USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1886 > Part 12
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The rapid increase in the use of water from the high service pipes for elevator and other purposes, will, before many years, make it necessary to use the Lynde Brook Reservoir for this purpose alone. It will then be a question of only a short time, when the storage capacity at the Holden Reservoir will have to be increased, to insure an adequate supply for the low service.
The City now owns sufficient land entirely around the reser- voir to raise the level of the water ten feet higher than at present, with an additional width of ten rods around the new flowage line.
15
214
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 41.
I understand that the Committee on Water have received applications for a portion of this land. In view of the fact that all the land will be needed, up to the ten-rod line when the in- crease in flowage area is made, I most respectfully recommend that all land now owned by the City inside of said line be retained.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES A. ALLEN,
City Engineer.
Worcester, Dec. 20th, 1886.
CITY MARSHAL'S REPORT.
OFFICE OF CITY MARSHAL, WORCESTER, MASS., Dec. 1, 1886.
To the Honorable the Mayor,
And City Council of the City of Worcester.
GENTLEMEN :-
I herewith have the honor of presenting for the eighth time, a report of the doings and general condition of the Police Depart- ment, together with certain suggestions, which I trust will meet with your approval.
One year ago, this department was transferred from its old quarters, under the City Hall, where had been passed its infancy and youth, to say nothing of maturer years, where it had grown from a little band of six watchmen, under the leadership of George Jones as Marshal, in 1848, to a regular uniformed depart- ment consisting of 80 men, occupying in connection with its old quarters, a very commodious Station, known as Police Station No. 2, on Lamartine street.
The present headquarters, although not built for the police, is very well adapted for the business, both on account of size and location. Some mistakes were made in fitting it up for its present use, but it is so much better than our former quarters, that but little disposition is found to criticize. Some of the defects have already been remedied during the year, and others for which the architect was not responsible will undoubtedly be made in the near future.
I would suggest the practicability of buying so much of the real estate immediately adjoining on the north, as will secure to us a drive-way to the rear of the Station, and also provide room for a stable, which is needed for our business. This would also
216
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 41.
relieve us of the unsightly ruins that have stood within two feet of the Station for the past 18 months. There is no prospect of this property being worth less than at the present time, and I think it would be economy to purchase at once.
The sidewalk in front of the Station should be relaid and the buttresses made for the benefit of the Battery removed, as they are a nuisance to foot passengers on this side of the street and a great hindrance to our teaming, as all has to be done from the front of the building. The front hallway and stairs should be made to accommodate the Marshal, as by relocating the stairs, a good office might be furnished instead of the obscure quarters now assigned him. So far as the inside improvements are concerned the expense would be comparatively trifling, and money saved that now goes for gaslight.
Station 2 is in good repair, and aside from the usual amount for paint and whitening, no outlay will be required during the coming year.
ARRESTS, ETC.
The number of arrests made during the year, the comparisons with the past five years, and the offences for which the arrests were made are shown as follows :-
Whole number arrests,
2,917
Americans,
1,392
Foreigners,
1,525
Committed to the various correctional and reformatory institutions, 1,047.
In comparison with the five preceding years, the arrests and commitments bear the following relation, viz. :-
Year.
Arrests.
Commitments.
1886
2917
1047
1885
2988
1407
1884
3306
1637
1883
3251
1378
1882
3370
1120
1881
3022
1067
217
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
The arrests for drunkenness which has been the all absorbing topic for the past year, shows the following :-
Year.
Drunkenness.
Drunk 2d Offence.
Drunk 3d Offence.
Common Drunkard.
Total.
1886
1680
153
75
43
1951
1885
1842
183
73
44
2142
1884
2247
199
105
57
2608
1883
1888
173
65
104
2230
1882
2074
157
33
77
2341
1881
1987
41
9
132
2169
It will be seen by the above statement that the number of arrests for drunkenness in all its forms, was 191 less than in any year quoted, and we might go still farther back with the same results ; but we do not reach the true comparison, until we place side by side the seven months of what has been called the " no-license rule " with the same seven months of the preceding year, which is as follows :-
Year.
May.
June.
July.
Aug.
Sept. 203
Oct.
Nov.
Total.
1885
214
172
195
200
214
187
1385
1886
80
117
108
160
160
187
142
954
431
Showing a difference of 431 in favor of 1886.
The relative number of Commitals for the same time are as follows :--
Year.
May.
June.
July.
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Total.
1885
131
114
105
116
121
130
110
827
1886
44
55
58
68
89
92
92
498
329
Showing a balance of 329 in favor of the latter year.
