply the city, is absurd and will never be accomplished.
There is a constant demand for the extension of the water works and more pipes are constantly being laid. During the year ending Dec. 1st, 1872, $76,419 05 have been paid for water construction independent of the high service, which goes to show that the people want water and are willing to pay for it. The maintenance of the water works has cost $14,527 97, while the revenue from this department has been $66,408 26. The construction will hereafter be more gradual, and in a few years will only be called for as the city increases in population and business.
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 27.
EXPENDITURES.
Construction.
Pay Roll, . . $19,966 76
Stone, Drain Pipe, Brick, Lime, Cement, &c., . 4,785 78
Castings, Iron, Steel, Hardware and Tools, . 2,940 15
Engineer's Services and Clerical Labor, . 730 41
Trucking, Oil, Lanterns, Powder and Fuse, 496 25
Hydrants and Blacksmith's Work, . 1,264 19
Water Pipe, 26,434 90
Water Meters and Pipe Fittings, . 7,427 43
Plumbing, Lead Pipe, Water Gates, &c., 2,927 11
Horse Hire and Miscellaneous Expenses, 609 17
Excavating and Filling at Reservoir,
7,244 01
Blank Books, Stationery, Printing and Advertising, . 11 70
300 00
Waldo F. Henshaw, . 200 00
Extra Labor, 1,081 19
$76,419 05
Income, .
7,992 23
Maintenance.
Salaries, . . $1,200 00
Pay Rolls, . 4,973 25
Blacksmith's Work, Hardware and Tools, 978 39
Castings, Iron, Steel, Cement Pipe, Gates, &c.,
172 60
Trucking and Horse Hire,
1,143 67
Extra Labor and Plumbing, .
1,018 37
Rubber Goods, Cordage and Packing Material, . 395 09
Printing, Advertising, Stationery, Stamps, &c., . 425 91
Clerical Labor, . 1,449 65
Fuel, Oil, Lanterns, &c., . 290 34
Rent, Insurance and Repairs, 991 76
Meters, Lead Pipe, Powder and Fuse, 342 70
Engineer's Services, 272 60
Lumber and Gas, . 461 20
John Foley, Damages, . 100 00
Abatement on Water Bills,
312 44
$14,527 97
Income, .
58,416 03
High Service.
Paid on Contracts, . . $20,456 11
Warren Foundry, . 130,402 87
Extra work, .
1,003 62
Thomas Foley, Damages,
21
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Engineering, and Inspecting Pipe,
935 49
Freight on Pipes, .. 10,062 23
Printing, Advertising, Telegrams, Stationery, &c., . 22 64
Castings, Tools, Fuel, Oil, &c., 162 80
Water Gates and Trucking, .
2,429 86
Traveling Expenses of Committee,
172 56
Land,
18 75
$165,666 93
Total Expenditures,
$256,613 95
Total Income, .
66,408 26
Expenditures above Income, . $190,205 69
The high service is now half completed, whereby water will be brought direct from Lynde Brook reservoir and distributed on the high lands about the city.
The high service pipe will connect with the present pipe at the junction of Cambridge and Southbridge streets, and the pressure will there be regulated by a valve constructed for that purpose, the regulation of which will require some care, or serious results may follow.
SEWERS.
The sewers are just as necessary as the water pipes, and the people are as willing to pay for one as the other, when they are satisfied that the amount claimed in such case is just and equitable.
The system of sewer assessments inaugurated during the last year has been the subject of severe criticism, and many persons now feel that the assessment of so heavy a special tax, with so little warning, and so unequal in its application, is a burden which ought not to have been imposed upon them.
It is evident that the plan adopted for the assessment of this tax, if there was any plan, has proved a failure to such an extent that only about one-third of the tax has been paid.
A notice has been served upon those who have not paid their tax, informing them that in case said tax is not paid within fourteen days from the time of service, their real estate will be sold at auction to satisfy the demand.
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22
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 27.
The service of this notice was so carefully and adroitly managed that the fourteen days could not expire till after the exit of the power that sent it forth.
Whatever the motive may have been in performing this execu- tive feat, we are not to be disturbed till we do something to create our own embarrassment. We did not make the assess- ment nor issue the notice, nor do I propose to recommend the sale of any property to pay the assessment till some measures have been taken to test the legality of such a proceeding.
I recommend that a case, involving the principal facts in this matter, be prepared by agreement and brought before the Su- preme Court as early as possible. If the assessment was legally made, even though it may be unjust, you have no power to annul it. If it was not legally made, the Court will so determine.
