The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-11-24
SOLDIERS ORPHANS.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF
THE HOME

1874.
HOW THE INSTITUTION HAMMER
or OPERATION.
The board of trustees of the Soldiers Or
phans' Home at Knightstown, han led in
their annual report TO the governor yester-
day afternoon, of which the following is a
synopsis:
Never since its organization has it been in
so satisfactory and prosperous state. The
number of inmates does not diminish. In
deed, the pressure for admission has been as
great as during any previous year. The
trustees o ask an additional sum
for the weekly support of the orphans, if
agreeable to the general assembly. A sum
of money should also be appropriated
for keeping up repairs. The trustees then
referred his n to the reports of the sew
eral officers for a more competent report.
THE SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
to the trustees follows. We have been COM
paratively free from sickness. But two
deaths have occurred during the past 10
months; and one of them during the past
week.
NUMBER OF
There were 2S5 inmates remaining at the
time of my last report. There has been ad-
mitted since that date So, making a total of
33S. OF this number two have died and 46
have been discharged, leaving the present
number at 200. Nine of those who have
been discharged have found good homes and
the remainder have left at the request of
their parents or guardians. Their
physical development has been good
THE SCHOOLS
are prosperous as heretofore. The report
then speaks of the change of a few teachers,
and of the grades each has charge of. The
rooms are well supplied with books, such as
are used in the graded schools of the county.
Chaplain Brewington continues the general
oversight of the schools. There is but one dis
couraging feature in this department, and
that is the crowded condition of
the school rooms. During the
months of September and October
the number of requests for admission has
been almost double any previous months.
This is caused by the death of fathers who
contracted diseases and received wounds in
the army which are now developing. This
same cause has occasioDed the great increase
OF the whole year. The number of applica-
tions to adopt children has been correspond
iDgly large, however.
The farm has yielded a fair return for the
OWL OABOA0O0g oLo OlO Obcu
bushels of potatoes were raised. This is a
short crop, and will necessitate the purchase
of two hundred bushels. OF other vegeta-
bles the crop was sufficient for our needs.
The institution is in a healthy condition
financially. Owing to the act of the last
general assembly cur receipts for current
expenses were greatly reduced, and asys-
tenn of the most rigid economy was substi-
tuted, which cut off from the children many
of the things necessary for their comfort.
They did not suIter. but the supply of cloth
ing was very scanty.
APPROPRIATIONS.
For all current expenses for 1875, / have
asked for $40, 45O, and for 1876 we will need
$4,000. These amounts are not more than
will be necessary for the proper care
of the children and the repairs and
improvements to the buildings and grounds
In closing he pays a tributet to his assistants
He requests that a joint committee of the
legislature and of the political parties be
appointed to examine his accounts. He re-
turns thanks to the trustees and TO the gov
ernOr for the manner in which they have
treated him.
REPORT.
The schools have been very prosperous
during the last year. The term commenced
on September Z with four teachers. The
moral improvement in the schools has beer
very gratifying, and they are much more
easily controlled than formerly. While
avoiding any sectarian teachings the plain
truths of the gospel are impressed upon
the minds of the pupils. Our great need is
reading matter and it is to be hoped that
| tho f-;noIc Of COlIiarot nrDhono uuf1I an
devor TO supply us in this respect.
RECEIPT n EXPENDITURES.
For the year ending Oct. 81, 1874, the re-
ceipts, including S1.S71 Is balance from last
year, have been S35. 134 As, and the expendi.
lures for the same time have been S34, 254 90
This leaves a balance on hand OF 1919 SIS.