USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1885 > Part 2
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19
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The past year has been one of great activity at the Library ; 207,598 volumes have been used by readers and students. This is a large increase over the year before. The increase in two years has been 36,479. The number of volumes used on an average every week day during the past year is 669. The books that have been used are wholesome books. As a result of the city's expenditure and of wise administration, a very large amount of study is done by grown persons and children, both in their homes and within the library building.
The whole number of volumes in the library is 63,941, a growth of 2,737 during the year. The num- ber added to the Circulating and Intermediate depart- ments during the year is 600 smaller than in the year before, and it will be necessary to spend a larger sum of money for books the current year than was possible the past year, because of the amount of the expendi- ture required in renewing and improving the heating apparatus. A new steel boiler has been placed in the building. The lower reading-room has been open every day in the year ; the library for purposes of reference 359 days ; and the Circulating department 307 days. There has been an immense use of the read- ing-rooms by citizens.
The library building must soon be enlarged. This matter calls for immediate attention.
The library has spent $15,479.06 the past year exclu- sive of income from the Green Library and Reading- room funds.
It will ask you to appropriate for current expenses the present year, $13,885, besides the amount received
20
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
for Dog licenses. The great growth in its use involves a moderate growth in its expenditures.
WATER.
The reservoirs of the city are full and overflowing, and the supply of water is of excellent quality. Much attention has been given during the past year to the taking up of the cement-lined pipe and the substitution of cast-iron pipe. Nearly three and a quarter miles have been thus removed. The amount now remaining is about 46 miles. The amount of new pipe laid is two and a quarter miles. The total of main pipe is about 98 miles and of service pipe there is nearly 64 miles additional. There has been laid 366 new service pipes, and 367 meters added to the works. It will be neces- sary to replace considerable cement-lined pipe during the present year. It is recommended that telephone connections be made with both the Lynde Brook and Holden Reservoirs and the office of the Water Com- missioner. Also that more suitable barn and shop room be provided at the Thomas Street Shop, and a new house built at the Lynde Brook Reservoir.
The revenue of the Water Department on Construc- tion Account, has been for meters, pipe, labor, &c., the sum of $21,547.16.
In the settlement of claims for land damages by the taking of Tatnuck Brook, several of the most important ones have been adjusted. A portion of the Foster Farm at the Holden distributing reservoir has been secured with the buildings.
In view of the proximity of these buildings this settlement is very gratifying as securing immunity from possible pollution to the supply from this source.
21
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
With the exception of the trouble with the cement- lined pipe the department is in excellent condition.
For the year ending Nov. 30th, 1885, bills for water have been rendered to the City Treasurer for collection, as follows :-
For Metered water, 11,532
Amounting to $96,081 35
" Annual rates, 2,025
19,440 48
Total,
13,557
$115,521 83
The amount of revenue received for water rates was $110,265 03
An increase over the year ending Nov. 30th, 1884, of $2,749 28
The amount of uncollected bills in the hands of the City Treasurer, Dec. 1st, 1885, was $12,388.28. The amount appropriated from water revenue to sinking funds was $12,807.02.
During the year the sum of $4,523.17 has been deducted from the amount charged for water rates and metered water, owing to changes in annual rates, adjustment of bills of water takers, special contracts, and by vote of the committee.
The total cost of Water Works to Dec. 1st, 1885, was $1,720,329.62.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The work of the Fire Department the past year has been thoroughly satisfactory to the public. The losses by fire have not been large for a city covering so much territory, and with buildings of the character of those in our city. The Fire Alarm Telegraph has recently been carefully examined and repaired, and the ordi- nance lately adopted will, in the opinion of the late committee on Fire Department, insure its satisfactory operation in the future.
3
22
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
The need of additional apparatus has been alluded to by the Chief in former reports, and in his report for the present year he renews his recommendations with addi- tional reasons for asking your early attention to the wants of the department. The increase in the number of high buildings and the corresponding increase of fire risks, the addition to the number of telegraph, tele- phone and electric light wires, both in the front and in the rear of high buildings, make the ladder service of the department one of its most important features, and the engineers are thoroughly satisfied that the time has come when further delay in the supply of ladders is imprudent. There is also a demand for additional companies for the southern and southwestern sections of the city where growth in population has been rapid, and where the buildings erected are mostly constructed of wood. The formation of these new companies will necessitate the erection of two new houses and the purchase of additional apparatus. The engineers and the committee of last year unite in pronouncing the houses a necessity, and the people in those sections have repeatedly asked for better fire protection.
