USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1885 > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
Those connected with the Hospital as officers and employés have, almost without exception, attended to their duties with faithfulness and interest.
The members of the visiting staff have, all of them, by faithful attendance and continued interest and by a large amount of val- uable service rendered, placed the Hospital and its management under renewed obligations.
And finally, gentlemen, to your Board I am greatly indebted for continued confidence and support.
Appended to this report are the usual tables, etc.
CHAS. A. PEABODY,
Superintendent and Resident Physician.
WORCESTER, December 11, 1885.
Cases treated and their Results, from December 1, 1884, to December 1, 1885.
MEDICAL.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1884.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
Much relieved.
Relieved.
Not relieved.
Not treated.
Eloped.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1885.
Albumenuria .
10
3
13
· ·
Alcoholism
4
4
3
3
1
Anæmia
1
2
3
1
2
3
Ascites .
1
.
10
10
7
2
1
10 1
Cerebro-spinal Meningitis
1 1
2
3
Cirrhosis
Debility
2
3
5
3
1
1
5
Diarrhœa
7
7
6
1
7
Diphtheria .
1
1
1
1
Dysentery
1
1
1
1
Dyspepsia .
5
2
7
2
2
2
6
1
Epilepsy . .
1
1
1
·
1
1
Exposure
4
.
4 1
4
1
1
Emphysema
1
1
.
1
1
Febricula . .
7
7
Fever, Intermittent
3
1
15
.
.
1
13
2
Fever, Chagres
1
4
1
6
2
2
1
1
6
Hæmaturia. .
1
1
1
2
.
2 1
2
Intestinal Obstruction
1
1
1
2
1
1
·
3
10
1
Phthisis, Acute
2
2
Pleuritis
3
7
1
7
1
1
2
11 2
Rheumatism
1
21
14
36
26
6
2
1
·
1
1
Tonsillitis
1
1
2
2
2
Uterine
1
24
25
7
5
3
2
21
4
Infants
1
·
1
1
Vaginitis, Infantile
1
Eczema .
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
Herpes Zoster
1
·
1
1
1
Psoriasis
1
1
1
1
No disease
1
·
Total Medical Cases.
15
125
77
217
104
87 25 11
2| 3 20 202
15
·
1
1
.
·
1
Hemoptysis
4
·
4 1
1
·
1
1
Neuralgia .
1
1
Neurasthenia
1
1
Paralysis
4
1
5
5
Phthisis .
5
6
11
2
2
1
2
2
Pregnancy .
· ·
2
2
1
1
·
35
1
Septicemia
1
·
1
·
4
·
.
4
Pneumonia
1
3
4 11
6 4 12
1
4
Fever, Typhoid
4
9
2
1
. .
·
1
.
1
Bronchitis
Cephalalgia
1
.
1
1
.
3
3
1
.
1
Exhaustion
1
1
4
Enteritis
1
7 4
Insanity .
1
Lead Poisoning
2
1
3
1
·
·
3 2
2 1
3 2
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
.
1
Heart Disease
1
.
1
4
13
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
1
256
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
SURGICAL.
DISEASES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1884.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
Much relieved.
Relieved.
Not relieved.
Not treated.
Eloped.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1885.
Abscess
1
8
2
11
1
11
10
1
Balanitis
1
1
·
.
Bunion
Calculus, Vesic.
Cancer.
1
2
11
14
2
3
4
2
3
14
Cataract
Cellulitis
4
1
5
3
1
1
5
Cicatrix from burn
Cystic Gland .
Cystitis
1
2
3
1
1
2
1
Dis. of Testes
2
2
2
2
Epithelioma .
5
5
3
1
1
5 1
Fissure in Ano
1
3
3
1
1
3
1
Hernia, Strangulated .
1
1
1
·
1
1
Hydrocele.
2
2
2
Iritis
1
1
4
4
9
5
2
1
1
2
Orchitis .
2
2
1
1
2
1
1
1 1 5
1 1
3
1
5
Synovitis .
5
5
3
1
4
1
Tumor, Fatty .
