USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1874 > Part 10
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VIII, Joanna F. Smith, V, Margaret M. Geary, II, Mary E. D. King,
VII, Maria P. Cole, IV, Hattie A. Smith, I, Mary V. Callaghan,
VI, Eliza E. Cowles, III, Emma L. Cowles, I, Emma C. Maynard.
THOMAS STREET SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE.
Harlow, VIII, VII, VI, VI. Chase, V, IV, III. Earle, II, I, I. TEACHERS.
VIII, Harriet G. Waite, Principal. Emma J. Houghton, Assistant.
VII, Eliza L. Forsyth, V, Abbie C. Souther, II, Hattie W. Bliss,
VI, Emma Hitchcock, IV, Susie M. Everett, I, Flora J. Osgood,
VI, Amanda M. Phillips, III, Abbie F. Hemenway, I, Mary E. D. Cavanaugh.
SYCAMORE STREET SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Goulding, VIII, VII, VI. Walker, V, IV. McCafferty, III, II, I. TEACHERS. VIII, Abbie E. Clough, Principal.
VII, Minnie F. Whittier, IV, Mary E. Trask, II, Emma F. Marsh, VI, Ann E. McCambridge, III, Sarah W. Clements, I, Eliza J. Day. V, Susie J. Partridge,
EAST WORCESTER SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Woodward, V, V, IV. McMahon, IV, III, II. Rogers, I, I. TEACHERS. V, Ella W. Foskett, Principal. V, Annie Brown, III, Kate C. Cosgrove, I, Mary E. Russell, IV, Tamerson S. Darling, II, Nellie A. Sprout, I, Aloysia Radcliff.
IV, Ella L. Dwyer, Mary J. O'Connor, Assistant.
133
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
PROVIDENCE STREET SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE.
Murphy, V, IV. C. M. Murray, III, II. McMahon, I, I. TEACHERS.
V, Elizabeth L. King, Principal.
IV, Sarah J. Newton, II, Eveline E. Towne, I, Alice G. McMahon.
III, Belle Y. Crowell, I, Sarah A. Maynard,
ASH STREET SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. McNulty, V, IV. Rogers, III, II. McCafferty, I, I.
TEACHERS. V, Mary J. Mack, Principal.
IV, Lottie M. Harrington, II, Mattie A. Collins, I, Sarah J. Melanefy.
III, Sarah A. Harrington, I, Mary J. Packard,
SOUTH WORCESTER SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Goulding, VII, VI, V. Chapin, IV, III. T. E. Murray, II, II. TEACHERS.
VI, Eliza J. Wallace,
VII, Carrie A. George, Principal. III, Ann E. Hall, I, Abbie N. Hoxie,
V, Ellen M. Boyden, II, Maria L. Rice. I, Mary C. Paige.
IV, Amelia M. Walker,
PLEASANT STREET SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Metcalf, V, IV. McNulty, III, II. Rogers, II.
IV, Eunie M. Gates,
TEACHERS. V, Carrie E. Gilbert, Principal. II, Mary A. E. Hoyt, I, Effie J. Phelps.
III, Mary L. Norcross, I, Emma J. Norcross,
SALEM STREET SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Stoddard, VI, V, IV. C. M. Murray, III, I. TEACHERS. VI, Albert P. Doe, Principal. V and IV, Mary O. Whitmore, III, Emma I. Claflin, I, Hattie A. Harrington.
134
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 29.
EDGEWORTH STREET SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Walker, V, III. McNulty, II, I. TEACHERS. V and IV, Hattie E. Clarke, Principal. III, Sarah M. Brigham, II, Jennie E. Maloney, I, Mary A. Gauren.
NEW WORCESTER SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Marble, VIII, VI .. Murphy, V, III, I. TEACHERS. IX and VIII, Charlotte H. Munger, Principal. VII, VI, S. Lizzie Carter, V, IV, Ella J. Moore, III, II, Mary O. Whitney, I, Ada L. Sherman. SUMMER STREET SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Chapin, III, II. Hines, I.
TEACHERS.
III, II, Abbie A. Wells, Principal. I, Carrie F. Merriam.
QUINSIGAMOND SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Hines, VII, IV. Ballard, III, I. TEACHERS. VII, Sarah F. Carpenter, Principal.
V, IV, Jennie P. Fiske.
III, I, Ella M. Wight.
