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City Decument.— No. 1. ADDRESS

OF

nis ELON OR

GHEORGHE LEWIS, MAYOR,

TO THE

CITY COUNCIL OF ROXBURY,

DELIVERED BEFORE THE

TWO BRANCHES IN CONVENTION,

JANUARY 4, 1864.

PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL.

ROXBURY: L. B. & O. E. WESTON, PRINTERS, GUILD ROW. 1864.

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Gity sf Aoxburn.

In Common Covncit, January 4, 1864.

OrpERED, That seven hundred copies of the Address of His Honor the Mayor, be printed for the use of the City Council.

Sent up for concurrence.

FRANKLIN WILLIAMS, Clerk.

In Boarp or ALDERMEN, January 4, 1864. Concurred.

JOSEPH W. TUCKER, City Clerk.

ADDRESS.

Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen and of the Common Council :

Tuer year which has just closed has been one of unusual prosperity with our citizens. No hostile army has laid waste our fair City. No unusual disregard of law and order has existed. Neither famine nor pestilence has brought sorrow or suffering to our doors. No serious con- flagration has destroyed our property. Nor has a commer- cial revulsion, with its attendant evils, visited us.

I congratulate you on assuming the responsible duties of government at a time when so great a degree of prosperity prevails among us. The services of the laborer are in demand, and at remunerative prices. Our mechanics are busily and profitably employed. The transactions of the merchant never were larger, nor the results more satisfac- tory. The income of the capitalist, in most cases, is largely increased over former years.

For all these blessings, let us, a Christian people, acknowl- edge the kindness of our Heavenly Father, and invoke His guardian care, and a continuation of His favors, toward this City, for the year upon which we now enter.

The people of the loyal States, with great unanimity, have decreed that the war shall not cease until the authority of the Federal Government is acknowledged from the St. John to the Rio Grande, and from the Atlantic to the

4 CITY DOCUMENT. —No. 1.

Pacific. This result can soonest be attained through honest loyalty to the legally constituted authorities, and in aiding such in their legal requirements.

Contrary to the expectations of most of us, and to the hopes of all, the war in which we are engaged to preserve our nationality still continues, and realizing that great finan- cial and social revulsions may suddenly occur, it is our duty to exercise the strictest economy in our disbursements, and only to authorize such expenditures as seem to be im- perative.

I propose, gentlemen, to occupy but a few moments in discussing such matters of a public nature as may be laid before you for consideration in the future.

THE CITY DEBT.

A year since I urged on the members of the Govern- ment that the city debt should not be increased for mat- ters other than such as are of permanent utility. I am happy to inform you that the action of the City Council was in accordance with that suggestion, and I trust that no other line of policy will be adopted in the future.

The amount of the City Debt, January 1st, 1863, was, - $829,565 Amount paid during that year, - - - 46,500 $783,065

The City Debt was increased during the past year for the following purposes, viz. :

Aid to relatives of soldiers, - - - $55,000 Bounty paid to volunteers in 1862, - - 12,000 Reimbursement bounty bill, = - - 38,000 Grading of Madison Square, = - ~ - 7,000 Renewal of City Debt, - - - - 25,500 137,500 Making a total present indebtedness of - - $920,565

The rates of interest payable on the City Debt are as follows, viz.: At 5 per cent. per annum, $432,500; at 54

MAYOR'S ADDRESS. 5

per cent., $2000; at 5¢ per cent., $231,000; at 6 per cent., $255,065.

The loans contracted the past year draw interest as fol- lows, viz.: At 5 per cent. per annum, $59,500; at 54 per cent., $78,000.

I regret that it appears to be incompatible with the in- terest of our city that the debt should be increased for any object; but I cannot see that the large expenditure for military purposes can be levied as a tax, without greatly oppressing a large class of our citizens of moderate or small means. I trust that no increase for any other purpose will be authorized the ensuing year.

POOR AND ALMSHOUSE.

This department, under its judicious management, is in the same satisfactory condition which it has enjoyed for many years past. Our almshouse is generally acknowledged to be a model house of this class. The inmates are kindly treated and faithfully attended to;— they appear to be happy, and to appreciate the privileges of which they are in the enjoyment.

