Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-19
The Annual Report by Inspector
Greer Upon the Soldiers Orphans
Schools in the State.
FIVE SCHOOLS WERE CLOSED.
He Makes a Recommendation That ALI
Dependent Children be Provided
for by the State.
KILLED BY AN ACCIDENTAL SHOT.
A Sportsman Who Used a Simple but Terribly
Destructive Device in Fishing.
npxc1kI TELEGRAM TO THE DIsrAroH.

xprr1k AZ TELEGRAM TO THE DIsPAToH.1
BUTLER, August 1S.-Inspector Greer's
first annual report of the Soldiers Orphans
Schools of the State, under the management
of the commission, reveals very satisfactory
condition of affairs. No children have been
received into these schools since June, 1887,
and, as a consequence, the number Of chill
dren and schools are gradually decreasing.
During the past year the Mercer, Mansfield,
White Hall, Mt Joy and Chester Springs
schools were closed. 1t subsequently became
necessary to reopen the latter school, which,
together with the Uniontown and Hartford
schools. is under the direct supervision of the
commission, who employ the managers. teach
ers and help, and furnish all the provisions and
supplies. Children who could not be provided
for in these schools were placed in St PauPs
Orphans Home, Butler; the Trcssler Home,
Loysyille or the Northern Home, Philadel-
phia where the commission pay their board,
furnish their clothing, and keep constant
supervision over them. None but children
under Il years of age are kept at the latter
place. The health of the children during the
wear has been remarkably good. and they are
exceptionally happy and contented. As rule
the clothing is very good. The supply of food
is abundant and well cooked
The facilities of the Butler Home have been
materially improved by the erection of three
new buildings, The whole institution is In
frst-class order. At the Tressler Home, Lnys-
vile, a new building is needed. and the ap-
pointment of a good male attendant is sug-
gested. Uniontown passed inspection credit
ably save in the matter of discipline. The Har-
ford buildings are old and inadequate and un
suitable, but they are the best that can be had
for the present. The school is highly COM
mended.
The commission has leased the buildings and
grounds at Chester Springs, and will have re-
pairs and improvements made which Will make
this one of the best institutions of the kind in
the State. This school is most fortunately sit
mated, being 81 miles from Philadelphia and
convenient to a large number of children. 1t
has IS acres of ground, commodious and com
Portable buildings, and an abundance of ex-
cellent water With Chester Springs, Butler,
proved the children of deceased soldiers will
certainly be provided with good homes, schools
and surroundings, and will receive such care
and treatment as the people of Pennsylvania
demand.
The inspector says: 81 think the Legislature
should open the door and receive such as are
destitute. 1t is estimated that Pennsylvania
with population of over s, ,000, 600, has about
10 600 dependent children, one child to every
800 population. Would it not be well for the
z99 persons to take charge of this child, clothe,
feed and educate it. and give it such mental,
moral and religious training as would save it
from life of crime and misery, and the State
from the burden of its support as a criminal in
after yearsf There are but .122 children on
the rolls of the Soldiers Orphans Schools. The
list is becoming shorter every month. The
number will soon be reduced so that two or
three schools will accomdate all. Should the
State see fit to adopt the Michigan system os
keeping all dependent children. excellent
locations could be secured at Chester Springs
and Jumonville."