The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1901-12-07
FLASH LIGHT
AND BAND
Sound of Horns and Process of
Photographing Commission
Were Only Enlivening Features
at Clinton Hearing
OLD STORIES ABOUT
DECREASED VALUES

| FedTS because vi GIedliUIi VI
Great Lake Again Expressed
Hearing Was Adjourned at
Close of Session Until Next
tuesday Morning
Special to The Spy.
Clinton, Dec. 6.-The Commission ap-
pointed to hear the claims of Sterling,
Holden and Clinton, for damages
caused by the construction of the Wa
chusett Reservoir had a lively day, but
not because of the exciting nature of
| the evidence. Interest was loaned by
brass band, which was one Of the
attractions of show that played in
the hall tonight. The noise of the mu-
sicians who were practicing penetrated
the room, and sometimes almost
| drowned the sound of voices.
| In the afternoon the commissioners
were photographed by flash light for
| the benefit of a Boston newspaper. The
explosion came from behind Judge
Corcoran, counsel for Clinton, and made
, him think that fire had antedated the
flood, which he has been fortelling to
1.-THE commission throughout the week.
| The hearing opened at $50 o'clock.
All the commissioners were present. Dr.
Daniel B. Ingalls, made a supplement-
ary statement, showing that of the
first appropriation of 27,000,O00 for the
Metropolitan Water Works, Boston got
flor it's Sudbury system 1,450, 767, and of
the entire appropriation of $40, 100000
has received 3S per cent. He urged some
NfOF, CHI
given the right to tax the property of
the Metropolitan District in Clinton.
He thought the annuity hitherto asked
for would be a beggarly sum compared
with what the town is entitled too, and
what ii would receive as return for
! taxation.
| Some Of the interesting testimony Of
the day was given by witnesses from
Hopkinton, confirming the claims of
!Clinton regarding the disastrous results
to real estate of the operations of the
water board. Hopkinton was taken
into the system in 1890 and has, accord
ing to these witnesses, already suffered
the damage Clinton people expect their
town will suffer.
Hopkinton receives an annuity from
the Commonwealth of $1,000 year.
| A new element of damage, although
a small one, was brought out in the
levidence of former Water Commission
Ter George S. Gibson. 1t consists in the
Iloss of patrons of the water system,
lamong persons who occupied property
seized by the water board.
One element also a small element,
was eliminated. The claim had been
made that there was a possibility that
the growth of Lancaster mills would be
lhindered by a limitation in it's supply
lof water. Under the settlement with
the water board the corporation is
permitted the use of 100000 gallons
a week from the Nashua River. 1t
was alleged that the present need of
the mill demanded this quantity. But
Assistant Attorney HallOwell read from
the act to show that the Lancaster
mills can take $4,000, 900 gallons if it
becomes necessary.
julius A. M. Wittig, member Of
the board of assessors, Hon. Lucius
Field, member of governors council,
George S. Gibson, John S. Allen and
Warren Goodale were the local wit
lnesses who were heard during the day.
Their evidence was mainly corrobor-
lative of that given yesterday. They all
testified to the depreciation of values.
in real estate, and to the fear of flood
which is generally felt in Clinton.
Mr. Wittig brought in tables show
ling the increase in the number of
buildings in Clinton in the last two
years. He also brought in tables show
ling the increase in valuation for each
period of six years following 1871.
He testified more particularly to the
growth of malaria in the town. This
disease was almost unknown in Clinton
lprior to the water works. He knew of
five persons who had been i'll with ma
laria in the last few months.
Mr.. Wittig testified to the doors aris
ing from the partially dry bed of the
Nashua river more particularly than
other witnesses had done. He said that
the odor was due to refuse from the
gas works, dyes and oils coming from
/ Lancaster millsy and refuse in the bed,
of the stream. The odors were very
disagreeable and were noticeable in
quite cold weather The commission
ers could smell them if they went to
the right neighborhood. Cross exami-
nation by Mr.. Hallowell brought the
informa ton that Mr. Wittig had been
an assessor II years, that he is a shoe
dealer, and that he is paid 50 cents an
hour while he is employed as assessor.
Some witnesses from Sterling who
had come in thinking that Sterling was
to be heard again today, were inform
ed that they would not be needed again
until Tuesday.
Mr.. Field confined his testimony
largely to the depreciation of real es-
tate. There was no question in his
mind, but that the market was poor,
and the value deprecated.
Mr.. Field showed more familiarity
with the map than any witness who
has been heard, and using a pointer
indicated localities with ease.
John s. Allen said he was an archi-
tect and born in Clinton. He has been
in business for himself for five years.
He testified especially regarding the
streets taken by the water board.
His examination developed more fully
the use of the Nashua River below the
dam and at the elbow above the dam
as a play ground for the people. A ca
noe club had a home on the banks.
Many people went to the neighborhood
especially Saturday afternoons. In
winter the river was the resort Of ska
ters. 1t was used as a trotting course,
to which horses came from surrounding
| towns. These trots were witnessed by
| crowds Of people.
George S. Gibson testified that he is
! and has been a member of the water
! board Of Clinton. He was years an
assessor Of the town. Mr.. Gibson
/ thought the town had lost Il valuable
privilege in the water power developed
by the river.
Mr.. Hallowell asked a hypothetical
question, as follows: Given a mill in
a certain town, and water power Of
/ one-third the capacity of the mill, and
assuming the value Of the whole to
be 100000, and also assuming the
water power to be taken and replaced
with an equivalent of other power Just
as valuable, and the valuation to re-
main s100.000-what would be the loss
| to that town.
! The witness replied that the mill
might burn down and the equivalent
power be destroyed by fire, but the
water power cannot be so destroyed.