USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Concord > Annual reports of the schools in the City of Concord (N.H.) 1874 > Part 3
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The experiment of introducing Penmanship into schools of the primary grade has been tried with success. Wher- ever the desks are not supplied with ink-wells, the pupils have used pencils, and have made good progress. They en- joy the exercise, and are thus getting a good start in this indispensable branch.
Hitherto, grammar has not been taught in the first year of the Grammar school. It has seemed to me that the subject might thus early be introduced, in simple and practical modes of presentation, constantly exemplified in written composi- tion, and illustrated in the daily speech. By way of experi- ment, I have given a few oral lessons in the simplest ele- ments, and have found considerable interest awakened. I think that a convenient, common-sense text-book, such as Swinton's Language Lessons, might be used to advantage with that class. It is, I am aware, quite the fashion to decry the study of. grammar,-and, as the science has been too generally taught, it may deserve to be decried,-but it does, nevertheless, seem to me, that, while the thorough and judi- cious study of English grammar, as a science, is highly dis- ciplinary to the maturer mind, some of its simple principles and rules, as an art, may very properly find lodgment in the child's mind earlier than many suppose, there to become an effective aid to the correct expression of young throught.
My impression is, that we are having a little too much of Intellectual Arithmetic. Colburn, or some other handy author on the subject, twice a week, and not too much of it
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then, is enough. Written Arithmetic, in its elements, sooner in the hand would not be amiss ; while lessons in Language, in Natural Science, in History, and Drawing, would be much preferable to so much of Colburn, especially in our Inter- mediate schools. And, in this connection, I would suggest that our " course of study" needs thorough revision, and should have it before the commencement of the fall term.
It may not be improper for me to state, in this account of my stewardship, that school visitation, instruction, the pre- paration of questions for reviews, the examination and cor- rection of thousands of review papers, consultations with teachers, pupils, and parents, and other business connected with the schools, have occupied me for an average of fifteen hours of each working day during the two terms. And yet all has not been done, that, had time and strength permitted, I could have desired to do.
Our schools are good, but there is much yet to be done to make them, as a whole, what they should or might be. I have seen much of them during the past six years, and never have I seen them in a more lively and promising condition than now. As it is not probable that I shall longer continue in the onerous position held by me for two thirds of a year, I take this opportunity to tender to the noble band of teach- ers, with whom I have been associated, my heartfelt thanks for the friendly regard they have one and all ever mani- fested ; for their ready and cheerful compliance with sugges- tions made; and the lively zeal they have shown in their work. My best wishes go with them, and, also, with the young in their charge, whom I have come to regard with the solicitous affection of a teacher for his pupils.
AMOS HADLEY.
The Board of Education have only to add their congratula- tion in view of the present excellent condition of the schools, and earnestly to urge that there be no hesitation in providing
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liberally for all their wants. We will trust that a due appreciation of the prime importance of the public schools will continue to be manifested in the action of our people.
ELISHA ADAMS, WILLIAM M. CHASE, P. BRAINARD COGSWELL, HENRY J. CRIPPEN,
ALBERT H. CROSBY, SAMUEL C. EASTMAN, . AMOS HADLEY, OLIVER PILLSBURY,
ABRAHAM J. PRESCOTT,
Board of Education of Union District.
3
FINANCIAL REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF EDUCATION,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 21, 1874.
P. B. COGSWELL in account with the Union School District, DR.
To balance from last year,
$973.39
Interest on the same,
8.75
School tax for 1873,
14,440.00
Extra school tax,
5,560.00
Literary fund, .
148.74
$21,130.88
CR. OUTSTANDING BILLS.
Paid William Vogler,
$3.25
Samuel Blood,
6.67
$9.92
NEW FURNITURE.
Wm. O. Haskell & Son,
$20.40
W. G. Shattuck,
333.72
$354.12
INSURANCE.
Paid R. P. Staniels,
$87.30
S. & S. C. Eastman,
230.80
$318.10
WOOD.
