USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1875 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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 | Part 30 | Part 31
The amount of dirt to be derived from this second excavation was just the subject of reference. A part of it will be needed to replace the gravel that was dug out to put on the walks of the COMMON. The greater portion will supply the deficiency occas- ioned by the unwillingness or neglect of the Highway Depart- ment to deliver the street scrapings upon the terms that were invariable till within the past year. This COMMISSION has been wont to allow a credit of Twenty-Five Cents per load for that
35
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
curious conglomeration of animal droppings, back-hair, and hoop- skirts. If it sow the seeds of all ill-favored weeds, it yet served as filling. At a fair estimate, the teams would average ten (10) loads per diem. Assuming then the gross charge to the City, of each team, to be Five Dollars per diem ; and they could be and were hired of private contractors, at that rate, throughout the year; it will be seen that the allowance by this COMMISSION covered one-half the whole cost of the team. Bear ever in mind that the City has, and must have, those teams. That, if the streets are cleaned, the scrapings must be carted away. Why, not then transport them to the PUBLIC GROUNDS of the City, where they would answer some purpose ; instead of hauling them a mile to be dumped in the Municipal Barn Yard,-awaiting a purchaser ; meanwhile festering, and adding another to the savory smells of that section. Why, in fact, any such absolute tomfoolery ! Of what net profit to transfer from one pocket to the other ? Nay,-unless a fallacy underlies all mechanical principles, would there not be a real, if not evident, loss from friction ? And still this COMMISSION is able to dispute its own argument. For, learning that if it would not buy for an un- reasonable price, what it ought to get for nothing ? it proved itself, as usual, equal to the emergency. It could excavate and maintain a debit and credit account with itself; the beauty of the transaction being, and most likely the sole instance on record, that neither party to it could possibly lose.
But ! and the conundrum offers itself to the Board of Trade ; -wherefore should not the City of Worcester deliver to itself that which belongs to itself, of which it assumes to be the com- mon carrier, and which should be left (where this COMMISSION will show, as for five years past), in the place to which it must do most good !
As stated in the last Annual Report, Twenty-Five Hundred (2500) lineal yards of Foot paths, or Walks, have been con- structed : or One and Forty-Two Hundredths (1,43) Miles. Where not prevented by insuperable obstacles, those Paths were staked out and worked to a width of Twelve (12) Feet. One, not essential to the plan of the COMMISSION, will be obliterated in fact, as already in purpose : and another, that was contemplated from
36
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 30.
the outset, will afford a pleasant substitute and just about main- tain the measurement. A very large proportion of those Paths that were constructed have been covered with a superior gravel, dug from the upland on the Eastern side of the PARK, where it was doubtless left by the driven waters, with whose deposits the whole Western Valley of the City is everywhere underlain. And a most happy circumstance it has proved. For there can scarcely a limit be put to the cost that would have fallen upon the COM- MISSION, had it been obliged to purchase, by the load, that which the labor of two men, otherwise unemployed, sufficed to procure during a few brief weeks of Winter. A plenty remains, where the first was found, to fulfil every reasonable and present wish of the COMMISSION. Properly husbanded, and timely replaced with any substitute whose quality shall suffice ; there need be no apprehension of the trouble that is chronic upon the COMMON. The soil will be free enough : let it be recorded !
The COMMISSION has been wont to derive an Annual Revenue from the letting of portions of ELM PARK for the uses of the Circus or Menagerie. That source of revenue is lost to it forever. The last Circus was tolerated upon the ground in the early Spring ; but the rapid progress of improvement precluded all thought of granting similar permission to another. Upon the absolute refusal of a second application, the Chairman was finally induced to suffer the exhibition to be held upon his own land, with the express condition that the fee for license should be paid to the City Treasury, for the benefit of this COMMISSION. Which so happened. Now the PUBLIC GROUNDS need more money than they are likely to get. The Public Library, which is one form of instruction, receives a generous appropriation and gets, in addi- tion, the Dog-Fund. Yet dogs do more harm upon the PUBLIC GROUNDS, to the sward as well as to the shrubs and trees, in questionable and unmentionable ways, than will ever be repaired by the votaries of mere literature. Is it asking too much then, when this COMMISSION requests that the Fees for Marriage- Licenses and for Births be appropriated to its uses ? The injury done to the lawns is chicfly attributable to erosion which, curiously enough, is caused by the devotees of Eros ; whose complement it
37
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
is although in no sense his denominative. One-half of the court- ing, in the City, is commenced or consummated upon the PUBLIC GROUNDS. The premises conceded, is not the conclusion inevita- ble ! Why should not the profit enure to this COMMISSION of that relation which it has done so much to invite and render charming ?
The COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS may have transcended its province, in former years : but, if so, the offence was condoned by the People. Partaking in the general prosperity, as sensible of the common depression, its members have, and can have, neither intent nor motive but to promote the better welfare of the community. They have been taunted with being " schemers" by some whose loftiest ambition and sole profession in life, is, to bear false witness for political effect. They may dream dreams and see visions : but, sleeping or waking, their only purpose and exclusive aim has been, as it will continue to be, the further advancement of the Municipality. They may not be old enough to compare notes with that senile profundity which discourses learn- edly upon topics, whereof as no knowledge exists no contradiction need be feared; which can trace Prae-Historia down through Chaos to the Primeval Man ; whose dull omniscience grows even more obscure at the merest allusion to a mythical and submerged Atlantis. In such matters, they agree with the Poet, happy in their ignorance. But they prefer, in this Nineteenth Century, in full accord with the world that breathes and moves around them, to combine Beauty with Utility, alike as private citizens or un- salaried officials. If allowed the choice, they would much rather reside in Athens than Sparta. Their open and unqualified pre- ference is for development :- believing that the world has been continually advancing-never retrograding-from the Age of Iron to that of Gold. Pertinent to which are the subjoined remarks of one who knew whereof he wrote, writing therefore to the point :-
" Cities arise from the necessities of commerce or manufactures, or from being selected as the seats of political power: but their expansion is not limited by these causes. Their population is swollen by persons who are not engaged in buying or selling, or in labor of any kind, or in affairs, but who are influenced in their residence by considerations of a wholly different kind. Chief among them ought to be good laws, good order, the safety of person 6
38
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 30.
and property ; and healthiness of location as affected by climate, water supply, and drainage : but it is not certain that men are not quite as much attracted by the pleasures as by the solid advantages of Cities. Paris is believed to owe half its population to its natural and artificial means of enjoyment ; although it is in addition one of the best governed cities in the world in all details of municipal administration. In libraries and collections of works of Art American Cities can hardly expect to vie, at present, with those of Europe : but in public parks, gardens and drives they may maintain an easy superiority ; and this is an advantage which they are generally turning to account."
Which is all as true as it is admirably stated.
Possessed of similar views, and looking forward to the future growth of Worcester, the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS has, for years past, recommended the construction of a broad AVENUE, which should environ the City, supplying facilities for intercommunication between the extremities, and opening up the contiguous country for settlement or much needed reclamation from briar or swamp; inducing the street loafer to become an independent yeoman, and attracting, by the simple aspect of rural loveliness, the permanent sojourn of the chance wayfarer.
" So broad as to admit of adequate and grateful shade to ample footpaths ; so thoroughly built as to be proof alike against autumnal frost or vernal flood ; a convenience for the loaded team and an attraction for the pleasure carriage: wooing occu- pation of hundreds of charming dells and nooks by its ruthless exposure of rustic beauty, thereby benefiting individuals and augmenting the general valuation ; a measure which commends itself in proportion as it is considered : one which this Commission will advocate in season and out of season, living or dying, in the hope and faith of its ultimate consummation.
The plan and completion of such Avenue, plainly outlined to this Commission as it has long been, would of course be a work of time. It would aim to take advantage of existing roads, whenever practicable; widening them to an inflexible uniform limit ; staightening their course here and introducing sweeping curves there ; following the general trend of the foot-hills whose lines of circumvallation describe an irregular quadrilateral, whereof the Military Academy and the City Farm, the Quinsigamond Iron Works and the Davis Cottage should constitute the salient and re-entering angles, Coe's Reservoir and the Lake the points d' appui et resistance.
Much of this comprehensive project has been accomplished,
39
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
thanks to a happy audacity* that has been unjustly held up to public odium as almost criminal. More remains to be achieved. But the ultimate completion of the whole is as certain as that this energetic and still wealthy community will not always rest supine. Because we have met with loss, shall we also lose hope ? Because trade is dull, shall it never recover, after it has sloughed off those whose sole capital was a false pretence! No! the measures,-" schemes " if you prefer, that met with unanimous approval when first suggested, are the same now as then. Men may have altered, although in some cases it required nut-galls to detect the change. Affairs, whether public or private, may not wear so roseate hues. Nevertheless no idea, that is based upon truth and has no other motive than honesty, shall ever die. It is true that what was politic yesterday may not be expedient to - day. Although of the wisdom of finishing the AVENUE as far as Webster Square, (so little remaining to be done), now that it could be accomplished so cheaply, the COMMISSION has the most undoubting conviction.
