USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1882 > Part 6
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CONDITION OF THOSE DISCHARGED.
Well,
173
Not Treated, 14
Relieved,
52
Eloped,
4
Not Relieved,
6
Died,
35
Cause of Death :- Accident, 16 ; typhoid fever, 4; phthisis, 3; bronchitis, 3; pneumonia, cerebro-spinal meningitis, diarrhœa, 2 each; alcoholism, apoplexy, heart disease, 1 each.
Death Rate :- 11.43. Nearly one-half the deaths occurred within 24 hours after admission.
RESIDENCE OF PATIENTS ADMITTED.
Worcester,
-
265
Other Towns in Massachusetts,
25
Other States,
4
294
BIRTHPLACE.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Worcester,
26
3
29
Other Towns,
24
16
40
Other States,
27
13
40
109
Ireland,
92
30
122
Great Britain,
13
2
15
British Provinces,
13
5
18
Other Countries,
19
11
30
-185
116
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 37.
OCCUPATION.
MALES.
FEMALES.
Laborers,
98
Domestics,
28
Mechanics,
38
Housekeepers,
34
Teamsters,
9 Nurses,
5
Minors,
9
Operatives,
4
Bootmakers,
8
Seamstresses,
3
Hostlers,
6
Cooks,
2
Weavers,'
1
6
Copyist,
1
Painters,
6
Minor,
1
Farmers,
5
Bakers,
4
Canvassers,
3
Barbers,
3
Operatives,
3
Dyers,
2
Tailors,
2
Clerks,
2
Brakemen,
2
Paver,
1
Nurse,
1
Hack Driver,
1
Waiter,
1
Currier,
1
Bricklayer,
1
Rag Picker
1
Confectioner,
1
CIVIL CONDITION.
MALES.
FEMALES.
Single,
130
Single,
35
Married,
60
Married,
24
Widowers,
24
Widows,
21
FREE PATIENTS.
128
Other Towns,
26
State,
99
-253
ADMISSION REFUSED.
Puerperal,
5
Typhoid Fever,
1
Rheumatism,
4 Paralysis,
1
Phthisis,
4 Senile Gangrene,
1
Asthma,
3
Chronic Ulcer,
1
Debility,
3 Cancer,
1
Insanity,
2
Psoriasis,
1
Venereal Disease,
2
Scarletina,
1
Ophthalmia,
2
Measles,
1
Bronchitis
1
-
34
City,
117
CITY HOSPITAL.
In reference to the foregoing tables there are a few points to which I desire to call attention.
Before coming to its new and permanent quarters, the Hospital had passed the first decade of its existence. During that time 2,036 cases of injury and disease had been treated, with, on the whole, very satisfactory results ; the average death rate for that time being not far from that of the best large hospitals.
The new buildings have now been occupied a year. In that time the work of the Hospital has been larger than ever before, and for a considerable part of the time the male ward has been crowded to overflowing. The number of patients treated, the number of serious accidents received, and the number of deaths have all been largely in excess of the record of any previous year ; the deaths from accidents being more than twice as many as in any other year since 1873.
The death rate for the first ten years was 8.99, or omitting the deaths from accident, 6.33. The death rate for the past year was 11.43, or omitting the deaths from accident, 6.20.
It will be seen that a few accidents, more or less, may affect the figures a good deal in a hospital no larger than our own; but there are other causes, such as apoplexy, poisoning, or mortal illness which have the same effect ; and this year we have had an unusual number of desperate cases both of accident and disease. Four-fifths of all the deaths followed as a matter of course from the condition of the patients on admission : they had the seal of death upon them before they saw the Hospital, and some of them had hardly entered its doors before they breathed their last.
If we deduct these hopeless cases from the whole number of patients admitted and compute the mortality rate from the figures that remain, we find it to be 2.5 per cent .- a favorable showing. But figures alone cannot demonstrate the benefits of the Hospital ; they can but indicate, in a general way, the facts that the patients are well cared for and that the sanitary condi- tion of the Hospital is good.
