1877-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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11 impracticability of carrying out these requirements in all cases became apparent in making the attempt, in fast, if carried out to the letter, the old adage, « Penny wise and pound foolish," could be applied with truthfulness. As these suggestions dirt not emanate from any committee, neither were they brought before the town in auy usual or proper manner, their adoption was merely an expression of those persons who happened to be present at that time, therefore they were not considered an imperative command. We have, however, endeavored to carry them out when it could be practically done. Some of the suggestions are worthy of adoption, while as a whole they would be almost useless. Perks. The by -laws of the town make it imperative for the Se- lectmen to appoint annually two nr more Police Officera. There were four appaintod, two for day service and two for night service, the latter for such length of time as their sera view might be needed. After serving several months, quietness and good order prevailed to such an extent the night Police were &charged ft-ern farther duty. As there is no organized police department in town, we deemed it proper these officers should report to the Select- men, from whom they derived their power. As the duties of the Police are so connected with and similar to those of the Constable, one report combines the actions of both. The number of arrests have been: For cruelty to animals, 3 drunkenness, 8 stealing, 2 assault, 1 Total, 12 12 Neither the Constable or Police O®oers have any sugges- done or recommendations to offer, trusting that the good order which has prevailed the past year may continue, and that the present number of officers may he all that will be necessary to preserve the peace. We should most assuredly be remiss in our duty if we neglected to call the especial attention of the town to the custom or habit that has become somewhat prevalent, of not Balling in and paying the demands against the town before the close of the finanoial' year, and if the grants to which these demands belong are exhausted, report the same to the town. Then, and not till then, can a correct statement of the liabilities of the town be made. It will be seen by a reference to the report of the highway Surveyor& for 1875, that a small amount of the grunt remained unexpended, whereas the unpaid bills contracted, and due previous to the 1st of February, amounted to $249.32. It will also be seen that the same condition of affairs. existed in the department of the Overseers of the Poor, only a much larger amount of unpaid bills. There is a claim against the to wu held by Mr. N. L. Bry- ant for expenses incurred in defending a suit brought by Maurice (YOonneli, Esq. This matter has been before the town twice, and each time passed over. We think the olaim should be paid, notwithstanding what the future proceedings in the cane may be. The classification of the many hundred bills for payment to the proper grant, to which they belong, has frequently heretofore given rise to a difference of opinion between the Auditors and the Selectmen. The difference of opinion only changes the amount expended from one grant to another, the aggregate expenses remaining the same, The contingent grant is .intended to meet oases of emergency, or demands that may arise Which are not otherwise provided for. We have taken the expenses of tramps from this grant for reasoner