One thing must not be overlooked. The COMMISSION, in what- ever recommendations it made originally, had not the "Better- ment Law " in mind. For such forgetfulness it must crave pardon ; although had it even been fresh in recollection, these Reports would never have advised the application of a method of extortion so grossly unjust. Almost the worst legacy of those evil times, when everything was rank with a seeming prosperity ; when credit was illimitable, and there should be pay- day no more forever ! When a man would take water if he could get it ; must have a side-walk ; and, as he went home at night, tumbled into an open trench excavated through the ledge, that day, to furnish sewerage for his dwelling. Oh! were not those flush times ! No sceptics, denouncing this wild " scheme " or repudiating that unsound measure,-but all voting together ; (saving possibly a wretched minority ; ) all in the same boat, floating with the current ;- all economists and-spendthrifts ! everything lovely and the goose getting plucked !
* Audacem et tenacem propositi virum.
40
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 30.
" Down the river did glide, with wind and with tide, A pig with vast celerity ; And the Devil looked wise as he saw how the while It cut it's own throat. ' There !' quoth he with a smile, ' Goes England's ( ?) commercial prosperity.'"
And so of every other plan of public improvement, suggested by the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, for the combined pur- poses of promoting the growth and enhancing the appearance of Worcester: each and all of the arguments in their behalf, yesterday, hold valid to-day and are certain of ultimate realization. Sooner or later, the oarsman upon the LAKE shall row, if he choose, through the series of inverted arches that will pierce the obstruct- ing causeway of the present day ; restoring the enjoyment of that beautiful sheet of water, whose lustre, like that of a precious gem, may be defaced but not wholly marred. So may we obtain that WATER-PARK on the East,-assigned to us by nature ; but which Man, in his haste and waste, has striven his uttermost to despoil.
"Après moi le déluge !" exclaimed the wily Metternich, as the waves of Revolution arose around castle and throne. "The deluge will come, but not in my day." Nevertheless the Revo- lution did not await his convenience, but came in its own good time ; and the aged statesman, "standing not upon the order of his going, but going at once," found himself a refugee upon Eng- lish soil. "The wind bloweth where it listeth :" and some of us who are in the way of experiencing its full force have a keen perception of at least one Scriptural truth. There is a hose car- riage at the head of John Street, and a cul de sac at its foot. Another hose carriage guards Pleasant Street, with hose enough to reach, perhaps, six hundred (600) feet. But "the wind bloweth where it listeth" and will not hush its hoarse roar at the call of any foreman. The reasons why a Reservoir should occupy (orna- menting) the top of NEWTON HILL are suggested, whenever chim- neys are blown clear from a roof, or a flagstaff snaps in twain. Almost before your hose-carriage could pass its threshold, the Fire would be beyond control. For it was not within the thought of this COMMISSION to urge the enlistment of Gravity to fight one of your polite, gentlemanly flames, which blaze up in a calm,
41
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
moonlight night, careful not to burn too fiercely for the capacity of a Babcock. But rather of that other kind, controllable only at the start, furious and devastating, "rolling up like a scroll" everything in their path and with which nothing but water, already delivered on the spot by gravity, can by any possibility cope. It is the capital destroyed-absolutely, irrevocably blotted from existence-at Portland, Chicago, and Boston, that has caused the paralysis of business, more than any or all other causes. A dead loss ; for, at such crises, Insurance fails, and did it not, would simply transfer from the pocket of one man to that of another. That lesson, at least, should be neither new nor strange to the people of Worcester, who can recollect that the People's and Bay State Companies once lived and that the Mer- chants & Farmers has only not died. But,-"after me the deluge !" We have an "efficient Fire Department," and - no such destructive conflagration has yet occurred ! Music !
Economy, whether among individuals or nations, is an exceed- ing virtue. But to conclude, as other preachers commence, with a text,-What says EDMUND BURKE ?
"Parsimony is not economy. Expense, and great expense, may be an essen- tial part in true economy, which is a distributive virtue, and consists not in saving, but in selection. Parsimony requires no providence, no sagacity, no power of combination, no comparison, no judgment. Mere instinct, and that not an instinct of the noblest kind, may produce this false economy in perfection. The other economy has larger views. It demands a discrimina- ting judgment, and a fair, sagacious mind."
All which is respectfully submitted : for and in behalf of the Commission,
by
EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN,
Chairman.
Worcester, Mass., January 27th,
A. D., 1876.
1
REPORT OF THE CITY MARSHAL.
CITY MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
WORCESTER, MASS., NOV. 30, 1875.
