USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Concord > Annual reports of the schools in the City of Concord (N.H.) 1878 > Part 2
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Mary L. Merrill .
Mary L. Merrill.
Mary L. Merrill.
Rumford . . Charlotte A.Thompson. Charlotte A. Thompson. Charlotte A. Thompson .
Penacook. . Mary A. Clement.
Mary A. Clement. Cordelia A. Sanborn.
PRIMARY.
Annie J. Newton.
Annie J. Newton.
Lizzie A. Palmer. Lizzie A. Palmer.
Franklin Fanny E. Dunlap.
Fanny E. Dunlap.
Fanny E. Dunlap.
§ Abby F. Bosworth.
Mrs. W.K.McFarland. Abby F. Bosworth.
Susan R. Moulton.
Ida Morrison. Susan R. Moulton.
Alice T. Couch.
Alice T. Couch.
Melvina D. Nutter.
Amelia W. Gordon. Mary E. Cook.
Annie M. Osgood.
Clara A. Haley. Flora E. Campbell.
Hannah E. Bell.
Hannah E. Bell.
H. M. Farnsworth.
H. M. Farnsworth.
Pine Plains .. Alice T. Couch.
Bow Brook.
Etta F. Smythe.
Music . John Jackman.
Drawing.
Ada L. Cone.
MIXED.
Nettie B. Rand. Etta F. Smythe.
Etta F. Smythe.
SPECIAL.
John Jackman.
Ada L. Cone.
John Jackman. Ada L. Cone.
Higlı ..
Robert A. Ray.
Sarah E. Bradley.
Mary S. Stubbs.
Mary S. Stubbs.
Abbie C. Cochiran. Abbie C. Cochran.
Ellen A. Folger. Ellen A. Folger.
M. W. Haley.
M. W. Haley.
Ida B. Clark. Ida B. Clark.
Sarah F. Ballard.
Sarah F. Ballard.
Cordelia A. Sanborn. Mary C. Fellows.
Walker, Ist. Sarah F. Ballard.
Walker, 2d
Lizzie A. Palmer.
Merrimack Mary L. Prescott.
Union, 1st Susan R. Moulton.
Union, 2d.
Abby F. Bosworth.
Centre ..
Melvina D. Nutter.
Spring street
Amelia W. Gordon.
Myrtle st., 1st .. . Belle E. Mower.
Melvina D. Nutter. Amelia W. Gordon. Clara A. Haley. Annie M. Osgood.
Myrtle st., 2d .. . Annie M. Osgood.
Rumford . . Fannie J. Hayes. Penacook .. Hannah E. Bell.
Fair Ground .... H. M. Farnsworth.
Anna L. Savil.
John L. Stanley. Laura Carlton.
Laura Carlton.
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TEXT-BOOKS.
The only change determined upon in text-books was in the series of Readers. These are to be introduced as the classes through promotion may need them. Up to the present time about one half of the classes are supplied, and the others will use them upon being advanced. The time allowed by the publishers was quite favorable for gradual introduction, and. will cause no additional outlay on the part of parents.
CHANGE.
The mixed school upon the Plain was much reduced in number at the close of the fall term, with no probability of an increase during the winter. As it was believed to be for the interest of all pupils in the Grammar grades attend- ing this school to avail themselves of thorough class drill in some one of the schools upon this side of the river, it was thought best to discontinue that school through the winter. If all pupils in the vicinity had attended, there would have been less than a dozen. It is without doubt for the interest of the district and of the inhabitants there to have a school during the spring and fall terms for pupils in the lower grades, and permit and encourage all others to attend the graded schools. We have reason to believe such an arrange- ment will give entire satisfaction to those most interested.
EXAMINATIONS.
Written reviews and examinations, in all the Intermedi- ate, Grammar, and High School grades, have been contin- ued as heretofore, and with equally good results. Though this written work requires a great deal of care, and imposes considerable extra labor upon teachers, they would be unwilling to dispense with it. Examination of the papers generally evidences an advance in accuracy and skill of arrangement and expression in most of our schools. A few
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betray a careless yet vigorous way of answering the ques- tions in the fewest words, or solving problems with the fewest figures. All give the impression of an effort on the part of teachers to secure, as far as possible, an active, prompt, thinking, self-reliant class, rather than a high percentage.
COURSE OF STUDY.