The disbursements of temporary aid to such as are not in the almshouse, are made by an agent of the Board of Overseers of the Poor. In the decease of JoSHUA SHAVER, Ksq., late agent of this board, the department lost a valuable officer, and the poor a sympathizing friend. The office of Agent of the Overseers of the Poor is now filled by Dr. Ira Aunen. For many years an Overseer, and having given much time and research into the practical workings of this charity, Dr. Allen is fully equal to the trying duties of his office.

The calls for charity are larger this season than for many in the past. It is believed, however, that the bulk of such demands is largely from a class which always are

6 CITY DOCUMENT.—No. 1.

found in cities and large towns, viz., the improvident and the intemperate. No assistance is given without personal investigation by the agent into the facts of each case.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The annual report of the Chief Engineer will shortly be laid before you. From it you will be enabled to learn the result of the labors of this branch of the public service for the past year, and also of the condition of the department.

A year since the Chief Engineer recommended the sub- stitution of steam fire engines for the hand engines now in use. That recommendation is renewed, and with the unani- mous approval of the Board of Engineers. In the opinion of many citizens the time has arrived when such change should be made. At two different times during the past year petitions were presented to the City Council, that the recommendation of the Chief Engineer be adopted.

The committee to which theSe petitions were referred, reported in favor of such action; but the recommendation was not adopted, for the reason, as I believe, that no appro- priation was made in the annual tax for that purpose. One of those reports is now on the files of the Board of Alder- men; and it will be your duty to consider what action, if any, shall be taken on the said reports.

The expense of two steam fire engines, with the necessary equipment, one new engine house and land, certain changes in another, the committee estimate at about $20,000. Should you adopt the policy recommended by the Committee, I trust that the sum necessary to defray the expense will be levied in our annual tax, and that no part thereof will be borrowed. I recommend that the same number of reservoirs be constructed this year as heretofore.

MAYOR’S ADDRESS. 7

SEWERAGE.

Sewers were constructed the last year, through portions of Washington, Dudley and Greenville Streets; and also through a portion of Shawmut Avenue. The sewer through Washington Street, from Shawmut Avenue to Eliot Square, in size 83x22 inches, is 1625 feet in length, and laid at an average depth of 11 feet; of which 1573 cubic feet was through ledge. The cost of this sewer was $7626, or $4.69 a, foot.

The Dudley Street Sewer, laid this year, commences at Guild Row and extends to Highland Street, being 1723 feet in length, and its diameter 39x26 inches. This sewer is laid at an average depth of 9 feet, of which 7144 cubic feet were blasted. The cost of this sewer was $6952.87, or $4.03 per foot. The construction of this sewer was partly done by the City per the day, and partly through contract with Netson Curtis, Esq. Of that portion alluded to as having been done by the day, the length is 73 feet; the average depth of blasting 164 feet; and 445 cubic yards were blasted entirely through a solid ledge. That portion which was laid by contract was 1650 feet in length, and at an average depth of 84 feet, with 2694 cubic yards of blasting.

The Shawmut Avenue Sewer measures 33x22 inches in diameter, is 225 feet in length; laid at an average depth of 14: feet, with 213 cubic yards of blasting, and cost $954.65, being an average of $4.46 per foot. This sewer was laid in the same manner as that in Washington Street.

In Greenville Street, 244 feet of sewer was laid, in size 30x20 inches, and at an average depth of 13 feet, costing $560.46, or $2.31 per foot.

From the varying nature of the excavations necessary to constitute sewers in this city, as well as from other causes, which are apparent to all, but slight approximation can be made in estimating the expenses of such as are to be con-

8 CITY DOCUMENT.—No. 1.

structed through comparison with the cost of such as are already laid.

The City Council only authorized the laying of such sewers as were petitioned for by a majority of the real estate owners on the streets through which sewers were proposed to be constructed; excepting that in Shawmut Avenue, which last was necessary to enter the Washington Street Sewer into the trunk sewer in Dudley Street. As the abuttors are assessed three-fourths of the expense of the sewer, it seems to me that such a course is equitable; and I recommend that the same be adopted in the future.