MASON STREET SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Ballard, III. Hines, I.
TEACHERS.
III, Julia M. Martin, Principal.
I. Anna M. Overend.
ADRIATIC SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Murphy, III. Woodward, L. TEACHERS.
III, Martha T. Wyman, Principal.
I, Maria J. Metcalf.
135
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
UNION HILL SCHOOL.
COMMITTEE. Earle, IV. Murphy, III. TEACHERS.
IV, Mary A. Tyler, Principal.
III, I, Esther B. Smith.
SUBURBAN SCHOOLS. ( Ungraded.)
School.
Teacher.
Committee.
NORTHVILLE,
Emma A. Wilson.
McCafferty.
TATNUCK,
Helen H. Welch,
Ballard.
VALLEY FALLS,
Sarah A. Bullock,
Marble.
LEESVILLE,
Eliza J. Seaver,
Walker.
BLITHEWOOD,
Emily Heywood,
Rogers.
BLOOMINGDALE,
Olive G. Davis,
Clapp.
ADAMS SQUARE,
Kate A. Curtis,
Earle.
BURNCOAT PLAIN,
Ada E. Simonds,
Earle.
NORTH POND,
Lizzie Vaughan,
McCafferty.
CHAMBERLAIN,
Leslie F. Leland,
Chase.
EVENING SCHOOLS.
ORANGE ST .- MEN.
Carrie A. George, Principal,
McNulty.
CAMBRIDGE ST .- MIXED.
Myra J. Denby,
Goulding.
WALNUT ST .- GIRLS.
Nellie C. Thomas,
McNulty.
SUMMER ST .- MIXED.
Mary F. Souther,
Harlow.
NEW WORCESTER-MIXED.
Albert P. Doe,
Harlow.
DRAWING AND EVENING DRAWING SCHOOLS.
TEACHER .- George E. Gladwin.
COMMITTEE .- Hall.
66 George I. Alden.
Rogers.
66 Milton P. Higgins.
Ballard.
E. J. Bardwell.
66
Thompson.
Edward F. Tolman.
Walker.
TEACHER OF DRAWING, Grammar and Primary Schools .- Lucius B. Morgan.
MUSIC.
COMMITTEE .- Warner, McCafferty, Earle. TEACHER .- Edward S. Nason.
General Assistant, Grammar and Primary Schools .- Caroline H. Metcalf.
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 1875. Vacation Periods indicated by Full Face Figures.
Sunday.
Monday.
Tuesday.
Wednesday
Thursday.
Friday.
Saturday.
Sunday.
Monday.
Tuesday.
Wednesday
Thursday.
Friday.
Saturday:
JAN.
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
2627 28 29 3031
31 ·
1
2
3
4
cr
6
1
2
3
4
5 6
00
9
10
11
12
13
AUGUST.
29
30
31
1
7
3
4
or
6
1
2
Co
4
8
9
10
11
12
13
SEPT.
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
28
29
30
31
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
or
6
7
8
9
10
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
29
30
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1 8
1
2
3
4
5
6
10
=
12
13
14
15
NOV.
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
21
22
23
24
252627
30
31
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
6
7
00
9
10
11
12
DEC.
19
20
21
22
23
24 25
27
28
29
39
2627 2829 30 31
The 1st Term begins Nov. 30th, 1874, and ends Feb. 12th, 1875, comprising 10 weeks. 6
2d
Feb. 23d, 1875,
April 30th,
66 3đ
..
May 10th, 66
July 2d,
66 4th
66 Aug. 30th,
Dec. 24th,
66
13
66
4
r
6
8
9
JULY.
ONN
CICONIA
5
6
00
910
10 C
11
12
13
14
15
16
12
13
141516177
FEB.
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
15 161718192021
21 22 28
23
24
25
26
27
22232425262728
5
6
7
OC
6
10
11
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
APRIL.
11 18
12
13
14
15
16
17
OCT.
MAY.
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
JUNE.
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
5 12
6
7
00
9
10
11
13
14
15
16
17
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
2 9
Co
4
5
6
8
6
10
11
12
13
19
20
21
22
23
24
Co
1 2
1
21
3
192021222324
8
9 10 11 12 13 14
MARCH.
1
2
Half-Term Reports due March 27th, and Oct. 9th, 1875.
* Assuming that Thanksgiving Day be appointed for the last Thursday in November.
