Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-01-29

pagyaney IN BaltiD.oys Ho4ss Of Rsf.gs--Ho4ss
Brsaksrs-Coluin wa Case Fire-Spssch Of
Mr.. SnifA--Elpseted Speech from Mr. Cass.
BALrnoRx, JAN 40, 1855.
The trustees of the Baltimore Almshouse, in
their annual report, just submitted to the City
Council, make some well-timed remarks ON the
evils of the system upon which the public aims are
dispensed. Under the existing arrangements at
the Almshouse, the worthy poor, who have a claim
on the charitable benevolence of the community
are mingled with the yagrant, the worthless, the
abandoned, and the vagabond, which the trustees
are powerless to prevent, owing to the peculiar
construction Of the buildings, which, originally,
were designed only for the reception Of the deser
ing poor and those afflicted with disease. Having
no accommodations for the separate confinement
of the igreat number of Migrants and worthless
who are crowded into the institution, they are
placed upon the same footing and equality with
those who have higher claims upon the benevolence
Of the public, and instead Of punishment being in
ficted for vagrancy the institution is actually made
asylum to relieve the vagrant temporarily, from
the effects Of debauchery, until he go forth to
renew his vicious course. They justly argue that
vagrancy is crime, and ought to be punished az
a crime, instead Of being treated as miyortune.
To remedy this evil Of rewarding vice, at the ex-
pense Of the well-deserving poor, II is recommend
ed that courthouse be established, in connection
with the almshouse, where those whose only mis-
fortune is lasiness, and whose disease is vicious
habits may be made to earn their living by the
sweat Of their brow, as God ordained. These sug-
gestions are well worthy of attention, and should
receive some consideration from the City Council
The friends Of the friendless youth in our com
munity will be glad to learn that the directors Of
the House of Refuge have at length succeeded in
securing the amount Of the appropriation Of the
city for the completion Of this much-needed insti-
tuition.
The amount appropriated was $4,000, to be
taken out of the loan Of 1856 $50, and upon the
faith of this act Of the city, two Of our Insurance
Companies have advanced the money, so that, I'M
der the direction of the energetic superintendent
Of the work, George A. Davis, Esq, the buildings
will now be rapidly pushed on to completion
The burglars who prey upon the goods Of our
citizens are still active in committing their depre-
datons. Within the last few nights past, quite a
number Of robberies have been committed, and,
strange to say we hear Of detections or arrests
by the watch
The Colvin will case win be examined this morn
ing in the circuit court when the evidence Of the
family physician will be taken as to the condition
of the testatrix.
On Saturday night fire broke out at the cor
ner Of Eutaw and Baltimore streets, almost en-
tirely consuming the jewelry store of Samuel ].
Boyd, who estimates his loss at over $4,000, on
which he has an insurance for 81 500 The fire is
said to have originated in the Of the confec-
tionary store of Messrs. Ness & Webb.
The interest felt in this community on the great
questions Of the day, presented by the American
party, has been demonstrated in the eagerness to
read the speech of Mr.. Smith of Alabama. Not
withstandng that the American of this city pub
lshed large extra editions Of their daily and week
ly paper, containing this speech, understand both
were quite exhausted long before the demand was
supplied.
There is report here that General Cass con-
templates delivering in the Senate, about the first
of February, speech defining his views on the
naturalization laws; and on secret political organ
izations.
There is some curiosity here to know what con-
cluson that secret caucus of Democratic senators
came to in regard to secret societies. That those
senators may be able to express their own views
ON the subject is possible; but rather think II
win puzzle them to define the views of the Demo
cratic party in relation to the same ANERIcUs.