2
1
3
3
Tumor, Sebaceous
3
3
1
2
5
4
9
1
Ulcer of Cornea
1
.
.
1
1
Ulcer, Rectum .
Weak Knees
1
1
1
1
.
No Diagnosis
1
2
2
2
1
·
INJURIES.
Bruises
5
1
6
4 5
1
5
1
Burn .
4
3
7
7
Cut Throat
1
1
2
2
Dislocation of Wrist
Dislocation of Elbow .
1
1
1
1
.
Dislocation of Shoulder
2
2
1
1
.
Dislocation of Hip .
2
2
.
.
2
.
·
·
·
.
.
·
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Hemorrhoids.
Hernia, Incarc.
.
1
1
.
2
1
8 1
1
Neuroma
Ophthalmia
2
1 2
1
Osteo-sarcoma
Periostitis .
Stricture, Urethra
5
.
·
5
4
1
1
1
.
1
1
·
.
·
2
1
.
.
1
1
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
8 1 . 1 . 00
.
. .
1
1
· .
.
1
.
1
1
1
Fistula in Ano
1
1
1
Necrosis .
1
·
.
1
3
3
Ulcer, Chronic
1
1
Hypertrophy of Matrix
Ingrowing Nail
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
·
2
1
10
1
.
DISCHARGED.
ADMITTED.
1
CITY HOSPITAL.
SURGICAL .- Continued.
INJURIES.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1884.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Well.
Much relieved.
Relieved.
Not relieved.
Not treated.
Eloped.
Died.
Total.
In Hosp. Dec. 1, 1885.
Dislocation of Ankle.
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
1
Fracture of Skull
2
1
3
1
·
.
1
Fracture of Carpus .
1
.
3
1
2
3
Fracture Condyles of Humerus
2
2
.
.
.
2
Fracture of Scapula
1
5
6
1
4
1
·
3
3
Fracture of Ribs .
2
2
2
2
Fracture of Tibia
1
3
4
4
4
Fracture of Tibia and Fibula
1
1
1
1
Fracture of Femur .
5
5
5
5
Fracture of Neck of Femur
1
1
1
1
Fracture c. c. of Tarsus
2
2
2
2
Fracture c. c. of Tib. and Fib.
1
1
2
2
2
Fracture of Com. Tibia
.
.
.
.
1
1
.
Fracture c. c. of Humerus
2
2
1
1
1
Fracture c. c. of Phalanges .
13
13
3
5
5
13
Injury to Head .
2
1
3
2
1
3
Injury to Eye
3
3
2
1
3
Injury to Arm
2
2
1
1
1
1
Injury to Hand .
1
.
.
3
2
1
3
Injury to Leg
1
1
2
2
Injury to Knee
1
1
1
.
.
1
Multiple Injuries .
11
1
12
6
2
3
11
1
Rupture of Bladder.
1
1
.
.
1
1
Wound, Gunshot .
6
1
7
2
2
3
7
Wound, Contused
5
.
·
1
4 3
5
Wound, Lacerated
1
7
1
9
5
2
2
9
Wound, Punctured .
2
1
3
1
1
1
3
Wound of Artery
3
3
1
2
3
Wound of Scalp .
Total Surgical Cases.
12
251
48
251
115
52 41
7
3 17
235
16
.
.
1
1
.
1
Fracture of Radius and Ulna .
3
.
.
2
2
.
2
·
6
Fracture of Vertebra
3
3
.
.
·
Fracture c. c. of Tibia .
1
1
. .
1
Fracture c. c. of Carpus
1
1
1
1
Injury to Elbow
1
.
.
1
1
1
Injury to Back .
3
2
.
Sprain.
5
2
7
2
5
7
Wound, Incised
5
.
5 5
1
1
.
.
·
.
2
Fracture of Clavicle
1
1
Fracture of Nose .
1
2
.
1
ADMITTED.
DISCHARGED.
257
.
2
.
1
.
5
1
258
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
DONATIONS.