10
8
66
*
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
19
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE COMMISSION OF
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
To The Honorable CITY COUNCIL.
THE provision in the City Charter which requires the COM- MISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, "annually, in the Month of January, to make and render a report of all their acts and doings, and of the condition of the Public Grounds and shade and ornamental trees thereon, and on said Streets and Highways, and an account of receipts and expenditures for the same," is respectfully com- plied with, by the submission of the following Report.
Premising, however, that, by the action of the HONORABLE COUNCIL, the tenure of office of the Commissioners, defined and determined by the Charter as "a term of Three Years," has be- come reduced, through the irregularity or incertitude of election, by an abridgment of from two to three weeks. No especially grave consequences are to be apprehended : but it is perhaps worth our while, now that old things are passing away and all things becoming new, to maintain a decent conformity to Law. The Records of this COMMISSION disclose the fact that its Mem- bers are elected hap-hazard, whenever the inclination or temper of the HONORABLE COUNCIL disposes it to convene.
140
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
Thus the election in A. D., 1871, occurred upon January 30th.
In 66 1872, 66
22d. 66 1873,
66 . 20th.
66 66 1874,
66 12th.
66 1875,
66
4th.
A new member is entitled to recognition by his colleagues after he has taken the official oath. He may thus oust his predecessor before he has fulfilled his legal "term of Three Years,"-an opera- tion of which the validity appears more than questionable. The month of January is allowed the COMMISSION for the prepara- « tion of its Annual Report. The question might well arise, whether a member newly-elected was, by law, or should be suf- fered, a right to decide upon the acceptance and submission of a Report relative to matters whereof the density of his ignorance must be at least commensurate to the brevity of his service.
The Receipts and Expenditures of the COMMISSION, during the past Financial Year, were as follows :
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS
In account with the
CITY OF WORCESTER,
Dr.
Unexpended in A. D., 1873,
$765 33
Highway Department, Damage to Fence, (Common),
2 50
Sales of Wood, (Park Avenue),
43 50
Rent of Elm Park, (Circuses, &c.),
300 00
Appropriation,
5,000 00
Per Contra, Cr.
Paid C. Hamilton, Printing Annual Report and Ballots,
$ 60 45
66 C. H. Perry, Pruning Trees,
54 43
S. F. Shattuck,
27 15
L. C. Kenney, Lumber,
4 36
H. L. Prentice, Screenings for Sparrows, 1873-4,
8 00
66 David Rowe, Labor on Common,
421 50
John McCabe,
79 00
Frank Houston, "
82 12
66 E. R. Fiske & Co., Advertising,
2 00
Highway Department : "Out-Door Relief," Scrapings, Moving Boulder and Trees, 1,867 76
66 66
$6,111 33
141
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
Paid Kinnicutt & Co., Varnishing Settees, Fountains, Bird- Houses, &c., &c., 115 19
66 George T. Sutton, Pump and Plumbing, 47 65
66 John D. Lovell, Tools and Seed, 13 44
66 William McGrath, Laying Stone-Drain,
74 37
O. B. Hadwen, Trees and Planting same,
450 00
66 Mason & Lincoln, Iron for Tree-Guards,
32 34
66 James Draper, Shrubs, Trees, &c.,
116 95
Benj. C. Jacques, Labor and Stock,
260 53
66 Ames Plow Co., Tools, and Repairs to same,
16 40
66 Stephen Rowe, Labor,
227 49
66 John D. Baldwin & Co., Advertising,
75
66 M. R. Edwards, Plowing, Moving Dirt, Excavation and Labor, 970 35
66 Michael McGrath, Spreading 10,000 yds. of dirt,
551 00
66 John Barnes, Transplanting trees, use of team, &c., 45 50
66 C. C. Riley, Labor and Hauling Stone,
138 85
66 F. W. Cherrington, Seventy (70) perch of Stone,
70 00
66 John S. Ballard, Line and Reel,
1 50
66 S. E. Todd, Drain Tile, &c.,
132 30
66 A. P. Marble, Loam,
10 00
66 C. F. Henry, Manure,
70 44
66
D. Downey, 66
. 47 83
J. B. Brooks, 66
34 23
66 N. W. Holden, Screenings for Sparrows, (1874-5), 13 45
8 00
SUMMARY.
