USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1887 > Part 6
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There were four of our manufacturing concerns that were obliged to ask for especial protection during this trouble, and after it became known that such protection was forthcoming, and His Honor, Judge Utley, had dealt with three of those who had made themselves criminally liable, no further trouble was expe- rienced. It is hoped that the lesson of the first general strike will be considered in its true light by its participants, and they, as well as the rest of the community, be relieved of such expe- riences in the future.
So far as the preservation of life and property is concerned, we point with a good deal of pride to the statistics which are embodied in this report, and invite honest criticisms in regard to the same. While one murder has been committed, the murderer was promptly dealt with, so far as the police were concerned, and comment upon the cause and effect is unnecessary ; when it is known the enormity of this offence cost the murderer the sentence of 18 months in the House of Correction, it is fair to presume that he will not be pardoned before the expiration of the sen- tence.
The crime of drunkenness has proved to be an epidemic, not confined to the limits of this city by any means, but extending very generally through the country. While we have added to our list for this offence what seems to many an appalling num- ber, I find that other places larger as well as smaller, have suffered in the same proportion. The reason for all this must come from greater philosophers than myself. Nearly everyone
109
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
has his own individual opinion, and yet it is to be proved but what one is as good as another. That the evil exists is too plain ; what the remedy is, is not so plain.
The number of persons arrested for drunkenness during the year has been 3,134, divided as follows :
1st offence,
2,694
3rd offence, 125
2nd 66
254
Com. drunkard, 61
Showing the following comparison with 1886 :
1st offence,
1,680
3rd offence, 75
2nd
153
Com. drunkard, 43
Total, 1,951.
The total number of arrests for the year (4,236) are shown as follows :
Number Males,
3,954
Females,
282
66 Americans,
1,743
Foreigners,
2,493
Residents,
3,178
Non-Residents,
1,158
Adults,
3,919
66 Minors,
317
Total number of commitments to the various correctional and reformatory institutions were 1,857, against 1,047 in the year preceding.
The greatest number of arrests in any one month was 533 in May last. The smallest number in any one month was 222 in January last, showing a difference of 311.
The greatest number of commitments made was in the month just closed and numbered 297, against 71 during the first month of the present municipal year.
The largest number of females arrested during any one month was 40 in October, and the smallest number 14, which occurred twice-once in December, and once in April last. The ages of the prisoners are summed up as follows, viz. :
110
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
Under 10 years of age,
5
Between 10 and 20 years of age,
351
66 66
1,520
66 30 40 66 66 66
1,241
40 50
733
66 50 60
278
66
60 70
66
66
91
66
70
80
66
66
17
Total,
4,236
The offences for which the above were arrested, are as follows, viz .:
Assault and battery,
136
| False pretence, 5
Assault on officer,
8
Fighting dogs,
1
Adultery,
25
Gaming Sunday,
44
Abortion,
1
Insane,
18
Accessory to abortion,
1
Indecent exposure of person, 8
Abandoning child,
1
Injuring property, 3
Attempt at rape,
1
Incest,
1
Breaking and entering,
38
Larceny, 98
Breaking glass,
8
Lewdness,
5
Bastardy,
6
Larceny from person, 3
Burglary,
2
Murder,
1
Burning,
1
Neglect to support wife, 11
Bigamy,
1
Neglect to support child, 5
Common drunkard,
61
Nightwalker, 4
Capias,
41
Obstructing inspector of oleo- margarine, 2
Common gaming nuisance,
1
Peddling without license,
6
Concealing mortgaged property, 1
Polygamy,
1
Drunkenness, 2,694
Runaway boys,
7
Drunkenness, 2d offence, 254
Railer and brawler,
2
Drunkenness, 3d offence, 125
Robbery, 2
Disturbing the peace, 71
Refusing to assist officer, 1
Disorderly house,
3
Stubborn and disobedient, 13
Defrauding boarding-house,
2
Selling oleomargarine in vio- lation of law, 6
4
Embezzlement,
6
Truancy, 23
Evading railroad fare,
6 Threatening, 18
Escaped prisoner,
3 Trespass, 7 ,
Fornication, 52 Taking team, 6
Disturbing religious meeting,
2
Defacing building,
1
Selling cigarettes to minors,
Cruelty to animals,
4
20 " 30
66 66
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
111
Violation of liquor law, 233
Violation of rules of Board of Health, 1
Violation of city ordinances, 46
Violation of Sunday law, 13
Walking on railroad track, 28
Vagrancy,
52
4,236
This army of offenders claim the following as their occupa- tions, viz .:-
Agents,
23
Core-makers,
4
Armorers,
7
Conductors,
4
Artists,
2
Coopers,
4
Actress,
1
Cabinetmakers,
3
Axe-maker,
1
Curriers,
2
Boot-makers,.