It will be noticed that the number of male patients is much larger than the number of females-nearly 3 to 1-while the
9
118
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 37.
number of our beds has been the same for men as for women. Our male ward has been much crowded and, not only this, we have had no means of separating surgical from medical cases as is very desirable. The few additional beds which the new isola- ting pavilion gives us will be useful for male patients, but it cannot be long before another ward will be urgently needed.
Several applications for the admission of lying in women have been refused. We have, as yet, no accommodations provided for such patients. Some provisions might be made by erecting a separate building for that special purpose ; but, situated as we are now, if such a patient should come here it would involve the imminent risk of her own life, and also the danger of her be- coming the centre of a contagion that might infect the whole Hospital. The number of such cases in the City for which something must be done by somebody (and the story is some- times very distressing) is already very considerable, and is increas- ing year by year.
The proportion of paying-patients has been about the same as in previous years; the free patients, for whom especially the Hospital was established, being, as usual, much the more nume- rous. Of the males 44 per cent. were laborers, and of the females 35 per cent. were domestics. The greater part of these had been in the country but a short time, and very few of them were able to pay anything. A few free patients had settlements in other towns, but a large number were chargeable to the State which made its usual contribution towards their support. Other towns were charged at the rate of $10.00 per week, which is something less than the cost of each patient to the Hospital.
During the year many friends have, in various ways, shown their interest in the Hospital. The box which some months ago was placed in the Union Depot for the collection of newspapers, etc., has been of much service in supplying reading matter for our patients. Illustrated papers and magazines, and books of easy reading are much appreciated by convalescents. A well selected library for patients, with a fund to keep it in good con- dition would be useful.
In conclusion, I desire to express my appreciation of the help and confidence which I have received from your Board. I am
119
CITY HOSPITAL.
under obligation in many ways to my predecessor, Dr. Rich, who gave several years of faithful service to the Hospital, and who still takes a lively interest in its success. I wish, also, to make favorable mention of the employés whose faithfulness, and interest in their work are worthy of praise.
Appended to this report are the usual tables of " Cases treated and their results," and the list of donors.
CHAS. A. PEABODY,
Superintendent and Resident Physician.
December, 1882.
6
Cases treated and their Results, from December 1, 1881, to December 1, 1882.
MEDICAL.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1881.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
| Much relieved.
| Relieved.
| Not relieved.
Not treated.
| Eloped.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1882.
Acne. .
1
.
.
1
1
.
·
·
1
Albuminuria
1
1
·
Alcoholism
10
1
11
9
1
1
11
Amenorrhoea.
.1
1
1
1
Apoplexy
1
.
.
1
1
8
2
.
2
10
Cancer of Stomach
1
1
1
Cardiac Disease (Valvular)
2
2
1
1
Cephalalgia .
4
4
2
1
1
1
2
3
Colic, renal
1
·
1
1
6
2
1
1
10
1
Diarrhœa
2
2
1
1
Dysentery .
2
1
3
2
1
3
1
Exposure to Cold .
1
1
1
Febricula .
1
1
2
2
Fever (Intermittent)
6
1
7
7
Fever (Typhoid)
1
13
5
19
12
4
16
3
Gastritis ..
1
1
1
1
·
Hemiplegia.
1
1
1
1
2
1
Jaundice . .
1
1
te
1
1
2
Locomotor Ataxy
1
1
1
Malingoring
2
2
2
1
1
2
1
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
Phthisis
3
2
5
2
1
2
5
1
1
.
Pneumonia
1
6
2
9
5
8
1
Pregnancy
·
17
4
21
17
2
1
20
1
Tonsillitis .
1
1
1
1
.
.
Varioloid
1
1
1
.
.
.
.
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis
3
3
.
1
.
Debility
2
2
7
11
2
2
Enteritis
1
2
. 7
1
Hemoptysis
3
3
1
2
2
Neuralgia .
2
1
1
1
1
1
Peritonitis
Phthisis (Acute)
1
1
1
1
1
·
.
1
·
.
1
Asthma .
Brochitis. .
10
2
12
1
1
1
.
1
.
Cellulitis (Pelvic)
1
.
.
.
.
Opium Poisoning
Pericarditis .
.
