The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-08-15
THE PATERSON POoRHOusE INVESTIGATION

Examination Of the Inmates Of the Po0rhouse
Yesterday-The Evidence.
The investigation into the abuses which, il Is alleged
have existed In the Paterson Poorhousc under the ad
minstraion Of Mr. Isaiah sgler was continued ysster-
day. Tho committee OF the Common Council Of Pa,er.
son selected to mako inquiry into the held their
session at the Poorhouse and received tho Testimony OF
the present inmates TO their treatment by Mr. Sgler
II should be remembered that Mr. sgler been al
ready suspended the witnesses could not have been
jected to intimidation.
The following testimony was takcn:--
Jane Roberts, sworn-Have been an inmate Of the
Poorhouse for hve months have seen nothing bad in
the conduct Of Mr. siger; have been myself very well
attended 10, and soihave the Others when was sicr
for nine days. had plenty Of good uourishment had
plenty to eat and the food good there heater
In my room In the winter; in the way Of heat the
schoolroom was always comfortable; there 10 large
s0vo In IL. they could not keep clothes on Mary Ann
Wilson my husband is In the AImshouse living with
me- have never known any OF III treatment OF any
OF the inmates BY Mr. sigerI leaving here this after
noon; Mr. siger never talked me about tsstlfyinc
here
Eliza Salmon sworn-Am an inmate Of the Poorhousc.
and have been for the past three months the food
been SUFFICIENT quantity, and in quality good about
three months ago there was dhculty about Mrs rehr;
sss wos na not s p on ssS %. for Mr.
door; he said only this, that u he In he would
make her put on her clothes have ssen Mra Lehr pull
Crossexaminsd-ln my opinion 1t 10 sometimes
necessary to whip MIRA Lehr 70 keep her good order;
have never Mira Whitaker whip any one unless
were her own children; Mrs selsr promised 70
give me bed, or anything else.
Mary Lawler, sworn.-Havc been In the Almshouse
Two years last fall; have any disposition on
the part OF Nj. sgier TO ltrea the inmates mostly
keep up stairs and have not been among the inmates
much the food has always been good and plenty; for
oreekla We had rye tread, good butter and coffee the
osner meals were good: slept with Nancy Doyle year
snd nine months Eliza Salmon was In the same room
NJ. SGler never came TO room and never whipped
Nancy while was there when Eliza had the fever and
ague no one slept IN the bed with her: never heard
Nancy complain OF lireatment: Mr. sieler never
told me what should cay here; the inmates ara
frequently quarreing and wrangng; he has had
to send several persons away because OF their bad
habits; have had good home here, have awavs been
eivlly treated, and with respect knew Eliza Jsckeon
when she was here; she was 4 bad woman: when ~
bad, mean her tongue and mpudence 10 everybody. II
Mr. Sigsr whipped her che dcserved II: have heard ber
auarelling often no could manage her. Mrs Iebr
once gave me good betting and kicked me- and nsarIv
killed me that was without provocatiop know thaf
Mrs Lehr could not be made 70 do what abe We told
unless she forced TO do she has abused others ~
sides me- have Mr. sger trying ess along with her
without force but could do Il We have hsd erssn
corn in the season, and have had watsrmelons and
mushelons and plenty OF tomatoes and sweet potatoes
al Of which we're raised the farm; have had 40.
pies sssed and cooked In every Mr. sieles Woujd
bring up basket OF pears apples nearly every day
ed distribute them " wouad; We had plenty Of pase6.