300
Clergymen,
4
Blacksmiths,
45
Carriage-painter,
1
Bakers,
20
Cutter,
1
Bar-tenders,
18
Comb-maker,
1
Barbers,
18
Cobbler,
1
Butchers,
13
Confectioner,
1
Boiler-makers,
6
Clock-repairer,
1
Book-keepers,
3
Domestics,
75
Boot crimpers,
3
Dyers,
10
Brick-makers,
2
Drivers,
5
Bottlers,
2
Dressmakers,
3
Belt-makers,
2
Dentists,
2
Brokers,
2
Druggists,
2
Box-makers,
2
Drummers,
2
Boot-sider,
1
Die maker,
1
Book-binder,
1
Engineers,
5
Bleacher,
1
Engravers,
3
Boot-black,
1
Envelope cutter,
1
Bill-poster,
1
Editor,
1
Carpenters,
81
Farmers,
51
Clerks,
41
Finishers,
10
Cigar-makers,
22
Firemen,
9
Cooks,
16 File cutters,
2
Carders,
14
Fakirs,
2
Courtesans,
10 Gardeners,
10
Coachmen,
8 Grinders,
4
Chair-makers,
6 Grocers,
3
112
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
Gamblers,
3
Printers,
41
Galvanizer,
1
Peddlers,
31
House keepers,
138
Plumbers, 19
Hostlers,
59
Pavers,
10
Harness makers,
9
Polishers,
8
Hatters,
6
Photographers,
5
Hod-carriers,
5
Paper-makers,
4
Hackmen,
3
Physicians,
3
Horse jockeys,
2
Porters,
2
Helper,
1
Plasterers,
2
Heater,
1
Post-man,
1
Innholders,
5
Pawn-broker,
1
Junk dealers,
5
Reporters,
5
Jewelers,
2
Roofers,
5
Keepers house of ill-fame,
2
Rag-pickers,
5
Laborers,
1,488
Rubber workers,
2
Lathers,
16
Razor-maker,
1
Loafers,
28
Reed-maker,
1
Loom-fixers,
9
Saloon keepers,
276
Laundresses,
3
School-boys,
134
Lasters,
3
School-girls,
2
Lawyers,
2
Shoemakers,
60
Locksmith,
1
Spinners,
48
Lecturer,
1
Stone cutters,
17
Machinists,
168
Slaters,
12
Moulders,
99
Soldiers,
7
Masons,
58
Sailors,
6
Merchants,
30
Steam-fitters,
6
Miners,
8
Stable keepers,
4
Marble workers,
3
Stone masons,
3
Messengers,
3
Steel-makers,
2
Manufacturers,
3
Sculptor,
1
Mattress-maker,
1
Seamstress,
1
Milliner,
1
Teamsters,
47
Melter,
1
Tailors,
24
News-boy,
1
Tramps,
22
Nurse,
1
Tinkers,
6
Organ-makers,
5
Tanners,
4
Operator,
1
Thieves,
4
Painters,
107
Tinsmiths,
3
113
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
Tailoresses,
2
Wool sorters,
6
Teacher,
1
Wood turners,
2
Upholsterers,
5
Wig maker,
1
Weavers,
83
Watchmaker,
1
Wire drawers,
53
Wheelwright,
1
Waiters,
13
Total,
4,236
LODGERS.
