Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1873, Part 2

Author: Worcester (Mass.)
Publication date: 1873
Publisher: The City
Number of Pages: 450


USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1873 > Part 2


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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29


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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 28.


and Leicester and Millbury streets particularly, have been graded with gravel and cinders nearly their entire length. It is notice- able that piles of stone, dirt and rubbish have not been suffered to remain, but that after any piece of work has been completed, the premises have been promptly cleared up and left in a satisfactory condition.


Total Resources . $157,829 46


Total Expenditures 152,726 84


Balance Unexpended . $5,102 62


In this department of service, many opportunities are afforded of giving employment. In these times when work is dull, and laborers plenty, it becomes our bounden duty to make every ex- ertion to give those who are willing to work something to do. In no other way can the true principles of municipal economy be so successfully illustrated. What we cannot do as individuals we can do as a body corporate, and I have no doubt we should be sustained not only by our own judgment and by the dictates of humanity, but by the generous assent of the public, if we should take extraordinary means to provide work now, while private enterprise is checked, and particularly at this season of the year when many of the ordinary occupations are suspended. I feel that I am expressing your own sentiments when I say that in ap- portioning work, discrimination should be exercised in favor of persons who are known to be citizens of Worcester, and to have families dependent upon them. When hands are willing, and hearts ask no charity, but the privilege of self support by honest toil, the appeal must not be dismissed with the answer we have nothing for you to do. Nor can these persons be suffered to go elsewhere ; they are our citizens, members of our own municipal family, and we must care for them, in one way or in another.


POLICE.


The force as at present constituted consists of a city marshal, two assistant marshals, two captains of the watch and a patrol of forty-five men. By comparison with other cities of equal size and population, the men are found to be below rather than above the average, in number and expense of maintenance.


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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.


The whole number of arrests during the past year has been 3,062.


Whole number of persons accommodated with food and lodg- ings at the station house, 3,249.


The resources have been $60.844 77


And the expenses .


58,480 32


Balance unexpended $2,364 45


It is generally. conceded that no department is so perplexing to organize, and so difficult to maintain to the credit of itself and to the satisfaction of the public. I trust the day is not far distant when these officers of the law and conservators of the peace will be appointed to serve indefinitely, subject to removal only for cause. The example of more experienced municipalities in this respect seems to be worthy of study. The general character and qualifications of an efficient police force have been too often brought to our notice to need any repetition now. I most sin- cerely ask your aid in all my efforts to accomplish the object we so much desire ; and if mistakes are made I ask you to help me rectify them promptly and resolutely. After doing all in my own power, the department must depend for encouragement and support, upon all law respecting and law abiding citizens.


CITY HOSPITAL.


The third annual report of the trustees of this institution, by Stephen Salisbury; Jr., Esq., secretary of the board, I commend to your earnest attention.


The hospital was established in the Bigelow mansion, on Front street, and opened for the reception of patients October 23, 1871. In 1872 the number of patients was 160; in 1873, 169; and since the opening, 345.


In April, 1873, all controversy in regard to the will of the late George Jaques was amicably settled, and it became certain that the bulk of his property, amounting to about $200,000, would be applied to the purposes best expressed in his own language : "I have been convinced for some time," he says, " that the city of Worcester, containing within it, as it does, so many elements of prosperity, thrift and rapid growth, has no greater want to be


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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 28.


supplied than that of a well endowed and properly managed gen- eral hospital, which can minister to the comforts of the sick and unfortunate among the poorer classes of the city's population, by furnishing that care, nursing and medical skill which other- wise they never would receive."


In the few hurried and constantly interrupted hours I have had for preparation for my own work, I have not found an opportu- nity to express, in fitting terms, my own appreciation of this great gift of our departed townsinan. Without limitation, without con- dition, with no provision for connecting his name with the object of his benefaction, George Jaques endowed the city hospital of Worcester in a spirit of noble self-forgetful charity. In tears and smiles of gratitude thousands will bless his name, who will know him only as the friend of the sick and of the unfortunate.


It will be the duty of those who are to carry out the terms of his bequest to provide some proper memorial of his liberality. Already the city government has erected a suitable monument of Aberdeen granite on his lot in the rural cemetery, bearing the simple inscription :


GEORGE JAQUES. Born February 18, 1816. Died August 24, 1872.


During the past year a bequest, contingent upon a certain life interest, has been left to the hospital by the late J. B. Shaw, Esq., an Englishman, who for several years has been a citizen of Wor- cester. In the month of July last, Hon. Isaac Davis presented to the city hospital $1,000, which sum is to accumulate until it becomes $2,000, after which time, with certain restrictions, the income is to be applied to the support of poor and destitute per- sons, who are admitted to the hospital and are unable to pay their expenses while there.


