Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-04-05

been.
For current expenses and repairs. 2i7. IS
~ Total. IS
or 1898 90 less than In 1876 Whole number Of fires,
niue Estimated loss, s., 1885.
FLETCHER FREE LIBRARY.
The amount drawn from the Treasury for the Ii
brary Is 81 or s32049 less than in 1876. Pres
emit number Of volumes in Library II, lei, shown.
an increase OF 3ss volumes the past year. The com
pIetlon OF the catalogue will reduce somewhat the
expenses in future, and il is hoped tina. the appIo-
praton OF $50 recommends for the current year
VIII be ample. For the circulation OF books and the
details OF the management Of the Library, would
refer you to the reports of the trustees and the Lii
brarian. The increased use and popularity Of the
Library and the marked improy ent in the class
OF books taken out show the good work it is doing
in our city. As the citizens by larger ACQUAINTANCE
with its contents, know better what it is and how
70 use 1t, II Is sure TO grow more in their esteem.
Measures now being taken to bring the use our
young people make OF it somewhat more in range
with the studies and discipline of the public
schools. This Is an important point gained toward
more intelligent and profitable appreciation of
Its value. Our Free Library is no longer an ex-
pertinent It's benefit to the public and the credit
IL 10 % our city. no longer doubtful Anything
you may properly do to further its interests or en-
large its usefulness will be of real public advan-
several small improvements in the Library build
Ing asked for by the trustees all Of which think
can be made without any extra appropriation for
that purpose.
roon DEPARTMENT.
Thit department has drawn from the Treasury
and other sources the past year 81 ,7O4 b, being
$37063 in excess OF the amount drawn in 1s.6,
trin ne when We take into consideration the great
number OF persons. compelled to call the city for
assistance in OF the unusual depression
OF business and TIE resulting lack Of en-
ployment for the poorer classes. The Ladies
Aid Society and other benevolent organizations
have again rendered very valuable assistance to
pain stalking Overseer not only by furnishing cloth
ing and other necessaries, thereby lessening the
expenses of the City, but also 10 adding materially
to the comfort OF those unfortunate persons who
would otherwise have been compelled (many Of
them for the first time) to ask for aid The City has
been very fortunate in retaining the ryices Of tue
present Superintendent and Matron at the Poor
Farm, where everything under their charge and
supervision Is in good order and condition. Few
persons arc aware Of the difficulties and perplexi-
ties attending the proper administration OF the
duties Of the Overseer TO be just, and at,the same
time generous, to properly discriminate between
the real needy and imposters. calls for patient in
yestghtfon, and the exercise Of sound jud gment
Our present 0verseer is man OF large perience,
in this department. Of honest impulses, and, be-
lieve, has given very general salts in the
performance OF his unpleasant and difficult duties
CONCLUSION.
There has been little change in the bushes, con
dition OF the city during the past year. The Hat
tsring hopes OF general revival In the various
branches OF trade, that were so widely entertained
3 year ago, while they have not been July real
lied. have not been wholly disappointed and in
some departments. operations have been slightly
increased and there is very hopeful feeling
among our business men. us to the outlook for the
coming season. The increase Of our population II
but slight. Is steady, as SHOWN by the regular in
crease in the voting list, and in the number OF
children offs chool age. Not for a long time per-
bAps never. has there been SO much Improvement
the ono Just closed. The MARY Fletcher Hospital.
the blocI OF stores on the site of the old Allen
House. the new insurance building. with several
hne private dwellings, give ample evidence of the
general healthy business condition of the CITY and
ofthe full confidence Of capi talsts, in our future
This steady increase during these dull times IS most
All AVID yVil Ala f,,l aA,-