It is not a part of our duty to apologize for what other administrations have done, but we ought to be willing to allow all parties aggrieved to avail themselves of every constitutional and legal right.
Mill Brook sewer has been completed, except 340 feet between Lincoln Square and Court Mills. The expenses of the sewer de- partment have been $152,916 22, of which the finishing of Mill Brook sewer cost $63,810 12.
HIGHWAYS.
The proper management of the Highway department is a matter of great importance to the city, inasmuch as the law requires that the streets and highways should be kept in a safe and convenient condition for travel, while the city is held liable for neglect whereby any person is made to sustain injury or loss of property, when in the exercise of due care.
It has been customary for persons owning land to open streets for the purpose of making sale of their property, without much regard to width or grade. After this is done and the abutting lots have been sold and built upon, the city is asked to make it a public street and establish the grade.
To do this the street may have to be cut down or filled, and in
23
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
either case the abutters put in a claim for damages, even when the work is done upon their own petition.
This mode of opening streets has been very expensive to the city and is contrary to the provisions of the city charter and the ordinances. No street should be opened for public travel by any private person till its width and grade have been established according to law. There has been so much to do by way of con- structing new streets and widening others during the past few years, that repairs have been somewhat neglected. The side- walks have been improved from year to year, but they are not all in a condition at present to insure the city against damage. I would suggest the propriety of having the streets and sidewalks in charge of one committee.
The building of a new Union Passenger Depot, to accommo- date all the railroads coming into the city, will make it necessary to lay out new streets and extend others, but it is now impossible to know with any degree of certainty what will be required. The extension of Central street to the grounds of the Normal School may require your attention. On Front street, 4,614 square yards of new paving and 2,115 of old have been laid, together with 97 yards re-laid. Cobble paving to the amount of 15,853 square yards has been laid; and 26,656 lineal feet of curbstone set. Flag stone laid, 2,920 lineal feet. Round corners, 73.
A large amount of work of various kinds has been done by this department, the details of which will be found in the Commis- sioner's report.
The Grove street Bridge, a stone structure, costing about $2,000, has been built during the year. The total amount of real estate in charge of the Commissioner is valued at $28,315 00. Personal, $18,345 65. The expenses of this Department for the year ending November 30th, have been $124,812 63. Income, $37,036 75.
CITY HOSPITAL.
On the 26th day of October, 1871, the first patient was admitted into this new institution, and up to the first day of December, 1872, 176 persons had been received and treated therein.
n
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 27.
In the month of March, 1872, George Jaques, Esq., presented to the city a deed of about three and one-half acres of land, valued at $35,000, situated upon the south side of Prince street, as a site for a Hospital, on condition that the city, within three years from the date of the deed, should provide a hospital building on said land of sufficient capacity to accommodate at least twenty- five patients.
This public benefactor and friend of morality, education and reform, died on the 24th of August last, at the age of fifty-six. Previous to his death he had executed a will wherein was be- queathed to the city of Worcester nearly all of his large estate, amounting to several hundred thousand dollars, to be applied for the benefit of the City Hospital. The approval of this will has been contested, and the issue is now pending in the Supreme Court.
In case the will is sustained, of which there is but little doubt, you may be invested with new duties in carrying out the mag- nificent designs of our late distinguished fellow-citizen. The city being a residuary legatee, would be likely to hold the lot of land, even though it should not be built upon according to the terms of the deed. Whether this bequest falls into the possession of the city or not, this charitable institution merits your consideration. You will no doubt find that better accommodations are much needed.
The hospital is now in charge of Dr. Leonard Wheeler, with a large corps of visiting physicians, and its success is already estab- lished. Donations have been made during the year by various citizens, of considerable value, and much interest is manifested in behalf of this excellent charity.
The financial transactions during the year ending November 30, 1872, are as follows:
RESOURCES.
Unexpended balance of 1871, . . $6,700 92
Appropriation for 1872,
4,000 00
Cash received for rent,
875 42
66 66 " board, 571 46
due from State, .
1,172 45
66 received from City Treasurer,
26 17
Total,
$13,346 42
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
EXPENDITURES.
Rent,
$1,000 00
Salaries and Pay Roll, .
2,215 69
Groceries and Provisions,
2,302 89
Surgical Instruments,
215 70
Medicines,
384 36
Furniture,
321 15
Carpets, Bedding, &c.,
665 90
Printing,
117 07
Plumbing,
126 51
Fuel, .