To all those who have kindly contributed linen, fruit, flowers and other articles equally acceptable, an acknowledgment of grateful thanks is here made.


It is earnestly hoped that individuals and corporations will con- tribute to the support of free beds, a system long adopted by the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, by which the right to the


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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.


use of a bed for a year or during life, is secured by those who contribute a certain sum of money. One of the great advantages gained is that many persons can in this way be cared for, who otherwise could not obtain admission on account of the natural restrictions which surround any local institution.


It is the intention of the trustees to remove the hospital from its present location, to the Jaques homestead, bequeathed to the city, as soon as certain necessary alterations and additions are completed, and by which facilities will be afforded for the treat- ment of a much larger number of patients.


The receipts and expenses for the year have been as follows:


Appropriations, . . $7,923 36


Board, Rent, etc., 1,457 60


Total Resources, $9,380 96


General Expenditures, 7,189 74


Balance Unexpended, $2,191 22


The expense of getting the Jaques homestead fully equipped for occupancy is estimated at $4,000; the general expenses for the current year will not, probably, exceed those of 1873, and the trustees ask for an appropriation of $14,000, less the balance credited to the city hospital account in the statement of the finance committee. The institution continues under the very satis- factory administration of Dr. Leonard Wheeler, resident physician and superintendent. The thanks of the city government and of the citizens generally are due to the twelve visiting physicians, who, during the past year, have taken charge of the patients, without remuneration. Not only to the city council, but to the citizens, to the strong, the fortunate, and the charitable, this insti- tution appeals for recognition and support.


SCHOOLS.


Boston, Providence and Worcester were the first to establish a system of graded public schools, which has been adopted in its essential features by other cities and towns all over the country. I am assured that it is not too much to say that what is known as the American system of public school education had its origin, to


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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 28.


a great extent, in the organization of the centre district of Wor- cester; and more than forty years ago these schools were cited as models in plan of gradation and organization to the cities of New York and the west.


Allusion has already been made to the growth of the city, and by comparison of the schools of to-day with those of a few years ago, this fact is clearly exhibited.


In January, 1866. our population was ยท30,000


Whole number of pupils enrolled, 6,750


Average number belonging, 4,720


Number of teachers, 94


In January, 1874, population, 50,000


Whole number of pupils enrolled, 9,990


Average number belonging, . 6,725


Number of teachers employed in both day and evening schools, . 176


And these last figures do not include more than a thousand children in the private schools. With such an addition of pupils and teachers, it is not surprising that the expenditures should have been greatly increased.


The fathers of this old commonwealth, regarding the education of the whole people as indispensable to the form of government they were establishing, did not intrust the care of schools to the officers charged with public affairs in general, but to a separate body of men; so we, following their example, intrust the manage- ment to a committee, twenty-four in number, elected for a period of three years-one annually from each ward. By this provision, the board coming directly from the people, is the representative of their will; and in consequence of the length of the term of office it is never made up of a majority of new members, and therefore is not likely to introduce any inconsiderate or hasty change of policy.


Suggestions have been repeatedly made aiming at such a modi- fication of the board, and particularly at such a reduction of num- ber, as would insure greater promptness of action and less difficulty in making any desired change. But as they have not been


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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.


adopted, it is probable that any advantages that might be secured, would be overbalanced by the loss of that representative character of the board, and that contact with the people, by which the popu- lar wish is felt and expressed.


Inasmuch as education falls within the province of the parents no less than of the public teachers, it is of the highest importance that they should maintain a personal interest in the schools, and through their representative in the school board make known their opinions and wishes.


As the cost of living increases, the children's time in a manu- facturing community becomes more valuable, and the temptation is greater, to secure the work of their hands rather than of their heads. A law enacted by the last legislature requires every per- son in charge of a child between the ages of eight and twelve years, to send such child to school twenty weeks in each year. It is also unlawful to employ a child under fifteen years of age, in any manufacturing establishment, unless said child has attended school three months during the year preceding.


What our city is to-day, is due largely to the schools of the past, so what she will be in the future, will very much depend upon the character and standard of the schools which we maintain. I therefore trust that this important interest will receive your earnest attention and care. I am informed that no extraordinary demand will be made upon the city council during the year by this department, so that an appropriation equal to that of last year will probably cover all requirements.


The resources and expenditures have been as follows :-


Appropriated by city council .


$150,660 87


Received from other sources . 2,343 02


Total resources


$153,003 89


Ordinary expenditures .


$143,055 77


Extraordinary expenditures 8,620 67


Total expenditures $151,676 44 $151,676 44


The above amount expended differs from the auditor's account, for the reason that several bills were included in last year's state-


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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 28.


ment, but not having been paid by the city until this year, are included in the auditor's report of this year. The number of school- houses is thirty-four, and the value of the school property is about a million of dollars.


