The daily gazette., 1880-03-31
FIFTH EDITION.
LETTER PROM SENATOR BAYARD
ALMsHoUsE REMOVAL.
THE QUESTION DISCUSSED BEFORE THE
TRUSTEES OF THE POOR.

At the monthly meeting of the Board
Of Trustees Of the Poor, held at the
Almshouse, this morning, the citizens
committee interested in the removal of
the Almshouse buildings appeared and
presented the petitions for the removal,
signed by 1894 persons. The commit
tee was composed of Messrs. Mayer
Almond, VIM. Bush, DIR. Read j,
Mckay, /. G. Grubb, ]. ii. Elliott, and
James Bradford.
Mayor Almond opened the ball by
presenting the petitions for the re-
moval, which he said were signed by
1900 or 1000 of the best citizens and
heaviest Taxpayers of the city and
county. He said the people of Will
mington, hearing that the Trustees of
the Poor we're about to make certain
alterations in the insane department
Of tho Almshouse, thought it a good
time to ask that instead of any addi-
tional expense being incurred, the
buildings be removed to some point
outside of the city limits. He hoped
the Board would. in accordance with
its usual manner Of treating important
matters, give this subject careful con-
sideration.
Mr.. Bird asked if the petitions stat
ed any particular point to which the
buildings should be removed.
Mayor Almond said not to his
knowledge, and that he was merely
asked to present the petition-to the
Board.
Mr.. VIM. Bush followed MayorsAll-
mond, and remarked that he appeared
solely as business man, representing
the business interests of the city. He
then presented to the Board the fol-
lowing letter from Senator Bayard,
which was read by Secretary Cooch :
WASHINGTON, d. c., Mar. 25, 1880.
To tho Trustees Of the Poor Of NeU
Castle County:
GENTLEMEN Although unable to
be personally present when you meet
to consider the question of expending
further sums for the permanent i'm
provement of the present county
Almshouse, or of providing for the re-
moval of the Almshouse to a more
central point in the country, outside
of the city of Wilmington, yet / will
crave the favor of your attention TO
my views, shortly expressed in this leu-
ter.
The present Almshouse occupies the
finest building sites In the city of Will
nilngton, and from fear of contagiou
and other sanitary causes, also absolutely
prevents the erection of the better class
Of residences In its vicinity.
IL Ia aaapntial for tho nuiaf nf tha
patients, and their proper treatment,
that apubllc hospital should be remote
from the noise and crowd OF q city, aud
to crowed city it is essential that no
puplic receptacle for diseased persons
should be within its limits.
When the present county buildings
were constructed, 1t was upon ground
entirely agricultural, free gift of
a small farm, near what was then mere
village.
Time and the increase of population
have enlarged Wilmington into busy
and prosperous city of over 40, 600 in
habitants, and what was fit and tolera-
BILE in 1910 is unfit and intolerable in
1880. 1t is like keeping a grown man
in the clothes Of child.
On the score Of economy every rea-
son favors the removal of the County
Almshouse to a more central point,
where IL can have the adjunct of a
good farm, to give seclusion and quiet
to the inmates, healthful employment
to large class of paupers, and means
of self-support to the institution.
The land and buildings now occupied
would reasonably sell for $4,000
probably more.
This sum would purchase a good farm
In proper location, and pay for the
erection Of commodious buildings, con.
structed with all these modern sanitary
improvements, Of which the present
buildings are entirely devoid, but which
moder3 science has made essential in
the treatment Of disease.
| On every ground In which Ihave beer
able TO consider this matter, public
economy. philanthropy, and last, aud moi
least, public sentiment aud opinion, al
concur In urging that no step should bt
taken tending TO anchor the present
Almshouse In its present location.
feel . great interest In my native
State. and my native city, in which il
my homestead aud property.
AS taxpayer and property holder,
know that the erection OF improvement,
and consequently of taxable property II
prevented by keeping the Almshouse il
It's present place, whereby the revenues
OF the city are diminished and capita
discouraged from investment.
For these reasons, hastily given, an,
others l have not the time In state, l be,
leave most respectfully to urge that step
may be taken TO remove the Almshou. !.
TO proper locality, and none tending h
keep IL where It now Is.
Yours, very respectfully,
7. +. BAYARD.
Mr.. Bush followed this letter with
written speech, setting forth the limits
character and business interests OF VII
mington some sixty years ago, and
tracing their gradual increase 10 th
: present day. He cited as one fact i
favor OF Almshouse removal that vii
mington, once noted as q most health
3 r,sort, had now death rate as great q
the larger and more populous cities, O
account OF the houses becoming NOR
crowded, on account of the rapid an
close occupation of the formerly yacan
lots in the city proper.
Mr.. Bush spoke OF the fine plateau +
the west Of the Almhouse property q
being one Of the finest that ever existe
for the erection of small houses O
large lots, for workingmen, the entranc
10 which, he asserted, was blocked u
by the Almshouse. A removal, b
l l. Il