Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-02-09
Bath Orphan Asylum.
NUAL REPORT OF THE MILITARY AND
NAVAL ORPHAN ASYLUM AT BATH

The trustees of the Bath Orphan Asylum,
have submitted their annual report for the
year ending December 81. 1880. The pur-
poses for WHICH his institution was estab-
lished, appear still to warrant the continued
care Of the State, and to vindicate the wis
dom Of the bounty so directed
There are so MANY soldiers enfeebled by
The hardships of the field who have fingered
along and are dying every year, really vic
lims of the war, and leaving young families
in dependent condition. that this Home
finds 10 lack of material for its benevolence.
TRUSTEES REPORT
The Trustees experience some difficulty in
placing the grown-up children IN proper SIT
nations. 1t appears that they have now no
power to bind them out to such service or
trade a. tlev NAV deem fit. and it j. the opin-
ion of the present Board that the Trustees
should be made full guardians, with powers
to control the course Of the children until
they attain their majority.
In the Judgment of the trustees, an appro-
priation by the State of $4,000 is required
for the support of the Institution for the two
coming years.
NATIONS REPoRT.
During the past year there have been y
children at the Home.
There have been admitted the past wear,
-; placed, % returned to the Home, ID.
GRouSDs AND BCILDIsGs.
There have been raised upon the farm the
past wear miscellaneous products TO the
value OF 1880 30 of which all has been con-
sumed at the home with the exception Of
fruit sold for so 20.
The buildings will need painting another
season.
The committee recommended that a suita-
BILE man and his wife be employed to manage
the Home, under direction of the several
committees; the man rs Superintendent and
hi. wife a. Matron. Such course ii practic-
able would materially lessen the expense,
which is especially desirable. now that the
number of children is so much less than in
former years.
To substantiate the above recommendation
the committee give in detail the several items
which collectively make up the present pay
roll. and also the items necessary TO meet the
requirements Of the department were the
proposed change effected, showing a saving
in the latter instance of PA per annum.
TREAsrREE's REPORT.
The treasurer reports receipts for the past
year amounting to SI.943.4G including the
appropriation from the State. The expendi-
lures during the year have amounted to
s7,73G34, leaving balance in the treasury
of S201.l2
PHYSICIANS REPORT.
There has been no accident or death among
the inmates for the past wear. Strict attcn-
ton has been given to the children's food,
bathing, bedding. sleeping ,ooms and amuse-
mrnts The cooking and drainage have been
frequently inspected, especially during the
summer months, when neglect of them pro-
duccs most danger No child sent from the
Tome has been returned on account of dis
ease or physical defect.
CONCLUSION.
This institution was established ''for the
purpose of rearing and educating. gratutous-
Is. in the common branches of tearing and
ordinary industrial pursuits, the orphans and
half-orphans of officers, soldiers seamen and
marines who have entered the service of the
government from Maine during the war for
the suppression of the rebellion and have
died while in said service. subsequently
from wounds received. or injuries or disease
contracted while in said service"
This is an Institution the founding of which
is grandly illustrative of the philanthropy and
patriotism of our people. Here the orphaned
children of those war-wOrn veterans who fell
in that glorious struggle for the preservation
of our Union, find an haven of refuge. Kind
and loving hands are reached forth to receive
them. and the blessings of '.Swect
Home" are vouchsafed to the poor fatherless
babes of Names dead heroes, who are left
a legacy of honor to our protecting care.
Herethev are saved from the enforced Grim
inalitv of street vagabondage and reared in
an atmosphere of purity and virtue, taught
to regard with filial pride the liberty loving
spirit. which orphaned them, and are made
ready to assume the rights and honors of
American citizenship. We have not more
deserving charity. 1t should be supported by
all parties ut all times.