I cannot leave this subject without alluding briefly to the re- cognition of the influence of education upon national and municipal prosperity, by the world's exposition at Vienna the past year. In the arrangement of the exposition, the department of education was considered the most important, and there was the greatest interest manifested, and encouragement given, to have it thor- oughly represented.


The highest award of the exposition was the diploma of honor. Only thirty-four were given in the department of education, over the whole world, and of these four were given to the United States-one to the National bureau of education, one to the Smith- sonian institute, one to the State of Massachusetts, and one to the city of Boston.


Worcester and several cities in the West received honorable mention, or otherwise translated, diplomas of merit. Certainly we have reason to entertain a feeling of pride, which however will be kept within moderate bounds, when we consider that by compari- son, our American schools are behind those of countries in Europe which twenty years ago were behind us. Austria furnishes the most remarkable example of progress, and Germany surpasses Massachusetts in thoroughly educated teachers, and in apparatus for teaching.


The standard school furniture in America, such, for instance, as is used in Boston, is the best in the world, and no city has so good accommodations for elementary schools; but in this country, Worcester, perhaps, excepted, we are vastly behind German cities in buildings for high schools.


The report of our educational commissioner upon this great subject will be looked for with eager interest.


CHARITIES.


The department of the overseers of the poor appears to be ju-


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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.


diciously and economically managed, and the poor are well pro- vided for, and at less expense than in other cities of equal popula- tion. The entire number for whom some provision has been made during the past year is 1,272. At the clerk's office there has been drawn 1,338 orders on various persons for food, fuel, clothing, medicines and other necessaries, amounting to $7,765.93.


During the year the small-pox has prevailed to a certain ex-" tent throughout the State. In Boston it spread rapidly, and the most vigorous measures were demanded to subdue it. Upon its first appearance here, prompt and successful measures were taken by the government to provide for those who were so unfortunate as to contract the disease, and to protect all others as far as possi- ble. In their action they had the sympathy and most untiring ex- ertions of the city physician, Dr. Albert Wood, to whom credit is due, and who will be remembered with grateful feelings by many to whom he was an utter stranger.


The expenses were heavy, but not nearly as much in Worces- ter as in many of the surrounding towns and neighboring cities.


There were twenty-six cases of persons having no settlement, and their expenses, amounting to $1,252.87, were charged to the Commonwealth, and have all been allowed.


The city almshouse is in good condition, and expressions of confidence and satisfaction with the general management of the establishment are freely given. The number of inmates of the institution at the present time is twenty-seven. At this time, when so many are out of employment, and the cold season is upon us, it must be borne in mind that the demand upon our charities will be indefinitely increased, and an additional burden of labor and care will be thrown upon the officers of this department.


Liberal appropriations should be made for the relief of the poor, and the greatest care exercised, that all disbursements of the pub- lic money be faithfully applied to the purposes intended.


By private institutions and by individuals, countless acts of kindness are done, and encouraging words are spoken, which re- lieve the distressed and lift up the down-trodden. They have their reward.


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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 28.


FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.


More work appears to have been done in this institution, and more good has been accomplished by it, during the last twelve months than in any previous year.


An addition of 403 volumes and two pamphlets has been made to the Green library, and of 3,035 volumes and 183 pamphlets to the intermediate and circulating departments. All the books in the two latter departments can be taken out of the library build- ing for use at home, and without restriction excepting in the case of a few of the most rare and costly.


Notices of many valuable and useful works added to the libra- ry during the year will be in the report of the librarian, soon to be submitted to you through the board of directors.


The possession of the Green library fund by this institution ena- bles it to buy sets of expensive books of great utility, but which it has not yet felt justified in purchasing with money raised by taxation. It is interesting to notice that care is taken in the se- lection of books, to provide for all wholesome tastes, and to stimu- late and aid thoughtfulness in every direction. Purchases are made with the purpose of supplying wants actually existing in the city, and the aim of the management appears to be to build up here a large popular library, and before it provides for the wants of minute scholarship, to make itself sure that such wants really exist, or are likely soon to be felt. Having found however, that there are demands of this kind, the library addresses itself resolutely to the work of meeting them, believing that in 'educa- ting leading minds in the community, its teachers, ministers and others, it is conferring an unspeakable blessing upon citizens gen- erally.


Sixty-six thousand eight hundred and fifty-five books have been delivered to users during the year. The number given out has increased under the new system of delivery adopted in July. It is noticeable that our financial troubles have added largely to the number of readers in all the departments. The circulating libra- ry has been open 306 days, the other departments every day in the year, excepting that on five legal holidays and Memorial day only the lower reading room was open. On these days, however,


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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.


books and magazines in the upper rooms have been made accessi- ble upon application to the attendant.


Fifteen thousand six hundred and seventy-two persons have had information or entertainment afforded them by the use of the reference library within the library building. This use has grown up almost wholly during the last three years, and shows that when it is thought wise that books should not be allowed outside of the building, users can, by proper management, be induced to come to the building.


