Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-19
NOT A GOOD SCHEME.
Ehe Idea of Boarding-0ut Paupers
Fails to Take Very Well.
1T WOULD BE A LOSING VENTURE
And in a Great Many Instances Entirely
1mpraeticable.
THE CHIEF TALKS OF THE BROWN FARM

project and adopting system of boarding
out paupers has been advanced by several
persons. The idea sprang from the report
of lady professor of domestic economy
giving the cost of good substantial living at
81 25 per week for each person.
1t has been estimated that this system
could be carried out for about the interest
on the cost of the farm and buildings. 1t
would seem that such an arrangement
might be done were philanthropy alone to
rule, but the opinion obtained from most
people spoken to yesterday was that
nothing short of self-abnegation quite rare
and genuine love for helpless humanity
would be like to produce the result to be
obtained-the utmost economy consistent
with the comfort of paupers while in the
pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
Too Much for Charity.
While a pauper might be supported with
good food, clothing and medical attendance
for about S75 year-something less than
half what it costs to maintain one at the
Poor Farm, with all the loss of interest on
cost of plant added-yet it is not at all
likely that anyone will be found
willing to undertake the keeping of
such boarding houses for sweet
charity's sake alone. In addition there are
the insane poor to be considered, and they
could scarcely be made to answer roll-call
and observe the amenities of social life nee
essary even in a boarding house of the kind
suggested. If an institution must be main-
tanned for the care of the insane poor, it
would seem like economy to combine the
two.
1t is further considered that, no matter
how unpalatable, no party nor sect can
be trusted to manage eleemosvnary institu-
tions altogether properly when there are
temptations thrown in the way of the man.
agement
Many people were spoken to on the sub
ject yesterday, among them several cater
ers, but they refused to give decided opin-
ions. Only one who had would allow his
name to go with his views. This was John
Huckestein, OF Allegheny.
Says 1t Is Not Feasible.
He says the boarding plan would not
work at all, as it could not be managed
without colossal scandal, and he gave Incl
dents within his purview 10 support his
stand. Mr.. Huckestein's idea is that there
should be Just enough land connected with
poorhouse to give the inmates chance to
raise their own vegetables and as much
more in the way of food as would proftablv |
employ their labor, but no more, as, if they |
are employed 10 raise stuff to sell, irregu- |
larities are almost certain to creep in at in |
tervals.
He says that only those who have been in |
public position in connection with the sale |
of property to municipalities know
the amount of pressure brought |
TO bear in such matters. In this
connection there has been a story
afoat for nearly 20 years that the price paid
for the Allegheny City farm was $3.50 an
acre more than what the seller got But
the deal prevailed, notwithstanding its op-
ponents alleged that there was not a spring
on the farm whose water was fit to drink,
and objection was also made that it was too
near the workhouse. Influence put the
deal through, however, it is said, with the
mlddlemen's profits known to some who had
the matter in hand :.
Maintenance a Side Issue
But while our plants are EXPENSIVE in
both criminal and eleemosynary institutions |
and the labor performed there is generally |
rather unremunerative, the reports show
that the matter of sustenance is o compara-
lively small one, aside from interest or in
vestment For instance, in the peniten-
tiarv the cost of keeping an in
mate, clothing and medical attendance in
cluded, is but about S121 a wear. or So SO
|
poor boarders would care to undertake to
keep man in fighting condition and clothe
him for twice 81 33, and then the recipient
is supposed under our present system to
earn part of his keep, if able to work at
all
According to Superintendent Warmers
report of the workhouse management for
1880, the daily average prison population
was IO2, and their daily average cost for
u
duced by their earnings to 1497
cents. Here these people were
fed, clothed and doctored for their work for
less than 81 05 per week. exclusive OF inter
est on plant. Superintendent Warner saws:
I'm computing the cost of maintenance 1
include all items of expense in maintaining
the prison and conducting its business, viz,
salaries, repairs, wear and tear of machine
ry and lost book accounts.
Employing the Insane.
According to the report of the Pittsburg
City Home officials to the Senate Board of
Charities, the cost of maintaining paupers
in the Home is 81 "a. II per week. This In
cludes hospital care. In the insane depart
ment the cost is 81 IL and a fraction per week
The insane paupers are the only ones whose
are considered worth reporting. 1t
is found beneficial to the insane to employ
them. Two of them did all the calcimining
last wear, in addition to scraping and clean
ing the walls. The insane are also found
useful as farm laborers, to themselves as
well as to the public.
Looked at from every point of view at
tainable it does not appear probable that
there can be much financial Improvement in
the management of the DOOR aside |
from economy in the construction of build
ings and the purchase of land. 1t is assert
ed that half an acre to the inmate would be
as much or probably more than would be
worked proftably, and rough land that
could be bought very cheaply would serve
the purpose so far as the monetary aspect
is concerned Just as well as highly titled
land. And as to location, any place within
the county and convenient to a railway sta
tion is considered to answer the purpose as
well as any other place.
Says the Farm Is worthless.
''The farm offered to the city by Captain
Sam Brown is not worth dollar" Chief
Elliot said yesterday. "When we were
inspecting farms several months ago we
visited the Brown farm, and it was the ver-
service to us at any price. The farm has
not changed any. and we have no reason to
change our minds"
MY offer of the. Shaw farm to the CITY
for 50,000," said Captain Brown, ''is bona
tide, but no individual can get it for that
money. 1t has been reported that the farm
contains 23S acres. This is incorrect 1t
contains little over 200 acres The price
at which L offer it is equivalent to gift on
ny part of at least s25, 200 to the CITY,"
GENUINE Alaska sealskin jackets-s125,
S15O, $500 and $3.50.