Resources,
$6,111 33
Expenditures,
$6,055 33
Unexpended and Carried to account of 1875,
$56 00
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, DR.,
In account with
Legacy of HON. LEVI LINCOLN : deceased.
Legacy,
$940 00
Interest,
338 40
$1,278 40
PER CONTRA. CR.
$134 00
Paid P. J. Turner & Co., 4000 ft. Plank, M. R. Edwards, Excavation, Ditching, Draining, Paving, and Sodding, 873 00
Technical Institute, Implements, &c., 30 00
$1,037 00
Unexpended and Carried to New Account,
$241 40
66 Jonas Hartshorn, Setting Trees, and Trees,
142
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
The Shade Trees of the City, upon its highways and through- out the PUBLIC GROUNDS are in better condition than ever before. The systematic and vigorous pruning to which the larger and older Elms have been subjected for some years past, tended to re- store that equilibrium of vital forces which had been impaired by work upon gutter or sidewalk. The injury ocasioned by such severe amputation of the roots was measurably remedied and the labor and expense were quickly repaid in grateful shade and denser foliage. Much attention has been bestowed upon the pro- tection of the young trees, of which an unusual number were planted within the last two years. The direct attachment of slats to the trunk, in all cases where it is of sufficient size, has approved itself as the cheapest and most effectual safeguard. It is believed that the limit of economy, in this respect, has been reached. Could a little more care be manifested, by the owners of estates paying some slight heed to that Ordinance which pro- hibits the "fastening of animals to any Ornamental or Shade Tree, or to any fence or other thing erected for the protection of such Tree," the work of this COMMISSION would be greatly re- duced. A measure of precaution that would almost obviate any . need of safeguards, might be found in an introduction to the Police Court of those reckless Jehus who race along our streets in their market wagons, destroying property and imperilling life or limb. To this cause alone may be ascribed two-thirds of the injuries to our Shade Trees resulting from abrasion.
One hundred and Eighty-One (181) Elms and Maples have been planted directly by the COMMISSION, and the legal allowance was made for quite a number of others which were set out by private enterprise. Guards have been affixed to those trees that appeared most to require them, upon the following-named streets :- Lancaster, Highland, Elm, High, Chandler, Chatham, Park Avenue, King, Kingsbury, Shrewsbury, Pleasant, West, Agricultural, Chestnut, Hollywood, Charlton, Loudon, Oak, Woodland, Cedar, Sever, Main, John, Linden, William, Walnut, and Shelby St. Place. There are on hand Twenty (20) large boxes of 12 slats each ; Thirty-two (32) small boxes of 3 @ 4 slats each ; and Three Hundred and Fifty (350) slats suitable and de- signed for nailing directly to tree-trunks.
143
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
The Nursery of Elms and Maples that was started in 1872, upon the South-West corner of ELM PARK, by its thrifty condition, amply vindicates the sagacity of the COMMISSION. During the past season considerable labor has been expended in thinning them out to a proper distance, furnishing more and needed space for their shapely expansion. It cannot be a great while, in the ordinary course of nature, before the PUBLIC GROUNDS and streets of the City may derive from this source of supply all the Shade Trees that can be judiciously planted.
Some of the finest trees in ELM PARK, which have developed to size and symmetry; since that clearing-up of marsh and swamp whereof the tradition daily grows more dim and the memory of which is retained by few; have been the prey of an insect-de- scribed by Harris as Stenochorus ( Elaphidion) putator. He es- pecially affects the OAK-the genus which, from its sluggish gen- eration and tardy development, is hardly replaced and can least be spared. In the somewhat rough characterization of this Oak- Pruner, by one who had studied his subject and observed its ravages, we are taught that the " fellow would not be so very objectionable, if he did not prune too closely and had sense enough to know where the pruning was needed. But, like some senseless horticulturist, he slashes right and left, without any re- gard to beauty or symmetry, and down come the twigs, and some- times quite large branches. The workman always falls with the twig and goes into the ground to pupate. It seems he has sense enough to look out for himself and fall with the twig. The means of preventing its increase is to gather and burn the prun- ings before the perfect insect comes out to lay eggs for another crop which it deposits in the axils of the leaves."
The COMMON has required, and therefore received, a merely watchful oversight and jealous attention. The Paths had to be kept in good repair ; the gutters to be cleaned ; and the grass to be clipped as often as needed for the sake of a creditable appear- ance. Yet even this, with some other inevitable cares, demands the constant toil of a laborer, and a considerable amount of per- sonal supervision on the part of this COMMISSION. It is believed that both were faithfully bestowed.