The new system of accounts with borrowers has worked ad- mirably. Instead of an annual loss of 200 books, only two vol- umes, and these of little value in money, have disappeared dur- ing the five months the new system has been in operation. This system is also educating the consciences of borrowers, and doing much to build up the habit of promptness. Twelve or thirteen postal cards are sent to delinquents every day, at their expense, as reminders, and this is all that is required generally. Only six- teen books have been sent for by messengers during the whole five months. Once only, has it been necessary to call in the aid of the police.


The reading rooms have been open Sundays this year for the first time, and the hours have been from 2 to 9 o'clock P. M. The librarian has been in attendance from 3 to 5 P. M. Five thousand seven hundred and six persons have used the rooms on the Sun- days they have been open, that is from the second Sunday in December, 1872, to December 1, 1873. Thus on the average 110 persons have read at the library every Sunday. During the colder months the average attendance was 137. The report of the librarian will give full particulars of the character of readers and of the books used. Much solid reading appears to have been done. Arrangements, too, seem to have been made to prevent any of the attendants from being overworked. The persons in charge of the rooms believe that much good has been done at the library on Sundays. With these facts before you, the action in requesting the directors of the library to open the reading rooms and reference library on Sundays, would seem to be justified.


A supplement to the catalogue of the circulating library has


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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 28.


been prepared during the year, and has just been sent to the printers. It will be issued in a few weeks. The librarian advises the issue of a quarterly bulletin of additions of books. This, it is found, can be got out at a small cost, and certainly it would add to the usefulness of the library and the comfort of users. Much work has been done on the manuscript catalogues of the departments of the library. The arrangement and numbering of the books in the free library room have been completed during the year. This institution is growing in use and importance every year. If you feel interested to know what work has been laid out for the coming year, I refer you to the full reports of the board of directors, its committees, and the librarian and treasur- er, soon to be presented to you. In these reports will be found also full information in regard to the work of the year just closed, and the details of the financial condition of the library, with the expenditures of the past year.


In conclusion, I desire to express my indebtedness to the libra- rian and other officers for assistance and courtesies received, and also my unqualified approval of the present management, which has contributed so largely to the success of this most valuable institution. That it will receive your hearty and generous sup- port, I have no doubt.


FIRE DEPARTMENT.


During the past year, upon more than one occasion, the officers and men of this department have won the thanks and admiration of the people for the manner in which they have prevented a larger exhibition of their skill, strength and endurance.


The manual force consists of a chief and four assistant engi- neers, fifty members of steamer companies, including drivers, fifty hosemen of hose companies, fifty-one members of hook and lad- der companies, and six members of Babcock extinguisher com- pany ; making a total of one hundred and fifty-two men. In ad- dition to the regular force of the department, there is a volunteer hose company at Grant square that would render good service in case of fire in that vicinity. It is pleasant to be able to state that while constant improvement in apparatus is demanded by the


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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.


rapid growth of our city, and the corresponding increase of dan- ger from fire, there is also a corresponding improvement in disci- pline, without which no organization of this character can pro- duce satisfactory results. Men are necessary, machinery is neces- sary, but an enthusiastic spirit of unanimity, with concerted and concentrated action, is indispensable in order to attain to the highest degree of efficiency.


The headquarters of the department in Bigelow court having undergone alterations and improvements, were completed and oc- cupied last March, and are found to answer the purposes intended in a satisfactory manner. The building is occupied by the board of engineers, the battery and machinery of the fire alarm telegraph, one steamer, one hook and ladder company, and horses for draw- ing the above apparatus. In addition to the above are work, store, bed and bath rooms, all suitably and comfortably fur- nished.


The fire alarm telegraph is in satisfactory working operation, and has already more than paid for its cost of construction and maintenance, by giving definite information of the locality of fire, and by rendering it unnecessary to call out the whole depart- ment upon the occasion of every alarm.


Although the fire alarm bell in the new tower on Pleasant street is still the subject of experiment, those most competent to judge, are by no means ready to pronounce it a failure. It is guaranteed to work to the satisfaction of the committee on the fire department, and the hope exists of ultimately bringing out a. tone, which can be distinguished at all times throughout the city. It is evident that on Sundays, the Fourth of July, and upon other occasions that will naturally come to the mind, the striking of a church bell is not to be depended upon for an alarm.


Twice has the department rendered service out of town, which has been gratefully appreciated and acknowledged. In Spring- field, February 5th, and in Westboro, June 17th.


During the past year contracts were made for the building of two new substantial houses for the department,-one on Lamar- tine street and the other on Pleasant street. They are designed for the accommodation of a steamer, hook and ladder carriage, and hose carriage in each, and stall room for horses.




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