Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-01-04

of sewage publication, which has been
carried out with skill and wisdom,
when it is taken into consideration that
ours was practically the pioneer insti-
tuition of it's kind in this country. A
part Of the original contemplated plan
was the separation of brook and surface
water from sewage proper This plan
was further fixed by decree of court,
made In the equity proceedings brought
to determine the citys duties in the
matter 1t is now in process of actual
construction, the most important branch
of which is the divertng of MillbrOok
1 water from the sewage works. Care
should be taken that we proceed in this
expenditure only so far as it is known,
with reasonable certainty, that benefi-
cial work is being done, and such as
will not be wasted or destroyed by other
necessary public works. 1t would not
appear wise to carry the separation
work up Millbrook sewer farther than
Vernon street until the crossing ques-
ton has been determined, for the potent
reason that the change of grade cross
ings may necesSitate the reconstruction
of any work done above that point.
While this may not be probable, it is
nevertheless within the range of rea-
sonable possibility, and no chance
should be taken in wasting the public
money by duplicate expenditure. This
phase of the sewage question presents
another logical reason why the grade
crossing question, before alluded to,
should be settled speedily 1t will be
prudent to watch closely the effect of
constructing separate sewers in the
westerly and southerly portions of the
city, that success of the plan may be
demonstrated by actual test before too
much money is expended. II is true we
must accept the fact rs settled, that
Worcester must, in some way, make
more perfect the result of sewage puri-
hcation; and while the law should be
ooeyed in good faith, yet we cannot
hope to advance to the desired end With
out care that every step taken be in the
right direction, if thought and skill can
guide 1t The annual cost of maintain
ing our publication works is about $780,
OOO, and, with the sludge presses in op-
GRAFTON, it will reach $35000 The value
OF the city's sewage, if it could be util-
lied, is large, and 1t does not seem prob
able that the wisdom of man will for a
great time be baffled by the problem of
turning this present cause of expense
/ INTO source of revenue, thereby assist
Ing in the maintenance of the plant as
we'll as adding to the production of our
] solL AS long as we are embarked upon
this enterprise of disposing of sewage
I without communicating the waters of
the Blackstone, with an expenditure. IN
to the present time, of SS7O,OOO LET rs
make such a success that even our Mill
pury nelghbors may feel good natured
as the river flows through their commu-
{ nlty, but let US squander no MONEY in
channels not fully ihdorsed by the most
skilled experts. Let us act in entire
good faith in carrying out the spirit. as
Wen, "a as the letter Of the law, even
though we opposed its enactment, trust
ing that they in whose interests this
Jaw was made, will do us the justice
10 peIleVe that we desire q satisfactory
result as well as they.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
The amount of money expended for
current expenses during the last year
was $5OS, 280.O6; for school houses
$l6oOS8.6S. The average number Of
pupils attending the schools was 16 374
4 some dlfference of opinion has arisen In
! the past between the school hoard and
/ city council, which, perhaps, IS natural
considering the fact that the two bodies
are not very closely connected by asso-
clatlon in transacting public business.
would suggest that your committees
on education and finance endeavor to
! nave frequent conferences with the
various committees of the school board
IN order that a full understanding NAV
De mad OF questions coming before your
council.
LAW DEPARTMENT.
Last year the city lost the services
of Col, W. S. B. Hopkins by his resigna-
ton of the office of city solicitor His
able conduct of this department was in
keeping with his high reputation as a
j lawyer. his successor Arthur P. Rugg.
| Esq, has already in his short time of
service shown himself capable of main
tanning the standard set by his eminent
predecessors.
Frequent consultations with the soil
citor, by committees and officials will
result in preventing errors otherwise
likely to occur. You will find our soli-
citor accessible at all reasonable times
and willing to devote his attention in
advising on any matter within the
scope of his duties
NEW CITY HALL
The new city hall Is rapidly nearing,
completion, and in due time appropriate
ceremonies. commensurate with the
beauty and excellence of the structure,
will mark it's dedication to public use.
! l trust it will not be thought il-ad-
other departments of the city, each of
which has features for profitable study.
The endeavor has been to present what
( seem to be conditions claiming your
| special attention, and, if new matters
arise, there win be no hesitation in fur
Their communicating with you in refer
ence thereto.
! Study carefully the reports of the
! heads and governing boards of all de-
partments. They are replete with facts
material in governing our actions, and
Will explain many matters concerning
which misrepresentation might otherwise
arise.
In conclusion, let me urge that we
are bound to anticipate in all our acts
the future growth of this city which
will likely reach the two hundred thou
sand mark while some of you still
| live to see it. We have no right to act
for own lives alone, fl:nging burdens
on others coming after, which could be
avoided by needing lessons of the past
We are not called upon to be prophets
but it is wrong to shut our eyes on to-
morrow while we seek an easy path for
today. Let us meet the problems be-
fore us boldly, but not recklessly; firm
ly, but with no pride of opinion; prompt
ly, but not hastily
May patriotism for our noble city
make u9 true to her interests, unselfish
and untiring in her service, and faithful
to the trusts given for brief time into
our hands by our fellow-citizens.
THE BOARD ORGANIZED.
Alderman 3. w. Potter Elected President