The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1882-10-19
CORRESPONDENCE.
The Paupsr Question.

The following which appeared in the
Record and Farmer in 1879 we copy by re-
quest 1t treats Of subject that should
interest all classes Of people.
Mr.. Edifor.-I notice in the RECORD
AND FARMER the inquiry, what shall be
done with the paupers? would say, let
them be supported by the state. Lot
suitable men be chosen to locate as many
poor houses as may be thought necessary,
buy farms and erect suitable buildings.
and make 1t pleasant and agreeable around
them, 80 that the unfortunate, instead OF
being cast down in sorrow and shame, may
be encouraged to think that life is still
worth preserving These farms should be
placed IN charge Of those who will see that
the poor are well cared for. Many times
the poor can be encouraged TO do enough
work to support themselves, whereas II
they were sold TO the lowest bidder, hired
on, TO be taken care Of by people who
have no suitable accommodations and,
what Is worse, no kindness or sympathy
for them, as is frequently the case with
the present plan, they would sink down
iu hopelessness aud despair. The most
that Is thought OF seems to be, not the
comfort OF the poor, but the saving OF
| few dollars aud cents. just think how
YOU or your family would feel to be cast
npon the tender mercies OF the town OFF,
cials. aud put up ut auction. Poor people
are human beings, aud we are commanded
by the Divine Master TO be kind TO them.
We know not bnt that we may be paupers
before we die. Sueh things do take place
| M al W IN
should become a state charge. One alone
ought to I've sufficient TO convince any OPP
poser that am correct. When stranger
calls on the town for help. the question
comes mp, where does he belongf Ihis
question is often brought before the
courts, aud the pauper is removed TO an
other town. That town takes All appeal,
the LAWYERS enter into the fight with great
zeal. and the result is that 1t costs more t.
: find out where that pauper belongs than
il does 10 support him during the remain.
; der OF his life, and he must he supported
someu here after all. Now II the state
would take this matter in hand 1t would
! save all this fighting and some hard feel
/. ing. II is objected thst some towns have
! not as many paupcrs as others, but while
yOur town has more than mine this year
mine may have more than yours next year
After the state poor houses have beer
: erected. n some Of the poor have acquain
. ,ances near home who will support then
, as cheaply Ms they can he supported ct th'
/, poor ,uses. aud they wish to remain will
them, let them do so. aud draw the none,
: GU, Of the state treasury. How much bet
D Ter this would be than 10 put them ont 4
g hap. hazard places and leave them TO drooI
I, down 10 solitude and brood over their sor
rows. In old age, ia sickness and vhei
near 10 death. they should have pleasan
!. words and Kind hearts 10 Afford them com
). for. 10 their last days on earth. lnnsmucl
:. ~ We must all come 10 death. wheihe
fortune shall land Ms in the poor house Q
in the most splendid chamber, or will
c- friends around us, let Us be merciiui =
the poor. w. "
sir1tton. March 18th. 1879.