I learn that some citizens signed petitions for sewers opposite their respective estates, thinking the cost thereof was only to be assessed when the sewer was used by the abut- tors. Such is not the case. The assessment is made at as early a day as is practicable, and at once becomes a lien on the property; and if not paid within a limited time, the estates so assessed can be sold for such non-payment,—the legal formalities being substantially the same as in the case for the collection of unpaid taxes.

In this connection, I desire to say that great delay has occurred in collecting the assessments, owing, as it is believ- ed, in part to the reluctance which exists among citizens and corporations to pay for sewers before they are used by the abuttors. Large sums remain unpaid for sewers con- structed in previous years.

The City Treasurer, under whose direction such claims are collected, has refrained from taking lega! measures against these delinquents; but he informs me that such action will at once be resorted to. I trust, however, so unpleasant a step will not be necessary.

It is evident that unless the assessments for sewers are more promptly met, the authorities must refrain from con- structing sewers, or that the law must be rigorously enforced.

In my address a year since, I alluded to the imperative

MAYOR’S ADDRESS. 9

necessity of sewerage in Wards 2 and 3. During the past year a Committee of the Government have been in frequent communication with the officers of the Boston Water Power Company, for the removal of certain obstructions to our natural rights of drainage into Charles River. The inter- views between the committee and the officers of the said company occurred at intervals through nearly the whole of the last year, but without accomplishing the desired result. The demands of the Water Power Company were considered to be unreasonable, and in accordance with the recommen- dation of the Committee, the City Council adopted an order instructing the Mayor to petition the Legislature that the obstructions maintained by the said Company be removed without delay. ‘That order has been obeyed, and the sub- ject will come before the Legislature at the ensuing session. I recommend that the Committee on Sewerage be instructed to urge the claims of Roxbury before the committee to which the said petition may be referred, with all possible energy. ;

Surveys were made and levels taken the past year, for a Trunk Sewer, commencing at Franklin Place, and extending through unimproved lands, until it reaches the junction of Stony Brook and Muddy River. Should success attend our efforts in securing a proper outlet into Charles River, I recommend that a Trunk Sewer be at once commenced and prosecuted to completion without delay.

No section of our city requires sewerage so much as the wards alluded to, and it may be apparent that until those obstacles be removed the full force of tidal current cannot be obtained, and therefore no sewer can be generally used, having its termination at the junction referred to, without the possibility of creating a nuisance at the outlet thereof.

2

10 CITY DOCUMENT.—No. I.

PUBLIC SQUARES.

During the past year the contract to grade Madison Square was partially completed. In the present condition of the finances of the city, I recommend that no outlays be made on the public squares.

FOREST HILLS CEMETERY.

The condition of our beautiful Cemetery continues to be highly prosperous. Some 125 lots have been sold the past year. The debt of the Cemetery is reduced to $3000, which matures this year and will be paid. The policy of former years has been continued, and experience proves the same to have been judicious. The increasing demand for lots renders necessary the yearly developments of land into lots, avenues, paths, &c. Many years must elapse before the expenses of the Cemetery can be reduced.

The gateway to the main entrance to the Cemetery being somewhat decayed, the Commissioners have decided to erect an elegant and substantial gateway, the materials thereof to be mostly of Roxbury stone. From some twelve plans and models which were submitted for competition, the Com- missioners, after consideration and consultation with experts, selected one designed by Mr. C. W. Panter, of Brookline, of Gothic architecture, as combining most fully correct architectural porportions and elegance of design. It is contemplated to commence this work as early in the coming Spring as practicable.

By direction of the City Council, a contract was made with Messrs. Runes, CLoucH & Co., of Lowell, for a gran- ite enclosure to the “Soldiers’ Lot,’ to be completed in September last. Owing to circumstances beyond the control of the contractors, the work is not completed, but the granite is now being delivered, and will be placed in position as soon as the weather will permit.

