USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1877 > Part 2
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
probably be disposed of during the year. In addition to these there are some other claims, smaller in amount, of which no estimate has been made.
The question of an additional supply of water for the use of the City will demand the attention of the City Council at no very distant day. The number of water takers has increased to such an extent, that in the judgment of those who have given the sub- ject careful thought, and whose opinion would be of value, the present supply must inevitably soon prove inadequate. In antici- pation of such an exigency, a committee of the City Council has been appointed to take the subject into consideration, to examine the different sources of supply which seem to be avail- able, to ascertain as nearly as possible the extent of the supply promised by each, and the probable expense to the City in utili- zing them. That Committee have made a careful examination, going over the whole ground very thoroughly. The result of their invest gations has been embodied in an exhaustive report which has been placed before you. It would be nothing less than presumption in me, at this time, to make any recommenda- tion as to the source from which, or the mode by which, an addi- tional supply of water for the use of our population can be obtained. I commend the report of the Committee to your care- ful consideration, with entire confidence that from your discussion of the whole matter, and an examination of the facts, and estimates contained in the report, wise counsels and judicious action will result.
In the meantime, I recommend the adoption of some measure looking to a more general use of the meters, for the purpose of promoting economy in the use of water,-an economy which our present supply seems so urgently to demand.
SEWERS.
In the department of Sewers little more than the ordinary work incident to it has been accomplished. The question of constructing the Island Sewer, as it is called, which has been the subject of so much discussion for the last two or three years, has
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
finally taken definite shape, and the work is about being entered upon. Its construction finally became reduced to a question simply of time. The effect of discharging the Piedmont Sewer and its branches into the Island District, was to create a nuisance which could be abated in no other way. The health of those living in that portion of the City became seriously endangered, and sanitary considerations alone, seemed to demand the step which has been taken.
Although the work upon this Sewer has been, or is about to be commenced, nothing like a contract has been entered into. There is great force in the suggestion which has been made, and I recommend it to your careful consideration, that the work be undertaken and carried on without the intervention of a con- tractor. There are many considerations, particularly at this time, which seem to favor such a course of action. Labor is abundant and cheap, and is at our very doors. Many laborers who have families, and are entirely idle for want of employment, would eagerly avail themselves of such an opportunity to save those who are dependent upon them for support, from becoming a public charge. By taking such a course we are accomplishing a double object-carrying on a great and much needed public improvement and at the same time performing an act of charity, by furnishing employment to those who would otherwise be without the means of subsistence, and those, too, who are our own people. While if the work were to be made the subject of an entire contract, the chances would be, that it would lead to the introduction of laborers from other places who would have no interest in the City beyond what their employment on this single contract would give them, leaving those who are already residents and citizens, to remain in idleness. I should recommend, therefore, that some such course be adopted,-that the work be done under the immediate direction of those having the Sewer department in charge ; and that great care be taken, in procuring laborers for the work, to give the preference in all cases to those who are permanent residents of the city, making a further discrim- ination, where it is practicable, in favor of those having families dependent upon them for support.
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Fire Department continues to maintain its efficiency and promptness in all parts of its organization. We have fortunately been spared any great losses by fire during the year, and it is to be hoped that in the future, we may escape the calamities which have befallen some of our sister cities. It is certainly our duty to maintain an efficient force and to provide all proper means to meet, such an emergency, and to give constant and substantial aid to the Department.
For some time the Department has received valuable aid and prompt assistance, at fires, by an organization known as the Fire Patrol. It was originated by the different Fire Insurance Com- panies, for the express purpose of saving personal property, on the occasion of fires, which would otherwise be liable to almost certain destruction. The organization has thus far proved so prompt and efficient in the work undertaken by it, and the service it has rendered has been so timely, that heretofore some small appropriations have been made by the City towards maintaining it. I would submit to your consideration the expediency of assuming the entire support of it hereafter, and incorporating it with, and making it a part of, the Fire Department.
POLICE.
The Police Department is in excellent condition, and in all respects efficient in the performance of its appropriate work. On account of the constant demands upon it, and the continually enlarging area of its operations, your attention is called to the expediency of increasing the present force. A large number can be advantageously employed in the department, at all times, and there are frequent occasions when an increase seems an unavoidable necessity.
So much does the community depend upon this arm of the public service for good order, and that sense of security which is essential to its comfort and happiness, that the obligation upon us to keep up the efficiency of the Police Department to a high standard must be conceded. The question which most naturally
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
arises, and which is for us in some measure to decide, is, how can this be done most effectively? Too great care cannot be observed by us in this direction. The services of an efficient and faithful officer on the police force cannot be over-estimated,- the evils attendant upon the acts of an inefficient or corrupt one are beyond calculation. The protection of the community, to a great extent, depends upon the former, and is hazarded in a corres- ponding degree by the latter.
