The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-12-12
Last Quarterly Session Of This
Year Held In tho Cathedral.
CONDITIONS ARE SATISFACTORY
Former President D. D. Donovan Told Of The
Worlds Conference at 81. Louis In
September Annual Report.

The several conferences of the So
ciety OF ST. Vincent de Paul of Provi-
dence met in quarterly session at the
Cathedral yesterday afternoon.
President John w. Mcguire. presided
Very Rev. Vicar General Thomas F.
Doran. spiritual director OF the society.
offered the introductory prayer. after
which the quarterly reports Of the vari-
Gus conferences were read
D. d. Donovan OF the Particular coun-
ell and formerly president OF the society.
then read an interesting and highly In
strutive paper on the proceedings OF the
world g general conference at St Louis In
September at which he was present as
delegate from this city.
Agent william j. Wallace then pre-
sented his seventh annual report the
same being an excellent resume or the
years work at the various institutions
within the Jurisdiction OF the society.
Mr. Wallace's report was In part IA
follows
ITO the Right Reverend Bishop, the
President and Brothers:
The work OF your agent for the pas.
year In addition 10 his duties as proba-
ton officer and superintendent or the
Rhode Island Working Boys Home, has
been directed principally TO the interests
OF the Rhode Island Catholic Orphan
asylum and the ST. Vincent de Paul In
fant asylum
'.The continued demands made upon
these institutions for the admission OF
orphan and neglected children, tax them
10 their fullest capacity, so that many
worthy cases would have TO be rejected
we're II not for the relief afforded through
the placng-out agency. Hence our ef-
forts in this direction have been marked
with great activity. Approved homes
we're found for so children from the or
phan asylum and Is from the infant
asylum. The personal visitation OF the
homes OF all our wards. both adopted.
and those placed with temporary guar
dians, has been kept up. even those living
at great distances being visited at fire.
auent intervals.
Twelve girls OF decidedly wayward
tendencies were taken to the House OF
the Good Shepherd. Boston. Mass. where
they were kindly received by the sisters
Not only the agent of this society. put
also the agent OF the Rhode Island So
ciety for the Prevention OF Cruelty to
Children. the probation officer for women
of the city OF Proviuence and the proba-
ton officers OF the other cities OF the
state have avaiIed themselves OF the su-
perior advantages OF this home In the re-
claiming of girls and young women who
were entering upon a downward career.
For nearly 40 years this heroic order OF
women has indeed been doing the work
of the Good Shepherd. quietly. but ef-
fectively, in the city of Boston. Through
out this entire period no application from
our city or state was ever refused. al
though the home has at times been over
crowded.
The work itself is divided into three
classes, each separate and distinct. The
Magdalens, the penitents and the preser-
walton or the protective class. AT the
present time about 80 girls, coming from
various parts OF the state of Rhode ISL
and, the greater portion from the city
OF Providence. are being cared for
gratuitously by the home In Boston. In
previous reports we have spoken OF the
great need OF house OF this order in
the city Of Providence. At last. thanks
TO the right reverend bishop, our hopes
have been realized, as the sisters have
taken possession OF the Bailey mansion
on Eaton street and are rapidly putting
everything In readiness to begin their
Iabors In the near future. The location is
admirable; while within the limits OF the
city. II has all the advantages Of
suburban retirement. Its elevated posi-
ton, extensive grounds. beautiful trees
and shrubbery afford abundant natural
scenery. The objects OF the House Of the
Good Shepherd. as set forth In its charter.
are the protection OF girls In danger.
the education, manual and mental. Of un-
fortunate women and girls without dis
- tinction OF race -creed-.-
"In this nse OF commercialism and self
seeking the worth and fruits OF such
mission as that OF the Good Shepherd are
underestimated, II not In the main unap-
preciated, by many who are otherwise
deeply interested in problems affecting
the betterment of society. For the man.
sgement and support OF this noble work
the sisters are almost entirely dependent
upon the generosity OF the public, there
being no Fixed revenue. nor remunerative
Industry. except the laundry.
''As no note is taken OF = Nce, color
or creed. when there In question OF a
soul to be retrieved for Christ, we feel
confident that all citizens irrespective OF
religious belief. will contribute to this
most worthy cause. We gratefully ac-
knowledge our Indebtedness 10 the right
reverend bishop for his continued inter-
est In our work. also to the president and
board Of directors, the devoted Sisters OF
Charity and the courteous placing-ou Of
ncers Of the Home for Destitute Children.
Boston. Mass, for much of the success
attendant upon our hbors during the past
year. Our thanks are likewise due TO the
reverend clergy OF the diocese, the presi-
dent. officers and members of our society
the board OF state charities and correc-
tions, and Agent w. r. wightman. Agent
Charles H. Thurber OF the r. L 8. p. G.
c., overseer OF Poor Matthew j. Cum
minRs, rruant officer @. r. Whittemore
Miss NJ H. Denehy, superintendent
Providence Rescue Mission, the Society
for Organizing Charity. the police depart
ment, the Rhode Island company. and to
ali who have assisted us in our work"