The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-10-23

last year, to place on record some remlnis-
cences appropriate to that time, so full OF inter-
est to Us all, and to give at more than usual
length the condition and wants of the asylum;
On this annual gathering of our associ ates and
friends, we propose only to speak OF the pres
emit and our desires for the future:
One result of our last years 'jubilee" 1--WE
may we'll call it SOY has been to create much
deeper interest in this institution. Some per-
sons, who hardly knew that such a Home ex'
listed in the heart of our city, have been ready,
since then, to offer both sympathy and help
To this influence, in part, may be attributed
the heartiness with which many responded to
the personal solicitations of one of our board,
son, $500. 1t had become absolutely necessary
to raise the sum of $500 to meet the current
expenses. Most of the overplus is needed for re
pairs upon the house this autumn.
For this liberality and the sympathy evinced
in our work, we cannot be too grateful. One
gentleman, after giving his $25 said he pitied
those who were obliged to ask more than those
who gave. The expression of tenderness for
the supplieant was worth more than the mon ey
cheerfully given.
We hope almost against hope) in some re-
currence of these annual meetings, we may be
able to announce to our friends and patrons,
that the income of our invested funds is suti-
Gent to defray all expenses. "To beg, we are
ashamed" Ten thousand dollars added to the
property which we hold at present, would place
us beyond want, and, perhaps, also save us
from travelling from door to door, for the year
ly two dollar subscriptions.
Does not this sum "burn" in some pocket, the
owner of which longs to do good with the sill
yer and the gold that he cannot take away
with him? Will not some wealthy, large
hearted man or woman, give us in charity
enough to place this refuge for the orphan
and destitute in state of independent useful
ness?
We are every year receiving little girls from
the city aims house, thus not only reliev ing
the city purse of one of its burdens but "sup-
porting, educating and employing" and find
ing decent homes for children, otherwise
adrift on the great sea of poverty, ignorance
and crime. Thus in some degree we prevent
future pauperism.
We believe the city ought to pay us for TAX
ing care of these children, and not leave to
the charity of few, what should be borne by
all alike.
In the state of New York, and in other parts
of this country, such children are required by
law to be provided for, in institutions similar
to our own, at the public expense. Since the
fire in 1866 we have received from the over
seers of the poor, eighteen little girls from the
ages of eighteen months to eleven years of age.
How many before that date came to us is not
precisely known. Certainly, fifteen; probably
a larger number. Thus 80 children have
been fed, clothed, educated and given at least
an impulse in the direction of future respecta-
now with us, they having been returned to
the Asylum for good reasons.
The managers are by no means satisfied
with any general supervision of the workings
of the Asylum during the year. Daily supplies
for the family are made by themselves person
ally, month by month, while the larger ontlays
made by a committee from their number, APP
pointed for that purpose.
The work has been systematized as much as
possible; each committee, except the monthly,
serving through the entire year.
For the state of our finances, you are refer
red to the report of our very efficient and ac-
curate Treasurer.
The number of children received during the
year has been 10. Those placed out Is. OF
these several have returned to the Home.
Present number, %.
If for any reason the home we have selected
for child, after careful investigation, proves
less worthy than we had expected, we receive
her again to our charge; but we deprecate ex-
tremely, being required to do so for no better
reason than caprice or Impotence with child
hood, or change in the circumstances OF the
adopting family.
On the other hand and for our encourage
ment, most satisfactory letters are frequently
received from those sent out from us, which
we should be glad to read to you. Much as
possible, we keep in view those who have left
the Home, seeking to continue connection
with them, and aiding them, when necessary.
One death only has occurred during the year,
that of Ennice Colley, who died Dec Goth, II
years old. Never strong child, an inherited
disease, (consumption,) early developed itself.
Without much suffering, she went about the
the family, failing gradually but always pa
tient and loving. The lessons of quiet endur-
ance and cheerfulness which we all learned
from the little invalid, in her last days, will
not soon be forgotten. To the many friends,
who sent delicacies to tempt her capricious APP
HOyVQrc
very grateful. All was done for our dear
child that could be done.
If any one supposes such death IS OF
little account because it is that of an orphan,
and in public institution, he is greatly mis-
taken. The responsibility of those who stand
as guardians to the fatherless and orphan, is
only equalled by that of those who train their
own children. The happiness of doing this
work because it is SO good and holy labor,
can alone offset the burden of responsibility.
To Miss johnson, our matron, and Mrs.
Lawton, assistant matron, much praise is due
for the good condition of the asylum and its
economical arrangements. We find them al
ways ready to carry out in detail the direction
and suggestions of the managers.
To DIR. Sarah W. Devoll, whose attention to
the children has sometimes beer that of a
faithful nurse as well as skillful physician,
we are under special obligation for very impor-
tant and gratuitous services.
We have been indebted during the summer
Co., through Mr.. Leach, the kind-hearted Su-
perintendent, for number OF very pleasant
excursions into the country.
Mr.. Stevens, agent of the Boston & Maine
railroad gave the children in September free
pass to Pine Point and back for days pic
mic The baskets for this holiday were gener-
ously filed by numerous friends, to whom we
are grateful.
For the gift of valuable pano-forte by
Hon. Nathan Cleaves, we have no fitting
words to express our thanks The instrument
will be for many years source of pleasure and
satisfaction and improvement.
No tree in the city could be more usefully
and prettily laden than was the Orphans
Christmas tree. To those mothers and chill
dren, who, in their time of rejoicing do not
forget our little ones, we offer our hearty
thanks.
An excursion to Peaks Island by the po-
likeness of Capt. Chase, admission to the beau
tiful entertainment of Carnival OF Authors"
last winter, and latterly to the Agricultural
Fair" only increase our debt of gratitude to
kind and thoughtful friends
"The Portland Daily PRESS" "The ST.
Nicholas" and the portland Transcript" by
the kindness of the publishers, continue to be
sent to u.s.
Toall others, in the city, or in the towns
around, who have SO kindly remembered u.s.
by donations of money, books clothing, fruit
vegetables, provisions, &C., our most sincere
thanks are also given.
In closing our record for the year just ended
happy and prosperous, it has beehive are
not ungrateful to the merciful and loving
Father who has SO blessed us. Whatever good
He has permitted your board of managers to
do, through the charity Of others, Or by their
own cheerful labors, to Him be the praise, and
mot unto us, not unto us, O Lord, but unto
Thy name, give glory"
SARAH S. S. MCCoBB.
Mrs. McCobb retired from the board of man
ayers, after % years of active service; the last
ten years president of the board. In the long
list of highly estimable ladies who have given
to this good charity their labor and their love,
the name of Mrs. McCobb will ever be con-
spicuous. Her loyal affection and vigilant
care for the institution and its precious charge,
will find ample reward in the parting regrets
of her associated and the everlasting bene-
dictions of the little children.
The following is the list of managers chosen
for the coming year:
President-Mrs. J. B. Mathews.
Vice President-Mrs. j. l.. Farmer
Secretary-Miss Abby S. Barrett.