Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1883-11-01
THE room OF SUSSEX.
What n WeII-InfOrmed Gentleman
Knows AbOnt Outdoor Pauperism.

Editor State journal: Your article on
"0utdoor Pauperism" reminded me Of the
trouble In Sussex about score of years
ago. Our finances were below par aud
orders frequently sold at 20 per cent. dis
count. Much of the time of the poor
trustees regular meetings was taken up in
explanation and passage of outdoor allow
anoes. The trustees, as now, we're mostly
farmers, unsocustomed to say no to any
appeal of charity. Outdoor allowances
became 30 burdensome that a resolution
was adopted "to stop them entirely, ex-
oept in the most extreme Gases, aud these
to last no longer than the subjects could
be safely brought to the almshouse.''
The result was no increase in the num-
ber OF paupers but very considerable
decrease In the expenses. Evsn now it is
great trial for our farmer trustees to
answer the frequent appeals (yet not so
frequent by half ss they were) but he
has only to say resolution of the board
forbids 1t and he must 90 to the alms-
house where provision has been made.
While in your county you say in every
district there are those regularly in re-
oeipt of aid, at present there is to the
knowledge of the writer not single
regular on the list in Sussex.
We remember, after after this passage
of the resolution against outdoor allow.
ancss, of finding very poor woman of
about go years, who lived in a small
single story country house, supporting
herself snd child by working for whom
soever brought her work. The child was
an idiot girl of 20 years, unable to walk
or talk. The girl requiring the mothers
constant attention the latter must needs
remain at home, and do all her work
there. This idiot child had been sup
ported by this widowed mother all these |
years and II only a little aid could be |
given she could continue to keep her at |
home. Knowing of this resolution mother |
and child were brought before the trustees
talk was unnecessary; this as cuff ioisnt, |
there could have been DO tender or
stronger appeal and this was about the
first time the resolution was reeinded and |
4 permanent allowance granted. To-day |
do not think there is a permanent
psuper receiving outdoor allowance, this
one having died year ago.
At every meeting discussion arises,
butahe spirit of the resolution remains,
and to 1t is attributed In great measure
the healthy condition of our finances,
our indebtedness with farm worth
$40, 600 being about "a, 600.
You see then, with the county at our
back, how rich we are, but lacking the
liberslity. The trustees need to expsnd
about $5, 900 in the erection of a couple
Of frame buildings to make the poor of
the county comfortable, This they re-
solved year ago to do, hut one or two
new members came in imbued deeply
with the spirit of retrenchment, and to
The courtesy shown them is due the post
ponement of the Improvements 80 greatly
needed. 1t is, however, only temporary.
These improvements the poor should
nave enjoyed this winter. Henceforth,
rom the old members and the new, let
.he courtesy be to the poor, and may our
Levy Court take heed. At least half
iozen reports from existing grand juries
lave recommended the needed improve
nents. Who will stand in the way
SUSSEX.