Rock Island daily Argus., 1892-10-27
N A RUSSIAN FOUNDING ASYLUM.
Babies - Observed by . Travelling
American Clergyman.

American Clergyman.
Accompanied by young Englishman, /
visited the celebrated founding asylum
which has attracted so much attention.
Ny companion spoke French, which we
found a great help. After being shown
through the reception rooms and corridors
by soldierlike looking men, we were placed
in charge of pleasant little lady in black,
who spoke French and whose first question
was, "Do you wish to see the legitimate or
illegitimate childrenf" Both" we re-
piled.
We were Immediately shown babies in
such quantities that it seemed as though
there must have been a shower of them
from the clouds We passed through
building after building, and every foot of
space seemed to be covered by a baby. At
last we were shown into the receiving
room, where we observed, sitting in a cir
Gle, about fifty mothers, each holding q
fresh baby. The average number taken in
each day is from sixty to seventy-fve.
AS we entered the room Next" was
called out-or a word which was the Rus
sian equivalent-and the first mother in
line walked with her infant up to the
desk. By the side of the desk stood an
assistant, who took the baby, placed it
upon a large pillow and then proceeded at
once to undress it, throwing its old cloth
ing into a basket. After the last rag is re-
moved it is placed in the hands of another
assistant, who puts it on the scales and
calls out to the woman standing at the
desk, who keeps the records the exact
weight of the child. She also measures
the chHd-its height, breadth, circumfer-
ence of the head, etc. number on a card
is given to the child, attached to a string
which encircles its neck.
Then this mite of flesh is wrapped in a
napkin and handed to an assistant, who
rv.x- I.rl : L
its lung power before it makes a display of
it now. Sobbing, dripping and screaming,
it comes from its bath and is handed to
still another assistant, who, having wiped
1t dry, places it on top of bundle of nap
kins and wraps it up. At each fold of
the napkin we noticed the sobs lessened,
and as the last tuck is made under its tiny
chin the last sob has died away and the
little thing lies as tranquil, happy and
noiSeless a sunbeam. IL is then handed
to the last assistant, who places it in it's
cradle. The baby knows not when we
strangers go, for IL sleeps, it lis sleeping!"
1t is wonderful the dexterity shown in
the handling of these babies 1t reminded
me of poultry l have seen handled, where
thousands were picked. dressed, thrown
about and prepared for market in a re-
markably short space of time. This asy-
lum is only for wee infants, for as soon as
they have grown out of their napkins they
are shipped into the country to make room
for fresh arrivals. Some women deposit as
many as three or four of their infants
there. 1t is beyond my comprehension
how that great genius and powerful phi.
losopher and teacher, Jean Jacques Ros-
seau, could Justify his act in sending five
of his children to foundling asylum. IL
he and Therese could do so, suppose it is
not surprising that the poor peasants of
Russia do likewise. / still think of the
first question which was asked US. DO
you wish TO see the legitimate or illeciti-
mate children;" They certainly looked
alike to me, and hardly think our Heaven
ly Father viii make any distinction over
there. Statistics will show, however, that
Russia has fewer illegitimate children than
most other uations.-Church Union