Paid T. O. Gardner,
$9.00
G. S. Locke & Co.,
58.00
Moses Humphrey,
63.25
John Ballard,
1,362.00 .
$1,492.25
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TEACHERS.
Paid Julia M. Abbott,
$86.00
Ella M. Blaney,
97.00
Abbie C. Cochran,
120.00
Rebecca M. Sawyer,
125.00
Lizzie Burleigh,
125.00
Annie W. Chickering,
140.00
Eliza F. Bickford,
140.00
Eliza J. Day,
145.00
Lucy M. Gillis,
145.00
Eliza T. Moore,
150.00
Ellen A. Folger,
150.00
Adie S. Hill,
165.00
Helen L. Farnsworth,
175.00
Laura A. Webster,
180.00
Clara I. Bickford,
193.00
Helen G. Ayers,
200.00
John Jackman,
200.00
M. L. Prescott,
210.00
Anna M. Lang,
210.00
Sarah F. Ballard, -
210.00
Pilkington Jackson,
240.00
S. R. Crockett,
237.50
Ida B. Clarke,
240.00
L. A. Thompson,
240.00
M. S. Stubbs,
240.00
Rosa Akerman,
253.00
Annie P. Little,
270.00
Clara E. Thayer,
310.00
Hannah E. Bell,
335.00
Mary H. O'Connor,
350.00
Mary A. Abbott,
350.00
M. L. Merrill,
350.00
Carrie Cottrell,
350.00
Melvina D. Nutter,
350.00
Susan R. Moulton,
350.00
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Paid Etta F. Smythe,
$375.00
Lila M. Gage,
375.00
Mary A. Ayers,
400.00
Cordelia A. Sanborn,
435.00
Isabelle F. Nutter,
450.00
Julia M. Johnson,
500.00
Josephine E. Hodgdon,
550.00
Caroline Hewett,
550.00
Pauline L. Bowen,
550.00
Laura Carlton,
650.00
Saralı E. Blair,
800.00
Amos Hadley,
1,000.00
J. D. Bartley,
1,800.00
$16,066.50
CARE OF HOUSES.
Paid Geo. E. Stinson,
$1.25
Willie Kimball,
1.25
. Horace Blood,
1.50
Willie Fagan,
1.50
David Twoomey,
2.00
Artie H. Chase,
2.00
Eddie H. Webster,
2.00
John M. Huckins,
2.25
Frank E. Stewart,
2.25
George Mitchell,
2.25
Willie Gay,
2.50
F. Cummings,
2.50
Frank Gage,
2.50
E. H. Bickford,
3.75
Philip Pelkey,
4.00
J. Wesley Carter,
4.25
Loren H. Buntin,
4.50
Otis Barton,
4.50
W. B. Howe,
4.50
E. F. Paige,
4.50
Willie Kenna, +
4.50
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Paid Ezra E. Mansur,
$4.50
G. Moulton,
4.50
Chas. A. Davis,
4.50
Samuel Kamner,
4.50
Henry Cushing,
4.50
Frank Manning,
4.50
James Halpin,
5.00
C. B. Lawrence,
6.75
Asa E. Hook,
7.00
W. H. Keenan,
8.50
Charles Leighton,
8.50
Geo. H. Buswell,
8.50
Charles Lane,
10.00
F. S. Davis,
13.00
Dennis Regan,
420.00
CLEANING HOUSES.
Paid Mrs. Patrick Kenna,
$1.50
H. N. Hook,
2.29
Jane Duignan,
3.50
Hannah Halpin,
4.00
Mary Kegan,
4.00
Mary A. Morrison,
5.00
J. E. Hodgdon, for cash paid,
17.00
Martha Smith,
20.00
Hannah Kenna,
21.75
$79.04
SUPPLIES.