December, 1884. Dr. R. Woodward, books and papers; W. E. Cutter, illustrated papers ; Charles H. Davis, magazines ; Miss Martha Valentine, Christmas cards; Wm. Woodward, . Christmas cards ; Mrs. C. M. Lamson, Christmas cards and fruit ; Ladies of the Church of the Unity, garments.
January, 1885. H. C. Wheaton, pieces ; Mrs. S. C. Aber- crombie, pieces ; Mrs. H. A. Howe, pieces ; Mrs. Walter Bige- low and Lawrence G. Bigelow, 61 bound volumes, pamphlets and papers ; Mrs. G. W. Rice, 2 dressing gowns ; Ladies, Church of the Unity, 6 flannel garments.
February. F. B. Knowles, box of oranges; H. G. O. Blake, shirts, &c .; Mrs. Adin Thayer, pieces; Wm. H. Scott, year's subscription to " Youth's Companion."
March. Mrs. B. C. Moore, pieces; Mrs. P. L. Moen, shirts, pieces and flowers ; Ladies of Church of the Unity, garments ; Mrs. W. W. Rice, shirts ; Mrs. A. E. Wilson, papers and pieces ; Mrs. C. B. Pratt, pieces ; Mrs. C. H. Hill, pieces ; Mrs. Geo. F. Verry, papers and pieces ; Barnard, Sumner & Co., papers ; Dr. C. W. Cooke, pieces; Rev. Geo. S. Paine, shirts and pieces ; Mrs. George Sumner, shirts and pieces ; Mr. Salisbury, flowers.
April. Mrs. Alfred Parker, pieces ; Mrs. Whitaker, pieces.
May. E. B. Niles, pieces ; Mrs. Shaffer, papers ; Miss Dodd, pieces ; Mrs. A. S. Kimball, pieces ; Miss A. T. Ball, papers and pieces ; Barnard, Sumner & Co., papers; E. T. Robinson, papers.
June. Mrs. Charles Mecorney, pieces ; Mrs. Charles Stewart, pieces ; Mrs. Bullens, pieces ; Estate of Clarendon Harris, 60 shirts and pieces ; Mrs. Briggs, slippers and papers ; Mrs. A. Whitcomb, pieces ; Mrs. Charles Brooks, pieces.
July. Mrs. Gill, periodicals and clothing ; Mrs. George Buckingham, shirts.
August. Cut flowers from Mrs. C. E. Brooks, Miss Abby M. Lovell of West Boylston, Mrs. L. Morey of Shrewsbury, and Mrs. Thos. Ward.
CITY HOSPITAL. 259
September. Prof. Sinclair, four dollars for fruit for patients ; Dr. R. Woodward, periodicals ; Mrs. C. C. Luther, 14 shirts ; and pieces from Mrs. Miller, Mr. Charles Sibley, Mrs. Putnam, Mrs. P. H. Carroll, Mrs. Dickinson, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Phebe Wingate, Mrs. Turner, C. R. Jones, and Mrs. Morgan.
October. Jos. E. Davis, periodicals ; A. W. B., shirts ; Young Ladies of the High School, flowers; Mrs. L. A. Greenwood, shirts and papers ; E. B. Wells, pieces ; Mrs. W. E. Barber, books ; Mrs. Ross, pieces ; Mrs. E. T. Smith, shirts ; Mrs. Benj. Walker, pieces ; Mrs. S. M. Smith, pieces; Edward Kendall, shirts and pieces ; Mrs. J. Henry Hill, pieces, shirts, sheets and reading matter ; Mrs. Fitch, pieces ; Mrs. Dr. Francis, old linen ; Mrs. Charles McGorey, pieces ; Mrs. Gill, pieces ; J. Luther, pieces ; Mrs. Willard Ward, pieces; Miss Fanny C. Mason, 3 sacques.
November. Mrs. Geo. M. Mathews, pieces; Mrs Rice, shirts and pieces ; Mrs. C. B. Pratt, shirts and pieces ; Mrs. G. Henry Whitcomb, shirts and pieces ; Miss Emily K. Mellen, shirts and pieces ; Mr. Appleton Walker, shirts ; Mrs. J. J. Bigelow, shirts and pieces ; Mrs. F. W. Blacker, pieces ; Mrs. McFarland, bandages.