So much has been said upon this very subject during the time in question, that I will only report the facts that they may be- come a matter of record.
The other causes of arrests, and convictions before the courts, show a slight falling off with the exception of arrests for violating the liquor law. This class of cases has received more attention than in former years, on account of the pronounced verdict of the citizens of Worcester one year ago. There are
218
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 41.
several causes that brought about this warfare on liquor, and without specifying any one of them, I will only say, that in com- plying with this special command, I have used every means at my disposal to enforce this law, without fear or favor. How well I have succeeded I will leave for others to say.
I am not satisfied that the law has had a fair trial, owing to the short time it has been in operation. If the same percentage of decrease in arrests for drunkenness, and the general good order that has been noticeable on our streets, could have pre- vailed another year, much better calculations could have been reached, either for or against the continuation of this policy.
The arrests for violations of the liquor law have been :-
Year.
Keeping for sale, &c. 236
Common Nuisance.
Violating Sunday law.
10
Total 281
1885
41
]
8
50
1884
34
1
3
38
1883
111
6
28
145
1882
90
2
20
112
1881
45
J
4
50
1886
32
In addition to the number of arrests as above, we have served thirteen hundred and seventy-two search and seizure warrants, for the confiscation of liquors, and have seized something over four thousand gallons, the most of which has been turned over to the Chief of the State Police according to law.
Too many cases have occurred, where for some reason, either a strict interpretation of the law, or for some reason which the average mortal cannot understand, we have been obliged to restore to the pretended owners, the liquors seized. This would not naturally tend to the benefit of the department, or to in- crease the interest of the officers in this business.
This, together with the task of carrying the cases through the courts, has been an undertaking that none but those actually en- gaged in it, can form an idea of its magnitude and perplexities. Could the officers be empowered to seize and destroy the stuff wherever they have good reasons for believing it is kept in viola- tion of the law, a very different result could be had. As the law is now recognized, the officers have not only to fight the liquor
219
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
dealers, but a large share of the community, and what is worse, the law which is brought to bear upon the criminal classes, seems to have been made for their special protection, if not placing a premium upon crime.
This department has been very well supported in its efforts during the past year, by a portion of the community, and that in- fluence has been a help never before had, and our obligation are tendered accordingly.
The Rev. Mr. Montgomery, with the assistance of the Pastors of the leading Churches, have taken an interest in this cause, and awakened a public sentiment that will be felt for a long time. It is this sentiment alone, that has caused the liquor cases to be so generally cleared from the docket of the courts.
It is said, and demonstrated, that " law " is a useful agent when sustained by public sentiment, but when a community be- comes indifferent about the evils it is supposed to correct, it rather becomes a hinderance than help, to those who are obliged to enforce it. In connection with this subject, I will say that there were served in
1886
1372 search and seizure warrants.
1885
110
1884
89
1883
199
1882
134
66
66
66
1881
none appear to be recorded.
Of the other offences, for which arrests were made, we have
Assault and battery,
107
Common nuisance, 32
Adultery,
15
Cruelty to animals, 7
Assault on officer,
6
Conveying mortgaged property, 1
Assault with intent to ravish,
2
Common victualler without li-
Abandoning infant,
1
cense, 1
1
Bastardy,
8
Common railer and brawler,
1
Breaking glass,
4
Drunkenness, 1680
Bathing in view of public street, 2 Burglary, 1
3d
75
Burning,
1
Disturbance of the peace,
46
Breaking street lamps,
1
Disorderly house, 11
Common drunkards,
43
Defrauding boarding house, 3
Capias,
35 | Deserter U. S. Navy, 3
Breaking and entering,
20
Carrying concealed weapon,
2d offence, 153
66
66
220
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 41.