Paid Sam. Butterfield & Co.,
$ .71
Gust. Walker,
1.85
Concord Gas Light Co.,
2.24
Jane L. Crawford,
3.15
Wm. Vogler,
4.65
Torrent Aqueduct Association,
5.50
Concord Water-works,
6.00
J. M. Blake,
8.80
$574.50
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Paid Samuel Blood,
$10.00
Mrs. H. Herrick,
13.50
W. B. Stearns,
18.00
B. W. Sanborn & Co.,
18.00
Perry & Spalding,
20.50
Fred. S. Crawford,
22.75
D. L. Guernsey,
27.60
Hammond & Ayers,
33.55
Stevens & Duncklee,
73.87
Warde, Humphrey & Dodge,
92.26
Republican Press Association,
102.45
Edson C. Eastman, agent,
10.92
REPAIRS.
Paid Samuel F. Morrill & Co.,
$ .50
Parker & Secomb,
2.25
James M. Bailey,
3.00
Miles Buzzell,
3.60
John H. Morse,
4.00
R. Button,
5.00
Webster & Morgan,
5.50
Andrew Bunker,
16.00
Ordway & Ferrin,
33.70
Geo. W. Wilson,
92.65
Connell & Savary.
85.72
D. A. Hill,
131.54
J. H. Chase,
155.65
E. B. Hutchinson,
161.62
James Galloway,
.50
-
$701.23
MISCELLANEOUS.
Paid Wm. H. Howe,
$ .25
Wm. Fagan,
1.50
Woodbury & Batchelder,
1.50
C. H. Bean,
1.75
E. C. & G. G. Bailey,
2.50
$476.30
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Paid State Capital Bank,
$2.95
H. J. Crippen,
3.00
Prescott Organ Co.,
3.50
Concord Railroad,
3.65
Stillman Humphrey,
5.00
D. Hoyt,
9.00
Charles Quimby,
9.00
Hall B. Rand,
10.50
P. B. Cogswell, cash paid,
26.90
P. B. Cogswell, agent's salary,
150.00
Wm. O. Haskell & Son,.
4.00
$235.00
RECAPITULATION.
Paid outstanding bills,
$9.92
New furniture,
354.12
Insurance,
318.10
Wood,
1,492.25
Teachers,
16,066.50
Care of houses,
574.50
Cleaning houses,
79.04
Supplies,
476.30
Repairs,
701.23
Miscellaneous,
235.00
March 21, 1874, cash on hand,
823.92
$21,130.88
Examined, audited, and approved by
SAMUEL B. PAGE, Auditor.
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AMOUNT EXPENDED FOR SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE YEAR 1873.
Appropriated by the City Council of 1873,
$18,500.00
Literary fund,
1,066.00
Raised by Union School District, additional for schools, 5,560.00
Raised by Union School District, for school-house debt, 7,000.00
Raised by Union School District, for new school- house on the Plains,
1,500.00
District No. 2, for repairs on school-house,
60.00
66
· 3, for repairs on school-house,
246.18
6.6
6, for fence around school-house,
50.00
66 12, for school-house debt,
1,120.00
66
12, for repairs,
30.00
66
13, for school-house debt,
500.00
66
5, for repairs on school-house, 40.00
Total,
$35,672.18
Paid as follows :
District No. 1, Moses E. Long, Committee, $177.07
66 2, Knowles & Elliot,
211.08
6.6 3, O. L. Shepard and D. Holden, Com., 956.11
66 4, Daniel C. Tenney, Committee,
120.03
66 5, Abbott & Merrill, 66
155.23
66 6, Lowell Brown, 66
194.64
66 7, John Hazeltine, 66
144.86
66 8, John Hargate, 66
167.02
66 12, Curtis & Fay,
66
1,650.80
13, Sanborn & Morrill, 66
667.00
66
14, Moses C. Sanborn, 66 135.44
41
District No. 15, John T. Tenney, Committee,
$110.56
66 16, Chas. B. Thompson, 66 145.00
18, Lorenzo Dow, 66
284.91
66
20, F. A. Abbott,
1,510.95
66
22, N. P. Richardson,
216.78
66
23, Robert Hall, 6.6 61.86
66
24, H. H. Crowell, 66 65.27
66 18, Concord and Hopkinton, Jeremiah Abbott, Committee, 53.73
Union School District, Nos. 9, 10, and 11, Hon.
