Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1859-03-17

B. Rouse, Esq, on behalf of the Trustees, stated
that sufficient funds having been provided by the
| ladies', q contract had been made with Messrs.
Heard 4 Porter, for the speedy completion Of the
Asylum building. On motion of Rev. J. NJ. Hoyt,
| the President and Hon Hiram GriswOld were ap-
pointed committee TO ascertain whether the So
ciety have to alter its constitution as to
hold the annual meeting on Tuesday instead of
Monday, and to call special meeting for that pur-
pose fthey deem it advisable. There being no
further business, the meeting adjourned.
S. J. ANDREWS, President.
DAN. P. EELLs, Clerk.
SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
CLEVELAND ORPHAN ASYLUM, MARCH
7, 1858.
The ''dawning of better days" upon the Cleve-
land Orphan Asylum, was recognized in the last
Annual Report.
Cheered by IFS promise. the Board of Managers
commenced their labors for the year now closing,
animated with new hopes ard inspired with fresh
confidence in Him who has declared himself 10 be
the orphans God, and whose smile has signaly
rested upon the Institution ntrusted to their direc
ton. Truly on this, its Seventh Anniversary, they
may well take the "cup of thanksgiving" as with
joyful hearts they review the mercies of the past
year, and see the "dawning of better days." fol-
lowed by sudden brightness, which sheds glow
ing light upon the future.
Those only who have watched the growth of
this christian enterprise from its feeble beginning,
can fully appreciate the happiness of the Board in
being permitted to realize that-for which they
have SO long hoped and prayed-the power Of ex-
| tending their charities beyond the limits which
have hitherto confined them, not having been able
from the unfinished state of the Asylum building,
to shelter comfortably more than about forty, or,
at most, fifty children. The same cause has Undue.
ed frequent changes in the family, by the necessa-
ry removal of some of its members to homes pro-
vided for them, in order to make room for new and
needy applicants for admission.
This may answer question often addressed to
the Board, 'How is it you have so few children
in the Asylum2'-a fact which has pressed every
year more and more heavily upon their hearts
They are aware that the condition Of the chill
dren may sometimes be bettered by adoption in
to families where their surroundings would be su-
peror to those afforded in their orphan home, but
such opportunities are of rare occurrence and they
rejoice that they will no longer be obliged to part
with these tender objects of their care. unless
of the benefits to follow.
Surprise has also often been expressed, that the
orphans were never brought before the public, and
this, the embarrassment just alluded to, will ex.
plain. These changes in the family have prevent
ed that preparation and drilling necessary to make
an exhibition of the children creditabe to them
larly and faithfully instructed.
The Asylum now contains a most promising
family of little ones; twenty eight have been ad-
mitted the past year-twenty-fve have been given
out for adoption, restored to guardians or inden-
tured, leaving the present number forty. few
weeks since they were brought out for the first
time, merely that the friends Of the Institution
might see how they looked, their only preparation
being few lessons in singing, kindly given them
by Rev Mr.. Brewster. All who beheld their
Il, o,.Ih al 4haf,- af
voices, plsinly evinced the interest the pleasing
sight awakened. "HoW lovely they look! how
healthy they appear how nicely they are dressed
how sweetiy they sing how well they behaved
were among the exclamations from both old and
young.
Their appearance was certainly abundant evi-
dence Of the kind care bestowed upon them, and
could all have known the antecedents of many in
, that interesting group, the impulse would have
been kindled anew in every breast, to and in the
support Of an Institution that rescues these little
ones in our city from such depths of wretcnedness
, and opens TO them paths of usefulness and virtue
One little boy about three years old, among the
number referred TO, who attracted attention by
his beauty and look Of rosy health, was found q
few weeks since with an older brother, locked uE
in a room by a brutal father, who after cruelty
beating them, had left them there, evidently in
tending to stsrve them to death They were taker
to the Infrmary and from thence bound by The
city 70 the Orphan Asylum.
With instances like these constantly recurring
it will not be wondered at, that the Board have
waited with great anxiety for the time to come
: when the Institution, whose management resteC
upon them, should open wide its arms 10 receive
all these Door children thrown in its way, whom
both father and mother had forsaken. 1t will no
be wondered at that often during the past gear, a
they have gathered for their monthly meetings il
their room at the Asylum, and looked upon thos'
unfinished walls, they have exclaimed sorroWfnlly
'How long shall these things BEL" and when th'
!, Summer days were gone, and the bright sun hal
' ceased to come in, that they often questioned
: | among themselves, '1s there nothing that we car
. do?" and then sought earnestly to be directed b.
: | wisdom from on high.
. = At the Board meeting in January last, Com
s mittee OF seven was appointed, composed in par
. | of former members TO devise ways and means 70
- finishing at least few rooms in the Asylum, 70
g, the comfort and convenience of the family.
By conferring with the Building Committee,
was found, that if the sum of fifteen hundred dol
lars could be raised, it would be ample for the com
i pletion of the entire building.
A general meeting ofthe ladies of Cleveland wa
: then called, which occasion no stirring appea
was needed to enlist their sympathies in the o6jec
laid before them-al felt Its claims, and wer
ready to unite in measures for its accomplishment
: The cheerful cooperation and strenuous exer
tons of ladies' outside the Board, which its mem
bers have not failed TO appreciate, and are nov
haupy TO acknowledge have formed pleasing fes
And the noble lberality Of the citizens Of Cleve
y land, as evinced in the entire success with whic
that effort has been crowned though made at a tim
d, certainly the most propitious while 1t avail
Al ems ardent gratitude towards every donor, cal
also for q tribute Of praise to Him who Is ever L
clining hearts in this community to acts OF Chart
and deeds of love.
:, With JOY and pride it is announced that the SUI
of 50 80 50 has been realized in cash, and is no
on deposit in the Savings Bank.
The unsolicited donations for the completing
the Asylum, have occasioned sincere pleasure ar
are gratefully acknowledged. One among then
"An Offering for the Parentless," is worthy Of sp
~ cial notice, as coming from one in the humbI
walks Of life, who might well plead excuses {
confning ''charity at home, " but who ielt that
own little ones might one day need shelter with
ne those walls, and cesired therefore by the bestoT
,or OF his mite to have share in their completion.
nd There was also hallowed gin Of one dollar fro
dying boy, which can be best referred to by II
. peating words that passed between him and
Al broken hearted father day or two before this Ia
lamb Of flock of seven was taken BY the gre
er- and wise Shepherd to himsel,.
on Father" said the boy, '1 want q dollar. ~
nee Sc What do you want it for, my son ?" "For 4
nts Orphan Asylum" he replied. "But why do Y,
want it for the Orphan AsYluml" Why, faths
. they are trying 70 raise fifteen hundred dollars
. finish of the building sad I.want it for that I"
- The father. whose jealous efforts in the found
. of this Institution, are well remembered, adds 10
the note enclosing this dying gift of bis child, "T
poor Orphans were often spoken OF BY all Q
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