Disturbing meeting,
1
Present at cock-fight,
6
Embezzlement,
5
" dog-fight,
2
Escaped prisoner,
1 Peddling without license, 5
Expiring person,
1 Polygamy,
1
Fornication,
19
Receiving stolen goods,
6
False pretence,
4
Run away from home,
3
Forgery,
1 Refusing R. R. fare,
3
Fast driving,
1 Stubborn and disobedient,
17
Fishing in leased pond,
1 Selling mortgaged property,
2
Gaming Sunday,
36
Setting fires,
2
Insane,
23
Selling fire-crackers,
1
Injuring building,
5
Selling oleomargarine, Truants,
14
Keeping house of ill-fame, 66 pawn-shop without
Threatening,
5
license,
1
Taking team,
5
Keeping dog without license,
1
Taking boat,
3
Larceny,
124
Violation of the liquor law,
237
Lewdness,
1
Violation of the Sunday law,
14
Murder,
1
Violation of City ordinances,
20
Malicious mischief,
1
Vagrancy, 41
Neglect to support family,
17
Walking on railroad tracks,
8
Night walker,
3
2,917
It is presumed that these arrests are made from the lower walks of life, but the following table will show that trades, and professions even, are not exempt, viz. :-
Agents,
15
Carders,
22
Armorers,
2
Cigarmakers,
9
Artists,
1 Courtesans,
7
Bartenders,
32
Cooks,
5
Blacksmiths,
27
Curriers,
4
Brakemen,
22
Core makers,
3
Barbers,
19
Canvassers,
3
Butchers,
13
Cabinet makers,
2
Bakers,
8
Cooper,
1
Boiler makers,
7
Carriage maker,
1
Book-keepers,
3 Clergyman,
1
Boxmakers,
2 Conductor,
1
Boarding-house keeper,
1 Coachman,
1
Basket maker,
1
Domestics,
57
Beer bottler,
1 Dyers,
8
Brewer,
1
Drummers,
5
Belt maker,
1
Druggists,
3
Brick maker,
1 Dairyman,
1
Carpenters,
64
Designer,
1
Clerks,
24 Draughtsman,
1
1
Indecent assault,
1
3 Trespass,
10
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
221
Dressmaker,
1
Nurseryman,
1
Engineers,
4
Organ maker,
1
Engraver,
1 Painters,
61
Expressman,
1
Printers,
39
Eating-house keeper,
1
Peddlers,
18
Editor,
1
Plumbers,
16
Farmers,
48
Polishers,
6
Finishers,
9
Physicians,
3
File cutters,
4
Porters,
2
Florists,
2
Paperhangers,
2
Firemen,
2
Photographers,
2
Flour maker,
1
Pressman,
1
Grocers,
25
Plasterer,
1
Gamblers,
3
Paver,
1
Gasfitters,
3
Pattern maker,
1
Glaziers,
2
Roofers,
3
Grinders,
2 Rubber worker,
1
Gunsmith,
1
Ragpicker,
1
Gardener,
1
Shoemakers,
229
Gilder,
1
Saloon keepers,
185
Housewives,
104
School-boys,
140
Hostlers,
49
Spinners,
32
Hotel keepers,
14
Stone cutters,
12
Hod carriers,
10
Slaters,
10
Hackmen,
8
Sailors,
10
Harness makers,
4
Stone masons,
4
Heater,
1
Showmen,
3
Horse car driver,
1 Soldiers,
2
Hatter,
1
School girls,
2
Junk dealers,
3
Teamsters,
36
Jewellers,
2
31
Keepers of houses of ill-fame,
3
Tailors,
12
Laborers,
871
Tinsmiths,
4
Loafers,
22
Tinkers,
3
Lathers,
8
Tuners,
2
Loom-fixers,
5
Thieves,
2
Laundrymen,
4
Telegraph operators,
2
Lawyers,
3 Table-girl,
1
Laundress,
1
Upholsterers,
5
Locksmith,
1 Varnisher,
1
Machinists,
144
Wire-mill operatives,
83
Masons,
59
Weavers,
52
Moulders,
49
Wood turners,
6
Merchants,
8 Waiters,
4
Milk-peddlers,
4 Watchmen,
2
Manufacturers,
2 Whitewasher,
1
Mattress makers,
2
Wheelwright,
1
Newsboys,
2 Wool-sorter,
1
2,917
Tramps,
222
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 41.
MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES.
The miscellaneous duties performed by the Officers are of no small importance, and show that something is done by them out- side their regular routine of duty. The statement that a majority of the force has been faithful and vigilant, is apparent to all who have watched them through the year. In the earlier part of the season, some excitement was occasioned by the freaks of a man who was not fully accountable for his actions, and cases occurred where ladies were insulted, and in one or two cases assaulted. Since his confinement in the Asylum, no cause of complaint has arisen in this direction, and ladies can walk the streets of Worcester as safely at night as in the daytime.
The great object to attain in this business is an interest in the business, one that shall rest upon each and every officer alike, and the officer who has to be instructed upon the same points every time he goes upon his beat, or every few weeks for that matter, is a dull scholar, and laboring with him is of little use. The Civil Service Commissioners require a certain percentage of ability and tact, as well as common sense now, and it is hoped that good men will be encouraged to apply and raise the standard of the force. Too many have been appointed to these respon- sible positions who could not have passed the required examina- tion, and however well they might have been recommended to the appointing power, the good name and fame of the depart- ment must suffer accordingly. An officer that is too careless to use every effort at his command to maintain the dignity of his position and character should be engaged in other business, for no class of public servants are treated with less consideration, or more severely criticised, and there is no class to which the public should be so much indebted.
