USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1878 > Part 25
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The plan of cultivation, aiming to turn as much as possible of the land into productive hay fields, has been largely favored, and bids fair to speedily make a good return for the cost and labor expended thereon.
During the past two years, no oxen have been used in the farm work, as formerly, their places having been filled by horses, as so many more have been kept on account of collecting the city offal. Five valuable animals connected with the Farm Department have died during the year, and their places having had to be filled by the purchase of others, a large item has unavoidably been added to the expenses,
373
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
The Board have already stated that there is more wood land connected with the farm than is necessary, the establishment now being heated with coal, and again recommend that they be authorized to dispose of some of the out-lying lots, should an opportunity occur, as was recommended by the Investigating Committee of last year, and which could have been advantage- ously disposed of then by the Board of Overseers, but the parties who would have purchased of them, declined to trade with the committee at that time appointed by the City Council.
All the farm buildings are in first-class condition throughout, having been thoroughly painted, inside and out, during the year. A much needed sewer for drainage of the cellar of the horse-barn and the whole area between the buildings, has been put in and connected with the main sewer, thereby providing complete drainage of the whole premises.
The basement rooms on the south side of the east wing of the main building, formerly used as the lodging-room for tramps, have been re-fitted and appropriated to the use of the partially insane inmates, thereby insuring them more comfortable quar- ters, and at the same time relieving the others of the necessity of constant companionship with them, which was, oftentimes, far from agreeable.
The cooking range which was placed in the kitchen when the almshouse was built, having been entirely worn out, has been replaced by a new one of improved pattern and of sufficient capacity to meet the demands of the increasing family, at a cost of two hundred and fifty dollars.
On Thursday, November 31, 1878, the Board of Overseers of the Poor, and the Board of Assessors, met at the City Alms- house for the purpose of making the annual appraisal. It was decided that the present value should be put upon the various articles, without reference to any former appraisal, and the various committees, under the direction of the clerk, proceeded to the several parts that had been assigned them, and on its completion, made the following report :-
374
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
96 acres of cleared land, at $80,
$7,680 00
100 acres of wood land, at $75, . 7,500 00
26 acres of Harlow pasture, at $40, 1,040 00
50 acres of Davidson pasture, at cost,
1,280 00
24 acres of Bond meadow,
1,600 00
8 acres of Curtis lot,
2,400 00
Total value of land,
$20,500 00
Almshouse Building,
$20,000 00
Small Brick House and Corn Barn,
1,000 00
Small Pox Hospital Building,
500 00
Farm Stock Barn,
7,000 00
Horse Stable,
5,000 00
Swine House,
5,000 00
Total value of buildings,
$38,500 00
Total value of land,
20,500 00
Total value of real estate,
$59,000 00
Farm Stock, tools, vehicles, &c.,
8,165 12
Furniture and Household Utensils,
4,402 37
Appurtenances of the Truant School,
263 25
Appertenances of Scavenger Department,
4,502 75
Total valuation,
$76,333 49
The Board also expressed their entire satisfaction with the appearance of the whole establishment, and the faithful manner in which both the Superintendent and Matron had discharged their duties during the past year, and the clerk was instructed to make entry in the records of the same.
The number of paupers in the Almshouse, on the last day of November, was fifty-two, being seven less than in 1876 and 1877, as both of those years had fifty-nine, but the average number during the year has been as large as then, and a much greater proportion of them have been children. The annexed list will furnish full particulars in regard to them.
375
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
List of Paupers who have been fully supported at the Alms- house in this City, during the year 1878 :-
Registered Pauper No.
NAMES.
AGE.
BIRTH.
Began.
Ended.
3 David Kimball,
45 41
Worcester,
Jan. 5, '57
Continues. 66
4 Allen Cummings.
66
Ware,
April 10, '57 Sept. 28, '78 Deceased.
83 Charles Parkhurst,
70 Boston,
June 15, '68 April 12, '78 Deceased.