To His Honor the Mayor, and the City Council of the City of Worcester :
GENTLEMEN :- In obedience to the requirements of the City Ordinance, and the practice of former years, I have the honor of again presenting for your consideration, the doings and gen- eral condition of the Police Department for the financial year ending Nov. 30th, 1875, together with such remarks and sug- gestions, as to me seem proper, for maintaining and improving the same.
The force at present consists of fifty men, and in addition to that number, two men have been detailed from the force of "Special Officers" and assigned to regular beats, for the reason that the services of a larger force are imperatively demanded, and I hope and trust that the wisdom of your Honorable Body will recognize the want, and place at least ten more men in this department.
The work of the past year has been one of great variety and usefulness, and although fewer arrests have been made than in some of the previous years, yet its labors have been none the less ; and as the City expands, more territory is to be covered by Patrolmen, and this, together with the general stagnation in
44
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 30.
all branches of industry, which has turned loose and unem- ployed so large a number of men, women, and children, has made the Police business a year of uncommon activity.
The force as now organized comprises one City Marshal, two Assistant City Marshals, one Captain of Police, one Detective (detailed as such), and forty-five Patrolmen.
The Office of Captain of Day Police has been discontinued during the year, and the duties devolving upon that officer have been discharged by the Assistant Marshals, thereby giving us one more working man, and as the result has been entirely satisfac- tory, I would recommend that the same course be continued.
There has been but one change made in the department, and the maximum number has been maintained during the entire year ; and as a partial result of our labors, I would respectfully call your attention to the following tables : The whole number of arrests have been Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety- Eight (2298), or Seven Hundred and Sixty-Four less than in 1873, and Sixty-Two less than in 1874.
The following are the arrests made :----
Number of males,
2081
Adults,
1917
Females,
217
Minors,
381
Foreigners,
1568
Residents,
1700
Americans,
730
-
Non-Residents, 598
Number discharged without Complaint,
4
Number committed to the House of Correction and other Reformatory Institutions,
859
Number reported married,
1015
Number reported single,
1283
The nativity of the above subjects were as follows, viz :
Born in Ireland,
1274
Italy,
8
America,
723
Russia,
3
(colored),
50
Sweden,
2
Canada,
89
Belgium,
2
England,
71
Africa,
2
Scotland,
27
Norway,
1
Germany,
21
Wales,
1
British America,
15
France,
8
Total,
2298
CITY MARSHAL.
The offences for which the arrests were made, include for
Assault and battery,
187
Highway robbery,
2
Assault on officer,
12
Insane,
19
Assault with dangerous weapon,
4
Interfering with officers,
2
Assault with intent to kill,
1
Indecent language,
2
Assault with intent to ravish,
1
Indecent exposure of person,
1
Assault with intent to rob,
1
Indecent assault,
1
Adultery,
13
Idle and disorderly person,
1
Assuming to be an officer,
1
Keeping liquor without license, 48
Aiding escape from State Prison,
1
Keeping dog without license,
10
Breaking and entering,
11
Keeping house of ill-fame,
1
Burglary,
6
Larceny,
164
Bastardy,
6
Larceny from person,
6
Breaking glass,
6
Larceny from building,
5
Breaking street lanterns,
4
Lewdness,
6
Burning building,
1
Malicious mischief,
8
Bestiality,
1
Manslaughter,
2
Common drunkard,
54
Murder,
1
Contempt of court,
8
Night walker,
2
Cruelty to animals,
6
Noisy and disorderly house,
2
Common railer and brawler,
3
Open shop on Lord's day,
1
Conveying liquor to prisoner,
3
Peddling without license,
4
Common nuisance,
2
Refusing railroad fare,
12
Circulating obscene prints,
2
Run away from Reform School,
6
Carrying concealed weapon,
1
Run away from home,
4
Charging excessive hack fare,
1
Run away from State Alms- house,
3
Drunkenness, 2d offence,
116
Receiving stolen goods,
3
Disturbing the peace,
90
Rape,
1
Driving away team.
6
Stubborn and disobedient,
9
Doing business on Lord's day,
5
Suspicious persons,
7
Disturbing public school,
4
Single sale of liquor,
5
Defrauding boarding house,
3
Selling mortgaged property,
1
Defrauding hotel,
2
Trespass,
20
Dealing in junk without license,
1
Truancy,
16
Embezzlement,
5
Threatening,
7
Fornication,
20
Vagrancy,
43
False pretence,
8
Violation of City Ordinances,
42
Fast driving,
3
Violation of License Law,
4
Forgery,
1
Gaming on Lord's day,
15
Total,
2,298
The various trades, professions and occupations of the persons arrested, are as follows, viz :-
Agents,
16
Boot siders,
16
Artist,
1
Boot clicks,
9
Axe maker,
1
Boot treers,
5
Boot makers,
247
Boot crimpers,
3
Boiler makers,
5
Bar tenders,
5
Box makers,
3
Book keepers,
4
Basket maker,
1
Book binder,
1
Blacksmiths,
46
Carpenters,
48
Brakemen,
23
Clerks,
18
Beggars,
19
13
Bakers,
18
11
Barbers,
16
Curriers,
10
Butchers,
13
Carders,
9
7
Courtezans, Cigar makers,
45
Drunkenness,
1213
46
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 30.