·
3
1
Rheumatism
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
1
4
Dyspepsia
1
CITY HOSPITAL.
SURGICAL.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1881.
Males.
Females.
Total.
| Well.
| Much relieved.
Relieved.
Not relieved.
Not treated.
| Eloped.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1882.
Abscess
5
8
6
1
1
8
Bunion
Cellulitis
Cancer of Breast
7
7
5
2
7 1
1
Cyst of Labium
Cystitis
Contracted Tendon
2
1
3
2
1
3.
.
.
.
·
·
Epithelioma
3
3
3
Fistula in Ano
1
1
1
1
.
Gangrene, Senile
1
1
.
1
.
.
Hernia Strangulated
2
2
2
1
1
1
Necrosis
2
2
4
2
1
3
1
Ophthalmia
1
·
1
1
.
1
1
1
Tumor, Cystic of Thigh
1
1
1
2
1
3
Ulcer, Chronic .
2
7 1
9
7
1
.
INJURIES.
Bruises
Burns .
2
8 4
2
4
2 1
2
1
9 6
2
Burns, Powder
1
1
1
1
1
1
Fracture, Jaw
1
2
2
·
1
1
2
2
2
Fracture, Humerus
2
2
1
Fracture, Fibula .
Fracture, Fibula, double
Fracture, Tibia and Fibula
1
1
.
2
2
1
1
1
Fracture, Clavicle
2
2
2
2
Fracture, Clavicle and Ribs
2
2
1
1
2
Fracture, Ribs
1
1
2
1
1
2
Fracture, Vertebræ
2
2
2
2
Fracture, Compound of Skull.
·
.
1
1
.
.
1
.
.
Cancer of Jaw
.
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
.
.
.
.
Eczema
1
·
1
1
1
.
. .
.
1
1 1
. .
Hernia
1
1
.
.
·
1
.
Poisoned Wound
1
1
1
Pyæmia
1
1
·
Tumor of Stump
1
1
Tumor, Sebaceous
·
3
3
2
Ovarian Dropsy .
.
.
·
.
1
Concussion of Spine
1
·
.
.
1
1
.
2
1 2
·
·
1
·
1 2
1
1
Fracture, Femur
Fracture, Femur, Neck of .
·
1
1
·
1
9 8
4
Fracture, Base of Skull .
Fracture, Collis
1
1 1
1
1
1
1 1
·
1
1
1
.
1
.
1
1
1 1 118
-
-
·
.
1
.
.
1
3
.
.
Keloid of Ear
2
1 1
1
. 1
1
.
121
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
·
1
1
1
·
1
122
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 37.
SURGICAL .- Continued.
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
INJURIES.
| In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1881.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
Much relieved.
|Relieved.
| Not relieved.
Not treated.
| Eloped.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1882.
Fracture, Comp. and Commin. . Fracture, Comp. of Radius and Ulna
1
1
1
1
Fracture, Comp. of Humerus.
Frac., Comp. of Tibia and Fibula .
5
5
2
3
5
Fracture, Comp. of Femur .
2
2
1
1
2
Fracture, Comp. of Phalanges Fracture, Ununited of Arm
3
3
2
1
Dislocation of Shoulder
3
3
3
3
.
Injury to Hand .
1
1
1
.
·
Injury to Foot .
1
3
4
2
1
2
.
2
Injuries, multiple .
1
5
1
7
1
1
5
7
Laceration Corvix Uteri
·
·
Pistol Shot Wound .
2
2
1
1
2
Rupture of Perinæum
2
2
1
1
2
Rupture of Urethra
1
1
1
Sprain .
5
2
7
3
1
2
1
1 7 1
Subluxation of Knee
1
.
1
1
1
·
1
2
Wound of Leg
4
4
2
2
4
Wound of Scalp
3
3
1
2
3
Wound, lacerated of Axilla
1
1
1
2
1
.
1
.
Total Medical Cases .
101
36 141
7
Total Surgical Cases
114
43
165
84 13 91 20
7
3
10
3 16 150
15
.
1
.
Injury to Eye .
2
2
2
2
.
·
Injury to Knee
2
1 2
1
4
1
2
1
11
1
Stab of Neck .