84 Emeline Parkhurst,-
67 Oakham,
Continues.
87 Thomas Croley,
59
Ireland,
July 28. '68
Continues.
134 William Jones,
71
Salem,
July 1, '70
Continues.
154 Elsie Adams,
54
Worcester,
Mar. 24, '70
Continues.
194 Morris Moriarty,
70
Ireland,
Nov. 6, '71
Continues. Continues.
245 John Luby,
51
Ireland,
Feb. 6, '73
271 William Collins,
21
Worcester,
April 5, '73
Continues.
294 J. J. O'Leary,
52
Ireland,
Aug. 1. '73
Continues. Sept. 17, '78
357 Mary Fitzgerald,
29
Charleston,
Nov. 16, '74
360 Katie Fitzerald,
9
Worcester,
378 Patrick Coffee,
72
Ireland,
Blind.
379 Timothy Coffee,
9 Worcester,
395 James Mackin,
71
Ireland,
June 29, '75 July 21, '75
Jan. 22. '78
Deceased.
411 William Hines,
15 Worcester,
Oct. 12, '75
Oct. 14, '78
438 William Mitchell, 441 John Sweeny,
31
Ireland,
Feb. 28, '75
Continues.
443 Maria McCarty,
Ireland,
Feb. 29, '77
Continues.
451 Maria Morrissy,
58
England,
Mar. 18, '76 Jan. 14, '78
Deceased.
452 Susan Carpenter,
49
Germany,
Apr. 17, '76
Jan. 14, '78
455 Thomas Whalen,
72
Ireland,
Apr. 18, '76 Jan, 14, '78
457 Daniel F. Andrews, 53
Hinsdale,
June 1, '76 Jan. 14, '78
463 Winnie Gaffy,
63
Ireland,
June 27, '77 Mar. 28, '78
Deceased.
47
Worcester,
Sept. 5, '76 May 7, '78
44
Ireland,
Sept. 12, '76 Sept. 7, '78 Sept. 7, '78
473 Thomas Dwyer,
52 Ireland,
Oct. 14, '76
May 31, '78
476 Phylena Hector,
11 Worcester,
479 John McCue.
Ireland,
Dec. 7, '76 Continues. Continues.
494 James Hurley, 499 John McArdle,
21
66
April 18, '77 May 30, 78 Oct. 3, '77
508 William Prescott,
30
Worcester,
July 18, '77
May 8, '78
510 Annie Shea,
12
Worcester,
¥ May.8, '78
511 Katie Shea,
2 48 52
Ireland,
Aug. 4, '77 Aug. 15, '77
May 4, '78
516 Patrick Hurley, 517 John Collins,
44
66
519 Roxanna Lennon,
Sept. 14, '77
520 Henry M. Ide,
Dec. 31, '77
522 Catherine Walcott,
2
525 Jas. J. Johnson,
-
Unknown,
66
Feb. 2, '78 Continues. Continues.
526 William Coxon,
68
England,
Sept. 15, '77 Sept. 24, '77 Oct. 29, '77
Continues.
524 John Lewis,
47 46 Prov., R. I. 62 Williamst'n, Worcester,
Mar. 13. '77
Oct. 31. '78
506 Honora Leary,
30 Ireland,
Nov. 3, '78 Continues.
509 Margaret Shea,
33 Ireland,
May 8, '78
514 Michael Hayes,
4
Worcester,
Nov. 16, '75 Nov. 23, '78
483 Cornelius Hurley,
14 9
Worcester,
Jan. 24, '77
401 Henry Hoyle,
33
Grafton,
Nov. 21, '74 Sept. 19, '78 Continues. Feb. 4, '74 Continues. Continues. Continues. Continues.
400 Dexter W. Jones,
81
Mass.,
402 George Matthewson,
57
Rhode Island,
Sept. 1, '75
65
England,
Jan. 21, '76
Continues.