I certainly can conceive of no surer mode of accomplishing this desirable object, that of keeping the force up to the highest standard of efficiency and excellence, than promoting its perma- nency ; and no surer or more effectual way of promoting its permanency, than by taking it out of the circle of political influences and party contests. The question to be considered in selecting a man for it, is not whether he entertains one set of political views or another, but whether he has qualifications for the place. A man adapted to the post, who is faithful, honest, discreet, should not be rejected whatever may be his political views or associations ; while on the other hand, one who is not qualified, is not honest, faithful, discreet, should not be appointed however much political work he may have done, or however great an influence he may have exerted in promoting the success of the executive from whom he seeks the position. There have been times in the past when members of the police force were little more than caucus managers before the election, and little better than rallying committees at the polls ; they, on their part, regarding it oftentimes, I have no doubt, as a necessity, in order to retain their positions, not always, perhaps, being governed so much by their political views and feelings as by the favorable and unfavorable prospects of the different aspirants for executive honors. This should not be so. Nothing can be so detrimental to the public service as these constant changes at every recurring election. The well-being of the community is entirely sacrificed to personal considerations. The good of the whole is entirely lost sight of in the scramble for place and the clamorings for political rewards. Next to the judiciary, the con- stabulary or police force should be placed beyond the reach of party influences, and without the pale of political considerations.
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
Were this done, the executive would often be relieved of much embarrassment, and of the most disagreeable of his perplexi- ties ; while the welfare, good order and peace of the community would be vastly promoted. Every member of the police force should feel secure enough in his position to perform his duty faithfully, fearlessly, impartially. He should feel that he is not liable to be removed by every new executive, but only for cause. Then, and not till then, will the community receive that impartial dealing and careful protection at the hands of this department, which they have reason to expect and a right to demand.
I earnestly recommend, therefore, that such steps be taken, and such measures be inaugurated, as will lead to a change in the tenure of office of those appointed on the police force, making them subject to removal only for cause. I feel quite sure that such a change will prove a great improvement upon our present system, and meet with the hearty approval of our people gener- ally.
CHARITIES.
The management and care of the City Farm has passed into the hands of a new Superintendent since one year ago. The experience of the last year leaves no room to doubt that the selection of the new incumbent will prove a good one, and that the affairs of the establishment will continue to be managed with the same skill and discretion that characterized the administration of his immediate predecessor.
The field for the exercise of charity was never more ample than at the present time. Any one who is prompted to charitable deeds has no need of extended search for opportunities. No person who has not been placed in a position where he has, or is supposed to have, any voice or influence in the dispensing of public charities, can have the remotest idea of the incessant calls that are made for relief,-at all times, in all places, under all circumstances. The reason for the present unusual condition of things must be so apparent to all, that no words of comment are needed. It should be one of our first duties to see that a well organized system is established for providing in a proper manner,
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
and by discriminating agencies, for the necessities of the worthy and deserving poor, who, in this time of general depression, and consequent want of employment, are deprived of the means of supporting themselves; bearing in mind always the fact, that the manner of supplying this relief is by no means a matter of indifference,-that oftentimes a kind and encouraging word accompanying material aid is scarcely less valuable than the aid itself.
But there is another class with whom we have to deal, whose claims are quite as frequent, and far more unreasonable and importunate,- I refer to the swarms of vagrants who for the past few years have preyed upon the community, and have become not only objects of annoyance to our people, but oftentimes of abso - lute terror. The statutes of the Commonwealth afford ample protection against them if we choose to enforce them. And I recommend, in view of the general annoyance and not in- frequently the positive wrongs and outrages suffered at the hands of this class, that the most stringent measures be taken; and that in all cases where an offer of employment, in return for de- manded assistance, is refused, the applicant be turned over to the courts to be dealt with according to law.
CITY HOSPITAL.
During the year a Board of Commissioners has been created to take the charge and management of the large sum bequeathed to the City by the late George Jaques. The long neglect of this important duty has been discreditable to the City. The only atonement for this neglect which, in the nature of things, was possible, has now been made, however, and we have the satis- faction of knowing that the fund is in the hands of judicious and discreet business men, and will receive that care and attention which so bountiful a gift deserves.
There is one other subject, however, connected with the munificence of Mr. Jaques, which in my judgment, for the honor and reputation of the city, deserves your early and serious attention.