This army of lazy, shiftless drones still thrive in New Eng- land, or Massachusetts in particular, and will so long as the com- munity will tolerate them. Why they are not dealt with as any other pestilence is probably owing to philanthropists and tender- hearted people, who do not get far enough from their own homes to see that the need of all their charity could be worthily be- stowed, where parties are striving to keep the wolf from the door, and yet sickness and misfortune will follow so closely that assistance is necessary to keep them from sinking entirely under the burden borne. Not so with the full-fledged tramp. There is no occupation that will tempt him to leave his self-chosen occu- pation, and a few weeks, or days even, on the road, qualify him to strike terror into the heart of most any housekeeper or ser- vant who may chance to see his ugly visage in the back yard, or other portions of their premises, demanding food. The same schooling is shown when he presents himself at the desk of the Police Captain, and notifies the authorities that he " wants lodg- ings."
This army of impudence, to the number of five thousand seven hundred and forty-two, have been cared for at Stations 1 and 2, the past year, to say nothing of those stopping at the City Alms- house and other places. They claim as their nativity, America 2,668, and all other countries 3,074 ; and while 5,039 are booked as adults, nearly every one of that number are young, stout, able- bodied men, and 603 are classed as minors. It is alarming to see the boys, who are taking upon themselves this method of getting a living. What the harvest will be will sometime be
114
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
shown in another Chicago Anarchist upheaval. It is hoped that the machinery of justice will move easier, consequently swifter, with these after-growths.
MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES.
The tables, showing the services rendered under this heading, is as follows : -
Accidents reported,
14
Burglaries reported,
7
Buildings found open,
527
Careless driving,
5
Disturbances suppressed,
62
Defective sidewalks,
35
Defective streets,
18
Defective water-pipes,
6
Fire-alarms given,
16
Fires extinguished without alarm,
13
Intoxicated persons sent home,
30
Injured persons cared for,
37
Lost children returned,
79
Lights (street) not burning at 9 P. M.,
271
Lights hung in dangerous places,
24
Runaway horses stopped,
12
Teams put up and cared for,
55
Value of goods left exposed,
$1,270.75
Number of Officers as witnesses at court,
5,555
Number of Officers detailed for extra duty,
2,053
Number of Days of extra duty,
603
Number of Warrants served,
4,249
Number of Notices, served,
3,330
Number of Officers at fires,
163
In addition to this, there has been recovered and returned to the different owners, stolen property, amounting to Five Thousand Six hundred and Eighty-four Dollars ($5,684), and re- ceipts given the department for the same. Nearly all of this has been done through Detectives O'Day and Colby. Although every member of the force has an interest in this part of our business.
115
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
EXPENSES AND REVENUE.
The expenses of the department in ordinary, are about the same as recorded year after year ; although they are in excess of former years, on account of a slight increase of the force, and must of a necessity continue to expand with the growth of the city. Worcester's rank is 19 in the cities of the United States. In regard to the numerical strength of its Police Department, while we have only one patrolman to every 1,112 inhabitants,- New York has one to each 612-Chicago one to 781-Boston one to 632-Baltimore one to 783-San Francisco one to 910- Buffalo one to 960-Troy one to 812; &c., &c. While the cities of Scranton and Reading, Pa., are the other extremes, hav- ing only one to 3,229 and 2,222, respectively. From reports, which we have of those places, I do not think that many will de- sire to emigrate from here for any reasons.