-
PLACE OF
PERIOD OF SUPPORT.
REMARKS.
21 Miranda P. Smith,
April 2, '57
Continues. Dec. 31, '77 Continues.
465 George Gleason, 468 Johanna Buckley, 469 John Buckley,
Idiotic .: Par'y Insane Deceased.
376
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
List of Paupers .- Continued.
Registered Pauper No.
NAMES.
AGE.
BIRTH.
Began.
Ended.
527 George Palmer,
64
Salem,
Nov. 5, '77
528|Margaret Welch,
-
Unknown,
Nov. 6, '77
Continues. May 5, '78
530 Clark Goulding,
59
Maine,
Nov. 26, '77
Mar. 12, '78
531 William Lee,
21
Sterling,
Nov. 21, '77
Feb. 4, '78
532 Jacob Wilson,
39
Germany,
Dec. 8, '77
May 8, '78
533 William Gardner,
71
Norwich,
Dec. 11, '77
Continues.
534 Louisa Johnson,
46
So. Dartmouth Dec. 11, '77
Dec. 13, '77
Sept 3, '78
537 James Brennock,
9
Worcester,
Dec. 13, '77
Sept. 3, '78
538 Robert Brennock,
7 Worcester,
Dec. 13, '77
Sept. 3, '78
539 Bridget Brennock,
5 Worcester,
2
Worcester,
Dec. 13, '77
Sept. 3, '78
541 Bessie Johnson,
7
Connecticut, Ireland,
Dec. 11, '77
Dec. 23, '77
542 Edward Deady,
8
Worcester,
Jan 19, '78
July 19, '78 Continues.
545 Alice Spencer,
10
Worcester,
Jan. 26, '78
May 15, '78
546 Edward Spencer,
6
Worcester,
Jan. 26, '78
May 15, '78
547 Lydia Brown,
68
Worcester,
Feb. 1, '78
Continues.
548 Henry M. Ide,
46 Prov., R. Í.
18
Worcester,
Mar. 4, '78
Mar. 21, '78
50
Ireland,
Mar. 5, '78
Continues.
551 Timothy Gleason,
10
Worcester,
Mar. 7, '78
Apr. 6, '78
8
Worcester,
Mar. 7, '78
Apr. 6, '78
553 Florence Gleason,
5
Worcester,
Mar. 7, '78
Apr. 6. '78
554 Joseph Damon,
11
Mar. 9, '78
Apr. 6, '78
555 Charles H. Newton,
32
Mar. 16, '78
Apr. 15, '78
556 Hattie L. Newton,
22
Mar. 16, '78
May 11, '78
557 Ellenwood Newton,
2 N. H.,
Mar. 16, '78
May 11, '78
558 Mary V. Newton,
1nf.
Apr. 10, '78
May 11, '78
559 Frank Cullion,
68
Worcester, Ireland,
Apr. 16, '78
May 1, '78
560 James Cullion,
27 Worcester,
Apr. 22, '78 May 17, '78
561 Adeline M. Young, 562 Zoe Hale,
17 N. Carolina,
Apr. 26, '78
May 11, '77
563 Josephine Cornell,
10
Worcester, Ireland,
May 6, '78
Aug. 17, '78 July 15, '78 Continues.
566 Timothy Gleason,
10
Worcester,
May 6, '78
567 John Gleason,
8
Worcester,
May 6, '78
Aug. 18, '78 Continues.
569
Henry Gleason,
2 Worcester,
May 6, '78
July 15. '78
570 Mary Gleason, 571 Eliza King,
69
May 8, '78
Continues.
572 Emma H Taylor,
42
Orange,
May 25, '78
Continues.
573 Timothy Reagan,
55 Ireland,
June 4, '78
Continues.
