Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-01-29

The REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE
BOARD OF STATE CHARITIES contains, as usual,
interesting discussions and some valuable sug-
gestions and recommendations in regard to
matters connected with the duties of the board.
The settlement laws are a standard topic in
these reports. Some Of their suggestions have
been from time TO time adopted by The lcgisla-
ture; but these laws are yet, in many respects,
cumbrous and unphilosophical. In this report
the several methods OF acquiring a settlement
under our laws are eonsideIed with reference 10
their own reasonableness, the convenience of
obtaining evidence when necessary, and us COM
pared with the laws Of other states on the same
subject. Among other desirable measures, con-
ference and cooperation by the New England
states, through proper representatives, with a
view TO common legislation, is recommended
Another topic treated by the secretary is
yagrancy. The number annually seeking food
and lodgings from the municipal authorities is
estimated at about 5000 The testimony of
overseers Of the poor Of many towns in all parts
Of the state is cited 10 show that the evil is zen
eral and serious. At the request of the secre-
tary. the constable Of the commonwealth rave
directions to his deputies TO confer with The an
thoritics of cities and towns in relation 10 this
matter, investigate each case Of yagraacy, and
prosectlte. whenever prosecution seemed proper,
taking care 10 discriminate between honest poor
persons righlluy claiming charity, and the
iiinerant beggar An amendment Of the law is
suggested, which will give overseers of the poor
and superintendents Of almsbouses the right 70
detan persons receiving food or lodging, and
compel them to work for period sufficient to
compensate for the expense incurred
Outdoor relief is another subject discussed
The secretary pre-. ens his own opinion with
caution, but seems to agree in tie main with
the almost unanimous testimony Of the over
secrs Of one hundred and sixty towns in their
answers 70 a series Of questions in circular
sent by the secretary, that it does 10 some ex
tent and in some instances increase pduperism
bat IN other cases may have the contrary
effect, and that rigid adherence to the raj,
Of refusing al outdoor relief, and sending
every needy person aud family to The aims
house. would be inhuman aud canse much need
less mental and physical suffering.
To the subject Of state aid TO disabled soldier,
and their families considerable space is given
Ia regard 10 this matter also the opinions of til,
town authorities have been sought. They very
generally agree that the state aid has often been
obtained by the undcscrying aud those not in
need Of IL, but to greater extent IN Cor,ne,
years than now; that The receipt Of aid from
this source has very generally had the effect "a
Nuke those receiving II permanently dependent
upon public charity; and that humanity nnt
public policy do not require the continuance 0
the system. Tie Esecretaiy does not dsscn
from these opinions, but expresses his indiyd
ual convictions with some reserve. II
thinks, however, that IT, state al
- 70 be continued, Il should b