Publishers of the Daily Spy, a copy of the Spy for the year ; Publishers of the Evening Gazette, a copy of the Gazette for the year.
During the year many bundles of old linen and cotton pieces have been received from unknown donors; such contributions are gratefully received and are always very useful. They may be left at the Hospital or with the City Messenger, No. 1, City Hall.
ADMISSION OF PATIENTS, ETC.
Applications for admission of patients should be made to the Superintendent at the Hospital, on each day of the week, Sunday excepted, between 9 and 11 o'clock, A. M.
Whenever able, the patient should apply in person. When not able to appear in person, application may be made by a friend.
C
260
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
Persons carried directly to the Hospital from the place of an accident are admitted immediately and at all hours.
No person having any contagious disease can be admitted, and no person can be admitted whose case is judged to be incurable, unless temporarily for urgent symptoms which are deemed capable of being relieved.
The ordinary charge per week for accommodation in the wards is $10-which includes medical and surgical attendance, together with medicine, nursing and washing. Persons who are unable to pay, and whose place of legal settlement is Worcester, are admitted as free patients ; all other free patients are charged to the State or to the Towns where they belong. Patients in private rooms are charged $14.00 or more per week according to the requirements of the case.
No person shall visit any part of the premises except on business or at such times as may be fixed for the reception of visitors without the permission of the Superintendent or some . one of the Trustees.
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of each week, from 3 to 4 o'clock P. M., friends may be permitted to visit patients, though no patient shall receive more than two visitors on the same day. In all cases, however, the Trustees or Super- intendent may exercise discretionary power as to excluding or admitting visitors.
No visitor shall be allowed to give any article of food or drink to a patient, unless by permission of the nurse; and any article sent to a patient shall be left with the Superintendent.
TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES.
The Trustees have made arrangements for giving, at the Hospital, two years' training to women desirous of becoming professional nurses.
Persons wishing to receive this course of instruction must apply to the Superintendent of the Hospital.
Candidates must be over twenty-two and under thirty-five years of age. They must be of sound health, and must present,
261
CITY HOSPITAL.
on application, a certificate from some responsible person as to their good character.
After approval, applicants are received for one month on probation. During this month they are boarded and lodged at the Hospital, but receive no compensation.
They are subject to the rules of the Hospital, and are under the authority of the Superintendent of the Hospital and Lady Superintendent of Nurses, who have full power to decide as to the fitness of the nurses for the work, and the propriety of retain- ing or dismissing them at the end of the month of trial. The same authority can discharge them at any time in case of mis- conduct or inefficiency.
They reside in the Hospital and serve for the first year as assistants in the wards of the Hospital; the second year they will be expected to perform any duty assigned them by the Lady Superintendent, or to be sent to private cases among the rich or poor.
TRAINING.
Those fulfilling the conditions of the probationary month are accepted as pupils. They must sign a written agreement to remain at the school for two years, and to conform to the rules of the Hospital.
The instruction includes -
1. The dressing of blisters, burns, sores and wounds; the preparation and application of fomentations and poultices, of cups and leeches, and of minor dressing.
2. Administration of enemas, and use of catheter.
3. The best method of rubbing and exercising the sick.
4. Management of helpless patients ; changing their clothing, giving baths in bed, preventing bed-sores, and managing position.
5. Bandaging, making bandages and rollers, and lining splints.
6. Making beds and changing sheets while the patient is in bed; the care of patients' rooms ; ventilation.
7. Certain emergencies and how to treat them.
The pupils are taught to prepare food, together with drinks and stimulants for the sick, and all that pertains to night, in dis- tinction from day, nursing. · 18
262
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
They are taught to make accurate observations of the state of the secretions, expectoration, pulse, skin, appetite, temperature of the body, intelligence (as delirium of stupor), sleep, condition of wounds, eruptions, effect of diet, stimulants, or medicines ; and to learn the management of convalescents.