1
1
·
1
1
1
Thrombus of Vulva
Wound of Face .
2
2
1
·
.
Wound of Lungs
1
1
1
1
1
Wound, lacerated of Hand .
2
Wound, lacerated of Arm
1
1
9
3
5
1
19 134
2
1
·
. .
2
1
2
1 3
3
1 1
Injury of Hip .
1
1
.
.
1
1
1
.
1
123
CITY HOSPITAL.
DONATIONS.
December, 1881. Dr. J. F. Adams, crutches; Mrs. Wingate, pieces ; Mrs. A. K. Colton, pieces; Miss Sarah Eaton, sheets and pieces ; Mrs. Foster, pieces; Mrs. A. Marsh, pieces ; Mrs. Dr. Workman, pieces; Mrs. A. Waites, pieces ; Mrs. Blanchard, pieces ; Mrs. Chas. Rugg, pieces ; Y. M. C. A., reading matter ; Miss Valentine, Christmas cards.
January, 1882. Mr. S. Salisbury, Jr., linen ; Mrs. J. S. Barnes, pieces ; Mrs. J. Henry Hill, papers; Mrs. H. C. Fish, pieces ; Mrs. S. B. Earle, pieces ; Mrs. J. R. Marble, pieces ; Mrs. A. E. Wilson, pieces; Mrs. P. T. Wingate, pieces ; Conti- nental Hotel, shirt and pieces ; Mr. Salisbury, shirts ; Mrs. Hiram Fobes, sheets and linen ; Mrs. C. M. Foster, pieces ; Mrs. Thomas Gill, pieces ; E. O. Parker, pieces ; Members of City Council, pieces.
February: Mr. Converse, clothing; Mrs. Geo. W. Gill, pieces; Mrs. Edward Earle, pieces ; Miss M. C. Allen, Atlantic Monthly 1 year; Misses Barber, pieces; Mrs. Watson, of Leicester, pieces ; Mrs. Annis, pieces.
March. W. H. Newton, pieces ; Mrs. G. W. Mathews, pieces ; Mrs. Mozart Colburn, pieces ; Mrs. Henry A. Denny, scrap book; Friend, 2 shirts.
April. Y. M. C. A., papers ; Mrs. W. A. Williams, linen and pieces ; Mrs. Barker, piece; Mrs. C. B. Pratt, papers ; Mr. David Whitcomb, invalid bed ; Dr. F. H. Kelley, skeleton and splints ; Ada Drennan, bouquets of arbutus ; Mrs. J. H. Walker, papers.
May. Mrs. A. Parker, pieces ; Mrs. Phelps, pieces.
June. Mrs. Gill, pieces ; Mrs. Harrington, pieces; Church Flower Mission, flowers every week; City Flower Mission, flowers every week.
July. N. Harkness, papers ; Mrs. J. J. Bigelow, 1 dozen shirts; Mrs. J. R. Peirce, shirts and papers ; Mrs. C. M. Cotter, pieces ; Mrs. Davidson, pieces ; Mrs. J. L. Holmes, wrappers and pieces ; H. B. Otis, 25 fans ; Dr. C. B. Robbins, surgeon's plaster ; Mrs. Roundy, pieces ; Mrs. J. D. Partridge, wrappers ; Miss H. Gibbs, pieces ; City Flower Mission, shirts; Mrs. Hixon
124
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 35.
and Mrs. Brooks, flowers ; City Flower Mission, flowers every week ; Church Flower Mission, flowers every week.
August. Mrs. A. M. D. Taylor, pieces ; Mrs. Whittaker, pieces ; Sarah G. Partridge, pieces ; Mr. F. W. Ward, pieces ; Mr. Thorndike, shirts and socks ; Church Flower Mission, flowers every week : City Flower Mission, flowers every week.
September. Mr. S. Salisbury, Jr., shirts ; Mr. Sewell Hol- brook, pieces; Mrs. Bartlett, shirts and papers; Mr. J. H. Rouse, magazines.
October. Miss M. G. Stoddard, pieces ; Mr. Fanning, shirts ; Mrs. C. A. Thompson, pieces ; Mrs. Chas. Cawood, pieces.