Cooks,
5
Masons,
Core makers,
5
Merchants,
5
Cabinet makers,
4
Musicians,
5
Chair makers,
3
Manufacturers,
4
Carriage painters,
2
Melters,
3
Card makers,
2
Marble cutters,
3
Contractors,
2
Milliner,
1
Clairvoyants,
2
Night porter,
2
Carriage maker,
1 Painters,
81
Collector,
1
Printers,
26
Comb maker,
1
Peddlers,
18
Civil engineer,
1
Plasterers,
8
Dyers,
7
Polishers,
5
Doctors,
3
Puddlers,
4
Dress makers,
3
Paper hangers,
3
Druggists,
2
Pawn brokers,
3
Drummers,
2
Photographer,
1
Die sinker,
1
Pickpocket,
1
Detective,
1
Rag pickers,
3
Engineers,
8
Real estate broker,
1
Engravers,
2
Rope maker,
1
Farmers,
72
Rubber maker,
1
File cutters,
6
School boys,
131
Finishers,
5
School girls,
11
Firemen,
4
Saloon keepers,
20
Fisherman,
1
Stone cutters,
8
Gunsmiths,
4
Sailors,
6
Grocers,
2
Slaters,
4
Grinders,
2
Screw cutters,
3
Gardeners,
2
Stable keepers,
2
Gentlemen,
2
Silver plater,
1
Gambler,
1
Saddler,
1
Gas fitter,
1
Switch tender,
1
Housekeepers,
101
Tailors,
27
Hostlers,
30
Truckmen,
19
Hackmen,
10
Tramps,
14
Hod carriers,
7
Thieves,
11
Hotel keepers,
3
Teamsters,
10
Harness makers,
3
Tin smiths,
10
Iron rollers,
8
Tinkers,
3
Junk dealers,
7
Tailoresses,
2
Japanner,
1
Upholsterers,
4
Janitor,
1
Vinegar maker,
1
Laborers,
485
Varnisher,
1
Loafers,
70
Weavers,
12
Lathers,
4
Wire drawers,
10
Last makers,
2
Wood turners,
2
Lamplighter,
1
Waiter girls,
2
Lumber dealer,
1
Wheelwright,
1
Lawyer,
1
Wool sorter,
1
Machinists,
126
Wood carver,
1
Moulders,
47
Watchman,
1
Total,
2,298
-
Flagman,
1
Spinners,
10
Foreman,
1
Stone masons,
53
Domestics,
62
Plumbers,
1
Coachmen,
2
Overseers,
11
27
47
CITY MARSHAL.
The amount of property taken from, and restored to, the above is $6,511.19.
4
The total expenses of the Department for the year 1875 have been as follows, viz :-
Salary of Marshal and assistants,
$5,006 38
Pay roll of Police,
47,535 61
Stationery, telegrams, &c.,
116 06
Brooms, matches, &c.,
17 28
Care of office and cells,
300 00
Cleaning and repairing station,
131 08
Blank books, advertising, &c.
92 80
Food for prisoners and lodgers,
149 50
Cloth, buttons and badges,
: 41
Furniture and repairing same,
66 43
Washing bedding and towels,
18 76
Photographs of prisoners,
6 75
Ice,
12 33
Total,
$54,426 39
The receipts in favor of the Department for the same time are as follows, viz :-
Appropriation,
$45,000 00
Officers' fees from courts for 1874,
7,299 00
Balance on appropriation for 1874,
1,687 75
Received for cloth,
880 88
Received for extra services of officers,
91 75
Received for use of Lock-up,
3 00
Total,
$54,962 38
Balance on hand December 1, 1875,
$535 99
Making the net cost of the Department for the year,
$46,151 76
In showing you the cost of the department, I am proud to exhibit the same in comparison with last year, or any previous years. At the commencement of 1875 the Station House was found to be in the worst possible condition, and a considerable outlay was imposed upon this Administration to put the same in order, as was also the case with the offices. No records for the use of the department, had been provided, as is customary, and this, with stationery, furniture, &c., which was necessary, rendered the bills for the first quarter much in excess of those succeeding.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.