The subject is one which should receive your early attention. The department has been provided during the past year with such new apparatus only as has been needed to replace that which was no longer fit for service. The number of fire-alarm stations has been increased until at the present time the outskirts of the city are well covered, but there still exists a need for additional stations in the more thickly settled locations.
SHADE TREES AND PUBLIC GROUNDS.
May 1st, 1885, the care and control of the shade trees along the streets and public grounds of the city,
23
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
and of the public grounds themselves, which had been vested since 1863 in a Commission of Shade Trees and Public Grounds, was transferred by a special act of the General Court, upon petition of the City Government, to the newly created Parks Commission. To this latter body is now also entrusted the exclusive charge and supervision of the Common and Elm Park, whose con- struction is mainly completed ; and of Lake Park, towards the development of which much has been done, and more will be as the weather allows.
Public opinion has been strongly manifested of late years demanding the speedy acquirement of suitable parks or play-grounds for our rapidly growing city while the land can be found available. The whole sub- ject has been referred by your predecessors to the Parks Commission, from whom a report may soon be expected. I commend the entire matter to your con- siderate attention and favor, assuring you of my hearty co-operation in any measures that shall tend to promote the comfort and healthful enjoyment of our common constituency.
The Parks Commission ask for an appropriation of eight thousand dollars ($8,000.00) for the present year.
CHARITIES.
The public charities are said to be well managed. Much care has been taken that the worthy poor be properly provided for, and at the same time our expen- ditures compare favorably with those of other cities. The amount expended in city relief or temporary aid to outside poor, for the past year, was $16,766.84, and an appropriation of $15,000 is asked for this year.
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
The Almshouse has been again enlarged, this being the second time in five years, but as the city grows, so also do its dependents. The expenditures for the past year have been $31,925.28, about $10,000 of which were for the extension of the west wing of the building, and the remainder for repairs and current expenses. An appropriation of $18,000 is asked for the present year.
The Truant School connected with the Almshouse expended the past year $2,298.53, and an appropriation of $2,500 will be required for the year to come.
The Scavenger Department which is connected with the Farm, has been managed as well as could be ex- pected with the means provided. It is recommended that in order that the city may be placed in as high a sanitary condition as possible, a sufficient equipment may be furnished to do properly the duties required of those having the business in charge. The estimated expense for the present year is $8,330.
CITY HOSPITAL.
The amount of good accomplished by this institution can never be measured. From the report of the Trus- tees it appears that the demands upon the Hospital are constantly and rapidly increasing, and they must con- tinue to increase with the growth of the city.
It is expected that the new Gill and Salisbury wards will be fully occupied. The philanthropy and public spirit which prompted these generous gifts should be duly appreciated, and meet with equal liberality on the part of the city.
25
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
In view of the fact that the capacity of the Hospital has been nearly doubled, the appropriation asked for, viz .:-
For Furnishing, $ 1,500
" Current Expenses, 10,500
Total, $12,000
is very moderate and should be granted.
HOPE CEMETERY.
Excepting the grave-yard on the Common, which is scarcely known to the present generation, Hope Ceme- tery is the only burial-ground in the care of the city. It was first used for burials in 1854. For 32 years it has been under the special care of a commission of five members, appointed by the City Council. The perma- nency of the Board, and the entire unanimity of its action, has secured steady improvement of the grounds, which are so well located and cared for that most of our citizens secure burial lots when the necessity comes for using them. The number of lots taken each year has increased, and with the space required for free burials, the grounds are being used to such an extent that their capacity will soon be exhausted.
The receiving tomb, for use in the winter, is too small and should be enlarged, or another built, in the coming year. At the Cemetery there is a good house for the foreman, - who should be on the grounds at all · times, - good barns and sheds for horses, carts, wag- ons, and all tools necessary for the care of extensive grounds. Having these appliances, there can be no question about the duty and economy of adding to
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
Hope Cemetery such adjoining land as can be secured, instead of waiting until a new place and separate means of care must be found.
The financial condition of the Cemetery, as stated in the last report of the Commissioners, and as will appear by a report soon to be made, is highly satisfactory.
POLICE.
On November 30th the general offices of this depart- ment were moved from the basement of the City Hall to the Armory building on Waldo Street. This struc- ture is of brick, three stories in height, with a basement, and has ample and convenient accommodations. Should it be required, there are sufficient sleeping accommodations for fifteen or twenty officers. There are two cell-rooms containing nineteen cells, besides two lodging-rooms, one for males and one for females. Every room in the building is heated by steam, well ventilated and lighted.