John Kimball and P. B. Cogswell, Committee, 28,648.74
7
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
HON. JOHN KIMBALL,
MAYOR.
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Gentlemen of the City Council :
Encouraged, by more than a partisan majority, to believe that my official action has won the apprecia- tion and confidence of my fellow citizens, I gratefully accept the honor, but with solicitous devotion assume the responsibilities of the trust, which, despite the established custom, has for the third time been con- fided to me. The fact that the history of all depart- ments of our municipal government bears no taint of corruption or defalcation, is a proper subject for con- gratulation on an occasion like this.
Standing on the threshold of official life, confront- ing the duties, the cares, and the perplexities insepara- ble from guardians of the public welfare,-bound by the obligations of honor, of conscience, and the solem- nities prescribed by law,-it becomes us, gentlemen, to gird on the whole armor of fidelity and efficiency, that we may add to the honorable past another year characterized by honest and faithful endeavor on our part, and by substantial progress in the material in- terests intrusted to our care.
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During the dark and terrible period when civil war raged in our land, the courage, the patriotism, and the material resources of our municipality were subjected to the severest tests. But as the era of peace has succeeded; a new and unprecedented interest has been awakened in the prosecution of the enterprises which have for their object the promotion of the health, the comfort, the intelligence, and the growth of our city. And it will be found that to-day these arts of peace stand before us pressing their respective claims upon our attention, demanding more means than are at our command to meet them. It will, therefore, tax your wisdom to discern the right path through the difficulties, in this regard, which will present themselves at the outset. In order to afford you such aid as lies in my power, I invite your atten- tion to a brief review of our municipal affairs.
FINANCES.
The following statement, taken from the books of the city treasurer, exhibits the financial condition of the city, Feb. 1, 1874.
Indebtedness of the City, exclusive of the Water-works.
Funded debt,
$231,800.00
State house bonds,
95,500.00
Precinct bonds,
50,000.00
Interest,
6,038.00
Floating debt,
11,300.00
Interest,
545.42
Outstanding claims,
7,177.60
Total,
$402,361.02
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Total indebtedness brought forward, $402,361.02
Available assets, .
134,582.32
Net indebtedness,
$267,778.70
Last year no appropriation was made to purchase land and erect buildings thereon for the fire depart- ment and Ward 6 ward-house. The city treasurer was authorized to borrow money to meet these ex- penditures, which accounts for the increase of the floating debt. The amount of the municipal indebt- edness is $2,063.22 less than last year.
Bonds amounting to eleven thousand dollars will mature on or before April 1, 1875. For their payment and the interest accruing on the whole debt, provi- sion must be made in the appropriations for the cur- rent year.
Water Debt.
Water-works bonds,
$149,900.00
Interest,
2,998.00
Notes,
140,830.00
Total debt Feb. 1,
$293,728.00
Municipal indebtedness as stated, 267,778.70
Total indebtedness above assets, $561,506.70
For other purposes than the completion of the wa- ter-works, any increase of the debt of the city should be avoided. Current expenses, improvements, and additions to public property need to be provided for each year, and only those expenditures meet your approval which are within our means. The rate of
48
taxation last year was fifteen dollars in the city, with an addition of 21% dollars in the precinct for every thousand dollars on an increased valuation from for- mer years. It is not expected the rates can be re- duced this year.
I request that all matters requiring any considera- ble expenditure of money be early brought forward and laid before the committee on finance, to be con- sidered at the first meeting of the council in April, and, if they meet with your approval, be included in the annual appropriations.
WATER.