The only change of any importance during the year was the combining of Written and Mental Arithmetic in the Intermediate and lower Grammar grade in one exercise. So far it is believed by the teachers to be quite successful. Our course of study is sometimes criticised as being too hard. The opinion must be founded upon something beside a careful estimate of its requirements. We are fully satis- fied, from close observation, that the pupil of average ability and ordinary application can thoroughly master it within the limits of school hours. That there is home study, it is useless to deny ; that it is necessary, is a mistake.
HIGH SCHOOL.
As long as this school is conducted by teachers so enthu- siastic and ambitious to excel in the line of true educational excellence, is furnished with pupils of sufficient maturity of mind and preparation to enter upon and comprehend the higher and more abstruse studies, able to go alone without aid from stronger associates, or helping, coaxing, and urg- ing by teachers, and is fostered by a generous and appre- ciative public, it must continue to increase in strength and vigor.
LIST OF GRADUATES.
English Course.
Jennie M. Clough,
Arthur F. Shepard,
Phenia E. Rounsefell,
Almina H. Quimby, Charlotte J. Lewis, Sabrina B. Greene.
Elvira R. Webster,
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Academic Course.
Jennie L. Stevens,
Cora F. Davis,
Abbie J. Davis,
Lizzie M. Sylvester,
Laura A. Smith,
Etta A. Kimball,
Mary E. Melifant,
Arthur C. Stewart,
Carrie E. Dow,
Mary A. Gage,
Frederick C. Thompson,
Susan A. Drew.
Classical Course.
Frank W. Gage, John B. Abbott,
Eliphalet F. Philbrick.
MUSIC AND DRAWING.
The special teacher of music has, as heretofore, given ten lessons a term to each of our schools below the High school. The increased care bestowed upon the lower classes is especially quite marked in quickening the ear and training the voice.
The teacher in drawing has continued her direct instruc- tion to teachers of all grades below the High school, has visited all the schools about four times each term to observe and correct deficiencies and make suggestions, and has given personal instruction in the High school weekly, em- bracing all the classes of the same.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
The report of the Financial Agent shows the amount of receipts for the support of our schools the last year to be $22,591.01. The same report shows that the expenditures for the past year have been $21,948.66.
SUPERINTENDENT.
At the commencement of the present school-year, Daniel C. Allen, in a meeting of the full Board, was unanimously reelected Superintendent of our schools; and the Board takes pleasure in bearing testimony to the faithfulness and
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efficiency of Mr. Allen, and cheerfully accord to him a large share of credit for the improvement and elevation of our schools to their present reputable standard. His untir- ing zeal, fertile invention, and intelligent and timely sug- gestions have nearly obliterated the old time-worn ruts, and substituted broader and more practical methods of instruc- tion, adapted to stimulate individual thought and investiga- tion. The fruits of this labor are already apparent among the teachers and pupils, and cannot fail to be very marked in the future.
In conclusion, we herewith subjoin the report of the Superintendent.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
Gentlemen of the Board of Education :
I respectfully submit my fourth annual report. You will expect me to speak very briefly of the condition of your schools, by grades, and make such suggestions as I may think their interests require.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
The schools of this grade will, as a whole, compare very favorably with their condition last year. It must have become manifest to you, however, that there is a wider difference between them in excellence than is found in any of the grades above. This cannot be attributed entirely to disparity in accommodations, surroundings, numbers in attendance, defective grading, or general lack of ability of pupils.
It is no injustice to teachers to say Primary classes are not generally as well and thoroughly taught as those more
·
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advanced. It is confessedly the weakest point in the whole system of public education. It is difficult to find teachers thoroughly grounded in the first principles of knowledge, possessed of the happy faculty of making every school exer- cise attractive, a special fondness for the little ones, and an abiding conviction that in directing the first efforts of mind and making first impressions upon it they are performing a more important, a more difficult, and a higher grade of useful labor than is called for in more advanced stages of education. The personal character of the teacher is more directly felt in these schools. They require teachers whose deportment is gentle, dignified, and uniform, who are accus- tomed to self-control, are kind and affectionate in disposi- tion, and have the power to impress their own pure minds and hearts upon their pupils.
These schools are the foundation of the whole system of public instruction. Defects permitted there, cling to pupils and retard their progress in subsequent school experience, and even through life. They cannot be too carefully guarded or too firmly strengthened.