The force at present numbers seventy-seven men, there being three vacancies. With these filled, I con- sider the force sufficient, but if the rapid growth of the suburbs of our city should call for increased measures to meet the demands for police protection, it may become necessary before the close of the year to ask for more men.
Due attention has been given to the Detective busi- ness, and the work of the Inspectors has shown the advantages arising from having this branch of the service well under control and its duties faithfully fol- lowed up. Recognizing the responsibility of the posi- tion of the Detective, the salary of the same has been increased during the past year.
27
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
The criminal classes in our large cities have in their ranks persons possessing the greatest cunning and skill, and to successfully cope with these criminals it is necessary that men well trained in this peculiar line of duty be employed. The amount of stolen property recovered last year, principally by the detectives, amounted to $4,665. More than half of this amount was stolen in other places and recovered here. This does not by any means represent the total amount recovered through this agency, for in many instances the owners having been notified where their property might be found, have recovered it without this depart- ment receiving a receipt for the same.
March 31st, 1885, the Civil Service law went into effect, and under its requirements all applicants for positions upon the force must pass the requisite exami- nation, which should be practical in its character, and, as far as may be, relate to those matters which will fairly test the fitness of the applicant to discharge the duties of the service into which he asks to be appointed. Experience and training are especially necessary to develop the qualities which go to make up the valuable police officer. The importance of choosing the mem- bers of the Police Department guided by character and qualifications rather than by personal favor or political preferment, cannot be too strongly urged.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
In view of the possibility of there being brought into our midst some of the contagious diseases which are now or have been prevalent in other countries, the Board of Health has had increased responsibility placed
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
upon it and a stimulus to renewed exertion. The means taken to prevent the spread of such diseases among our people, have been the thorough examination and improvement of unhealthy districts, and, most important of all, a thorough house to house inspection.
As a result of these measures, I think it can be said with safety that the sanitary condition of the city has never been better than at present. The amount of work the past year was more than double that of any year since the present board was established, and increases from year to year.
Free vaccination has been extensively employed, both in the public and parochial schools. The cleaning of vaults and cess-pools is well and promptly done under the present contract. All parts of the city are now covered by an efficient service for the collection of swill and house-offal. Catch-basins are cleaned under the process of disinfection and the material disposed of safely and with profit to the city. It seems to me that the matter of public health is one of great importance, and I fear we may be in this respect slightly behind other cities. The Board will ask you for an appropria- tion of $2,500 for use the coming year.
For more detailed information regarding the require- ments of all the departments of the city, I would respectfully refer you to their annual reports for 1885.
THE LIQUOR LAW.
The citizens of Worcester, by a decisive majority, have voted that no licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors shall be granted for the year commencing on the first day of May next. It would be idle to specu- late upon the causes which have brought about this
29
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
somewhat unexpected result. It is sufficient for us to know that the voters, acting in their sovereign capacity, have so decreed and have thereby imposed upon us the imperative duty of attempting, in good faith, to enforce all laws with regard to the sale of spirituous and intoxi- cating liquors, precisely as other laws on the statute book are enforced. My own views with regard to the sale and use of liquor are not unknown to my fellow- citizens, but these views will not have the slightest influence in governing my official action.
Last year, while acting as a member of the Board of Aldermen, I unhesitatingly voted to give licenses to applicants who were properly indorsed, and it is per- haps needless to say that I should do so again under similar circumstances ; but the situation has entirely changed, and bowing to the will of the people legally expressed, I accept my full share of the responsibility thus involved. In saying this I am not unmindful of the difficulty likely to be encountered in the enforce- ment of the law.
The sale of intoxicating liquors is supported by two of the strongest influences which control the human race, - appetite and the love of gain,-neither of which can be eradicated by legislative enactment or the terrors of the criminal court.
The attempt, therefore, to suppress a traffic thus sustained must, in order to be successful, have the earnest, continuous support of the moral, religious and law-abiding forces of the community, which I now invoke, in behalf of good government ; not only so far as they are represented by the great majority who have, by their votes, marked out the path in which we must travel, but also as represented by those of the large minority, who believe in law and order and who respect
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
the popular will as their opponents have respected it in former years.
