Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-05-09
RUTLAND HERALD
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1867.
The Soldiers Orphans.

soldiers of the rebellion, it is to be
feared has attracted but little OF the
nublic attention and the consideration
Of humane and patriotic citizens. We
have in our own State, although small,
many poor widow and her children,
who should receive aid and support from
the benevolent or from the State. The
services OF him who gave up his life to
preserve the nation, demands at our
hands that those who were dear to him
should receive protection and encour-
agement from the people Of the commu-
nifty among whom their lot IS cast.
More inquiry should be made into the
condition OF these wards Of the nation,
that they do not suffer, and that they
receive the education that is due them,
that they may in the future understand
the institutions and the principles Of the
government for which their fathers made
the sacrifice of their lives. Every town
and district should be canvassed and at
tention given to these orphans for 1t
lis a sad fact that in this broad land, in
every village and city, they are to be
found and what is sadder yet, they are
left to suffer, and are ofttimes treated
With indifference. We are often met in
discussing this subject with the reply
that the government has provided for
them in pensions. This We grant; but
have you stopped to think how far, in
these days of high prices, the limited
amoun. granted will 60 in providing
shelter, food and raiment to the friend
less orphans, dependent, perhaps, upon
a mothers care. Although it materially
aids, yet it is only by the most toilsome
labor that they are not inmates OF the
poor house to-day. Is there COmmu-
uitv that would allow the disgrace Of
sending a soldiers family to the poor
house ? Would you reward the soldiers
service by sending his wife and little
ones to the public pauper's home? Let
the people give this subject thought,
and ascertain if they have done their
duty, and if there is not within their
reach a soldiers orphan in distress. Re-
member that the movements Of the gov
ernment in distributing the bounty they
award is slow, and oftentimes from in
suhiciency of evidence, which it is fire.
Quently very difficult to procure, the ap-
plicant is obliged to wait for months
and years. There are hundreds and
thousands in this condition at the pres
ent moment. We trust this subject will
receive the early attention OF all humane
and patriotic citizens.
We have been led to these reflections
.by the recent noble action Of the legis-
lature Of Pennsylvania, in making pro-
vision for the education and mainten-
ance Of the destitute orphans of the
deceased soldiers and sailors and the des-
titute children Of the permanently dis
| a0led soldiers of that State. A Com
missioner of Soldiers Orphans is ap-
| pointed by the Governor, holding office
| for three years, who is empowered to
| contract with the trustees and others
| connected with the educational institu-
| tions Of the State to provide good and
| sufficient accommodations for the pro-
| per care maintenance and education at
the expense of the State and until the
age Of sixteen years, Of the destitute Or
phans of all such deceased soldiers, citi-
aens Of Pennsylvania and those who
have served in the regiments of the
State and have died in the service OF
the United States. They require the
Institutions receiving children over ten
years of age to have not less than TWEEN
| ty acres Of tillable land, with accom-
mediation for not less than one hundred
and fifty, one school OF this kind to be
Established in each Of the twelve dis
tricts of the State. The State Superin.
tendent is authorized to receive them
into his custody, care and control, fol-
sl purposes of education and mainten-
ance, until they arrive at the age of six.
teen years, from their mothers, guar.
Clans or next friends and the con-
traCts are binding upon them
lhe superintendent is to specify
the character and quality OF the, food
and clothing and course of study
which shall embrace the usual branches
g good common school education, which
sha'l include vocal music, military tao
PICS and the greatest possible variety 0
household and domestic pursuits anC
mechanical and agricultural employ
ments consistent with the RESPECTIVE
ages Of the orphan children. The sam
provisions are to be made for the chill
dren Of colored soldiers as for those O
the white soldiers in separate institu
lions. Another provision is made tina
partial relief, not exceeding thirty dol
lars per annum for each orphan, may b
ahorded in cases where it is proper t.
/ suffer the 0rnhsns tn remain with III