The Potter journal and news item. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1872-1874, 1873-01-24

From the beginning of these schools
to the present, the greater part of the
children who have received their advan-
tages have been honorably discharged.
And from facts in possession of the de-
partment it appears that more than nine
ty-eiyht per cent. are doing Icell, and seem
likely to become upright and useful citi-
zeaS.n
Among the States of the American
Union, Pennsylvania stands pre-eni-
nent in her care for the soldier who
has borne the battle, and for his wild
ow and orphan children" Her noble
scheme for clothing, educating, main
tanning and adopting the orphan child
ren of her soldiers who gave their lives
in defense of the National Union, is her
own invention. In this the generosity
Of her people has been initiated, but
not equaled, by those of any other state.
To her will ever be accOrdcc the leader
ship in this work of patriotic beneyo-
lence, 1t will form the brightest page
of her history. 1t will seal the Devotion
Of her people to the common co;m,ry;
and our legislators, i'll view Of its benign
influences, will continue to accold Il
cheerful and liberal support to 4 system
so faithful in blessing to the orphan
children of our martyrcd heroes.
Upon no material interest of the State
is the influence of education more salu-
tory than that of agriculture. Pennsyl-
yania by wise legislation has authorized
the purchase of three experimental
farms, and the establishment Of Il col
lege, all of which are now in successful
operation, and the results Of the scien-
tifc working OF the farms have already
added much practical knowledge upon
the general subject.
The Agricultural College las just
closed a most prosperous year-the
number of students being l50-wliciI
exceeds that of amy year Since the open
ing Of the institution. Any one Of three
courses is optional 10 the students, viz.
agricultural, scientific OF classical, to
all of which is added i general course
OF military instruction.
The admission of females, which was
first permitted sixteen months ago, has
thus far worked exceedingly WE'LL
Thirty young women have awaited
. themselves of the opportunity thus af.
forded to obtain first-class education.
All students are taught to regard la,
} as beneficial and honorable. Tie
rule Of the college requiring ten hou>
tmanual labor pen week from students is
cheelfully complied With, and results
adyantageously to their health and
comfort.
1niS State institution is pre-emncut
ly tie Peoples College. Its preparatory
department receives students at a low
grade, aS well as those more advanced.
This school is cheap enough for the
poorest and good enough for the rich
est, =" either III mind Ur estate; and it
affords healthful exercise, instruction
i'll useful labor, and free tuition in eve
.ry branch Of its ample courses of study.
BOARD OF PULIC CHARITIES.
The eminent and philanthropic gen
tlemen composing the Board Of Public
Charities have carefully Investigated a
number Of subjects which they deemed
Of sufficient Importance TO lay before
the Legislature. Among them may be
specially noticed Prison Discipline, = Il
question now generally occupying the
attention of statesmen and phiiantIro-
pists throughout the civilized world;
the condition and treatment of the i'll
sane and the workings of that class of
institutions known as local charities.
founded and conducted for benevolent
purposes. These aSylums are located
in various parts of the State, mostly,
however, in Philadelphia and PittSburg.
They are performing an excellent work
relieving the sick, INDECENT, infrm
and neglected portions of our popula-
ton. The General Agent has devoted
"a considerable portion OF his time 10
their inspection, the results of which
will appear in his able report to the
Board, in which he exhibited their
character and the large amount of pri-
vate charity bestowed upon them.
This Board was organized during my
administration, and have entertained
a deep and lasting interest III its labors.
The gentlemen who compose it vOlun-
tarily devote their time, without COM
penSation, to this noble work of Lenev-
olence. The impress Of their intelligent
efforts is everywhere perceptible; and
the large annual contributions of the
State to charitable institutions nave,
under their supervision and eXamina-
ton, been properly and Systematically
applied.
The third volume of their reports will
he submitted at an early day. 1t will
present a large amount of statistical in
formation, and many interesting facts
and valuable suggestions upon subjects
Of great Importance. | cannot too
strongly commend this Board the
great regulator of state charities-to
the favorable consideration of the Leg
islature, and recommend such appro-
priations5 for expenses and additional
enactmentS as may be necessary to in
crease its efficiency.