The great work of conducting a supply of pure water into our city for the use of its inhabitants has been accomplished. The water commissioners, to whom was intrusted the responsibility of its con- struction, report that "the water-works of the city now are substantially complete." Twenty and 452 1000 miles of cement-lined pipe has been laid ; 'ninety-five fire hydrants set; and at this time the works supply 772 families, two railroad companies, and numerous store's, hotels, offices, and manufactories.
The commissioners report the cost of the works, Jan. 1, including outstanding claims partially adjust- ed, interest on money borrowed, and discount on bonds sold, to be $318,539.19. Since their report was made, the board have effected settlements with sev-
49
eral parties who claimed damage, which, with the estimated cost of service pipes to be put in, will in- crease this amount to about $330,000.
The yearly interest on this amount, at the rates now paid, is estimated at $21,300.00
Expense of superintendent, rent, and all other necessary charges, 2,700.00
Total annual expense, $24.000.00
Estimated income in 1874, including the charge of fifty dollars a hydrant for fire purposes, is 17,000.00
Leaving to be provided for by taxation, $7,000.00
After one year's experience, if it be found that the income is not sufficient to pay the interest on the cost of construction, superintendence, and repairs, would not an increase of the water rates, sufficient to provide for this deficiency in receipts and pay some- thing annually toward the cost of the works, be pref- erable to raising money by a direct tax on the polls and estates within the precinct ?
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL-HOUSES.
The care and management of our schools is en- trusted to committees elected by the several school districts. It is presumed that you all have so famil- iar an acquaintance with the wants of the localities in which you reside; as to enable you readily to fix on such appropriations for their support as are nec-
50
essary to maintain and increase their efficiency and usefulness.
The past few years have been marked by increased attention to the improvement of our school-houses. We see the same general interest manifested in all parts of the city. New and permanent buildings have been erected at Horse hill, East Concord, and in the precinct, which are models of the class to which they belong.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
This institution, under the management of the trustees, is growing in usefulness and importance every year. With a more favorable location and additional means for support, its efficiency would be largely increased. Among the many interests of the city which will require your attention, this should receive such consideration as its importance demands. Number of volumes now in the library, 6,248; num- ber of persons who have taken books, 853,-being a small increase over the previous year.
THE POOR AND CITY FARM.
It was fortunate for the city that it early came into possession of a farm so suitable for the home of the poor. At this time the number of inmates is four- teen. The buildings are not so well adapted for the use made of them as they should be. I hope the
51
time is not far distant when the wants of the poor, in regard to a more convenient dwelling, will be sup- plied. I ask that a part of the receipts from the stone quarries be used to increase the pasturage, and make improvements that will render the farm more productive. The committee, who made the annual examination in February last, report that the welfare of the inmates has been carefully considered and the farm well managed.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The great destruction of life and property by fire, in various localities during the past two years, has had the effect to call especial attention to the impor- tance and condition of this department of civic af- fairs. I will not attempt to describe the situation of a city or village which has been destroyed by the fiery element. By referring to the accounts given of the devastating fires which have occurred in Port- land, Chicago, Boston, and some smaller places, you will fully appreciate the necessity of using all the means in our power to prevent a like conflagration in our own city.
The first annual report of the chief engineer, now before you, contains a full description of all the property, and a detailed account of the services ren- dered by this department.
With a full supply of water, from hydrants lo-
52
cated at suitable points throughout the compact part of the city, a greater protection to property is secured. Such changes have been introduced as an abundant supply of water and the use of hydrants have made necessary. It was expected that the expense of maintaining in commission one of the steamer companies might be avoided; but the large amount of property at risk, not located within reach of the hydrants, and the aid which might be rendered by sending one of the steamers to Wards One, Two, or Three, when required, have induced your predeces- sors to defer making this change.
In my last address I called attention to the need of buildings for the convenience and safe-keeping of the steamers and other valuable property connected with this department, either on the lot near Warren street, or on a more favorable location, if such can be ob- tained. This necessity increases yearly, and cannot, with propriety, be longer delayed. Your favorable consideration of this subject is requested.
