Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-01-04

make provision for its exposed children, and
by the exercise of wholesome and economi-
cal foresight to defend herself from sorer bur-
dens IN the future, yet the whole plan is a
delicate experiment, which, though now
promising beneficial results. requires the great
est prudence, patience, wisdom and human
lty. to insure its anticipated success.
In pursuance of the provisions of an Act
of the last Legislature Commissioners have
been appointed to erect. in western Massachu-
sets, third Lunatc Hospital. After per~
sonal examination of more than hundred
localities, site, in every way admirably
adapted for the purpose, has been selected and
purchased i'll the town of Northampton, con-
tracts have been effected, in accordance with
the plans decided on, and some progress made
in the necessary labor. 1t is expected that
the building viii be completed and occupied
during the ensuing winter. Though it is
thought by some, that the period, when a third
hunatic Hospital was absolutely necessary,
has been somewhat anticipated, all can turn
with pride to that Christian humanity which
places our State so far in advance of all 9TH
ers. in proportion to her population, in the
care and comfort of this most unfortunate
class
Our various other charitable and reforma-
tory institutions, so far as have been able to
ADVISE myself, are generally in a satisfactory
condition, and compare very advantageously
with those OF any of our sister States. re-
Ter you to the reports of their various boards
OF management for more minute particulars
concerning them.
No portion of my official duties has been
more agreeable than those performed as q
member of the State Board Of Agriculture
and though the relative expenditure of mon
ey under this head is small, 10 department of
government is intrusted with subject of
more intimate concern to our entire eommu-
nifty. The wise foresight which encourages
the different county societies by a State grant,
and which gives to each of them a direct rep
resentation at the Central Board, where the
experience of all is considered and compared;
and the practical sasacity which esia blshed
the State Farm, where. without annual cost
valuable results are arrived at by experiments
in fertilizers, in improving breeds of stock in
Introducing vegetable productions new to the
State, and in testing theoretical probabilities
by actual trials, have largely contributed to
raise the standard of farming, and to stamp
that degree of excellence on our agriculture
which our soil and climate would seem to
forbid, and 10 W ich, without these facilities,
we should not have attained. By these meth.
DDS, jgdciously improved, as they doubtless
may be- it is possible that the agricultural per-
lection Of Old England may be riyal!ed, OF
even surpassed, and our State become the
model farm Of the world.
During the past year, the gentleman, who
has for seven years, ably and devotedly, filled
the post Of Secretary of the Board of Educa- +.
tion having been transferred to another field
OF labor, has resigned, and the Board have
chosen distinguished citizen of our State,
az his successor. The school returns for the
ma !
flying results. They show, though the yenr
was one Of no inconsiderable financial en-
barrassnent, an increase in the amount raised
by voluntary taxation in the State for the
support OF public schools. unparalleled in any
one year before; that this sum is double the
amount raised for the same purpose only ten
years ago that IN no community i'll the world
probably, is so large sum per head expended
for educational purposes, and in none do the
children so universally avail themselves of
this invaluable privilege.
These Re turns show that the amount raised
by voluntary taxa ion for the support of
public schools for the year wGs...... Al 1877 Aos no
Inc SUN ralsed me previous year was. 10l3,S7Z co
increase. :.:........... S12S,636 90
The largest previous annual increase was
bhi- 07G M
The amount raised ten years ago, lS55-5 S-O'- W
T was sn ont. :; as7O,o5o 90
Tb EVEN e5a,o and 10 years is...... 21soa4
IN the winter OF 1884, was....,. oo2 no
1 IL Ii sr5 NJ OF 1S0997
bs and ys aead9 S ba in lst475 was; 22287
r s4te IS retarned $457o457 co
ture the education Of our youth er.
ctuSice of collegiate Instruction and Of
Interest on the cost of school houses by
o. ne ps so'd daii returns, $2es 2sS 90
eacn child In the state between Eve and
hite years of age.
These facts are presented, not merely bo-
cause They form the bright and truthful re-
cold OF the past, but as an incentive to future
effort III the cause of popular education. In
no way can republic be ennobled or it's indi.
vIdual members approach that high standard
OF intelligence and cultivation, which Bts
them properly to perform their varied obl;gs-
tons, but by the systematic, thorough. and
universal education of each succees iye oen-
Grafton.
In this connection, cannot forbear express-
ing my surprise that the liberal provision Of
the State tor educating, in any college within
Its borders, number of young men. on con-
dition that they shall devote themselves tn
teaching for limited period after graduating.
is not more highly appreciated and eagerly
embraced.
notwithstanding very general notice in
the public papers, several districts, entitled to
q free scholarship, did not present SINGLE
candidate the past year, and the Board of Ed-
ucation, when assembled to consider applica-
tons for this privilege, was actually COMPELLED
to adjourn, leaving Q portion Of the scholar.
ships untitled, for want Of applicants.
The report Of the Adjutant General will
show that our State Military is in flourish
ing condition. Our system has received bioh
encomums, from competent Judges, as ros.
sessing many advantages and few detects and
applications for copies of our laws, have been
received from several States, with the view no
Incorporating into their own, SEINE of its ne.
culiar features. The discipline of our soldierv
is admirable, and perfect harmony prevails
throughout the different branches Of The Ser
vice. 1t is to be hoped that system. which
has proved so successful, may remain witbont
essential modification. No finer BODY Of TON
thousand young men, can be found in the
world, than the volunteer citizen soldierv ~
MASSACHUSETTS. Differing in loyalty and en-
lightened patriotism, in no way from our other
citizens, their interests being our interests
and their rights our rights, it is apparent that
both can be intrusted, in the hour Of ener.
gency, to none SO safely, as to those havi,,
with us a common brotherhood and cono
mon destiny.
About $4,000 have been received from the
purchasers OF eastern lands during the n,st
year. Under resolve of the last Legislature
the Land Agent, on the LIST of January Mi
verified all tracts in Maine, on which pores
we've over due; and all, OH which such oyor