November. Mrs. Thompson, Princeton, shirts and pieces ; Mr. S. Salisbury, Jr., house plants ; Mrs. Geo. C. Rice, pieces ; Mrs. Henry Denny, pieces ; Mrs. Putnam, pieces ; Mrs. Morgan, shirts and pieces ; Mr. Clarendon Harris, shirts and sheets ; Mrs. Palmer, pieces; Mr. Chas. N. Scott, magazines; Mrs. H. D. Hatch, magazines ; Publishers of the Daily Spy, a copy of the Spy during the year ; Publishers of the Evening Gazette, a copy of the Gazette for the year ; Dr. R. Woodward, books.
During the year many bundles of old linen and cotton pieces have been received from unknown donors : such contributions are gratefully received, and are always very useful. They may be left at the Hospital, or with the City Messenger, No. 1 City Hall.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS
OF THE
JAQUES FUND AND OTHER FUNDS
OF THE CITY HOSPITAL.
WORCESTER, Mass., Jan. 1, 1883. To the Honorable City Council :
In compliance with the provisions of the City Ordinances governing this Commission, the undersigned beg leave to present the following report of their doings in and about the several funds in their hands for the financial year ending November 30, 1882 :
Balance on hand Dec. 1, 1881, $82,885 82
Receipts to Nov. 30, 1882, inclusive, 50,865 76
Total,
$133,751 58
Payments to Nov. 30, 1882, inclusive,
5,913 22
Balance, Nov. 30, 1882,
$127,838 36
The several investments and cash balances belonging to the different funds have been carefully examined by the undersigned and found to be properly accounted for. In calling attention to the exceptionally large receipts of the year the undersigned beg to express their appreciation of the courtesy of the City Council of 1882 in promptly responding to their request for the payment,
126
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 37.
by the city, of the sum of $23,400, it being the amount due, as forfeiture, under provisions of the Jaques " deed of gift," so called, dated March 12, 1872.
Sundry statements, prepared by the treasurer of the Board, showing, in tabular form, and in detail, the condition of the several funds, accompany this report and make a part thereof.
BENJ. WALKER, ALBERT CURTIS, CHAS. B. PRATT,
.
Commissioners of the Jaques Fund, and other Funds of the City Hospital.
-
127
CITY HOSPITAL.
To the Commissioners of the Jaques Fund, and other Funds of the City Hospital :
GENTLEMEN :- The undersigned respectfully presents the fol- lowing statements, covering all cash transactions on account of the several hospital funds, for the financial year ending Nov. 30, 1882 :
STATEMENT OF THE FUNDS.
ON12345 1 3 4 5
TITLE OF FUND.
Amount Dec. 1, 1881.
Receipts during year.
Total.
Paym'ts during year.
Balances Nov. 30, 1882.
Geo. Jaques Hospital Fund, $74,929 38 $50,444 00 $125,373 38 $5,602 72 $119,770 66
Isaac Davis
66
1,754 56
110 57
1,865 13
1,865 13
Albert Curtis
66
1,033 87
40 66
1,074 53
60 50
1,014 03
John B. Shaw
168 01
20 53
188 54
188 54
Jos. A. Tenney "
5,000 00
250 00
5,250 00
250 00
5,000 00
Totals,
$82,885 82 $50,865 76 $133,751 58 $5,913 22 $127,838 36
INVESTMENTS AND BALANCES.
No.
First Mortgages on Real Estate.
Stock in National Bank.
Bond of R. R. Co.
Deposits in Savings Bank.
Cash on Deposit.
Balances Nov. 30, 1882.
12345 1 2 4
$105,900 00
$1,500 00
$1,000 00
$865 13 1,000 00 188 54
14 03
1,014 03
188 54
5,000 00
5,000 00
$110,900 00
$1,500 00
$1,000 00
$2,053 67
$12,384 69
$127,838 36
$12,370 66
$119,770 66
1,865 13
128
CITY DOCUMENT. - No. 37.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS. -
No. 1. Cash balance, Dec. 1, 1881, $1,158 82
Allowance by city on account of forfeiture under provisions of the Jaques Deed of Gift . . . $23,400 00 Proceeds of sales of real estate, viz : 14 parcels containing 146,776 square feet of land . . 20,930 99
Partial payment on account of land bargained for 200 00
Proceeds of old buildings, etc., sold at auction . 468 90 Proceeds of cellar wall, fences and sundries . . 170 00
Interest on notes secured by mortgage .
