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23 O'CONNELL VS. SKY.ANT. This suit remains in the same position as one year ago. Mr. O'Connell, objecting to the amount of costs, has taken measures to have the matter considered be- fore a proper tribunal. So far as the town is concerned, the case is practically settled. HURD VS. LEXINGTON. This suit has been withdrawn by request of Mr. Hurd, who has paid the costs, and guaranteed not to make any claim against the town. 1LANDALL'S BRIDGE. An appropriation of $too was made for building a new bridge. When the appropriation was granted the condition of the piers could not be correctly known ; upon removing the wood -work, the walls were found tobe in good repair, consequently only $82.32 was expended. It was very fortunate that the weakness of the bridge was early discovered, as undoubtedly a serious acci- dent would sooner or later have happened. We have briefly alluded in the foregoing pages to some of the principal matters in which the town is interested. It is presumed that an opinion can now be formed as to the amount of appropriations that will be needed the ensuing year. When an amount is recommended as necessary for any appropriation, whether proposed by the School Committee, Engineers of the Fire Depart- ment, Overseers of the Poor, Highway Surveyors, Assessors or Selectmen, it is supposed that each board of officers has considered the present and prospective needs of the several departments which they represent„ and have made their estimate with a knowledge gained by experience. When a town meeting, in considering a recommendation for any purpose, votes to reduce the amount, under the impulse of the moment, it may, by so doing, create an injury whichinay cost more than will be gained. Discussion or enquiry when for infor- mation, is as it should be and is worthy of notice, but when it is to gratify a selfish desire or mercenary motive, then it is not commendable. The discussion that took place at the time of granting money for the Contingent Grant, made k evident that a misconcep- tion existed as to its necessity, as well as its importance. This grant unlike most of the other grants does not. meet any specific demand, but is used for purposes in general; its limits are measured by demands which are incidental and controlled partly by circumstances. Oie of the largest drafts upon this grant the past year, was for payment of the expenses of Mr. Tidd's suit and the two suits of Dr. Holmes. As the amount paid $1,o64.9o,. will not be required this year, a reduction might per- haps be made with safety. The appropriations for Town Officers, whose duties are sp.cified by the Statute Law, can be made with certainty to cover their expenses. The duties of the selectmen are of so wide a range, that the Statutes state they are indefinable, ex- cept so far as they are universal. By reference to the Town Reports for the past eight or ten years, it will be seen that some of the Town Officers, especially the Selectmen, have frequently been called to perform duties that have involved the expense of car fare, car- riage and horse hire, stationery, postage &c. Such ex-