With their aid, but not otherwise, I am not without hope that much may be done towards checking the ravages of intemperance in our city and restoring to many families that comfort and happiness of which they have been deprived by the demon of strong drink. But in any event our duty is clear, and will, I trust, be faithfully and fearlessly performed.
CONCLUSION.
Gentlemen of the City Council :
Thus have I briefly outlined for consideration but a small part of the work placed in our hands by our fellow-citizens. It is a pleasure to have associated with me, as members of the City Government and at the heads of the various departments, men who, by expe- rience and integrity, have contributed so large a share to the prosperity of our city. Your undivided support, to which honest and well-meant efforts are entitled, will greatly lighten the burden which I this day assume. Promising you my most hearty cooperation in that which tends to the best welfare of all, may our doings as guardians of the public service meet with the most generous approbation.
REPORT OF THE CITY TREASURER.
OFFICE OF THE CITY TREASURER, WORCESTER, MASS., January 4, 1886. S
To the Honorable City Council : -
The undersigned herewith presents his account of Receipts and Payments in the Treasury Department, for the financial year ending November 30, 1885.
Cash balance, Dec. 1, 1884, . $170,422 82
Receipts during the year, 2,269,901 17
Total,
$2,440,323 99
Payments during the year, 2,086,285 99
Cash in Treasury, Nov. 30, 1885, $354,038 00
Deduct draft for November bills, . 80,816 34
Leaving balance, per Auditor's report, of . . $273,221 66
The several items comprised in the above aggregates appear in the accompanying account current.
Respectfully submitted,
WM. S. BARTON, City Treasurer.
32
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
Dr. CITY OF WORCESTER, in account current, from Dec. 1, 1884.
To authorized payments, charged to sundry accounts, as follows :- No. of acct.
1. Abatements and Discount $60,683 35
2. Board of Health 2,411 87
3. City Hall . 3,189 13
4. City Hospital 10,344 08
5. City Hospital, Jaques Fund 6,694 62
6. City Hospital, Tenney Fund . 250 00
7. District Court Building, and Police Station
9,704 53
8. Fire Department
9. Fire Department, Fire Patrol
1,200 00
10. Free Public Library .
16,066 13
11. Highway Department 109,813 50
12. Incidental Expenses 25,632 92
13. Interest 114.414 99
14. Interest on Funded Sewer Loans 24,000 00
15. Interest on Funded Water Loans 32,588 00
16. Lighting Streets 52,922 79
17. Liquor Licenses
66,300 00
18. Loans, Funded Water
103,000 00
19. Loans, Temporary
350,000 00
21. Pauper Department, Farm . 17,008 95
32,358 08
22. Pauper Department, House Offal .
9,810 34
23. Pauper Department, Truant School 2.323 98
24. Police Department .
77,148 73
25. Premium on City Bonds
22,420 00
26. Public Grounds . 7,515 05
27. Real Estate, Lien Account . 20 92
28. Salaries 19,744 59
29. School Department 213.108 99
30. School-Houses 66,352 24
31. Sewers, Construction 22,872 20
32. Sewers, Construction, Special Order, 1883 47,909 94
33. Sewers, Construction, Special Order, 1885 98,948 80 34. Sewers, Maintenance . 8,969 02
35. Sidewalk Assessment
11,118 25
36. Sinking Fund, 1875, General Debt
55,711 74
37. Sinking Funds, 1876 to 1885, Special 86,818 88
38. State Aid. New Account . 6,096 50
39. Street Construction . 12,138 36
40. Street Construction, Summer Street
6,491 27
41. Taxes, 1884, Corporation 254 20
42. Taxes, 1884, County (balance) 17,085 50
43. Taxes, 1884, National Bank, State Account 24.213 39
44. Taxes, 1884, State. . 55,920 00
45. Taxes, 1885, County (part) 19,169 00
46. Water Works, Construction 38.723 56
47. Water Works, Construction, New Supply. 13,601 34
48. Water Works, Maintenance . 54,252 71
Balance, Cash in the Treasury, Nov. 30, 1885,
- - $2,086,285 99 354,038 00
£2,440,323 99
20. Pauper Department, City Relief .
48,868 55
33
REPORT OF THE TREASURER.
to Nov. 30, 1885, with WILLIAM S. BARTON, City Treasurer, Cr.
By Cash received and credited to sundry accounts, as follows : - No. of acct.
