USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing Boston town records, 1814 to 1822 > 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
It appeared, by the report of this sub-committee, that "the request to be permitted to visit and examine those establishments, was received, by their respective Overseers in the most friendly and polite manner : that they were permitted to inspect every department of each institution, and that they obtained frank and unreserved answers, to all their inquiries." This examination resulted, "in the extreme gratification of the sub-committee, at the order and neatness, which prevailed, and the content and comfort of the poor, which was apparent, in both those institutions .-
The satisfaction, which the sub-committee derived from this general survey was equalled only, by that, which was consequent on the examination and consideration of the details, given by those Overseers, in relation to the success of those establishments .-
The Overseers of the Marblehead Alms House stated to the sub-committee, that the town of Marblehead had no general fund applicable to the support of the poor, except the Treasury of the town ; - that the annual average of the poor, in point of number, supported in their Alms House, somewhat exceeded one hundred ; - that the expence of the poor of Marblehead, from March 1820. to March 1821, was justly represented in the annexed schedule, (marked B.) by which it appears that the whole expence of sup- porting one hundred poor, within the Alms House, for that year, was only thirteen hundred, and seventy five dollars, forty seven cents.
[311.] Those Overseers, farther stated that, in their opinion, every thing considered, the annual expense, within the Alms House did not exceed nine, or ten dollars per head per year. The sub-committee were satisfied, that this estimate did not underrate the actual expense; particularly as there is no credit allowed in it, for one thousand days labour done upon the high- ways, by that portion of the able bodied tenants of the Alms House, who were capable of this species of labor .- All the high- way work of Marblehead being done, by the poor of their Ahns House .-
A similar and not less satisfactory result was obtained, by the examination made, by this sub-committee, of the Alms House at Salem ; - By the printed report of the Overseers of that town, dated. 1st March 1821, (see Schedule, C,) it appears that since the erection of their Alms House, in 1815, the expences of the town of Salem, for the support of their poor, have been reduced
186
CITY DOCUMENT No. 128.
from $12,779.21 cents, which it was in 1814, to $4,296.40 C'ts, which it was in the year, ending the 1st of March last. The poor, supported out of the Alms House, being included in both estimates .-
If from this amount be deducted $1,090.87 cents, the estimated value of supplies, furnished poor persons, not inhabitants of the Alms House, the whole net expense of the Salem Alms House, for the last year was only three thousand, two hundred and five dollars fifty three cents. The average number of poor being about three hundred and twenty, supported within the Alms House during the year, makes the arithmetical result, of the whole expense, averaged upon the tenants about $10. - p head per annum ! The same as that of Marblehead. The Overseers [312] of Salem, also stated, that it was their expectation to reduce considerably, the expenses of the establishment, the ensuing year. Here, also, as in Marblehead, the sub-committee were satisfied that circumstances existed, which considerably reduced the actual expense below the estimated average. -
The schedule marked D will exhibit the whole expense of the Boston Alms House, during the year 1820, - The average num- ber within the house, somewhat exceeding four hundred persons.
It will not be necessary, for the purpose of establishing a con- viction of the necessity of a resort to a similar institution, in the town of Boston, to enter into any comparison of the result of these inquiries, with that of similar inquiries made in relation to the Alms House in this town. In order to satisfy every mind of the interest and duty in this respect, it will be sufficient to state generally, that the support of the whole poor of the town of Salem, including all out pensioners, and an average of three hun- dred and sixty five within the house, cost the town of Salem last year, $4,296.40 cents. That the whole poor of the town of Bos- ton including all out pensioners and an average of about four hundred within the House, cost the Town of Boston last year, $19,934.53 c'ts.
It is apparent to your Committee that this difference is greatly owing to the contracted state of the Alms House, in comparison with the wants of the Town.
This establishment being the receptacle of all that class, which are naturally the objects of a house of industry, the consequence is that out pensioners [313] are multiplied; and this most wasteful, and most expensive mode of supplying the poor, in their own families; as well as the most liable to abuse, is rendered, in a great degree, inevitable. The entire want of land, suited to employ the poor, in any species of agriculture, or out-of-door labour, and the impracticability in so confined a space, to introduce the necessary separation of age and sex, and to provide each with employment suited to it, are also causes of this difference of expense in supporting their poor, to these towns respectively.
Your Committee, therefore, from the preceding facts and rea-
187
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS. 1821.
soning came, unanimously to the conclusion that a house of Industry ought forthwith to be erected, with a quantity of land, attached to it, sufficient for all the objects of such an institution.