574 Michael Coffee, 2nd.
31 Ireland,
June 13, '78
Oct. 1, '78
575 Hannah Flanley, 576 Frank Flanley,
42
Ireland,
June 13, '78 June 16, '78 June 13, '78 June 17, '78 June 13, '78 June 17, '78
577 Mary Flanley,
9
Worcester,
31
Ireland,
June 14, '78 June 14, '78 June 20, '78
Continues. Continues. Continues. Continues Nov. 9, '78
582 Lyman W. Hood,
5
42
So. Boston, Springfield,
July 8, '78
Aug. 2, '78
585 Michael Kelley, 2nd.
12 Worcester,
July 8, '78
Aug. 2, '78
586 Thomas Kelley,
July 8, '78
Aug. 2, '78
587 Margaret Kelley,
10 Worcester, 8 Worcester,
July 8, '78
Aug. 2, '78
Deceased.
535 Michael Brennock,
51
Ireland, Ireland,
Dec. 13, '77
Sept. 3, '78
536 Mary Brennock,
-
Dec. 13, '77
Sept. 3, '78
June 20, '78
544 Enoch Stallardt,
52
Germany,
Jan. 19, '78
Feb. 15, '78
May 15, '78
549 George Lee,
552 John Gleason,
Leominster, Westboro', N. H.,
Apr. 23, '78
Continues.
568 Florence Gleason, 5 Worcester,
May 6, '78
May 6, '78
June 28, '78 Deceased.
11
Worcester,
578 Bridget Kaniry,
579 Thomas Kaniry,
10
580 Margaret Welch,
-
581 Louisa Hood,
July 1, '78
July 1, '78 July 8, '78
Aug. 2, '78
583 Michael Kelley,
584 Johanna Kelley,
31
Worcester, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown,
PERIOD OF SUPPORT.
PLACE OF
REMARKS.
Continues.
Deceased. Deceased.
51 Worcester,
May 1, '78
565 Bridget Gleason,
Jan. 16, '78
Dec. 23, '77
540 Katie Brennock,
543 John Laverty,
550 Hannah Sullivan,
2 Worcester, Ireland,
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
List of Paupers .- Continued.
Registered Pauper No.
NAMES.
AGE.
PLACE OF BIRTH.
Began.
Ended.
588 James Kelley,
6
Worcester,
July 8, '78
Aug. 2, '78
589 Mary A. Kelley,
3
Sutton,
July 8, '78
Aug. 2, '88
590 Frances Murphy,
74
Ireland,
July 8, '78
Continues.
591 Edward Deady,
45
Ireland,
July 27, '78
Continues.
592 Michael Hayes,
48
Ireland,
July 27, '78
Continues.
593 Wm. A. Howland,
75
Penn.
Aug. 12, '78
Sept. 6, '78
Deceased.
594 Mary Ladeaux,
28
Canada,
Aug. 28, '78 Sept. 29, '78
595
Abbie Ladeaux,
9
Wendall,
Aug. 28, '78
Sept. 27, '78
596
George W. Stebbins,
17
Worcester,
Aug. 28, '78 Continues.
597 George Stanley,
42
Natick,
Sept. 11, '78
Continues.
598 James Belden,
65
Northfield,
Sept. 17, '78 Continues.
599
Rebecca Lingley,
59
Nova Scotia,
Sept. 19, '78
Sept. 23, '78 Continues.
601 Thomas McCann,
64
Ireland,
Oct. 25, '78
Continues.
602 James Lynch, 602 William Maple,
45
Ireland,
Oct. 30, '78
Continues.
604 Peter McGirl,
67
Ireland,
Nov. 25, '78
Continues.
605 James Belden,
65
Northfield,
Nov. 26, '78
Continues.
606 Mary Underwood,
18
Worcester,
Nov. 27, '78 Continues.
607 Ansel W. Underwood Inf.
Worcester,
Nov. 27, '78 Continues.
608 Patrick Hurley.
49
Ireland.
Nov. 30, '78 Continues.
Deceased.
