New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-03-02
An ORPHAN ASYLUM SCANDAL.

A MArRoN IN PATERSON, N.J- ACCUSED or CRUELTY
-TIIE TRUSTEES OF THE INSTITUTION DIsBE-
LIEyE THE CHARGES.
The trustees of the Paterson IN. j. Orphan
Asylum will tomorrow to take measures for the
investigation Of charges cruelty preferred by Jesse
j. butcher one OF the inmates. against Mrs Sarah A
Nichols the matron. Public opinion Is divided on the
question Of the truth OF butchers allegations The Off
GERS aud trustees OF tho Institution, and many influential
gentlemen and ladies who are best acquainted with or
Nichols express entire confidence in the kindness OF
agement, aud firmly believe that sue has never
used severity but the contrary, has been
eustOmed punish the children only when it neces
sary to enforce discipline large number Of outsiders
however are willing not only to believe but TO exagger-
ate the scandal Therefore it has been deemed best to
make investigation. This done some two years
ago. when charges OF similar nature preferred
against Mrs. Nichols, and she fully eXonerated
by the Board. Garret j. Blauve the President
OF the institution since its organization in 1862
states that he undecided the best course TO pur
relation TO the investigation. he fcars that II it
is conducted by tho Board, and Mrs Nichols is again
exouerated. there will be large number who will in
sinuate that 1t is only another wbiewashing" affair
lie H. therefore, in favor Of allowing those who are
dissatisfied with the management OF the institution to
conduct the inyestiga themselves. Until this 10
done ho asks the suspension of public criticism. He
interested themselves in the welfare Of the orphans
have been frequent visitors at tho Asylum, and If any
cruelty neglect has been pracced they have thus
been unable to discovery The Maron is upw ard
OF years Of aud he th0nght it unreasonable 10
suppose that she was physically able to nict severe
corporal punishment Ducher VINO l. strong, rugged
lad U.s. Though the Lad complained thar he had been
beaten Friday until he " black and blue"
when he examined no marks Of violence were
found. He with his brother Dave and other
boys Of the same age had been very pnruly and not
only by their conduct but through their influence
the other children had given the natron great deal
OF trouble The officers had attempted to provide homes
these but had thus far been unable TO
such they thought were desirable. Tue Asylum now
has inmates The matron and the lady teacher Miss
Eliza Roberts have entire charge OF the children Mrs.
Nichols occupied her present position for the past
six years, and previous that time matron OF a
similar institution Elizabeth for six She
is highlo connected. and her sons abundantly
able 10 provide her with good home, the President
believes that she her present calling solely for
the purpose of doing good and thinks that she has felt
deep interest the and education Of the ortu
children who have been left unpr0vded for by the
loss Of their parents The officers and trustees Of the
Institution elected annually at the charter election
No change has taken place, however since the organi
zaon except that caused by death resignation OF
those in office. and this tue President considers pre-
sumptiye evidence that the people have been satsned
with the present management