In forming this opinion, your committee were influenced by considerations of economy ; - the strong conviction that a great saving would in consequence, result to the town, in point of expense ; - and above all, by a sense of the salutary influence of a well managed institution of this kind on the public morals. The obligations, which every society owes to those classes of citizens, which are liable to become pensioners on its charity, were not overlooked, in making this estimate of the Town's interest and duty .-
There are four classes of persons, to which the public arrange- ments, on these subjects, ought to extend, and to whose peculiari- ties of condition they ought, as far as any general system is practicable, to be accommodated; - 1st, the poor by reason of age; 2nd, the poor by reason of misfortune; - 3rd, the poor, by reason of infancy ; 4th the poor, by reason of vice .-
[314.] It is very plain, that each of these classes of poor have claims upon society, differing both in their nature and degree, founded upon different principles ; the sources of differ- ent duties, and requiring different proportions of sympathy and solicitude .-
Of all classes of the poor, that of virtuous old age, has tlie most unexceptionable claims upon society ; and is that, in rela- tion to which its charitable establishments should be so con- structed as to extend, not only comfort, but a reasonable degree of indulgence. This cause of helplessness cannot successfully be feigned .- It is the consequence of a general law of our nature, to which all are equally liable. Hope and pleasure are, for this life, in a great measure extinguished. Its condition requires, therefore, a peculiar degree of consideration. Although the old, should not wholly be excused from labour, yet it is apparent that such ought to be provided as is suited to their age; if possible to their habits and former employments in life .-
A similar course of remark applies to those, who are helpless, through corporeal, or intellectual misfortune ; - the effects of no vice, nor criminal indulgence. Each of these classes is entitled to particular consideration ; neither should be released from every degree and kind of labour, yet what is required should be adapted to their condition, and their particular imbecillity. Something more of attention should be paid, and of pains taken, to gratify their inclinations and to supply their humble wants .-
Now the impracticability of making this first and great dis- crimination, in favor of these two first classes of poor, is the great defect of the Boston Alms [315] House. - In an establishment so restricted in point of room; and open to the indiscriminate influx of characters of all descriptions, it is impossible to make those distinctions, either in food, or in treatment, which is due to age and misfortune.
188
CITY DOCUMENT No. 128.
If the aged and virtuous poor are reduced to the food, and made obnoxious to the severity, or the labour, to which the vicious are subjected, it is to them a degradation, and a new and undeserved source of misery and misfortune. On the other hand, if the vicious are permitted to enjoy the comforts, or partake of the indulgence, which is due to age and misfortune, their con- dition becomes, not only supportable, but eligible. The fear of poverty is diminished, and the shame of dependence obliterated. Public establishments become thronged ; as will never fail to be the case, whenever Alms House support is better than or even equal, in its kind, to the support to be obtained by labour. These considerations, and others, which will readily present themselves to the reflections of intelligent men, render it indispensable that an establishment should be provided which should enable the Town to make this first, and most important, and just of all dis- criminations between the poor, in consequence of vice ; and the poor, in consequence of misfortune.
The third class, consisting of those, who are poor, and in infancy or childhood, are somewhat differently situated; and have a right to require from society a distinct attention and more scrupulous and precise supervision. Their career of existence is but just commenced. They may be rendered blessings, or scourges to society. Their course may be happy or miserable, honor - [316] able or disgraceful, according to the specific nature of the provision, made for their support and education. It follows that the charitable establishments of every wise and virtuous community ought to be such as to enable it to effect these interesting objects, in the most perfect and satisfactory manner.
The present condition of the Boston Alms House, precludes all possibility of extending that free air, exercise and healthful labour, and of attaining that separation from the contamination of vicious language and example, which is requisite and due to this class. Intimately connected with this topic is that of pro- viding for those idle and vicious children, of both sexes, and different ages, which often under the command, and always with the permission of thoughtless and abandoned parents, are found begging in our streets, or haunting our wharfs, or market places, sometimes under the pretence of employ, at others for the pur- pose of watching occasions to pilfer small articles, and thus beginning a system of petty stealing ; which terminate often in the goal ; often in the penitentiary ; and not seldom, at the gallows.
Power enough already exists, in the hands of the constituted authorities, and if it do not, might easily be obtained, to rid our- selves of this nuisance, and to place these unfortunate children under either a system of discipline, or of restraint ; or of useful labour. At present, however, this is absolutely impracticable. There is no place, suitable for their reception. The present Alms House is insufficient for its present tenants ; more it is im- possible to [317] accommodate. A work house, or house of
189
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1821.
industry, is, therefore, absolutely essential, previously to taking any steps for the improvement of this unhappy, and abandoned class, of children. On this point, your committee do not appre- hend that any thing more forcible can be added, to make the essential nature of such an establishment as that, which they recommend, apparent and unquestionable.
