The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-01-13

larger number of children than he or
lginally estimated for; the balance, as
above stated has, for this reason, neces-
sarlly and unavoidably accrued.
Under an act, entitled "An Act to
provide means for tho establishing q
soldiers orphans school in each State
Normal school district in this Common
wealth, now destitute thercofu approv.
ed April 10, 1867, and a supplement
thereto, approved March %, 1865, the
sum of twenty one thousand dollars
was advanced out of the State Treasury
rs u loan to five institutions. These
being fully established, are re. paying
this loan at the rate of five per cent.
quarterly, as specified in the act. Six
teen thousand eight hundred dollars of
this loan remained unpaid on May 81,
1870, and owing TO the change of the
form of settlements which, by law,
went into operation at that time, it was,
unexpectedly to the Superintendent,
deducted from the appropriation by the
accounting officers, and consequently
bills for education and maintenance for
that sum and the above balance remain
unpaid. No special appropriation for
this amount Is asked but all that is ie.
qui red IS the passage of joint resolu-
tlOn, authorizing its payment from the
sum appropriated for the expenses of
the current year, which, in consequence
OF a reduction in prices, | am informed
VIII exceed them to about the amount
of the said balance.
Ihe early passage of such resolution
Is necessary, because the institutions to
which the money is due cannot afford
TO wait long for it without serious in
convenience Provision should also be
maize - the Legislature that, as the
said sum OF yl6 500 is repaid in quar-
terly instalments by Institutions from
which 1t Is due, it shall he applied to
the reimbursement Of the NIuu. ..rurN.
priatcd for the advances thus made.
The superintendent estimates the eX.
penditures for education, maintenance,
&C., of $500 children, during
the year terminating May 81, 1872, at
S50O,0OO. After a careful examination,
iihu 1t correct, and respectfully re-
quest an appropriation for that amount.
This estimate will, it is believed, ena-
BILE the Superintendent to admit all
proper applicants. 1t is $4,000 less
than the appropriation for the current
year, and it is confidently anticipated
that hereafter each succeeding estimate
Tor annual expenses will be much more
largely decreased.
/ have personally visited, inspected
and examined quite number of these
schools since the adjournment of the
last Legislature; and do not hesitate
to pronounce most of them superior,
in all respects, to any other institutions
of similar character in the country.
The supervision of the Superintendent
and the male and female inspectors has
been exceedingly faithful and effective;
and those having the schools in charge,
with but few exceptions, have display
ed devotion to their duties, and to the
interests of the children, rs unexcep.
tionable as if dictated by the purest
parental affection.
The sanitary condition of these chill
dren is one of the most remarkable fea-
lures of the schools. During the five
years they have been in operation, out
of 5,053 Children, only seventy-one have
died, which is but a little over one and
four tenths per cent. of the entire num-
Der for the whole time, or less than
of one per cent. per annum.
These facts are incOntestible evidences
OF the care and attention that have
been bestowed upon these institutions.
The establishment of these schools,
and the liberal encouragement and sup
port they have received, have met the
approval and admiration not only of
the other States of the Union, but of
the entire civilized world. Philanthro-
pistS and statesmen from foreign ma
concerning the laws governing and di-
recting the operations of our soldiers
orphans schools, their management
and the results, and give frequent rs.
surances of unqualified commendation.
The foregoing exhibit is, l trust, suili-
GENTLY satisfactory to prompt CONT
nuance of the generous patronage al
ready extended to an institution unsur-
passed by any other of the kind in
usefulness. Its benefits extend beyond
the mere shelter, clothing, feeding and
education of the sons and daughters of
our heroic dead. In generations far
remote its influences VIII stimulate to
deeds OF patriotic ardOr and hcrOism.
Hereafter the defenders Of our country
VIII not ialtcr when thcy reflect that
should they fall, they have in the Com
m0nWeaGth a parental protector of their
beloved ones, who otherwise would be
left desOlatc and neglected. The State
has abundant cause to rejoice in what it
has done Tor its soldiers orphans, and
to be proud OF these schools, which now
constitute the brightest jewels that
adOrn its crown Of glory.
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
This institution appears to be gradual
ly accomplishing the objects for which
it has been literally endowed by the
State. 1t has about sixty students who
are instructed, not only in the ordinary
branches of literature and science, but
in all the field operations necessary for
4 thorough agricultural education.
The Experimental Farms, establish.
1d under the supervision Of the officers,
have thus far answered their eXpecta.
lions. The experiments therein are
carefully recorded every incident of
the nature of the seed COM
mitted to the soil, its inception, growth,
progress and results, together with the
causes, being accurately
loted. The publication OF these obscr-
1ations, made in different parts of the
state, with various climates and soil,
lnder the guidance of skilled agricul-
will impart valuable lessons
Tor the benefit of the practical farmer,
md, doubtless, be the means Of estab.
i-hing "Scicnce of Agriculture,
loNlHS ltS louuuullOH III lnt wisdom OF
experience. The report Of the trustees
furnishes full description Of the edu,
,ational and financial condition of the
'ollege, together with the progress and
'esults of the Experimental Farms
Turing the year just ended.
MILITARY.
Your attention is invited to the ac.
report of the Adjutnnt
ieneral, for the details of the transac.
ious of his department daring the past
gear. The necessity of military
lOwer in the State, subordinate and
to the civil authorities, has
pccn so fully discussed, and so general.
y admitted, as to render any argument
IN the subject entirely superfuOus. 1t
5 admitted, on all hands, that a thor
)ughly organized and we'll disciplined
military force contributes essentially to
he maintenance of the peace and good
order of society, and to the security of
he persons and property of citizens. II
mas been my desire and aim to cOnsti.
ute such force, 10 aid the civil author
ties, should an emergency arise, in the
suppression of public tumult or disOr-
Ter. This has been effected more sue
than was at first anticipated.
l.. 4 a. i