The Monument, to the Memory of our Soldiers who fell in
144
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
the late Civil War, was finally dedicated upon the spot selected by the appointed Committee, amid the waving of banners, the notes of martial music, and the inspiration of ever-welcome if familiar oratory. Beauty lent her charm to the occasion and Nature put on her fairest adornment. This COMMISSION strove for years, with might and main, to enforce the location of that Monument upon some other site. After the final determination, by the City Council, that it should be placed upon the N. E. cor- ner of the COMMON, no attempt was made to interpose any further obstacles. Instead, a cordial co-operation was tendered to the Committee, the pleasant results of which, it is trusted, were materially conducive to the felicitous consummation.
The grounds around the base of the Monument were necessari- ly left unfinished. This COMMISSION did not deem it wise to as- sume the task of completion, with frost so imminent. The work however will be commenced in the coming Spring ; and its cred- itable accomplishment is hoped for, although the problem is by no means of easy solution.
The Fence around the COMMON could not be in a worse condi- tion. Rails are missing or broken, and even the stone posts are. fractured. A long step has been taken towards a remedy for this state of things, which this COMMISSION is powerless to change without more means then the Honorable Council is apt, in this hour of political penury, to appropriate for such a purpose. To quote from our last previous Report : -
" Early in the spring of A. D. 1873, this COMMISSION, desiring that improvements in this respect should keep pace with the reclamation of the territory, petitioned the Honorable Council to set a substantial kerbstone along the line of Park Street, where there is none at present, said kerb being dressed to an acute edge atop, and rising six inches above the crown of the path inside. This kerb could be placed upon the existing stone posts, if thought advisable, they being broken off short for the purpose. If desired, an independent base might be used, rings being let into those posts to fasten animals thereto, so as to insure a more rigid blockade of the street. This request for a trial of what can scarcely be regarded as an experiment, is respectfully renewed. A commencement might well be made upon the north side of Park Street."
This suggestion has been realized. When it was determined
145
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
to pave Park Street, in the Summer of 1874, the Highway Com- mittee, which has recently done so much for the advancement and maintenance of our material prosperity, concluded to carry into effect the plan of this COMMISSION. The neat and substan- tial kerb which now adorns the Southern boundary of the COM- MON, and retains its foot-path, will endure as a permanent memo- rial of their sound judgment. Though not quite a realization of the hopes of the COMMISSION, it is such an improvement upon the wreck that it replaces, that he must be a carping critic indeed who would find fault with its lack of artistic grace. As an act of simple justice to the Highway Committee it should be stated that some additional expense was incurred, over and above the cost of an ordinary street kerb-stone; because of the conspicuous position and public use for which it was designed. A claim for the sum of that excess was presented to this COMMISSION. Pay- ment has been declined for sufficient reasons. One,- that although the fruit of its advice, this COMMISSION had made no estimate, asked no appropriation and of course, had got none. Another - that abutters are not charged with the expense of kerb-stones, and that even if they were, the City being the abutter upon both sides would merely put a stone in one end of its sack to counterbalance the grain in the other. But finally and most conclusive upon the Highway Committee, whose members are not wholly unfamiliar with financial straits, because this COM- MISSION lacked funds ! But the work was done, well and wisely ; and should be paid for from the City Treasury, without the absurd legerdemain of a paper debit and credit between two municipal departments.
The COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS would most respectfully, but urgently, impress upon the Honorable Council the wisdom of continuing a work so successfully begun. Salem Square should not longer be tolerated as a public eye-sore. A decent regard should be had for simple appearance and some considera- tion manifested for the very respectable Religious Societies which have there planted their Houses of Worship. Has not the time come to stop the Wood and Hay,- matters of indispensable necessity but yet susceptible of regulation,- upon the outskirts of the City ; at Lincoln and Webster Squares for instance where
20
146
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
facilities for measuring and weighing already exist. Then, a sufficient street being left open, the remainder of the Square could be restored to the COMMON, from which it was needlessly wrested ; and the Eastern boundary completed as well as defined by a continuation of the new Ornamental Kerb. A speedy de- cision of this matter, which cannot be postponed much longer at any rate, would materially facilitate the labor imposed upon this COMMISSION of putting in good order the ground adjacent to the Soldiers' Monument.