If the maximum attendance at these schools be limited to about fifty, giving a daily average of about forty-five, they would then be as large as any teacher could success- fully instruct and discipline.
The time of admission to the lowest grade should be limited to the commencement of the school-year following the pupils arriving at school age. The present practice is to admit at any time during the year. The result is two or three divisions of the lowest grade, each reciting separately, and having a very limited time. Ordinary children, with no previous preparation, cannot be expected to be fitted for advancement at the end of the school-year, if they enter at the beginning, or during the second or third term. As a consequence, nearly all find it necessary to remain in the same grade another year, being no further advanced at the close of the second school-year than they would have been
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had they attended only the last. The proposed change will admit of a closer grading of the lowest class,-all being re- quired to commence the same work at the same time,-and allow more direct and thorough instruction. The change would probably meet with very little, if any, opposition. Its advantages are too evident. Its disadvantages are few and limited. If a child is sent to school solely to keep it out of the way, or have it cared for, altogether too early for its good both mentally and physically, the change will not find favor with its parents. But if, as I firmly believe, children are sent to school too early in life, it will prove a blessing in discouraging a bad practice, and bringing about . a desirable reform. Although this suggestion has been made before to the Board, I have deemed it proper to renew it in this form in order to invite discussion of its merits by those most interested.
The pecuniary distinction made here, as in very many other places, in favor of teachers in the next higher grade, naturally leads the Primary teacher to feel less responsibil- ity, and to consider her position less honorable. It has been thought and said, that anybody can teach a little child : consequently, inexperience, incompetency, and mediocrity seek access to this grade of schools. So many children are gathered here, who do not remain long enough to pass into higher grades, as to make it necessary, in justice to them, to provide the best teaching talent,-talent specially trained with direct reference to the kind of work to be executed. There are such teachers, and it is gratifying to know their number is increasing. If such a teacher, successfully en- gaged in a Primary school, thinks her position is regarded as less important and less honorable, and is less remunerative, it is quite natural she should desire and work for a position more important and remunerative. Through her discon- tent she limits her usefulness where she is.
My last suggestion refers to a reasonable supply of cards, tablets, and outline maps, from which to teach objectively
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during the early lessons in reading, spelling, numbers, writing, and geography. Besides aiding in imparting instruction, they present new interests and profitable em- ployment to the pupils while in their seats, and thus fore- stall temptation to idle mischief.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
There have been quite a number of changes of Interme- diate teachers, owing to withdrawal and sickness. In fact, only two schools have escaped. In two instances there have been three different teachers employed during the year ; in two others, two teachers within a single term. All these changes were desirable, or necessary, I am aware, but they were not less unfortunate on that account. The best of teachers find it no easy or quickly accomplished task to be- come so familiar with the diverse mental capabilities and dispositions of a large school, as to get them well in hand and profitably at work. The average class rank, and the examinations of each term, show these schools to be in bet- ter condition than last year. But I had hoped for greater improvement, and undoubtedly should have been gratified had it not been for the untoward influence mentioned.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
I believe the Grammar schools to be in a more advanced condition than for years. In them faithful, earnest, wide- awake pupils are the many ; the dull, careless, and sleepy are the few. The monotonous and uninteresting recitations are enlivened by investigating the subject, and discussing it under judicious direction. A more complete comprehen- sion of the subject is discernable in the term examinations. The continued efforts to eliminate as much of the unimpor- tant matter as possible have aided in this work. It is hard to place any value upon the ability to repeat the hundred rules of arithmetic when the processes are familiar; the numberless fine distinctions and definitions of grammar,
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which only confuse and hinder; the mass of details of geography, learned and at once forgotten ; or the dates of unimportant historical events ;- all such useless weights and hindrances can be cast aside, and our pupils make more thorough and rapid work with the essentials. Perhaps I can in no better way indicate the direct and positive na- ture of instruction and learning in these schools than by reference to a few facts. In 1874, out of the number of members of Grammar classes examined for the High school, twenty-three per cent. failed to pass, although the percent- age required was as low as forty-five. In 1875, thirteen per cent. failed to come up to the standard, which was raised to sixty-five. In 1876, five per cent., and in 1877 two per cent., of the number examined failed to obtain seventy per cent. There was no material difference in the natural ability of these classes. The distinguishing differ- ence was in their preparation for advanced studies through a more thorough drill in the branches of the Grammar school, and the introduction of written reviews and exam- inations. If they had been fitted by " cramming," it must have been readily discovered upon their attempting the higher branches ; yet at the end of the first term not one of the last class admitted to the High school had failed to hold a fair rank.
