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fEPORT OF OVERSEER'S OF POOR,
<br />In no department of the affairs of the town is there
<br />a more constant supervision demanded for care and at-
<br />tention, than the charge of the Alms House. The fre-
<br />quent attempts to have the town asume the support or
<br />render partial assistance, to those who are receiving
<br />aid in other places, requires the strictest vigilance to
<br />sucess£ully resist these applications and demands.
<br />The various duties and responsibilities naturally
<br />arising while in discharge of the duties as Overseers of
<br />the Poor, are at times of that peculiar nature as to ex-
<br />cite pity and sympathy, and at the same time demand
<br />decision and firmness that might perhaps, be consid-
<br />ered, by those unacquainted with the facts, as harsh or
<br />vindictive. The many different phases of character
<br />and disposition exhibited by those who are receiving
<br />assistance, wholly, or in part, are to be met and con-
<br />sidered.
<br />Some in looking back over their past lives, recall to
<br />mind their many deviations from the paths of rectitude
<br />and sobriety, and fully realize they are now reaping
<br />their reward in penury and want. Others, who have
<br />acquired what is termed a military settlement, exhibit
<br />a dictatorial spirit, by making known their wants, as an
<br />imperative demand, rather than as a request ; of this
<br />class of persons, some, we regret to say, are disposed
<br />to practice deception and duplicity; yet there are those
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<br />who accept with cheerfulness their situation; and are
<br />grateful and appreciate the care that is manifested for
<br />their comfort.
<br />The health of the inmates of the Alms House, the
<br />past year, has been remarkably good, considering their
<br />age and infirmities; two deaths from old age have
<br />occurred.
<br />One small specimen of humanity, has been during
<br />the past year, added to the human family, who will by
<br />ancestral right, claim the privilege of eating of your
<br />bread and butter; the advent of this little Miss into
<br />this mundane sphere, happened in Boston in July last.
<br />As no happy or joyous father, has as yet appeared to
<br />claim the waif, she will therefore look to the Overseers
<br />of the Poor, for paternal guidance, and the town, for
<br />support.
<br />The personal property at the Alms House is in good
<br />condition, the farm wagon became so worn as not to
<br />be worth repairing, which necessitated the purchasing
<br />of another.
<br />Notwithstanding, them is as much property at this
<br />time as there was one year ago, at the Alms House,
<br />the depreciated market value of stock, poultry, pigs,
<br />produce, etc., is such, that the report of the appraising
<br />committee estimates a decrease in value of $176.25.
<br />Yet this property is of as much worth to the town now
<br />as it was with its former value.
<br />The fluctuations in the market value of the property,
<br />should not, if increased be credited as income, or if de-
<br />creased, be charged to the expenses, for it is of as
<br />much use to the town, whether the valuation be much
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