600 John Murphy,
75
Ireland,
Sept. 27, '78
-
Unknown,
Nov. 6, '78
Continues.
377
PERIOD OF SUPPORT.
REMARKS.
378
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
CITY ALMSHOUSE DEPARTMENT.
No. of Paupers.
Amount of Expenditures.
Receipts above Expenditures.
Amount of Receipts.
Net Cost.
1877.
December.
66
$1,087 19
$1,087 19
1878.
January.
68
949 31
$48 05
901 26
February
68
761 24
761 24
March
74
865 72
...
865 72
April
77
611 15
6 13
605 02
May
79
890 98
$473 35
1,364 33
June
69
901 29
8 86
892 43
July.
76
1,081 85
512 17
569 68
August
77
932 33
239 62
693 71
September.
70
947 40
29 80
917 60
October
55
1,416 33
603 37
812 76
November.
53
1,678 66
340 45
1,338 21
$12,124 45
$473 35
$3,152 98
$9,444 82
Appropriation. Revenue,
$9,000 00
3,152 98
Total,
$12,152 98
Expenditures,
12,124 45
Unexpended balance,
$28 53
This account includes the salary of the Superintendent, and all hired labor at the almshouse and farm.
379
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
CITY SCAVENGER DEPARTMENT.
In accordance with our suggestion a year since, that, in order to obtain a clearer understanding in reference to the cost of the swine department at the City Farm, a separate appropriation be made for the same, instead of having it included in the sum provided for maintenance of the Almshouse, the sum of two thousand dollars was set apart for that purpose, which appropri- ation, although much less than the expense of the preceding year, it was thought that with the improved management already introduced, would be sufficient.
Although we had then done better than formerly, we stated that we hoped another year to make further improvement. As the auditor's accounts show but $1,144.79 of the $2,000.00, spent against the sum of $2,452.19 which was the cost in 1877, and $5,334.19 in 1876, no one can say that considerable progress has not been made in the direction of economy ; and we firmly believe that should the city ordinance in reference to the carry- ing of offal through the streets be strictly enforced, as has been recommended by this Board, this division of our department would have been entirely self-sustaining.
380
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
CITY SCAVENGER DEPARTMENT.
Monthly Accounts.
Amount of Expenditures.
Receipts above Expenditures.
Amount of Receipts.
Net Cost.
1877.
December.
$465 34
..
.......
$465 34
1878.
January.
196 65
$234 20
$430 85
.
...
February
180 52
180 52
March. .
131 32
61 62
69 70
April
115 02
73 84
41 18
May
1,034 10
323 70
710 40
June.
287 26
572 01
859 27
July .
293 84
125 00
168 84
August
257 00
104 65
152 35
September
283 32
25 40
357 92
October
505 95
146 90
359 05
November.
356 77
554 30
911 07
$4,207 09
$1,360 51
$3,062 30
$2,505 30
Appropriation, Revenue,
$2,000 00
3,062 30
Total,
$5,062 30
Expenditures,
4,207 09
Unexpended,
$855 21
...
...
381
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
TRUANT SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
As we have heretofore given all the particulars in reference to the Truant School, we now refer to this division of our charge as Overseers of the Poor, but only to show the regular monthly statements of its condition and costs during the year as they have come before the Board, and are contained in the annexed table. For a full history, record, and description of the same, from its inception to the present time, and for the views of the sub-committee of the Board who have the particular charge and management of it, and who are thoroughly conversant with all its workings, we refer you to their special report which accom- panies this, and is cordially endorsed by the entire Board.
382
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
TRUANT SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
Monthly Account.
Number of Pupils.
Cost of Board.
Clothing and other Expenses.
Teaching and Supervision.
1877.
December.
8
$88 56
$8 50
$21 18
1878.
January.
7
83 21
18 87
21 00
February
6
70 00
5 00
21 18
March.
6
71 78
9 50
21 00
April.
7
71 78
14 00
21 00
May
6
75 00
13 00
21 00
June. .