Our revenue for the year has been :-
Appropriation,
$85,000 00
from License money,
11,616 96
Fees, earned by Officers in Cent. Dist. Court,
10,024 26
For Fuel and Lights of Central District Court,
500 00
Received for Cloth,
524 21
66
Extra Services of Officers,
413 75
Police Teams, Thayer, 178 55
66
Atkinson, 248 33 435 88
66
66
All others, 9 00S
275 40
66
Rent of Police tenements, 48 17
66
Storage, Thayer, $16}
32 00
66 66
66 Atkinson, 165
66
66 Ambulance,
5 00
66
Keeping prisoners, 4 50
66
Damage to Lock Up, 9 00
66 Harness sold, 3 50
66 Badge lost, 1 50
Due from City Clerk for Officers at Theatre and Circus,
399 00 -
Total,
$109,293 13
66 Helmets,
116
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
Our Expenses for the same time have been as follows :-
Salary of Marshal,
$2,000 00
" Assistant Marshals, 1,300 each, 2,600 00
66
" Captain,
1,200 00
66
" Patrolmen, Sergeants and Detectives,
73,802 12
66
" Matron,
208 33
66 " Janitor, 600 00
" Driver,
64 00
Paid for Cloth, buttons. etc.,
666 23
" Helmets,
275 40
" Belts, billies and badges,
152 42
66
" Coal,
595 69
66
" Gas, electric light and oil,
707 29
" Rent of telephone for 1885,
20 00
" Rent of telephone for 1887,
330 00
" Horse keeping,
532 67
66
" Shoeing,
33 58
66 " Repairs on wagon, harness &c.,
24 95
66 " Wagon (balance),
85 00
66 " Harness,
15 00
" B. Walker & Co., ice,
55 54
66
" Painting, whitewashing and repairs,
213 73
" Glazing,
24 20
66 " Handcuffs,
42 75
" Signs,
31 75
66
" Printing,
118 20
66 " Books and stationery,
87 63
" Plumbing and hardware,
56 08
66
" Special officers, detectives' board, etc. (N. E. Fair),
572 25
66
" Crackers,
97 87
" Insurance on teams,
40 00
'66 " Washing and sundries,
89 32
6.
" Disinfectants, 29 50
66
" Photographing rogues,
11 50
" Div. No. 42, supplies, 32 26
" City water, 70 02
" Barnard, Sumner & Co. (towels), 12 58
" Horse,
225 00
" Hacks and teaming,
35 50
" Repairs on boilers,
46 63
117
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
Paid for City Highway Department,
8 64
" Geo. C. Dewhurst, broken window,
2 75
Total,
$85,816 28
To which must be added the cost of Police Telephone and
Visual Signal,
$5,196 78
And amount paid for real estate adjoining station, 11,616 96
$102,630 02
Leaving an unexpended balance of $6,663.11 to be placed to our credit for the benefit of the Sinking Fund.
The money expended for the Police Telephone and Visual Signal Service, is one of the most economical measures that could be found, as the cost has been trifling when compared with the benefit that must accrue from its introduction. It will help increase the revenue arising from the use of the Police teams, as will be shown by the statement found below, in relation to what has been done with the system already; and yet this is a secondary consideration when compared with the facilities for aiding the officers in the discharge of their duties. This depart- ment has felt the need of a Committee on Police for a number of years, but it has remained for the present administration to in- augurate the same, and the result of the first year's work of such a committee can justly be considered a success.
In considering the many forms of Police Telegraph and Mu- nicipal Signal Service boxes for Police Departments, none were found to be so practicable in all their appointments, as was found in the Brewer & Smith Visual Signal Service, which your com- mittee found in actual operation, side by side with the Gamewell boxes. Practical exhibitions of the two systems at once con- vinced your committee that time would be wasted in looking further, and the result was, that on June 20th this system was accepted by the City Council, and the contract at once signed. September 12th the first boxes and castings for the service ar- rived ; also the patentee, Mr. W. C. Smith, of New Haven, under whose personal supervision the apparatus was put up, so that October 14th the whole business was in perfect running order,
9
118
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
and on that date was inspected thoroughly and accepted by this same committee. The entire cost of the service will be found in its proper place. To His Honor the Mayor, and Aldermen Harrington and Brigham, too much credit can not be given, as they were keenly alive to the need of this system, and they worked unceasingly until its accomplishment.