354 25
Repairs,
454 77
Gas, .
132 30
Crockery, .
71 82
Books and Stationery,
49 85
Advertising,
18 87
Hardware, .
44 13
Incidentals, .
73 50
Total,
$8,548 76
Unexpended balance,
. $4,997 66
POLICE.
The Police Department comes nearer the people than any other. Its members are in constant communication with our citi- zens, both day and night, and their general deportment, whether good or bad, furnishes material for comment and criticism. They are constantly exposed to temptation of various kinds, and unless they possess incorruptible virtue, are liable to swerve from duty, and become powerless as conservators of the public peace.
It is my desire to establish an efficient and reliable Police force, composed of men who naturally pay a proper regard to the moral sense of the community, and possess sufficient intelligence and self respect to conduct themselves with propriety before the public. I am confident of being sustained by you in trying to give the citizens such protection as they have a right to demand through this department. I shall, from time to time, as occasion may require, invoke your aid in removing from office any un- worthy or incompetent person.
A lock-up for temporary use is much needed in the vicinity of Washington Square. I would also call your attention to the im-
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 27.
portance of providing accommodations for officers who make arrests during the night and are required to appear in court the next morning as witnesses.
It is not an uncommon thing for officers to evade duty at times when they are most needed, because they are unwilling to be called up in the forenoon to appear at court, whereas if sleeping apartments were furnished at the station, all those required as witnesses would be ready to respond when summoned, and much time and expense would be saved. The conduct of the Police Department in the night time is of great importance, and every needed facility for constant and effective action should be fur- nished, while the individual members are held to a strict account.
The regular Police force of the city is now comprised of fifty men, and with proper discipline and judicious management is sufficient for the present needs of the city.
Total number of arrests during the year, 2,722
66 poor lodgers, . 2,316
EXPENDITURES.
Salaries of Marshals, . $4,088 79
Pay Roll of Policemen,. 37,588 12
Care of Office and Cells, . 364 20
Horse Hire, . . 1,220 00
Cloth, Buttons and Badges, 1,285 79
Furniture, 81 99
Printing, Telegrams, Stationery, &c., 153 11
Brooms, Lamps, Matches, &c., . 76 21
Provisions for Lodgers and Prisoners, 222 22
Handcuffs and Billies, 65 75
Repairs, . . 159 08
Costs of Suit, Freeman vs. Police, 99 18
Advertising, 3 00
Total expenses for the year ending Dec. 1, . $45,407 44
Income,
1,804 53
Net Cost of Police Department, $43,602 91
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The care and superintendence of the city buildings is now vested in the Mayor and Aldermen by virtue of the city charter.
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
It is not reasonable to expect that any one man will devote his time, without pay, to this much needed service ; and when sev- eral undertake to perform such a task it is very likely to be neg- lected altogether. I recommend that action be taken with a view to amend the city charter in this respect, giving the care and cus- tody of all the school-houses and other buildings belonging to the city into the hands of the City Council, with authority to elect a Superintendent of public buildings, who shall perform his duties under direction of a joint committee.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Fire Department not only enjoys the confidence of all good citizens at home, but has won for itself an enviable reputa- tion abroad. When the cry of distress flashed over the wires from the burning metropolis, on the 9th of November last, it met a quick and hearty response from the firemen of Worcester. They occupied, during that memorable night and the succeeding day, a position of responsibility and danger. The management of the department in Worcester by the chief, when so inany of its members were away, deserves commendation ; and the skill and ability manifested so prominently by engineer Brophy at the Boston fire, will long be remembered.
Boston has indicated its appreciation of these favors, and the perils of that dreadful night have cemented the bonds of a new brotherhood.
It is of the greatest importance that this department be sup- plied with every reasonable facility for extinguishing fires, and its members amply paid for their valuable services.
The well conducted labors of these gallant men for a single bour may save millions of property and numerous lives.
That harmony which now exists between officers and men, and so thoroughly pervades the whole department, has a tendency to inspire confidence among the property owners of Worcester, and is suggestive of the fact that the Fire Department of this city has no superior in the State.
Whole number of Alarms during the Year, .
, Of which five were from New Worcester.
. 47
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 27.
Estimated Loss by Fire, $26,235 00 Total number of Men in the Department, . 143
Drivers,
3
EXPENDITURES.