7
77 47
11 00
21 00
July.
6
77 47
21 00
August
6
77 49
21 00
September
9
84 54
...
.
21 00
October
10
· 87 50
11 20
21 00
November.
7
85 68
8 25
21 00
$950 48
$99 32
$252 18
Appropriation,
· $1,800 00
Cost of Board,
950 48
Clothing and other expenses,
99 32
Teaching and Supervision,
252 18
Total Expenditures,
$1,301 98
Unexpended balance,
498 02
Average number of pupils,
7
Average cost per capita,
$186 00
383
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
The Physician chosen by the City Council at the commence- ment of the year, having failed to qualify, Dr. D. W. Niles was afterward chosen, and, we believe, has conscientiously endeav- ored to discharge the duties of his office faithfully, and as they are mostly connected with the Pauper Department, they have come largely under our observation. In our official relations, he has been uniformly courteous and gentlemanly. He has had a large amount of labor to perform and received the thanks of his many patients.
A report in detail from him is attached to this, to which you are respectfully referred.
GEORGE W. GALE,
Clerk.
CHARLES B. PRATT,
W. ANSEL WASHBURN,
ALBERT P. MARBLE,
GEORGE W. GALE,
JAMES DRAPER,
CALVIN L. HARTSHORN,
CHARLES BELCHER,
CHARLES F. RUGG,
WALTER HENRY,
Overseers of the Poor of the City of Worcester.
REPORT
OF THE.
Committee on the Truant School.
To the Honorable City Council of the City of Worcester :
The Committee on the Truant School submit the following report, for the year ending November 30, 1878 :
This school was established in the year 1863, in accordance with a State law which requires Cities and towns to make all needful provisions for the instruction of habitual truants. It is kept at the City Almshouse, where convenient quarters are provided for the teacher and the pupils ; for the latter, a play- room, bath-room and water-closet in the basement, and a dormi- tory and school-room on the first floor of the west wing, all well lighted and heated by a furnace; these rooms are all made secure by strong doors and grated windows; and for the teacher an airy and comfortable room in the same wing, all separated from the pauper department by a solid brick wall with iron doors. Board is provided for both teacher and pupils; and a suit of clothes, for each boy upon entrance at the school, which he is allowed to retain when he is discharged at the end of his sentence. Books and school furniture are supplied, and a library of miscellaneous reading. The pupils are required to sweep and take care of their rooms, make their own beds, and to bathe regularly. All this they do under the supervision of their teacher. Careful attention is given to their deportment; and each boy understands that his sentence may be shortened by
385
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
orderly conduct and studious habits. They are thus stimulated to well-doing from the first. The constant influence of a refined and cultivated lady, who devotes her whole attention to the school, is directed to the reform of the vicious habits of these wayward boys. They may be visited by their parents or friends once a month, on application to the Clerk of the Overseers of the Poor, at his office in the City Hall, on any Wednesday afternoon, and in so far as they prove to be trusty, they are allowed work, out of school hours about the farm, in the stables and in the house. For whatever labor' they perform the school is credited.
The school is under the control of the Overseers of the Poor, and in special charge of the Committee who took the place of the Truant Commissioners by a change of the law in the year 1863. The Superintendent of the Almshouse exercises daily supervision of the school. Refractory boys are punished by the rod when moral means fail; and any one of them who persists in any outrageous course of conduct- which seldom happens- is given opportunity for reflection for a longer or shorter period, not exceeding a few hours, in a dark room.
The younger children of the inmates of the Almshouse, who, be it observed, bear the image of God like other children, are also taught in this school. The number of pupils is thus doubled; and the interest in study is thereby increased.
No truant is sent here till all other means of reformation have failed : the influence of his teacher; parental authority, in so far as it exists and can be exerted; the admonitions of the truant officers, kindly, and often repeated; and the solemn warnings, many times, of the school authorities. The school at length becomes a last resort to keep boys from entering upon a positive course of crime, and the reform school, or the jail.