That it is all it was expected to be, is not putting it too strong, and it will continue to grow in favor with the citizens and bene- ficial to the department, as the public learn to depend upon it. Its usefulness will be seen when comparisons are made with the tables herewith connected ; showing what it has accomplished in getting to the relief of sufferers with the ambulance, in getting to fires, etc., to say nothing of the value of having noisy drunken persons removed at once, from any district, or beat, and the offi- cer making the arrest, and caring for the beat, being allowed to stay there and care for it.
In addition to this part of our equipment for general service, it was found to be necessary to have a stable of our own, where the apparatus could be cared for, and our horses handled and instructed by competent men, and your committee purchased the land immediately adjoining Station 1, on the north, and we ask that such a stable as shall meet our requirements be erected as soon as possible. Until this is done we have got to depend upon the uncertainty of sleepy hostlers, the old method of harnessing, etc., besides the inconvenience of having our ambulance, patrol wagon, etc., etc., hidden behind a caravan of other teams when wanted.
We are also in urgent need of apartments for the Police Matron and quarters for her prisoners somewhat remote from the cells of the male prisoners, that are almost always occupied by a collection of beings that, at certain stages of their incarceration, it would be charity to call them beasts. It will be seen that a double necessity exists for this addition. I should also recommend that the building be so constructed that a store-room may be had for the reception of the liquor, beer, etc., that is daily being brought to the Station, that it may not form a part of the furniture of the offices down stairs, as has been the case for the past two years.
119
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
At this point I will state that from the imperfect records kept of the doings of the Police Patrol service, I find that the total number of miles run by the patrol wagon, since the completion of the system, has been 138
Number of prisoners brought to Station by same,
of runs to fires, 5
227
66 with Ambulance, 6
The visual signal service is experimented with every night, in order that the officers may become familiar with its workings, and see that it is at all times in working order. There is need of two additional boxes the coming season,-one to be placed at the corner of Exchange and Blackstone Streets, and one at the corner of Union and Central Streets.
The apparatus is in good order, and I see no reason why it should not be maintained with but trifling cost to the city, aside from the telephone rentals.
THE WAR AGAINST INTOXICATING LIQUOR.
With many persons the idea has been, that but little or noth- ing has been done, during the past year, towards restricting or restraining the sale of intoxicating liquor. Nothing can be far- ther from the truth or facts of the case. Last year the police were visited night and day, by not only the representatives of the press, but leading citizens, who were interested in the cause, were ever on hand, giving credit where credit was due, and at all times encouraging the officers in their good work. Either through familiarity with the work, or from some cause or other, the novelty of the situation seemed to die out, or was turned in other channels, until even the reporters ceased to have an interest in the matter, and, unless something remarkable transpired, was not noticed at all.
While it might not be policy to have our business published in detail from day to day, it is policy here to state, that never have the police worked harder, or accomplished more in this direction, than during the year 1887, even surpassing in point of numbers the warrants served during 1886, when we received so much
120
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
credit for noble work. For the sake of proving the same, the following figures are given, and will show that we "still live:"
1887. Search warrants for liquor served, 1,400
66
for gaming implements, 26
66 Complaints made for illegal keeping and com- mon nuisances, 269
66 Violating Sunday law and transporting liquor, 11
1886. Search and seizure warrants for liquor and gaming implements, 1,372
Complaints made for illegal keeping and com- mon nuisance, 268
Violation of Sunday law, 11
Why the cry of apathy and inactivity was raised, or believed after it was raised, is a mystery. One thing we ask, and that is, before pronouncing judgment please ascertain the facts.
I am under more than ordinary obligations to the rank and file of this department, during the last year, for their untiring energy and the zeal with which they have followed up this class of offenders. The obstacles they have met in the discharge of this very disagreeable duty, is enough to deter most men from trying the same class of cases more than once; but they have thought and done differently. There are but few, outside of the fraternity, who know how hard it is to convict a rum-seller, either of keeping or selling ; and sometimes it seems that all the machin- ery of the law is used to protect this class of criminals and their merchandise.