Instruction will be given by attending and resident physicians, and surgeons, at the bedside of the patients, and in various other ways, also, by the Superintendent of Nurses. Examinations will take place from time to time.
The pupils will pass through the different wards, serving and being taught, for one year. They are supplied with board and lodging, and will be paid ten dollars ($10) per month for the first year, for their clothing and personal expenses. At the expira- tion of one year they will receive such increase of pay as the Trustees shall see fit.
When the full term of two years is completed, those who have passed a satisfactory examination will receive diplomas, certifying to their period of training, their proficiency and good character.
The right is reserved to terminate the connection of any nurse or pupil with the school, for any reason which may be deemed sufficient.
A blank form will be furnished to applicants to be filled in with answers to the following questions in the candidates' own handwriting, and sent to the Superintendent of the City Hospi- tal, Worcester, Mass.
QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED BY CANDIDATE.
1. Name in full and present address of Candidate.
2. Are you a single woman or widow ?
3. Your present occupation or employment ?
4. Age last birthday, and date and place of birth.
5. Height? Weight?
6. Where educated ?
7. Are you strong and healthy ? and have you always been so?
8. Are your sight and hearing perfect?
9. Have you any physical defects ?
10. Have you any tendency to pulmonary complaint?
263
· CITY HOSPITAL.
11. If a widow, have you children? How many ? Their ages? How are they provided for ?
12. Where (if any) was your last situation ? How long were you in it?
13. The names in full and addresses of two persons to be referred to? State how long each has known you. If previously employed, one of these must be the last employer. One of them must not be a relative.
14. Have you ever been a pupil of any other training school?
15. Have you read and do you clearly understand the Regulations ?
I declare the above statement to be correct.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS
OF THE
JAQUES FUND AND OTHER FUNDS
OF THE CITY HOSPITAL.
WORCESTER, MASS., Jan. 4, 1886.
To the Honorable City Council :-
In compliance with the provisions of the City Ordinance gov- erning this Commission, the undersigned present the following report of their doings, in and about the several funds in their charge, for the financial year ending November 30, 1885 :-
Balance on hand, Dec. 1, 1884, Receipts during the year,
$158,947 00 27,483 65
Total, Payments during the year,
$186,430 65
15,812 85
Balance, Nov. 30, 1885,
$170,617 80
The several securities and cash balances belonging to the different funds have been carefully examined by the undersigned and found to be properly accounted for. Sundry statements, in
265 .
CITY HOSPITAL.
tabular form and in detail, prepared by the Treasurer of the Board, showing the receipts and payments on account of the several funds, together with the investments and cash balances carried forward at the end of the year, accompany this report, and make a part thereof.
Respectfully submitted.
BENJ. WALKER, CHAS. B. PRATT, ALBERT CURTIS,
Commissioners of the Jaques Fund and other Funds of the City Hospital.
266
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
To the Commissioners of the Jaques Fund, and other Funds of the City Hospital : -
GENTLEMEN :- The undersigned herewith presents sundry statements, in tabular form and in detail, showing the receipts and payments on account of the several Hospital funds, and the amounts carried forward, on the books of the treasurer, at the close of the financial year ending November 30, 1885.
CITY HOSPITAL FUNDS. DECEMBER 1, 1884, TO . NOVEMBER 30, 1885.
No.
TITLE OF FUND.
Amounts Dec. 1, 1884.
Receipts during year.
TOTALS.
Paym'ts during year.
Amounts Nov. 30, 1885.
1
1 Davis Hospital,
1873.
$2,100 55
$124 21
$2,224 76
$40 00 6,872 20
$2,184 76
2 Jaques
1874.
141,574 82
18,817 53
160,392 35
153,520 15
3 Curtis
1876.
1,046 85
41 57
1,088 42
34 00
1,054 42
4 Shaw
66
1877.
224 78
27 94
252 72
252 72
5 Tenney
66
1881.
5,000 00
250 00
5,250 00
250 00
5,000 00
6 Salisbury
1884.