MAYOR'S ADDRESS. 11

HIGHWAYS.

During the past year 14 miles of streets, out of 254 miles, have been thoroughly repaired. Our streets are believed to be generally in good condition. The expense incurred in widening and alteration of grades of our streets, has been unusually light the last year. Many old claims for damages, through such alterations, have been settled. I know of but one claim of this class which is unsettled, and that of small amount.

The increased price of labor and materials largely affects the expenditures in this department, and therefore we should refrain from authorizing outlays other than such as can not be postponed without injury to the public good.

While our citizens desire that our streets should compare favorably with those of Boston, and the vicinity, it is im- possible, from the nature of the soil, and from the great use of our main avenues for heavy travel from the metropolis to a large extent of country, that the expense of repairing these can be materially reduced. I recommend that the cost of watering streets, and of collecting ashes, &c., in the future, be kept separate from that of repairing the highways.

POLICE DEPARTMENT.

The management of this department is satisfactory. The officers are intelligent, and efficient in the discharge of their several duties. I am happy, after a year’s experience, to repeat my language of a former occasion. I believe them to be vigilant, temperate and humane.

JOINT RULES AND ORDERS.

I recommend that section number nine of the joint rules and orders of the City Council be strictly enforced, or that the rule be omitted.

12 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 1.

SCHOOLS.

The management and supervision of our schools being by law entrusted to the Board of School Committee, I refer you to the annual report of that body for such information as may be desired. :

The increasing evil of truancy, in our city, induced the School Committee, a few months since, to request that an officer be appointed, with especial reference to checking this crime. Such an officer was at once appointed. I trust the result of his labors will be satisfactory.

In accordance with a request of the School Committee, a Primary School House, intended for four divisions of fifty scholars each, is in process of construction in Ward Two. This building, which will soon be ready for occupancy, will relieve the overburdened school houses in the location re- ferred to.

One of the most useful of our charities is the Evening School. This institution benefits a class of persons who are employed during the day. The management of this school is under the direction of a committee of the Me- chanics’ Institute. Four sessions are held each week during the Winter months. The average attendance on the even- ings devoted to males is some 80, and on those devoted to females about 50 persons. No one is admitted to share the benefits of the school who can attend the day schools. The superintendents are faithful, and devoted to the trusts reposed in them. The teachers — mostly females — are deeply interested in their work, laboring earnestly among a class of our people who desire to acquire knowl- edge, and who appreciate the opportunities offered through the liberality of our citizens.

It is impossible to over-estimate the benefits to society arising from this school. No one can doubt that such influ- ences are there brought to bear on many, that a career of vice and ignorance is avoided, and that the information thus

MAYOR'S ADDRESS. 13

acquired must induce virtuous and useful lives. I trust that the fostering care of the City Council will continue toward the Evening School. The expense of this object is some three or four hundred dollars a year.

MILITARY AFFAIRS.

The draft ordered in July last to fill the ranks of our armies having failed to accomplish the desired result, the President of the United States, in November last, issued his proclamation calling on this State for 15,126 soldiers. Of this number 420 is assigned as the quota of this city. This number is universally believed to be largely in excess of our legal proportion. This levy is based on the enrolment of the United States, and is found to be very incorrect, so far as this city is concerned. A revision of that enrolment is now being made, and it is supposed some nine hundred names will be dropped from the list. I recommend that the result of this revision be submitted to the State authorities, with the request that our quota be so altered as to conform with the result of the said revision throughout this Com- monwealth.

As our quota is not filled, it is the duty of every mem- ber of the government to use his individual exertions toward the work of recruiting. Our citizens, with their usual liberality, have contributed a large fund in aid of the object. This work has been performed under the direction of the Committee on Military Affairs, assisted by a commit- tee of citizens. And as this mode of conducting the labor has thus far been satisfactory, 1 reeommend that the same system be adopted in the future. The amount paid as aid to relatives of volunteers the past year is $60,790.80, of which sum it is expected that two-thirds will be repaid by the Commonwealth.

