The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-12-14
To the provident Association Of saco.

LADIES AND GESrLKaEx.-As fellow-labour-
ers in, and patrons Of the charitable enter.
prise in which we are mutually interested and
employed, we submit to you the following Re-
port Of the acts Of your board for the year now
closed, in discharge Of the trust committed to
them in this capacity.
Though the territorial field. the social ma
terial, and the objects TO be attained are sub
stantislly the same as In past years circum-
stantial changes are constantly occurring to
prevent monotony, and give an element dwarf
ETY. that is important, IL not essential to lively
and continued interest.
Favorable Providential auspices during the
year, have greatly lcssened the demands for
eleemosynary aid in comparison with the past.
The winter months were less rigorous the for
eign and vagrant elements In our community
were diminished the healthy and industrious
met with well-paid employment the necsss-
aries and common comforts Of life were album
dant and within the reach Of the most even of
those whose condition In life Is precarious |;
there has been no prevailing sickness or numer-
Gus cases OF calamitous misfortune, and some
who have been receiving considerable aid In
past years. have gone where mortal ills and
comforts con never reach them. All these cir
cumstsnces have diminished the need. ~ they
have the demand for the aid II Is the pleasure
and duty Of this society TO extend to the I'M
fortunate. Gratefully IS We acknowledge these
Providential circumstances, and desirable as
their continuance, In most respects may be.
the expectation Of them in the future would be
sheer presumption. and therefore 1t Is hoped
that none will feel at liberty to absts in any
wise their sympathy, vigilance, tolls, or con-
tributions for the year before us.
Your Board Of Managers find q pleasure a.
we'll as q duty in acknowledging the extent to
which their responsibilities and labors have
been lightened and lessened by the valuable
services Of the General Agent This has been
especially visible in the faithful judicious, and
systematic manntr in which he has prepared.
and had always in readiness for the inspection
of the board, his own especial department Of
duty. aud the promptitude and prudence with
which he has aided in various ways the duties
Of the Visitors thereby securing for the needy
immediate and suitable aid. and preventing In.
judicious and otherwise needless appropria-
tons.
Consequent on the Providentisl circumstances
already mentioned the duties Of the visitors have
-. la n. tba
half Of the number have had little else to do
than to collect funds for the Society. Those on
whom have deyolyed the ore onerous burdens
Of searching out and supplying the wants OF
the suffering and needy have discharged their
duties with most praiseworthy acceptabilty
to the Board, and We doubt not to the recipients
themselves
The total amount Of funds received from all
sources is cash, 1874, clothing estimated at
1915, making total amount Of i9i.G9.
This amount has been distributed among fam
lilies embracing some 200 persons, ONLY four OF
whom are known to be incorporate. The ne
cessities OF the others have been entaied by
sickness or misfortune. In discharge Of these
dutie. duties, one hundred and eighty
visits have been made, exclusive of the calls for
funds.
Condding in the goodness of this cause. and
in the favor promised, as we'll as already bes-
towed by Him who has pronounced blessing
on such as consider the poor, We close our
report by expressing the hope that all will en-
list with new yigor in this praiseworthy enter
prise, and never weary in this work Of well-do-
ing-knowing that we " shall reap II We faint
not"
All of which is respectfully submitted on be-
half of the Board. JOSIAH KELLY, Sec.
Saco, Nov. 20, 1860.