The fourth class, - the poor by reason of vice, - constitute, here, every where, by far the greater part of the poor ; - amounting always, probably to a full two thirds of the whole number of adult poor. As it is for these, that the proposed house of industry is intended, in its first operations, to provide, the present, seems a proper occasion to explain the general views of your committee in relation to this establishment ; and to what objects and plans those views, at present, and to what they ulti- mately extend. Indolence, intemperance and sensuality, are the great causes of pauperism in this country. Notwithstanding the imbecility induced by their habits and vices, it is yet found by experience, that generally speaking, all this class can do some- thing ; and very many of them a great deal; and some of them fall little, and often not at all, short of the ability to perform, daily, the complete task of a day labourer. -
The present accommodations of the Boston Alms House, not furnishing the means, nor the space for actual employ, their labour is but little, and of small account. The course of the practice of this class is, to come, or be brought to the Alms House in a state of disease, or intoxication, or, in the winter in actual want, and after [318] passing weeks, or months crowded together within its walls ; after being cured, restored and supported, during sickness and through inclement seasons, they are permitted to depart; to enter upon the same career of vice and indulgence, until they are brought back again : to be again supported and cured; and again sent forth to commence and pursue the same circle. Now, it is apparent, that so long as this class can come when they will, and depart when they will, -- so long as little, or no, work is required of them, within the walls, and there is no land belonging to the establishment. on which they can work, without, - so long as Alms House fare is upon a level, in point of quality and comfort, and often a little superior to their out-of-door support and comforts. - that they have little, or no inducement either to labour or to economize. in order to prevent their being compelled to resort to it; on the contrary, it is obvious that the certainty of a comfortable and easy life, in the winter, is a perpetual and very effectual encouragement to a thoughtless, dissipated and self indulgent course, in the summer. Accordingly institutions of this kind, when from necessity, or any other circumstances, they are conducted upon such principles, may justly be considered as encouraging and augmenting the amount of pauperism in a community. It follows, therefore, from these considerations, that it is the great duty of every society to take care their Alms Houses should be
190
CITY DOCUMENT No. 128.
provided with space of land and accommodations, to enable those, who have the superintendence of them to provide work for this class ; and for every class in it, according to its [319] ability ; to the end that they should never become the resort of idleness, for indulgence ; nor of vice for comfort ; nor of disease, for cure, without cost.
Intimately connected with these vicious poor, is that turbulent and profligate class, who, travelling the high road of shame and ruin, are found in the haunts of gambling, intemperance and debauchery ; and whose quarrels, originating in their cups or their crimes, give continual occupation to the magistrates and officers of police. The only means, to which it is now in the power of the authorities of the town to resort for the purpose of preserving its peace from being disturbed by this class, are war- rants of Justices, common law processes, and incurring all that trouble, vexation and expense, necessarily consequent upon pro- ceedings of this nature. These means partake little of the char- acter of punishment ; and have still less the effect of reformation. Your committee have reason to believe that offences of this kind have of late, greatly increased; and they look with confidence towards the proposed institutions, as a means of diminishing these evils, of breaking up the haunts, in which they originate, and relieving the town from a great expense, to which it is at present subjected.
The great defect of our present establishment is that, for want of space, and want of accommodation, suitable work cannot be provided. - Previous to its being practicable to make any improvement in the existing arrangements for the poor, it is there- fore, indispensable that such a house of industry should be estab- lished. -
Having unanimously come to this conclusion, [320] the atten- tion of your committee was next directed to the subject of the place, where such an establishment, taking into consideration all the interests of the town, had best be located ; - its extent ; - probable cost ; - and the general principles on which it ought to be conducted. The result of their investigations, so far as they deem it necessary or practicable, they now ask leave to suggest.
With respect to the location of the establishment, a great pre- dilection prevailed in the minds of a majority of your committee, in favor of an Island, for that purpose ; and Deer Island it was thought would be very proper and suitable. In order to satisfy themselves upon that point, they paid a visit to it, and surveyed every part of it, and after inspection and consideration of all its relations, they came to an unanimous opinion, that to attempt to locate it upon any island, and certainly upon that, would be highly inexpedient. The soil was found to be extremely poor, the situation exposed, and the great difficulty of access to it and return from it, at all seasons of the year, with certainty, and its absolute impracticability some times for many days, or even weeks, in winter, were, in the opinion of your Committee decisive objections.
191
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1821.