Early in the year eighteen hundred and seventy-two, almost
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
six years since, Mr. Jaques made a gift to the city of a large and valuable tract of land, on Prince street, for a site for the erection of a City Hospital. Before an offer of the deed was made, Mr. Jaques, with his accustomed prudence and caution, invited the different gentlemen connected with the Hospital, both medical and lay, to examine the location with a view of ascer- taining its fitness and desirability for hospital purposes. After a deliberate and careful examination it was approved, and the deed conveying the estate to the City was duly executed and delivered. The deed contains several conditions, which, by the acceptance of it, the City undertook and agreed to perform. It deliberately assumed the obligations and received the equivalent. The title to the property still remains in the City, but the obli- gations are not fulfilled. One of these obligations is, that "the City Council of said City, shall, on or before the fifteenth day of April next after the date hereof, make an appropriation of not less than twenty-five thousand dollars for the erection on said parcel of land of a hospital building, or some part of a hospital building ; and said building, or some part thereof shall, within three years from the date hereof, be so far completed as to afford reasonably comfortable accommodations for at least twenty-five patients," &c. The appropriation was duly made in accordance with the terms of such condition, but nothing further in relation to it has since been done. And although we are now, and for nearly three years have been, incurring a penalty of two hundred dollars for each month of delay in the matter, it affords no excuse for our delinquency. We have resorted to various means to relieve ourselves of our obligations, but all have, signally, not to say properly, failed. We have appealed to the Supreme Court, sitting in equity, for such relief, on the ground, mainly, that "said land, on account of its situation, its northern exposure and the nature of its soil, is not a suitable, convenient or wholesome place for the erection of a hospital for the recep- tion and care of sick persons." But the Court promptly refused the prayer of the petition, and in doing so, very significantly . admonished us that "it does not appear that there are any facts which did not exist or were not known to the City at the time of accepting the deed of the donor, and no cause is shown for in-
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MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
ducing a court of equity to assist the City in violating its contract with him."
It seems to me in the present state of the matter, that if we propose to retain the property in our possession, as of course we do, common honesty demands that we should proceed at once to carry out the agreement which we entered into when we accepted the deed from Mr. Jaques. To neglect to do so, is to perpetuate a scandal, which our people have borne too long already,-to make us a by-word and a reproach with all honor- able men.
I earnestly recommend, therefore, that measures be taken at once to carry out the conditions contained in the deed of gift. No more favorable time for doing it will probably be offered for many years to come. It is a duty which we owe no less to our generous benefactor than to ourselves.
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Gentlemen of the City Council :
I have thus adverted, as briefly as I have been able, to some of the principal topics to which your attention will be called, in the discharge of your official duties, during the municipal year upon which we are just now entering. I invite your careful and patient investigation of such matters as may, from time to time, be brought before you, and your earnest endeavors to pro- mote the best interests of the city, by seeking the common good of all. I ask you to avoid all projects and shun all enterprises which aim at the good, the convenience, or the profit of the few at the expense of the many, or which seek to advance the inter- ests of any particular locality to the injury of another. Consider well all appropriations. Inquire minutely into all improvements and objects for which they are asked, and the necessity which exists for them, and only make them upon well considered and reliable estimates; and when once made never allow them to be exceeded. In short, in all your deliberations and acts, aim to
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
do strict and impartial justice to all, showing favoritism to none. In such a course of action you will at all times, and under all circumstances, have my active and hearty co-operation ; and, by such a course of action, we shall be most likely to meet the expectations, and receive the approval, of those who have with such generous confidence committed the interests of the City into our hands.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON WATER.
To the Council of the City of Worcester :-
In compliance with an ordinance of the City, the Joint Stand- ing Committee on Water submit their report, with those of the Water Commissioner, Water Registrar, and City Engineer, for the year ending November 30th, 1877.
WATER SUPPLY.
Contrary to expectations, the city has been supplied with water by the Lynde Brook Reservoir from the sixteenth day of January, on which date pumping ceased at Coe's Pond. The winter proved a favorable one, and the heavy rains which oc- curred in March and April furnished as large a quantity as was deemed prudent to retain in the reservoir, with the dam in an unfinished state. The surplus water was discharged through the waste gates, which gave a complete control over the freshet, and an estimated quantity of one hundred and fifty millions of gallons ran to waste.
The consumption of water during the summer was large, and the quantity on hand rapidly diminishing, less than one month's
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
supply was available, and the quality of the water generally known to the consumers.
The committee felt alarmed at the state of things, and as there was no supply to be obtained but from Coe's Pond, which then was four feet below the waste-way, the condition of affairs demanded immediate attention. On the third of October a sub- committee was appointed, who presented a report which was accepted, and on the fifteenth of same month a report was pre- sented to the City Council and an order was passed authorizing the Mayor, President of the Council, and the Committee on Water, to investigate the subject of a further supply of water for the city.
THE DAM.