A detailed account of the disbursements for military affairs, will be made by the Committee on Accounts in their

14 CITY DOCUMENT. —No. 1.

annual reports. I trust that the payments as aid to the relatives of our soldiers will be continued as heretofore.

The Horse Guard and the Reserve Guard sustain the efficient character they have enjoyed since their organiza- tion. The members of the Horse Guard form a part of the police force of the city; and the Reserve Guard have signified their readiness to aid the city authorities in what- ever legal duty their services may be required. I desire to acknowledge the obligations which our people are under to the members of these two companies, for the valuable assistance rendered the authorities during the riotous de- monstrations in Boston, and other cities, in July last. The efficiency of these companies, and the character of the members is such, that should occasion require, entire reli- ance can be placed upon them in the future as in the past.

I regret being obliged to allude to an act of the last Legislature, of manifest injustice, if not illegal in its nature, as affecting this city. I refer to the reimburse- ment bounty bill. As no parallel case has occurred in the legislation of this Commonwealth, it may be appro- priate that I explain the matter, as I understand it. Through this law the State assumes all sums paid as boun- ties by cities and towns, prior to the passage of the bill, to an amount not exceeding $100 for each recruit, where such a sum had been paid.

The result of this law, so far as our city is concerned, is this. That after having answered all requirements of the State for volunteers, and having received a receipt to that effect, we were assessed the sum of $38,441.15. This sum was, in accordance with law, and the decision of the City Council, borrowed, and added to the city debt.

The amount of $48,700, being the same as paid by this city for bounties to 1510 soldiers, was assumed by the State, and passed to our credit. Our proportion of the State tax, before alluded to, was $87,141.15—the differ- ence being paid into the State treasury.

MAYOR'S ADDRESS. 15

The causes of this unfortunate and unjust result are manifold. Large numbers of our citizens enlisted from patriotic motives, asking no bounty. Our people, as indi- viduals, contributed largely, thus relieving the city treas- ury where bounties were desired. This fact can be easily demonstrated.

We recruited 1510 men, for which the sum of $48,700 was paid as bounty, being an average of $32.25 per man; whereas some towns and cities recruited few soldiers with- out paying bounties to the full amount as assumed by the State. Another cause of this result, is in the fact that our valuation, as fixed by the State, is enormous. In addi- tion to the valuation of our property, as fixed by our asses- sors, which you well know to be at the highest legal limit, the Commonwealth increases the same some $4,000,000.

When it is considered that the policy of the small towns is to keep their valuation low, to avoid the State tax, it can readily be seen that the large and wealthy cities and towns pay an undue proportion thereof. It is understood that the constitutionality of this law will be contested by the City of Lowell; and it is to be hoped that the decision of the court will be such that the amount paid by us will be refunded.

Gentlemen,—I improve this opportunity of thanking my fellow-citizens for the honor they have again conferred upon me, in my election to the highly responsible position of their chief magistrate. I recur with pleasure to the kindly feelings, unanimity of opinion, and promptness in the discharge of duty, which characterized the City Council of the last year.

With adhesion to like sentiments and action, and with the blessing of God, our deliberations must be satisfactory to ourselves; and I doubt not will meet with the approval of our fellow-citizens.

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OF THE

City Ore 915'OS TON:

—* <p —= ABBREVIATED RECULATIONS.

One volume can be taken at a time from the Lower Ilall, and one from the Bates Hall. Books can be kept out 14 days.

A fine of 2 cents for each volume will be incurred for each day 2 book is detained more than 14 days.

Any book detained more than a week be- yond the time limited, will be sent for at the expense of the delinquent.

No book is to be lent out of the household of the borrower.

The Library hours for the delivery and re- turn of books are from 10 o’clock, A. M., to 8 o'clock, P. M., in the Lower Hall; and from

10 o'clock, A. M., until one half hour before:

sunset in the Bates Hall.

Every book must, under penalty of one dol- lar, be returned to the Library at such time in August as shall be publicly announced.

The card must be presented whenever a book is returned. For renewing a book the card must be presented, together with the book, or with the shelf-numbers of the book.

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