My attention has frequently been called to the need of a better building for the use of the department in the progressive village of East Concord. The repre- sentatives from Ward Two will be expected to season- ably mature a plan, and present it to the city council for examination.
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS.
There is a pressing demand for improvement in
53
our streets and highways,-not so much in the com- pact part of the city, as from those who frequent the thoroughfares which lead to the main village. Last year especial attention was given to the highway north of Dimond's hill, and from the Hopkinton road to the south end of Long pond, which was much appreci- ated by the travelling public.
The highway from Washington street to Millville needs improvement, for which liberal provision should be made.
A sidewalk from the village of Fisherville to their depot would be highly valued, and ought to be grad- ed during the year.
BRIDGES.
The substitution of iron for wood in the construc- tion of bridges for highway purposes, though not new in the Western and Middle states, was scarcely known in New England ten years ago. Its great strength, freedom from decay, and safety against fire, render it more available for bridge building than any other material, and must, at an early day, super- sede wood entirely. These and other considerations induced the city council of 1872 to give their unani- mous approval of the plan which is now the iron Federal bridge.
One year's trial has convinced our citizens of the wisdom of that choice. Beautiful in design, strong
54
in its ability to bear the heavy burdens placed upon it, long may the three arches which span our beau- tiful river remain as a monument to the enterprise of the people of Concord who caused its erection.
The freshet of January last so disturbed the ice in Merrimack river that the contractor was not able to complete the bridge at Sewall's falls during the win- ter, as was expected. The superstructure is ready to be placed in position as soon as the stage of the water will permit.
A contract has been made with the Canton Wrought Iron Bridge Co., of Ohio, to furnish a wrought iron truss bridge to span the Contoocook river at Fisher- ville, to be ready for delivery as soon as the masonry is completed.
One of the old piers of the Concord bridge was injured by the ice in January last. Ample support can be obtained by substituting therefor a truss of wood, resting on the adjoining piers. Should this plan be adopted, it would be desirable to remove the stone of which the old pier was built, to give a larger space for the passage of water and ice.
For the general repairs of bridges throughout the city, the sum usually appropriated will be sufficient.
SEWERS.
During the year 1869, the administration of Mayor Stevens commenced the system of sewerage, for the
55
compact part of the city, by building the main sewer from Merrimack river across the intervale through Freight street to Main street, thence up Main to Cap- itol street, and up Warren street to Spring. The success of this enterprise has been so higly appreci- ated by all who reside on those streets, that there is a pressing demand for the continuation of the same system in most of the streets of the precinct.
By an ordinance of the city, a fee was charged those persons who made use of the sewer by enter- ing their drains to such main sewers, and a consider- able sum has been collected from such persons.
At the June session of the legislature in 1870, a law was passed giving authority to cities which adopt- ed the act to levy upon the property of every person who introduces his particular drain into such main sewer, or who by more remote means receives bene- fit thereby, a tax sufficient to pay the city a propor- tionate part of the charge of making and repairing the same. Under this statute assessments have been made upon abutters who own land on Pleasant, Green, State, and Elm streets. No assessments have been made on abutters in Main, Washington, Warren, School, Spring, Rumford, or Cross streets, where large amounts have been expended. Objection is made to raising money for this purpose by a general tax on the polls and estates throughout the city by those who do not reside in the immediate vicinity where
56
the sewers are constructed ; and owing to this objec- tion and a dissatisfaction in regard to the assessments, made under the law of 1870, but little progress has been made during the past three years.
A law was passed at the June session, 1873, by which cities might establish sewerage precincts, and assess all of the expense of constructing sewers, or any part thereof, upon persons and property within such precincts.
This law meets my approval. I firmly believe that the correct plan is to construct sewers in all of the streets as they are needed, and make them as free for the use of all tax-paying citizens as are our courts, schools, highways, or bridges; and I earnestly recom- mend that a special tax be laid upon the polls and estates in the precinct already established, to enable you to carry forward this enterprise without delay.