It is a very common remark "that a policeman is never round when wanted," but as uncharitable and uncalled for as this remark usually is, it is not so humiliating as to find one good for nothing when found.
Such must be the case with officers who patrol their beats day after day, or night after night, and never see nor hear anything
223
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
to report to their superior officer when relieved of their tour of duty.
During the year just passed, the officers have been required to make individual reports, daily, upon blanks furnished for this purpose, and had all done as well as they might, or shown the interest necessary to rank them as first-class officers, a more inter- esting exhibit would be made in these tables :-
Accidents reported and attended to,
8
Buildings found open and secured,
607
Burglaries reported,
3
Careless driving reported,
6
Defective sidewalks reported,
69
Defective streets reported,
53
Disturbances suppressed,
48
Fire alarms given,
13
Fires extinguished without alarm,
8
Injured persons cared for,
54
Intoxicated persons sent home,
52
Lights (street) not burning when required,
1071
Lost children restored to homes,
82
Lights hung in dangerous places,
39
Nuisances reported to Board of Health,
8
Runaway horses stopped,
21
Teams put up and cared for,
50
Value of stolen property recovered,
$4,621.77
Water found running to waste,
12
Number Officers as witnesses, Central District Court,
3,743
Warrants served,
2,913
66
Days extra duty performed,
1,199
Officers attending fires,
251
66 Tramps provided with food and lodgings,
6,303
EXPENSES.
ยท The figures accompanying this report will be found somewhat at variance with those of the auditor as bills have been paid from our appropriation that I have no record of. It will also be seen that the sum of four hundred and ninety-six dollars have been
224
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 41.
earned at the Theatre and other places of entertainment, which has not been accredited to us :-
Pay-roll of patrolmen and inspectors,
$66,584 75
Salary of Marshal and assistants,
4,400 00
" Captain,
1,200 00
" Sergeants,
1,999 92
" Janitor,
450 00
" Probation officer,
66 66
Fuel and lights,
1,370 21
Cloth and buttons,
546 37
Keeping teams,
510 09
Repairs on same,
66 65
Insurance,
41 25
Veterinary Surgeon's bill,
34 50
Shoeing,
32 87
Furniture, carpets and bedding,
251 54
Painting, whitening and plumbing,
212 32
Crackers,
101 38
Blank books and printing,
83 05
Hardware, lanterns, &c.,
47 71
Brushes, soap, matches, &c.,
44 74
Washing towels and bedding,
31 78
Stationery,
29 66
City water bill,
19 29
Disinfectants,
18 50
Moving ashes,
16 25
Photographing prisoners,
14 00
Highway Department, shoveling walks,
13 05
Ice,
10 75
Medical examination (Tim Murphy),
2 00
W. Ansel Washburn (sundries as per voucher),
41 73
F. C. Thayer,
66 66
8 25
S. W. Ranger, 66 66 66
8 95
$78,258 22
The receipts and earnings for the year are as follows : Appropriation,
$69,000 00
Received from Central District Court, Dec. 1885, 6,549 03
from Cent. Dist. Court, Sept., 1886, 7,188 10
extra services of officers, 489 00
225
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
Received cloth orders,
431 48
for use of city teams,
305 65
" horse sold,
75 00
" officers' fees,
53 95
66
keeping prisoners,
22 50
damage to cells,
10 00
" use of ambulance,
2 00
storage of gaming implements,
2 00
heating and lighting Cent. Dist. Court,
500 00
Due for officers' services at theatre,
496 00
$85,124 71
Less expenses,
78,258 22
Leaving us an unexpended balance of
$6,866 49
That this department has been run economically will be seen, and we have been fortunate, that causes have not arisen to make it otherwise.
While in many other cities and towns, the labor question has done its part toward making expensive this branch of the Gov- ernment, we have been spared the labor and danger attending these seasons of excitement, and trust the same calm deliberations of both manufacturers and laborers, may continue. Murder, arson and robbery, of which we read so much in nearly every paper, has not been ours to deal with, and could we be furnished with the facilities and equipments now found in nearly all well regulated departments, I think the citizens of Worcester might rest in comparative safety.
The police telegraph system, in different varieties, and of course different degrees of usefulness, are becoming quite gener- ally adopted, and are a valuable auxiliary to the department.