3,000 00
72 99
3,072 99
3,072 99
7 Gill Hosp. Build'g, 1884.
6,000 00
144 23
6,144 23
4,865 99
1,278 24
8 Salisbury H'sp. B'g 1885.
8,005 18
8.005 18
3,750 66
4,254 52
Totals,
$158,947 00
$27,483 65 $186,430 65
$15,812 85
$170,617 80
INVESTMENTS AND CASH DEPOSITS.
NOVEMBER 30, 1885.
No.
First Mortgages. Bank Stock.
Railroad Bond.
Special De- posits.
Cash on deposit.
Amounts Nov. 30, 1885.
1
$1,000 00
$1,000 00
$184 76 1,769 90
153,520 15
3
1,000 00
54 42
1,054 42
4
252 72
252 72
5 6
5,000 00
3,000 00
72 99
3,072 99
7
1,278 24
1,278 24
4,254 52
4,254 52
$151,670 00
$1,500 00
$1,000 00
$8,832 97
$7,614 83
$170,617 80
$2,184 76
2
$146,670 00
$1,500 00
3,580 25
5,000 00
267
CITY HOSPITAL. RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS.
RECEIPTS. Dec. 1, 1884, to Nov. 30, 1885.
No. 1. Interest on Railroad Bond . $80 00 Interest on Savings Bank deposits 44 21
$124 21
No. 2. Proceeds of sales of real estate, viz. : 6 parcels, containing about 50,630 square feet of land . $11,653 25 Proceeds of sales of turf . 20
Interest on mortgage notes . 6,775 76
Interest on agreement for sale of land . 16 50
Interest on National Bank deposits 256 36
Dividends on fifteen shares of Bank Stock . 87 50
Bank tax of 1884, refunded by Commonwealth .
27 96
$18,817 53
No. 3. Interest on Savings Bank deposits
$41 57
$41 57
No. 4. Rent of Shaw estate, net one-fifth part . $19 00 Interest on Savings Bank deposits 8 94
$27 94
No. 5. Interest on mortgage note .
$250 00
$250 00
No. 6. Interest on National Bank deposits
$12 75
Interest on Savings Bank deposits 60 24
872 99
No. 7. Interest on National Bank deposits .
$144 23
$144 23
No. 8, Gifts of Stephen Salisbury, acct. Hospital ward. $8,000 00 Interest on National Bank deposits . 5 18
$8,005 18
$27,483 65
Cash balances, Dec. 1, 1884, viz. :-
Fund No. 1 .
$ 100 55
66 “:2. 1,478 02
66 "3. 46 85
.4 7.
6,000 00
$7,625 42
Total
$35,109 07
268
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
PAYMENTS. Dec. 1, 1884, to Nov. 30, 1885. No. 1. Board and treatment of patient $40 00
$40 00
No. 2. Surveying and preparing plans $ 17 73
One-half expense of sewer, 25 00
Labor on grounds 8 25
Traveling expenses of Commissioners 1 60
Salary of Treasurer 125 00
Net income to Oct. 1, 1885, paid to City Treas- urer 6,694 62
$6,872 20
No. 3. Medical works, for library
$34 00
$34 00
No. 5. Income to Oct. 1, 1885, paid to City Treasurer,
$250 00
$250 00
No. 7. Plans, specifications and sundries . 8 160 99
Labor and materials, account of contract . 4,705 00
$4,865 99
No. 8. Labor and materials, account of contract .
$3,750 66
$3,750 66
$15,812 85
Carried to investment account, viz. :-
Fund No. 2 $11,653 45
Fund No. 4 .
27 94
$11,681 39
Cash balances, Nov. 30, 1885, viz. :-
Fund No. 1 .
$ 184 76
Fund No. 2
1,769 90
Fund No. 3.
54 42
Fund No. 6 .
72 99
Fund No. 7
1,278 24
Fund No. 8 .
4,254 52
$7,614 83
Total
$35,109 07
Respectfully submitted.
WM. S. BARTON,
Treasurer.