1. Board of Health. $ 116,00
2. City Hall . 1,000 00
3. City Hospital 4,098 35
4. City Hospital, Jaques Fund 6,694 62
5. City Hospital, Tenney Fund 250 00
6. District Court Building, and Police Station 17,496 00
7. Fire Department 885 57
8. Free Public Library 3,482 13
26,483 34
9. Highway Department 9,682 40
10. Incidental Expenses.
11. Interest 31,200 44
12. Interest, on Funded Sewer Loan (accrued) 1,120 00
463 89
14. Lighting Streets
15. Liquor Licenses.
16.
Loans, Funded Sewer
180,000 00
17.
Loans, Funded Water
200,000 00
18.
Pauper Department, City Relief
4,262 29
21.
Pauper Department, House Offal
1,874 40
22. Pauper Department, Truant School. 300 00
23. Police Department. . 9,912 54
24. Premium on City Bonds
22,420 00
25.
Public Grounds . 2 10
26. Real Estate, Lien Account. 20 92
27. School Department . 7,086 41
28. School-Houses 56,844 11
29. Sewer Assessments 2,585 75
30. Sewers, Construction 32 75
31. Sewers, Construction, Special Order, 1883. 35 13
32. Sewers, Construction, Special Order, 1885 . 501 52
34.
Sidewalk Assessments .
11,118 25
35.
Sinking Fund, 1875, General Debt 5,514 94
36.
Sinking Funds, 1876 to 1885, Special 5,822 83
37. State Aid, New Account . 7,457 50
38. Street Betterment Assessments 517 23
39. Street Construction, Summer Street 10 50
40. Taxes, 1877 to 1884, inclusive . 15,003 33
41. Taxes, 1884, Corporation 81,043 49
42. Taxes, 1884, National Bank, State Account 9,242 81
43. Taxes, 1885. 990,105 10
44. Water Works, Construction 21,547 16
45. Water Works, Maintenance 110,265 03
$2,269,901 17
Balance, Cash in the Treasury, Dec. 1, 1884, 170,422 82
$2,440,323 99
WM. S. BARTON,
City Treasurer.
WORCESTER, MASS., January 4, 1886.
13. Interest, on Funded Water Loan (accrued) 66 05
66,300 00
19. Loans, Temporary.
350,000 00
20. Pauper Department, Farm .
6,597 10
33. Sewers, Maintenance . 439 19
REPORT
OF THE
TREASURER OF THE CITY TRUST FUNDS.
OFFICE OF THE CITY TREASURER, WORCESTER, MASS., January, 4, 1886.
To the Honorable City Council : -
The undersigned herewith presents sundry statements, in tabu- lar form, showing the aggregate receipts and payments on account of the several trust funds, belonging to the city, and the amounts carried forward, on the books of the treasurer, at the close of the financial year ending November 30, 1885.
CITY TRUST FUNDS. December 1, 1884, to November 30, 1885.
No.
TITLE OF FUND.
Amount Dec. 1, 1884.
Receipts during year.
TOTALS.
Paym'ts during year.
Amount Nov. 30, 1885.
1 Bullock High School, 1860
$1,504 31
$60 08
$1,564 39
$59 63
$1,504 76
2
Hope Cemetery .. .1863
10,018 35
9,151 05
19,169 40
6,361 39
12,808 01
3 Green Library
.1868
43,605 06
2,172 06
45,777 12
1,752 51
44.024 61
4 Davis Hospital
.1873
2,100 55
124 21
2,224 76
40 00
2,184 76
5
Jaques Hospital .. 1874
141,574 82
18,817 53
160,392 35
6,872 20
153,520 15
6 Curtis Hospital 1876
1,046 85
41 57
1,088 42
34 00
1,054 42
7 Shaw Hospital. .1877
224 78
27 94
252 72
...
252 72
8 Tenney Hospital. .. 1881
5,000 00
250 00
5,250 00
250 00
5,000 00
9| Lake Park. 1884
5,002 25
128 65
5,130 90
1,628 47
3,502 43
10 Salisbury Hospital ... 1884
3,000 00
72 99
3,072 99
3,072 99
11 Gill Hosp. Building. . 1884
6,000 00
144 23
6,144 23
4,865 99
1,278 24
12 Bancroft Endowm't, 1885
10,175 04
10,175 04
10,175 04
13 Salisbury Hos. B'l'g, 1885
8,005 18
8,005 18
3,750 66
4,254 52
Totals,
$219,076 97 $49,170 53 $268,247 50
$25,614 85
$242,632 65
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