Your particular attention is called to the sewer on Main street, which now discharges into a culvert near the house of Mr. Ivory Hall, and needs to be con- ducted across the railroad tracks to the low land, and perhaps to Merrimack river.
CEMETERIES.
During the past year there has been added to the cemetery at Blossom Hill twenty-three and three fourths acres of land, which is well adapted to the use for which it was acquired. Nothing now remains
57
to be done but to improve and adorn it by such out- lays as our means will permit. I recommend that the receipts from the sale of lots in this addition, not exceeding fifteen hundred dollars, be placed to the credit of the committee having this matter in charge, to be expended by them in preparing the grounds for sale and use.
It has been represented to the city council that the southerly portion of the cemetery lot, at East Concord, is not desirable for burial lots, being flat, and too near the main village ; that a tract of land, east- erly of the present grounds, on Linden street, con- taining about eleven acres, would be more satisfac- tory to the inhabitants interested.
By direction of the city council, a committee, duly authorized, have concluded an agreement with its own- er to convey the lot above named to the city for five hundred dollars. I ask for an appropriation to defray this expense.
The committee having in charge the cemetery at West Concord have rebuilt the fence, repaired the hearse-house, and made other improvements which were much needed. A small amount to put the grounds in order would meet the approval of all those who desire to see our burial-places tenderly cared for, and embellished with a taste suitable for the homes of the dead. Attention should also be given to the cemetery at Millville.
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In making additions and improvements to new burial-grounds in different parts of the city, I desire that you will not suffer the "old cemetery," where are buried the remains of a former generation, to go to decay, but see that it be watched with a lively interest, and its avenues and grounds kept in good order and condition.
It would be a public convenience to introduce the city water to these grounds early the coming summer.
POLICE.
I believe that the duties required of the police de- partment have been performed in such a manner during the past year as to give general satisfaction. A police officer should not be ambitious to distin- guish himself in exhibiting an unnecessary show of authority, or by making numerous arrests to in- crease the number of cases to be brought before the police court. Constant vigilance, however, is neces- sary to check those who are disposed to transgress the law. The number of arrests made during the past year, as reported by the marshals, was 418; of these, 175 were brought before the police court, and 243 were discharged from custody, without complaint, for what seemed to be good and sufficient reasons. I regret that our means will not allow the erection of a suitable building for the accommodation of this department, and the protection of the large number
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of poor transient persons who must be provided for during the inclement season of the year.
HACKS AND TEAMS.
Some of our merchants and owners of buildings complain that job wagons, loads of hay, wood, and other materials are allowed to remain in front of their stores, occupying the places designed for the carriages of their customers. I call attention to this subject, with the request that the ordinance regulat- ing this matter be amended, and made so comprehen- sive as to reasonably protect that class of our citizens.
The increasing number of hacks and job teams do- ing business in our streets, suggests the propriety of requiring all persons engaged in this business to pro- cure license from the proper authorities, to be desig- nated by numbers. Such regulations are adopted in other cities, and the effect is found to be beneficial. I deem this subject worthy of consideration.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, gentlemen, as we recount the pros- perous condition of our civic state, let us, with devout gratitude, recognize the gracious hand of a beneficent Providence, who has permitted us to dwell in peace and quietness, given prosperity to our varied indus- tries, a good degree of obedience to law and order, continued excellence to our educational institutions,
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and gratifying advancement in all that pertains to Christian civilization.
In the consideration and discussion of the subjects which may engage our attention, permit me to urge upon you the importance of a strict adherence to the rules of courtesy and forbearance. Let local prejudices and feelings for the time be suppressed ; let us rise to the calm elevation of thought and deliberation, where our city, in its growth, interest, and general prosperity, shall appear one and insep- arable, where the future shall be wisely forecast in the plans and labors of the present. Let us use such promptness, diligence, and patience in the dis- charge of our duties, that in coming years we shall be able to look back upon the result with satisfac- tion, and receive the approbation of those by whose generous hands we have been invested with official honors.
D
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