WORCESTER, MASS., Dec. 11, 1885.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE BOARD OF
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
Gentlemen of the City Council :
As by the ordinance required we hereby submit the annual report of our stewardship, and in introduction thereof, repeat the statement made by our Chairman in his inaugural address at the commencement of the year :-
" Indiscriminate giving of alms, without investigation, encour- ages pauperism, and great care is taken in this department that no worthy applicant goes unaided, as each individual case is care- fully examined. Money is seldom given, but the worthy poor are provided with the necessaries of life, as in the best of our judgment the necessities of their case require."
Amongst the changes made in the pauper laws since our last report is Chapter 211 of the Acts of 1885, amendatory to Chapter 86 of the Public Statutes, in reference to the support of the sick State poor, which, while more stringent in its require- ments in reference to notice from local boards, fails, to meet the expectations of Overseers of the Poor of the towns in reference to reimbursements for their outlay in such cases, as instead of allowing them to recover reasonable expenses as would be the case were the pauper settled in another town, they can collect only the amount allowed by Statute, which sum is computed on the cost of supporting similar cases at the almshouse, and is invaria- bly less than the actual cost of providing for them under the cir- cumstances in which the overseers of the poor usually find them. This compels the town to bear a part of the expense of
270
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
supporting State paupers, without compensation, and has been just cause of complaint against the State Board for years past.
In addition to the regular annual report required by the city ordinances, it is provided in Section 36, Chapter 84 of the Public Statutes, that in the year 1885, and every tenth year thereafter, a return shall be be made " containing true and correct answers to the following questions :- "
1. What number of persons have been relieved or supported by your town during the year ending September 30? (2786).
2. Of those how many have a legal settlement in your town? (1388).
3. How many are foreign born ? (1006).
4. How many of the foreign born are from England ? (67).
5. How many of the foreign born are from Ireland? (696).
6. How many State paupers have you sent to the State Almshouse ? (86).
7. How many of those sent to the State Almshouse were foreigners ? (59.)
8. How many of your insane do you support in State Lunatic Hospitals? (32 during the year-14 remaining Sept. 30, 1885).
9. How many of your idiotic poor are in the Massachusetts School for Idiotic and Feeble-Minded Youth ? (4 during the year-0 Sept. 30, 1885.)
10. Have you an almshouse ? (Yes).
11. What number of acres of land is attached to your almshouse ? (203 acres).
12. What is the estimated present value of your almshouse establishment ? ($98,253.40-Real estate, $70,000-Personal, $28,253.40).
13. What number of persons have been supported in your almshouse dur- ing the whole or any part of the year? (198).
14. What is the average number supported in the almshouse ? (101).
15. What is the average weekly cost of supporting each pauper in the almshouse ? ($2.26).
16. What number of persons have been inmates of your almshouse who are unable to perform any kind or amount of labor ? (180).
17. What is the estimated value of all the labor performed by the poor in your almshouse ? ($1,500.29).
18. How many have you aided out of the almshouse ? (2568).
19. How many have you supported who were insane ? (32 in Insane Hos- pitals-33 in almshouse).
20. How many who were idiots? (10.)
21. What number of persons, relieved or supported during the year in your town, have become dependent by reason of insanity or idocy ? (75).
22. What number of your poor, supported at the public charge, have been made dependent by their own intemperance ?
.
271
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
23. What number by the intemperance of those who ought to have been their supporters ?
(Questions 22 and 23 we find impossible to answer with accuracy. It is, however, safe to say that ninety-five per cent. of the male applicants for aid and of the fathers of families requiring help, are of intemperate habits. Among the female portion intemperance is much less prevalent, nevertheless, large numbers, notably among the Irish, are addicted to the use of intoxi- cants, in a greater or less degree).
24. What is the total net amount of expense of supporting or relieving the poor in your town during the year, including interest on your almshouse establishment? ($44,825.07).
25. How many are supported in your almshouse at the present time ? (114).
26. How many are supported out of the almshouse at the present time? (14 at the State Lunatic Hospitals).
27. How many are assisted out of the almshouse at the present time ? (179).
28. Make a return of all children under fourteen years of age supported by the City during the year, giving in each case, name, age, place of sup- port, and date upon which the support began and ended.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.