The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-10-27

cause of misfortune which brings the
individual to the institution, nothing
but kindness in their treatment should
be tolerated.
He hoped the successor to Mr.. Graves
would prove as worthy, and if he is as
good as he hoped and trusted he would
be, he considered it a remarkable fact
that two such men had been found to
follow one another. 1t will do no harm
for the present administration to look
for a model in the administration that
has gone before.
The mayor spoke Of the growth Of
the institution during the past ten
years, which has exceeded the anticipa-
ton Of even officials of the poor de-
partment, but whatever changes or adj
ditions may be necessary and consistent
will always be met by the city. He did
not believe that the poor department,
above all others, would be allowed to
suffer materially for the need of any
thing necessary in carrying on the de-
partment, but he cautioned members of
the board to go easy in order that
check may not be placed on other de-
partments, although the outcome would
probably be the same as in the past and
the poor department would receive
preference
Alderman Huot spoke briefly, saying
that 1t was pleasure to visit the Home
farm and inspect its various depart
ments. He was satisfied that money
spent there had been expended wise
ly and that the city had received the
worth of its money
Alderman O'Connell said he came out
to dinner in order that his friends OF
the democracy might not be hopelessly
,1,S Il IAxr
had carried out a self-conducted in
spection since coming to the farm. An
inmate Of the institution told him that
inmates were treated handsomely and
that there is no cause for complaint
from any one.
Mr.. O'Connell was pleased to find
such a satisfactory condition of affairs
and agreed with the mayor that there
Is desire in the city council to do as
much as is consistent for the depart
ment and its dependents. He remarked
the absence of declaration by various
members of the council of their inten-
tons regarding reelection, but, as
these little valedictory addresses were
apt to be misleading, thought they
could be dispensed with. He consid-
cred members OF the city government
have reason to congratulate themselves
on the showing made in the annual re-
port for, the state which places Wor-
cester we'll in the lead, so far as care
of it's poor is concerned.
Councilman Johnson remarked the
high standard of excellence attained
and felt sure that wise selection had
been made in the new superintendent,
whom he considered capable OF main
tanning the standard of excellence.
Councilman O'Leary made bright
address, in which he. touched on the
remarks of the POSTMASTER relative to
promotion from the city council to the
board of overseers, saying that previ-
Gus to this visit he had considered cleo
ton to the board of overseers a sort
of political degeneration, but since
looking over the institution, he was
convinced of his error. From what ne
had seen he considered it a promotion
from the cold and practical side OF city
government to the kind and humane.
He thought money appropriated for
this department had been expended
iudiciously, but he thought the institu-
ton should be provided with it's own
lighting plant-in fact, that the city
should do all it's own lighting, instead
of paying out immense sums annually
for the purpose.
In introducing Mr.. Schouler, Mr..
White said he took pleasure in present
ing a man who, with the assistance of
mis- eStlnaDle VIE, WOulu NE CdpdplS
of maintaining the Home farm as it
has been kept up in years past.
Mr. Schouler said that if, by taking
Mr.. Graves as a model, he could secure
the degree of confidence reposed in his
predecessor, he should feel that he had
done well. He appreciated the need of
experience, and hoped to continue the
same spirit of kindness and still main
tain good discipline. He hoped that
members of the city government would
take the opportunity to visit the Home
farm at any and all times
Rev. Mr.. Hoyt spoke of the improve
ments in the institution since he has
been connected with it in the capacity of
chaplain. His relations with the late
superintendent had been most pleasant,
and at the time of Mr.. Graves death it
seemed almost as though he had lost
brother. He hoped that he had gained
another brother in the new superin-
tendent. He contrasted the condition
of the insane ward of the Worcester
almshouse as portrayed by Dorothea
Dix in her book, with that of the pres
ent days. In the olden days the un-
fortunates were chained to the side of
the house, while their beds consisted
merely of a bundle of straw.
In closing the after-d dinner remarks,
Mr.. Curtis thanked those present for
their attendance and extended a hearty
welcome on the part of the board and
superintendent to visit the institution
at any time.