There is no reason for believing the forth-coming class inferior in any respects.
HIGH SCHOOL.
It is superfluous for me to say anything regarding the management and progress of the High school. Its prosper- ous condition is well known to you.
I will venture a single suggestion touching upon the con- templated change in the course of study. May it not be well to abridge the work in numbers by confining it to a review of Commercial Arithmetic, so far as it is possible to pursue it, in direct connection with the study and application of Book-keeping. Very little effort by the teachers would
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secure a combination profitable, and eminently practicable. This would afford, if thought best, an opportunity to devote one term to the study and practice of the metric system. Until Government shall require the use of the system, its study in the High school may be sufficient.
WANTS.
Some plan of ventilation, giving promise of success, should be tried at once in one or more of the houses most objec- tionable in this respect, and further action based upon the result.
The " private walks" in a few cases need to be enlarged, and otherwise made more commodious and accessible. The accommodations now afforded are scarcely consistent with ordinary propriety and delicacy.
The necessity of drainage at some of the houses has long been felt, but the opportunity was wanting. This is now offered through the extension of the city sewers.
PERSONAL.
I have devoted myself exclusively to the interests of the schools,-with what degree of success others must judge. My efforts have generally been cheerfully seconded by the teachers, and you have allowed me full scope for the per- formance of my duties. You have freely and promptly aided by your counsel and encouragement,-for which I express my gratitude.
Respectfully submitted,
D. C. ALLEN.
ELISHA ADAMS,
OLIVER PILLSBURY,
WARREN CLARK,
HENRY J. CRIPPEN,
A. B. THOMPSON,
P. B. COGSWELL,
S. C. WHITCHER,
JOHN H. GEORGE,
EVERETT L. CONGER.
Concord, March 23, 1878.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF
HON. HORACE A. BROWN,
MAYOR.
MAYOR'S ADDRESS.
Gentlemen of the City Council :
Standing at the beginning of a municipal year, having taken the oath and assumed the responsi- bilities of office, it is fitting that we acknowledge the Hand that has guided and the Power that has sustained us in the past, and seek a continuance of the favor and protection of Him without whom all our efforts are vain.
To the people of this city, who have with such unanimity called me to their chief executive office, I desire to express my profound gratitude for this mark of their confidence, and pledge myself to bring to the discharge of the duties of the position what- ever of ability and fidelity I may possess, trusting I may be instrumental, in some degree, in advancing the material interests of this entire people.
It is now twenty-five years since the adoption of the city charter, and the organization of the first city government under it, and I congratulate you and the
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people upon the good degree of prosperity that has attended us all through this quarter of a century of our municipal existence. Under the successive ad- ministrations of its affairs we have had a steady growth and substantial prosperity ; and to-day, I think, no city of its size offers greater attractions in all those particulars that make a town a desirable place of residence. Our geographical position is central ; our facilities for travel, connecting readily with every portion of the State, are as good as the best ; our educational advantages are excellent, af- fording to all classes superior opportunities for ob- taining an education that will qualify them for the various duties and pursuits of life.
Within the last nine or ten years several public enterprises have been inaugurated and completed, which have added largely to the comfort and conven- ience of the inhabitants. . These, with the heavy debt incurred on account of the late war of the Rebellion, have left upon us a burden of taxation it will require many years to remove. But the sunlight of peace is around us, and, by the exercise of patience, prudence, and economy, we may hope that this burden will be gradually lightened, and all our obligations be honor- ably met.
In our hands, gentlemen, are placed the vital inter- ests of our city, and what we may do, or leave un- done, will affect its welfare in the future. It there-
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fore becomes us always to bring to the discharge of our duties, as they may arise, calm deliberation, dis- cretion, and unbiased judgment.
It is provided by the General Statutes relating to cities, that "the mayor shall from time to time com- municate to the city council such information and re- commend such measures as the interests of the city shall, in his judgment, require."
It will not be expected that I shall bring to your notice very much in detail the various matters that will during the year demand your consideration. A few things, however, require our present attention.
FINANCES.