There is no truth, in relation to these establishments more sutis- factorily evidenced, by all the experience, both of England and Massachusetts, than that their success depends upon their being subjected to the constant supervision and inspection of a board of superintendents, composed of substantial, intelligent and active inhabitants of the town, or vicinity. It is [321] not suf- ficient that these should be men, merely in easy circumstances, prudent, intelligent and humane. It is requisite that such a board should be composed of men, bred to business, and accus- tomed to deal with men, in the laborious walks of life ; who know what labor is ; - when work is done ; - and are capable of judg- ing by the eye, or by examination, whether neglect, or refusal to work, be through mere indolence, or real imbecility. It may be adopted as a principle, applicable to all establishments of this kind, that they cannot be well conducted, for any great length of time, unless at least a considerable part of the board be men of such habits and experience. Now men, of this class, are always men, engaged in active business. To command their services, it is necessary that every facility should be given to their superin- tendence ; that it should be enabled to be regular, uninterrupted and certain. The location of the establishment in a situation where access to it will, at all times, be easy and certain, for those charged with its superintendence, is therefore, in the opinion of your Committee, essential to its success; and that therefore a location upon an island is highly inexpedient. -
The soil of Deer island is also, in the apprehension of your Committee, another and, if not in itself, a sufficient objection, is yet, in a high degree corroborative of the opinion, they have formed. The opportunity, which agriculture affords for the economical employment of pauper industry, is one of the most favorable circumstances, to promote the success of such establish- ments. It is plain, that [322] success in this respect, depends upon whatever promotes, or prevents, the success in other agri- cultural operations. If therefore, the first location of such estab- lishment be on a soil, singularly inauspicious, inconvenient, or impracticable, the result must be proportionably unfavorable. A good and an easy soil not only possesses this general advantage. but there is also an incidental one, resulting from the encourage- ment and excitement given to the paupers themselves, by such facility in the course of their labours. It is found, that when judiciously managed, even the paupers themselves, may be made to take an interest, and even a pride, in the productive results of their garden, or cultivated field; and every thing, which has a tendency to prevent disappointment, in this respect, has a ten- dency to excite and support the feelings, upon which such interest depends. The soil of Deer island is in a great proportion sand. Whatever there be of good soil, is high, exposed and inconvenient of access. On these accounts, as well as others, not necessary to detail, your Committee came to the unanimous opinion, that Deer island was not a proper site for the location of the pro- posed establishment.
192
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 128.
The Town lands on the neck, also some situations at South Boston, were suggested to your Committee. But as the deter- mination upon the site, should it result in favor of land, at present, the property of any private individual, might, if known, materially affect the value of those lands, and the price to the town, your Committee thought it most [323] adviseable not to proceed farther, until the opinion of the town was ascertained upon the expediency of establishing a house of industry. After this was settled, they apprehended that the questions concerning the location, the form, the extent of both the lands and buildings, as also of the principles, on which the establishment should be conducted, would be left best to the discretion of a responsible Committee, to be appointed by the town.
With respect to the cost of such an establishment, it is obvious this must depend upon particulars, not at present precisely to be ascertained, such as - whether the spot, selected for its location, be on land, at present owned by the town, or on land to be pur- chased ; in the last case, - the value of such land, - and the number of the poor, for which it will be necessary to provide in this institution. On these, and other details, of a very general character, will ultimately depend the expense of any such new establishment.
In the opinion of your Committee, however, the establishment is indispensable, in the actual condition of the pauper relations of the town; and that, in no event, the expense can be such, as to form a reason against commencing it upon some seale, suited to the actual necessity existing, in this respect. The general view and opinions of your Committee, on this subject, are these, - that measures should be immediately taken to obtain sufficient land for the location of it ; - not less fifty acres ; - that, in this location, considerations of local benefit, or of small [324] difference of price, should have little, or no influence. The best position for such an establishment should be secured, with a single eye to the permanent interest of the town, and ultimate success of the institution; - that buildings should then be erected on a plan, sufficiently extensive, to accommodate forth- with, the greatest average of able poor, which are usually ten- ants of the Alms House every year. - This cannot exceed two hundred persons ; - that the plan of the establishment should be such as to be capable of being extended, if hereafter it should be deemed expedient, and so constructed as to separate and provide for the distinct accommodation of the different classes of the poor, whose different claims upon society have herein before been stated.
For all the purposes of purchasing the requisite land, should a purchase be deemed expedient, of erecting all the buildings necessary, the present year, an appropriation of twenty thousand dollars, will, in the opinion of your Committee, be sufficient. Should experience justify an increase of the institution, the ex- penditure required, will of course, have relation to such increase.
193
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1821.
It will be perceived by their fellow citizens, that the resolu- tions, submitted for their consideration and adoption, embrace topics of a more general character, than that of simply erecting a house of industry.
In their apprehension, the present occasion should not be omitted to cause full survey to be taken of [325] all the public provisions for the poor, subsisting within the town, and to ascertain, as far as practicable, in what forms and to what amount every general public charity is extended and applied ; to the end of pro- ducing, if possible, a general sentiment and a unity of action among all the societies and incorporations of this nature, for the purpose of making industry, morality and economy, in all of them, indispensable conditions of relief ; and of putting an end, as far as can be effected, to indiscriminate charity, and to street beggary.
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.