I have yet to hear of any city discarding them, after once try- ing them.
It is only to ask the question, would this city be willing to give up its "Fire Alarm Telegraph ?" to answer that of, is it necessary for the police ? It is just as necessary for one as the other, and of just as much importance that the police be prompt- ly notified of danger as the firemen.
-
226
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 41.
Occasions are liable to arise, when this system will be of greater importance than the fire alarm has ever proved to be. What for instance would have been the fate of Chicago to-day, were it not for the fact, that not only a police force in sufficient numbers for the protection of the city, but that they could be notified and moved from one location to another, in such an incredible short space of time when riot and anarchism were doing their worst. To be sure it did not save the lives of several gallant officers, but it did save the lives of many others, besides a fate equal, perhaps to that of their great fire, a few years since.
With these facilities, an officer does not feel that he is alone, in moments of danger, but gathers courage from the fact that help is sure to come when wanted.
He is not obliged to leave his " beat " for any cause, as his prisoners can be transported, and if instructions or information is necessary, it can all be done without danger to himself, or the citizens whose welfare he is guarding. Description of persons wanted, can be communicated in such a manner as to make the probability of an escape a doubtful one.
While the whole object of a police force is the preservation of life and property, it seems that the ends should justify the means.
That a larger body of patrolmen, night and day, should be placed on duty is a fact which I trust the wisdom of your honor- able body will recognize.
The citizens in the eastern and southern sections are petitioning for better police protection, and other portions of the city are in need of the same.
I have no doubt but taxes paid for this branch of the service are paid just as willingly as for any other. There is certainly no branch of a Municipal Government that is called upon to per- form so much, or of which so much is reasonably expected. As I remarked in a former report, a Police Department must be one or two things, either costly or dangerous ; costly if properly maintained, dangerous if not.
BUILDING PERMITS.
Another subject which seems proper to call your attention to, is the license given to builders. While every one is interest-
227
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
ed in the growth of our city, and all done that can be to assist in its development, yet it seems too much to require the thous- ands of travellers over our streets and sidewalks to suffer unneces- sary inconvenience, or that the blockade should extend over a certain length of time. The best possible conveniences should be given the public, even if the same required the bridging or tunneling of streets so occupied.
LICENSES
Is another matter of importance to us, and as I have once before remarked upon this subject, I will pass it with brief suggestions. I would recommend an ordinance, whereby a certain class of licenses, most directly connected with the police, be issued from this office.
Many of them are never granted until referred to this Depart- ment, and then as in the case of entertainments, the money paid for police services could be credited to us. For instance, " Circus Day " is one for which a large license fee is demanded, and for what? Is it not for the protection it receives, while catering to the thousands who flock to the Exhibition from all over the county ? These occasions require a detail of from 40 to 50 officers during their stay. We are only aware under the present system that we have a hard day's work out of it, without any revenue, or the credit of having done anything for any other Department.
POLICE TEAMS.
The business done by our teams grows heavier every year, and with the regular business of our office, is added that of running to fires, hauling the Hospital ambulance, &c., makes it imperative that more than ordinary weight and business found in horses be used. The bay mare " Kate," that served us so faith- fully for five years, became lame during the past summer, and after doctoring for three months with indifferent results, was sold.
The only remaining horse is not capable of doing our work, so that one, and possibly two new horses, must be added to the expense the coming year.
228
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 41.
The light wagon is not worth more repairing and I should recommend the purchase of a new one with the opening of spring. The number of vehicles now in charge of this Depart- ment, together with the liability to want them at any hour of the day or night, presents the need of a stable of our own, where " quick hitches " and other improvements could be had.
CLERK OF POLICE AND WARRANT OFFICERS
Is another matter which the good of this Department demands. No better facilities for keeping the records, preparing the com- plaints, keeping the correspondence of the office, making entries of citizens' complaints, losses, accidents, &c., &c., are afforded now, than when the Department was first created. And while this business is left for whoever may chance to be "in the office," it turns out to be no one's business, and we suffer correspondingly.
One or more officers should be appointed (usually called warrant officers) whose sole duty is to prepare the cases for Court, attend to the evidence, making a note of what is neces- sary for conviction, &c., and not only attend the cases here, but see them through the superior Courts.
This would relieve the Marshal from the farce of signing or making all these complaints he knows nothing about, and not subject him to reprimands from the Court for not being omni- present whenever that is in session.
APPOINTMENTS AND SUSPENSIONS.
I have once before recommended that in appointing new officers, that during their probationary service at least, and it should be a longer term, their pay should be graded, the same as in any other business.
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