Work at the Dam was resumed April 16th, 1877, under con- tract by M. R. Edwards, and labor ceased May 31st, 1877. On the fifth of June the dam was officially inspected and accepted by the County Commissioners, Special Commission, and the Committee on Re-Construction, in accordance with the statutes relating to reservoir dams, etc.
BELL POND.
The floating island in Bell Pond has been removed at a cost of twenty-seven hundred (2,700) dollars. The committee recommend that a wall be constructed on the margin of the pond, also other improvements which would tend to increase the purity of the water.
NEW MAINS.
In accordance with the recommendations of the committee of last year, orders passed the Council authorizing new mains to be laid, which work was done as stated in the report of the Commissioner. More work of this nature should be performed, and the committee endorse the suggestions given by the Com- missioner in his report.
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REPORT OF WATER COMMITTEE.
CARE OF RESERVOIR.
It was deemed advisable to have a man stationed permanently at the reservoir in Leicester. The house owned by the city was repaired, which now is occupied by a man with his family, and the former having attended to his duties in a satisfactory manner, the committee feel assured that the property of the city is well cared for. The shores of the basin have been cleared of debris and the ground burned over, with the view to improve the quality of the water, and further work will be needed the next season.
THE DEPARTMENT.
The annual inspection of the shops, yards, stock, etc., resulted in finding them in a satisfactory condition. The committee de- sire to state that the positions of the Commissioner and Regis- trar are attended with responsibilities and trials which are best understood by those connected with the water department. The duties increase in number annually, and compensation more adequate to these offices of trust should be allowed.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL D. HARDING, M. A. LAPHAM, WILLIAM H. DEXTER, JNO. J. O'GORMAN, WILLIAM H. HEYWOOD,
Joint Standing Committee on Water.
WORCESTER, December 24th, 1877.
REPORT
OF THE
WATER COMMISSIONER.
To the Joint Standing Committee on Water :
The Commissioner presents his annual report for the year ending November 30, 1877.
Water was drawn through the high service pipe, December 29, 1876, for the first time since the 30th of March previous. The pumps supplied the low service till January 16, 1877, when the elevation of the water in the reservoir was 14.65 feet above the bottom of outlet pipe, or 22.75 feet below the waste way.
The quantity that could be utilized was 100,000,000 gallons- sufficient for. about thirty days' consumption; this daily de- creased, till the 2d of March, only 10.4 feet, or about 44,000,000 gallons remained.
The abundant rains of March increased the supply until the 26th, when the waste gate was opened, and water allowed to waste four days; the elevation at this time being 2.97 feet be- low the top of the unfinished dam. The estimated waste was 150,000,000 gallons. Had the condition of the dam allowed this to be retained, the water would have been 2.81 feet below the waste way.
Soon as the work upon the dam commenced, all the water was retained and continued to rise until the 5th of May, when
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REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONER.
it was 31.65 feet in depth or 5.75 feet below the waste way, which was the highest of the year ; from this time to October 4th, the loss was gradual, when the lowest elevation was 14.81 feet.
The elevation November 30th, was 25.57 feet-11.83 feet below waste way; quantity stored, 295,000,000 gallons. Two 20-inch gates were set below the dam, one on each line of pipe, to be used as waste gates in time of freshet, or when the 24-inch pipe to the lower gate house shall not be sufficient to draw what may be required, so that the three lines of pipe through the dam, may be used as waste pipes, besides what may be dis- charged over the waste way.
On the boundary line of land owned by the city, and land of John K. Logan, 1,605 feet of stone wall has been built. The expense to the city for one-half, or 48 rods 10} feet, at $2.00 per rod, was $97.26. By the agreement with Mr. Logan, he is to own and maintain the northerly half, and the city to own and maintain the southerly half of said wall.
Mr. C. M. Marsh has been engaged to build 732.9 feet adjoin- ing land owned by him, upon the same terms, which is now in process of construction and will be completed early in the spring. This will make a substantial stone fence the entire length of the easterly side of the reservoir.
The unusually low water the past summer, gave a favorable opportunity to remove many of the stumps from the basin, usu- ally flowed ; their exposure to alternate wet and dry weather of the last two years making this easily done.
A portion of the ground on the easterly side of the brook has been dug over, and roots and vegetable matter removed and burned. Part of this has been done by the man now employed here, to have the care of the reservoir and grounds, keep a record of the daily height of water, rainfall and temperature. The grass on the dam, weeds, and some of the brush surround- ing the pond, have been cut and carried away or burned. Much more of this work remains to be done, and can be com- menced soon as the weather will permit next spring.
The rainfall, as kept for twelve months, ending November 30th, has been :
a
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 32.
1876.
December.
2.64 in.
April.
1.99 in.
August.
4.04 in.
1877.
January.
1.79 "
May.
1.90 "
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