A statement of the city debt, February 1, 1878, may be seen on pages 56 and 57 of the Annual Report of Receipts and Expenditures for the year ending January 31, 1878.
You will, in this statement, note the distinction be- tween the debt of the city at large and the city pre- cinct debt :
The bonded debt of the city, as there shown, is. $200,500.00 Floating debt and outstanding claims. 15,399.24
Making a total of. $215,899.24 To which should be added, we think, a liability previously in- curred to the Hillsborough & Peterborough Railroad Cor- poration, omitted in said report, the sum of. 12,500.00
Making a total of.
$228,399.24
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Total liabilities brought forward, $228,399.24
From which we deduct as available assets,-
Cash in the treasury $2,157.05
Uncollected taxes. 40,652.09
Due from county of Merrimack. 3,622.81
Due from abutters on account of sidewalks laid. 509 11
From other sources. 269.00
Blossom Hill Cemetery
4,000.00
$51,210.06
Total debt of the city at large. 177,189.18
The city precinct debt, the liability of which rests alone upon the city precinct, is as follows :
State-House precinct notes, bearing six per cent. semi-annual interest, amounting to .. $49,000.00
Precinct notes, on sewer account, bearing six per cent. interest,
payable $8,000 annually, on and after December 1, 1882 40,000.00
City Water-Works bonds 350.000.00
Coupons due, but not presented. 591.00
Total debt of city precinct. $430.591.00
Total debt of city at large. 177,189.18
Making a grand total.
$616,780.18
But it should be observed, that of this amount the Water-Works debt, amounting to $350,000, will now very nearly, and soon entirely, provide for itself by receipts for water rents, paying all expenses and interest, thus leaving only the balance of $266,780.18 as the interest-bearing debt of the city and precinct to provide for.
Notwithstanding the large expenditures which the respective city councils of the past few years have
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been called upon to make, and the present large in- debtedness of the city, it is a source of satisfaction to know that our credit as a municipality has not been impaired. Our city bonds are eagerly sought for permanent investment, and command a premium at least equal to if not higher than those of any other New England city. With a steady purpose that the city indebtedness shall not be increased, and that the strictest economy and honesty in the administration of its affairs shall prevail, we may hope to maintain not only our present financial standing, but gradually and surely extinguish our city debt.
TAXES.
There is a very general desire and expectation that the rate of taxation shall be reduced this year below the rates that have prevailed for several years past. We, of course, share in this desire. But what are the city's liabilities, which must be provided for this year ? Eleven thousand dollars of the funded debt falls due and must be met before the first day of April, 1879. The necessary appropriations for the support of schools, for the fire department, for highways and bridges, etc., etc., will aggregate a considerable amount. Our state tax, this year, is the same as last,-$22,200. The proportion of our county tax for the current year is nearly $28,000. And, while upon this subject, I de- sire to call your attention to the action had by the
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retiring city council, and which has my hearty ap- proval :
Whereas, it is understood that a convention of the representatives of Merrimack county is soon to be called together to take into consideration the subject of erecting new buildings on the county farm, to take the place of those recently destroyed by fire,-therefore,
Resolved, By the city council of the city of Concord, in convention as- sembled, that the delegation from this city be requested to take into con- sideration the propriety of changing the laws of the State as to the settle- ment of paupers, so as to allow each city and town to provide for its own poor, and thus avoid the expenditure of a large sum to rebuild on our county farm ; and that the city clerk forward to each representative of our city a copy of this resolution.
This preamble and resolution was passed without dissent.
The legislature, at the June session, 1877, provided for the appointment of " a board of commissioners, to examine and ascertain whether all classes of property are equally taxed, and to recommend a plan to relieve the towns and cities from what is known as the state tax." The commission has been appointed, and has had the subject under consideration, but no conclusion can be reached that will affect the state tax for the present year.
WATER-WORKS.
I would direct your special attention to the Repor ; of the Board of Water Commissioners, made to the. city council, and printed in the Annual Report. A careful consideration of the facts therein set forth, I think, must convince every inhabitant of our city of
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the wisdom and utility of inaugurating and carrying forward, to so successful a completion, an enterprise at once so important as a promoter of health, a source of comfort and convenience, and a means of pros- perity. We have, it seems to me, but just begun to realize their great utility.