It is believed that in the great majority of cases, boys who have served a term of from six months to two years, the limits of the sentences imposed by the court, have returned to school and become punctual and diligent scholars. Cases can be pointed out of boys who had been bent on mischief before their stay at this school, and who on returning to the common schools have become almost models of excellence. In a very few
25
386
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
instances boys have been sent a second time. These pupils, and in fact nearly all truants, become such because they have either no parental care, or worse than none. It therefore becomes an act of benevolence, as well as a necessity, to restrain these incipient criminals and keep them from entering upon graver courses of crime, for the protection of society.
The whole number of truants - pupils - connected with the school for the year, is . 18
Number at the beginning of the year,
8
Number at the end of the year,
7
Average number belonging, .
7
COST.
Amount appropriated by City Council, .
$1,800 00
EXPENDITURES.
For board, teacher and pupils,
$950 48
Clothing and miscellaneous,
99 32
Teaching and supervision,
$252 18
Total,
$1,301 98
Balance unexpended,
498 02
Average cost per pupil,
186 00
Though the whole amount appropriated last year has not been used upon the school, we respectfully recommend the same appropriation for the coming year, because it is impossible to predict how many truants it may be necessary to provide for ; and because no more than is actually necessary will be used, thus leaving the balance for other necessary purposes.
The cost per pupil, above, seems very large; and the ques- tion has been raised whether it pays to support this school, and whether it is necessary. In this question your Committee are not more interested than every good citizen; they hold them- selves responsible for its administration only, not for its creation. For a more complete understanding of the subject, however, we suggest the following:
FIRST, Whether the price is too great where a good boy is made of one who would otherwise become a criminal - and an expensive kind of criminal ; for these boys are not by any means fools, whatever else they are.
387
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
SECOND, This average cost might be very much reduced if it were the policy to send truants hither as soon as possible ; for after the school is once organized, the more pupils, the less average cost, since the same rooms, teacher, and fuel, will ans- wer for many as for few. The aggregate cost, however, would be greater ; and the opposite policy has been followed of sending as few as possible.
THIRD, The value of this school is not wholly nor chiefly confined to the pupils who attend. Every month the truant officers bring back to school from 150 to 200 truants. Each one of these sees before him the strict confinement and disci- pline of this school, and stops after taking a few steps, more or less. Only the most persistent reach the school. It is there- fore even more useful in that which it prevents, than in what it does.
FOURTH, Cities and towns destitute of provisions for truants, find the necessity for such provision imminent. Having this school, we do not experience the necessity for it; but that necessity must have appeared when the school was created, and doubtless would again appear if the school were to be abolished.
We invite for this institution careful scrutiny of its merits and defects, if any, and of its influence and usefulness both direct and remote. We do this with confidence in the wisdom that established the school, despite the animadversions of any youthful, zealot, more anxious to make an exhibition of prowess by doing something, than wise to do anything well, or of any pseudo-economist, bent on cutting down cost regardless of consequences.
All which is most respectfully submitted.
A. P. MARBLE, Superintendent of Schools. W. ANSEL WASHBURN, City Marshal. C. L. HARTSHORN, Chairman on the Farm.
COMMITTEE ON THE TRUANT SCHOOL.
WORCESTER, Jan. 3, 1879.
ANNUAL REPORT
P
OF THE
CITY PHYSICIAN.
To the Honorable City Council :
IN conformity to the requirements of the City Ordinance, Chap. XXXIV., Sect. 1., the City Physician respectfully sub- mits the following report of professional services rendered by him from March 5, 1878, to Nov. 30, 1878, inclusive :-
Whole number of visits and consultations, 849
Office consultations. not including those relating to the business of the Board of Health, 60
Visits at the homes of the patients, 580
Visits at the Police Station, 20
Visits at the City Farm, 39
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