4,494 65
Interest on account of agreements for sale . 29 53
Interest on National Bank Deposits 383 00
Interest on Savings Bank Deposits 3 33
Dividends on Bank Stocks 85 00
Rents of Hospital Estate, Wellington Street . 250 00
Bank Tax, refunded by Commonwealth 28 60
$51,602 82
No. 2. Interest on Railroad Bond 80 00
Interest on Savings Bank deposit 30 57
$110 57
No. 3. Interest on Savings Bank deposits 40 66
Withdrawn from investment account 33 87
$74 53
No. 4. Interest on Savings Bank deposits 6 53
Rent of Shaw Estate, Salem Street 14 00
$20 53
No. 5. Interest on mortgage note 250 00
$250 00
Total
$52,058 45
STATEMENT OF PAYMENTS.
No. 1. Services of Auctioneer $11 00
Dividing old buildings 15 00
Surveying and preparing plans 34 57
Salary of Treasurer 100 00
Net income, paid into City treasury 5,442 15
$5,602 72
CITY HOSPITAL.
129
No. 3. Sundry medical books, etc 60 50
$60 50
No. 5. Net income, paid into City treasury .
250 00
250 00
$5,913 22
Transferred to Investment account, viz : No. 1. . . $45,169 89
No. 2. 110 57
No. 4. 20 53
$45,300 99
Balances, cash on deposit, as follows, viz : No. 1. $830 21
No. 3. 14 03
844 24
Total $52,058 45
WM. S. BARTON,
Treasurer.
Worcester, Mass., Dec. 1, 1882.
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
COMMISSION
OF
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
To the Honorable CITY COUNCIL :
A "Report of their acts and doings, of the condition of the Public Grounds and Shade Trees thereon and on said Streets and Highways, and an account of Receipts and Expenditures for the same "-during the official year that ended on the Thirtieth (30th) day of November, A. D. 1882, is herewith submitted as required by the Twenty-First (21st) section of the municipal Charter :
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS,
In account with the
CITY OF WORCESTER,
Cr. :
By Appropriation, Grass, sale of
$6,000 00
50 00
$6,050 00
Per contra, Dr. :
Human labor (regular),
$2,254 70
Human and animal labor (special),
236 00
Shade-trees, and planting same,
1,237 58
Tree-guards, and setting same,
569 25
Manure and loam,
479 75
Seeds (grass, &c.), 10
36 00
134
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 37,
Printing Reports, &c.,
49 81
Freight, trucking, and express,
11 12
Advertising, stationery, and stamps,
29 25
Re-tracing map and surveying for shade-trees, Carpentry and lumber,
22 05
Hardware, tools, and repairing same,
116 51
Stone,
202 69
Blacksmith,
7 35
Shrubs, plants, &c.,
328 60
Grain and food for water-fowl,
13 00
Settees for Common and Elm Park,
218 50
Painting bridges, tool-house ; and paints and oil,
37 93
Water Department,-drinking fountains and labor on same, 89 03 Frame and glass for map of Elm Park, 13 75
Paving-after shade-trees,
45 25
Water-Fowl,
10 00
$6,038 67
Remaining unexpended and therefore " sunk," $11 33
The COMMISSION have no sources of revenue. Formerly, the Circus, or Menagerie, occupied the vacant and unimproved territory, in either of the Public Grounds ; at times submerging a Buffalo; and anon, leaving for a fragrant memento of their visit, an Anaconda which had " shuffled off its mortal coil." But those days of free tickets and dire tribulation have departed forever. A little grass can be sold, just now, to eke out the hire of tip-carts; but the growth of trees and flowering shrubs will soon cut off that restricted income, as the mowing machine cannot be employed and it will not pay to make use of the scythe.