The business of the Board of Water Commissioners is managed with prudence and economy, no member of the Board, from first to last, having received a dol- lar for his services, or been reimbursed for money ex- pended in the discharge of any duty imposed upon him.
SEWERS.
The general introduction of Long Pond water into the dwellings and business blocks of the city has made necessary the completion of the sewerage sys- tem commenced several years ago. It is estimated, by individuals experienced in such matters, that about $6,000 additional appropriation would nearly or quite complete the whole system, I should be glad if we could, without detriment, pass this outlay for this year. I would recommend an early investigation into the condition of the locality south of West street, and beyond the southern terminus of what is known as the " Brook sewer," with a view to ascer- taining if the sewage carried upon the low land is likely to endanger the health of the inhabitants, or
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work damage to the land-owners. The Committee on Sewers for the past year say, in their report, that about 2,300 feet of 24 x 36-inch brick sewer will complete the sewerage system in that part of the city.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The losses by fire during the past year have been $4,800, as against $65,340 in 1873. In two instances fire has occurred, and been confined to the buildings where it originated, which, with our old system of ex- tinguishment, must in all probability have resulted in extensive conflagrations. Our supply of water is abun- dant, our hydrants and engines are powerful, and our engineers and firemen are as prudent and faithful as any city can boast. With such appliances for our pro- tection, let us hope for less destruction of property by fire, and a decrease in insurance rates.
I am not aware of any need of the department that will require more than the ordinary outlay of mainte- nance. A telegraphic fire alarm, such as is in use in other cities, would no doubt add to the efficiency of the department in the more prompt determination of the location of fires ; but I think you will not deem it advisable to undertake its introduction this year.
CITY FARM.
The report of the Committee on the City Farm shows that it is under good management, and accom- plishing the purposes for which it is maintained. The
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destruction by fire of the county alms-house, at North Boscawen, will be likely to throw back upon our hands quite a number of poor persons to be supported, for a while, at least, at the city farm. Should any action be taken by the county convention soon to assemble, or any legislation be had looking to a change in the present mode of supporting the poor, it may be found necessary to increase the accommodations for them at the city farm.
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES.
By a recently enacted ordinance of the city council, all the highway districts of the city are consolidated, and placed under the management of one superinten- dent, " to be styled commissioner of highways," to be chosen annually by the city council.
I think our bridges are all in a serviceable condi- tion, requiring little, if any, repairs, unless it should appear that the Free Bridge should require replank- ing.
CEMETERIES.
An ordinance, recently adopted by the city council, provides " that all money arising from the sale of lots in each cemetery shall be divided into two equal parts, and kept as two distinct funds for each cemetery,- one part to be appropriated to adding to, improving, and ornamenting the cemetery grounds, the other
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part to constitute a permanent fund, * the * income of which shall annually be paid over to the several committees, to be expended in the care, pro- tection, and ornamentation of the several cemeteries from whence the fund originated."
Heretofore, one half of the proceeds of sales of lots has been applied to the payment of the principal and interest of the original purchase-money of the grounds. By the operation of the present ordinance, whatever remains unpaid of the original purchase becomes a debt, to be provided for by the city council.
CITY ORDINANCES.
The ordinances of the city have recently been re- vised, and are being printed in convenient form. The volume will contain, in addition to the ordinances, the city charter and amendments of the same, the general statutes relating to cities, rules and joint rules of the city council, and a list of the members thereof for twenty-five years.
CONCLUSION.
Gentlemen, I have thus briefly, and I know imper- fectly, alluded to some of the questions and duties that will be presented for our action during the year before us. Others, not alluded to, will demand our consideration, and some, no doubt, that cannot be an- ticipated, will claim our prompt attention. We need,
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perhaps, to be reminded that we are the servants, and the people our masters, and that they will expect in us fidelity and honor. We have voluntarily assumed these responsibilities. The full breadth and meaning of our obligations must be the measure of our duty.
· I cannot forbear to impress upon you the impor- tance of avoiding the accumulation of debt, and of practising economy in all expenditures, however small. From each of you I ask advice and counsel, and de- sire that you will not hesitate to suggest anything that you may think will aid me in the discharge of my official duties.
With gratitude for the past, and with humble trust in the goodness of God for the future, let us enter with alacrity upon the duties before us, resolved that the best administration that we are able to give shall be the fruit of this year's labor.
HORACE A. BROWN.
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