Previous to the first of May last, we served 919 search war- rants, and from May to Dec. 1st, 481 ; seizing in all about 2,850 gallons of various kinds of liquors. As fast as this has been con- demned it has been shipped to the Chief of State Police and his receipt received. That all that was seized was condemned, we do not claim, but it was no fault of ours that it was not.
From Dec. 1st, 1886, to April 30, 1887, out of 118 complaints made for the illegal keeping, etc., 50 of these were discharged by order of Court; From May 1st to Nov. 30, 1887, of 81 for the same offence 27 were discharged. Showing that 33 per
121
REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL.
cent. of this class of criminals have the officers at a great disad- vantage. In addition to the above 4 licenses have been revoked. Under existing circumstances, I think the city should be repre- sented by a paid attorney at every sitting of our Court ; one who can and will make the interests of the city his interest. The re- sult would be beneficial, if not profitable.
These facts I present to your notice at this time, simply in justice to ourselves, that we may not be considered inactive in the discharge of our duty.
IN MEMORIAM.
It has been our painful duty to lose by death two of our officers during the past year, an event which has filled the hearts of their comrades with sadness, for in the loss of them, we not only lose the man, but suffer a greater loss in the efficiency and official bearing of the department.
Capt. James J. McLane, an old and tried officer, both in military and civic life, left his beat Feb. 3rd, on account of a slight indisposition, and died the afternoon of the 5th, following. His funeral was attended by the department in a body.
Leonard N. Thayer, a new appointee, came into the department June 1st, and after serving six weeks, was taken with Typhoid Fever and died July 25th. He was a promising man for the position, and seemed peculiarly fitted for the discharge of its duties.
RESIGNATIONS AND SUSPENSIONS.
Officer Edward H. Eaton, who had been connected with the force for some six years, and made friends wherever he was sta- tioned, resigned his position June 6th, to engage in other business more congenial to his tastes.
E. R. Curtis, another officer who commenced these duties at the commencement of the year, resigned June 29th, to re-engage in his former position at the jail. These positions have not been filled, but the constant demand for police protection, make it imperative that they be so, and other additions made that will in- crease the number of the day patrol, and also add to the night
122
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 42.
force. It is hard for the community who live in the immediate centre of the city, to realize the fact, that our limits are extend- ing rapidly, and that these extremes are in need of Police pro- tection, as much as the centre.
Not any season of the year is exempt from the call for police. In summer it is general marauding and pilfering, insolence from tramps, etc., etc., and in the winter it is lawlessness in other forms, among which are assaults by snow-balls, games in streets, coasting, etc.
The discipline of the force has been good during the year, as will be shown from the fact that but three suspensions have occurred, and none of these resulted in dismissal. But one officer was brought before the Board for a hearing, and that resulted in his being exonerated. I again repeat my suggestions made last year, in regard to punishment of officers for violating any of the rules of the department, as justice, both to the Marshal and the officer alike, demand it. In my opinion the department should be reorganized, and the charter and ordi- nances made to conform to a more modern form of classifica- tion, and some inconsistencies removed.
The rules and regulations of the department need a revision, as since the old ones were promulgated one new station has been added, bringing into prominence officials which have no pub- lished rules to guide them, either in the discharge of their duties, or in regard to uniforms, etc. We have also quite an extensive system of police telephone and patrol apparatus, which must be managed systematically, including drivers, wagoners, etc. Sta- tion 2 is in charge of Sergeants, so styled when .the station was first equipped for business, and although it has been a great help to the police department in the distribution of the work and responsibilities, and of corresponding benefit to that portion of the city, I think some one officer should be the recognized head. Both Sergeants have the same rank and pay, each being on duty 12 hours out of the 24, and there is liability of friction that would be fatal to its management. Should a Captain be appoint- ed to be in charge of the station, as is nearly always the case with sub-stations, the first step would be accomplished, and would
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