Meanwhile, novel outlays become inevitable, as improvement advances. There are (the COMMISSION have never computed with exactness), -? rods in length, of Foot-Walks across the Common, which must be kept clear, by the use of shovels, after the plough has gone ahead. The gutters require to be opened frequently, since their declivity is necessarily slight and the melting snow congeals at the first fall in temperature. The ice must be cut away, or kept sanded : otherwise the free and inde- pendent citizen, who endured with passive meekness the mud
30 55
135
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
and slosh through which he was wont to wade, before the COMMISSION took the Common in hand, will complain that he has stubbed his toe against an iceberg as big as a buck-shot ! or has slipped up, gratis, when he might have seen stars, at the regular tariff, from the polished floor of the Rink. These expenses, taken separately, are not so very large. But, in the aggregate, they count up. And they have, at any rate, to be deducted from the sum total of an appropriation which, if it is more consid- erable than of yore, has been by no means augmented in anything like the proportion with which it is subjected to demands and drawbacks.
This Report would be sadly deficient, were it to omit an especial tribute of gratitude to a few, among the many, whose co-operation has essentially facilitated the work and aided to achieve the plans of the COMMISSION. - Prominent among them all may be named the long-time Councilman-now Alderman- Athy. The practical advice of Admiral ? Jeremiah J. O'Leary ; with his generous gift of the best boat that ever floated in Elm Park ; cannot be too cordially acknowledged. With the writer, he believes that healthy exercise and enjoyment should be limited to no one section of the City : and, as the COMMISSION ever advocate the complete development and use of Lake Quin- sigamond, so the veteran Oarsman would adapt the charming, and secure because shallow, Pools, in the Park, to juvenile, even maidenly, practice and perfection. Commissioner Hall, of the Water Department, has laid the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS under particular obligations. His advice has been freely bestowed,-never obtruded; and his aid was cheerfully rendered when any thing could be done by him, without preju- dice to the interests under his charge, that would advance the work of improvement upon the Public Grounds. Where so 'many have acted kindly and well ; whose courtesy and willing zeal it would be impossible to detail; it surely cannot be invidious to specify assistance so gladly extended as to challenge comparison. The Chairman must also confess his individual in- debtedness to Mr. Samuel Woodward, of the Sinking Fund Com- mission, for facilities of conveyance in unavoidable tours of inspec-
136
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 37.
tion, when a prudent economy enforced pedestrianism upon himself. He appreciates the loan, without charge, of a judgment usually clear wheresoever else might be spells of official doubt or per- plexity : and is grateful for an interest and encouragement the more prized that it never flagged nor failed.
There are drawbacks to all pursuits ; there are hindrances in plenty to the discharge of every duty, however humble : and therefore hearty accord and co-operation are valued in propor- tion as they are genuine. If this COMMISSION have accomplished aught in the aim and effort to develop and adorn the city of their birth and affection, a large portion of the credit must be awarded to those, whose words and acts of good .cheer have confirmed the heart when it was faint, or strengthened the purpose that might, otherwise, have become infirm. Much of this should have been. stated in former Reports. Had it been deferred longer, the COMMISSION would have become bankrupt beneath the onerous load of obligations that, from their very nature, are alike impossible to compute or repay. To stop the interest and reduce the principal of debts for which they are never dunned; but which are the more burdensome, since the trust involved no surety of repayment; an honest confession is introduced, thus early, by the COMMISSION, for the good of their individual souls.
The tract of land somewhat turgidly dubbed Central Park, in a moment of official hindsight; but, throughout all time past and to come, popularly known as the Common ; is surrounded by Public Streets. It is obviously conspicuous from every side. It is of course competent for the second City in the Commonwealth to lay itself bare by absolute nakedness, and poverty of appear- ance. But this COMMISSION have never thought taxation so grinding (and it presses as heavily upon themselves as others), that it would repay the People to repel visitors. Those who do not like us, at first sight, may never seek or accept a second interview. The faith of the COMMISSION is in the attraction of gravitation. Knowing that their fellow-citizens have ever kept far in advance of the City Hall, in the appreciation of civic adornment or rural beauty ; whether as means to an end or an
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