The period of time wherein the South-Eastern branch of LAKE AVENUE is possible of construction, without subjection of the city to land-damages, terminates upon the Twenty-Second (22d) day of next September. The views of this COMMISSION have been expressed often enough to spare a necessity for their repetition. The actual execution of the work, so far as it has been accom- plished ; and so far will never be far enough until it attains com- pletion ; justifies faith and exceeds the hopes of the most sanguine. It is not a case of mining for precious metals ; where the chance stroke of bar or pick may reveal a latent treasure of ore or nug- get. Just a disclosure of the country ;- too often and arrogantly neglected by officials who, in their superfluous revel of such urban luxuries as Gas, Pavement, and Sidewalk, forget that sub-urban enjoyments are restricted to kerosene and mud. This COMMISSION does not waver in its convictions, nor flinch from their open, seasonable and frank expression. It suggested the AVENUE around the City,-somewhat, to reduce and equalize the price of land ; as much to encourage and induce the ownership and im- provement of comfortable homesteads, (an acre or less,) by our mechanics, whose settlement, in turn, would occupy the roads ; but, above all, as an apt and adequate justification of the protest, rapidly growing in popular appreciation, against those Gradgrinds of Materialism and the Ward-Caucus who are reluctant alike to concede a Golden Age heretofore or to anticipate enjoyment in the future Utopia.
" Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, There shall be no more Cakes and Ale?"
There are men living in Worcester who have purchased and still own books of their own, but who submit, without a murmur, to
147
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
the virtual confiscation of their substance that the support and in- crement of a Public Library exacts. The same men, or others more numerous, buy Tripe or Turkey, (and which is a matter of taste,) of Alderman or Councilman indiscriminately ; and are satisfied to pay for their dinners without applying the discs upon the tentacles of Trade to that exhausted receiver-the City Treasury. Let, however, a citizen, influenced by a sense of official responsibility or of private duty, advise a policy that may not promise immediate benefit, yet which is of certain ultimate advantage ; and, if it will warrant the scintilla of a suspicion, that individual might ensue upon public gain,
" Tray, Blanche, and Sweetheart, Little dogs and all,"
unite in a chorus of local and selfish denunciation. Dispensing with lavish profusion those Sewers, Streets and Sidewalks, to catch which their porringers were ever upturned, (than which the crumbs that fell from the table of Dives were craved less greed- ily), these men, who outshrieked the daughter of the horse-leech in her importunate cry of " Give ! Give !" now that pay-day has come become at once hoarse as the screech-owl in their dissonant clamor of-" Pay as you go ! or Go not at all ! "
The precise location of the AVENUE by the Lake has been objected to : and it is urged that it should approximate the Water more nearly. But actual inspection, in fact, will show that a road-way of the desired width could not be constructed, over the palisades, save at immoderate expense; and that it was wisdom, after all, not less than good taste, that dictated the much-abused bifurcation. But, after all, if the AVENUE is too far from the Lake, the Lake will undoubtedly approach the AVENUE; when- ever the manufacturers in the valley shall exercise the rights which they are understood to have acquired, partially at least, of augmenting the volume of water by raising the dam. Our Municipal rights in and to the Lake are of usufruct, and can, in no degree be impaired by an increase of its volume. Instead, are they likely to be lost by the fatuous neglect to avail our- selves of a priceless benefit.
It has been charged by men of parts rather than brains, that
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
this system of AVENUES was designed for the display, and train- ing to extreme speed, of fast horses. No accusation could be more unjust. The projectors of those broad AVENUES ;- Lake, and Park, upon the East and West ;- Hope, and Faith, to the South or North ;- had higher and nobler aspirations. They looked forward to the possible development of civic enterprises ; to the augmentation of private wealth,-not their own ;- and generally to the betterment of the whole community. But the most sanguine never suffered himself to dream that the improve- ment of the Lake shore would be largely instrumental in causing the construction of a Railway, that has, within less than a single year, transported upwards of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand (150,000) passengers ; or of steamboats, in whose pleasant excur- sions Twenty-Six Thousand persons (26,000) should find innocent recreation. Yet they disclaim, with pious indignation, the slight- est anticipation, or even suspicion, of a self-denying ordinance that shall restrict the use of any or all of these AVENUES to the Horse and prohibit their enjoyment by the Ass !
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