Salaries, . . $ 1,115 01
Pay Roll of Companies,
19,201 51
Services of Stewards, . 1,755 00
66 Supt. Fire Alarm, 728 41
Alarms, . . .
218 00
Material and Repairs for Telegraph, 1,792 71
New Apparatus, . . 1,292 31
Repairs of Apparatus, 1,049 93
Furniture and Fixtures,
617 76
Belts, Straps and Badges, .
56 00
Oil, Soap, Brushes, &c., .
168 98
Hardware and Tools,
129 27
Blacksmith's Labor, .
142 26
Repairs of and Additions to Houses,
6,331 10
Coal and Wood,
615 18
Gas, . .
415 14
Printing and Stationery,
97 10
Trucking,.
56 98
Hay, Grain and Straw,
1,363 66
Hose Dressing,
235 08
Blankets, Harnesses, and Repair of same,
263 92
Advertising,
44 49
Horse Hire,
1,220 50
Horses, . . 525 00
Firemen's Muster, 77 00
Traveling Expenses of Engineers, 45 26
Burial of Maloney,
185 25
Total Expenses for the Year ending Dec. 1, . . $39,742 81
Income, 887 68
Net Cost of Fire Department, $38,855 13
The expenses of this year must necessarily be heavy, the late city government having ordered the building of one steamer, one hose carriage, two patent fire extinguishers, and one engine house on the west side of Main street.
It will soon be necessary to build another house in Ward five. The Fire Alarm Battery is soon to be moved from the city hall to the Engine house on Front street, where ample rooms have been fitted up to receive it. I would call your special attention to the needs of this department, hoping that every assistance in your power will be cheerfully rendered to make it effective.
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
CHARITIES.
The honest poor are often too much neglected, while "Sturdy Beggars" wander about from city to city, receiving alms and living in comparative luxury. The station-houses are thronged with able-bodied men, too lazy to work, and in many cases too vile to be at large. During the past year 2,316 of these wander- ing vagrants have been fed and lodged in our station-house at the expense of the city.
Those unfortunate persons, supported at the Poor Farm, who have a legal settlement in Worcester, deserve especial care. Many of them have seen better days and deserve a better fate, but the rude hand of misfortune has crippled their energies and blotted out their usefulness forever.
There are numerous cases about the city where temporary aid has been given, and many an eye has been moistened by the tear of gratitude for some simple act of charity done by authority of the Board of Overseers of the Poor.
The whole number of inmates at the City Alms-house during the year has been 69, and the average number 31. Twenty-four acres of land has been added to the estate. The total expenditures of the Board have been $15,439 48, and the income has been $7,531 33.
TRUANT SCHOOL.
The Truant School is an institution connected with the Poor Department, and might be the means of doing much good were the needed facilities provided for the enforcement of such rules as are necessary to insure proper discipline. The inmates of this school are those who have become so wanton and unruly as to make it advisable to transfer them from other employments to labor on the Poor Farm, with such opportunities for study as may seem profitable. Most of those who find admission there are habitual truants, sent by the District Court for a term of months or years, according to the nature of the offence committed. These children should not be treated as criminals, but strict obedience should be constantly enforced. The expenses of this
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30
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 27.
school have been $2,713 52, and the income $69 90. The num- ber of pupils during the year was 37.
THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
It is a matter of profound regret that the city of Worcester is now behind so many of the small towns, in placing upon per- petual record its appreciation of the eminent services of those brave heroes who fearlessly died in the great struggle for our national life. Preparations are now being made to erect a monu- ment, upon which is to be inscribed the names of those who en- listed from Worcester and died in the service. It will be com- pleted during the present year, and you will undoubtedly be called upon to provide a suitable place for its location.
RAILROADS.
When the Union Depot is built, some way will have to be devised whereby the northern railroads may gain access to the depot and connect with the tracks of the other roads. Several plans have been suggested, and I have no doubt you will act for the best interests of the city in deciding which should be adopted, in case the matter is reached during the present year. This whole subject is so connected and interwoven with what is to be performed under plans not yet fully developed, that it would be impossible, at present, to set forth any policy or manner of pro- cedure in relation to it that would not be liable to be entirely contrary to what ought to be done.
CONCLUSION.
Gentlemen of the City Council :
. I have thus briefly called your attention to some of the matters which may be brought to your notice during the present year, without attempting to give an elaborate statement of all the opera- tions of the several departments, The Auditor's printed report,
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