ANNUAL REPORT.

Washington, D.C., January, 1900. To the National Association for the Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children: The twelve months that have intervened between the last annual meeting and the present have been full of activity; of busy, sometimes anxious, thought. But if the conditions have been such as to demand special care, more than usual attention, they have been met with promptitude, efficiency and a spirit of mutual helpfulness on the part of all interested in the welfare of the Home.

First in importance, among the improvements, is the new system of drainage, by which all refuse matter from house and grounds is carried to the great brick sewer which—following the lines of New Jersey avenue—passes through the property of the Home.

For the improvement of sanitary conditions also, was the emptying of the tank on the roof, capable of holding 500 gallons. It has been drained, disinfected and disconnected from the pipes and gutters that fed it. Three unused wells that, with the tank, constituted the supply of water for the house-hold before the introduction of Potomac water, have been filled up.

The work of putting in the steam-heating plant, recommended by the Joint Select Committee of Congress, has been commenced and is approaching completion. In a short time it will have taken the place of the hot air furnaces that were never equal to the demand. The latter are entirely worn out, are constantly in need of repair, and serve only to consume fuel without giving adequate heat.

New blanks for indenture have been prepared, of which each new provision has for its object the welfare of the children when they leave the protection of the Home.

A leaflet has been printed to make the relations between the National Association and the Treasury Department more easily understood by tradesmen and dealers.

0004 6

At the request of the Superintendent and Executive Committee a new street lamp has, by order of the Commissioners, been placed on Irving street, at the northern entrance to the grounds; so well placed that it sheds its cheerful light along the board walk to the very door of the Home.

A new machine has been added to the equipment of the sewing room.

But, few of these betterments have been made without corresponding expenditure. The burning question of the year has been the financial question; how and where to economize so as to secure all the benefits without overstepping prescribed limits. Yet, with all the thought and care, there have been so many extraordinary expenses, including an accumulation of unpaid bills aggregating more than $800 (one of which was of six month's standing) from the preceding administration, that even the most careful consideration could not prevent the sacrifice of many comforts and some necessaries.

The children's outings have been almost entirely discontinued, but the experiment of a study hour, tried by the superintendent, has partly supplied their place. There is something very homelike in gathering together at the evening hour to pursue their work without the restraint of the schoolroom, and the children have thoroughly enjoyed it. They have profited much by being shown how to study and prepare their lessons; listlessness and indifference have been exchanged for effort. Happy hours pass swiftly, so that the bell which brings the “study-hour” to a close is heard with surprise and regret.

The proposal at the last annual meeting that the trustees should endeavor to provide industrial training for some of the older children has had two results. With the recommendation of Hon. Geo. H. White of North Carolina, John Robinson is continuing his mental and manual training at Biddle University, N.C., free of charge, and the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute has promised two free scholarships whenever there is a boy or girl old enough and far enough advanced to enter their school.

The presentation of a portrait of a much-loved and lamented member of the Association, Mrs. A.M. Purvis, by her husband, was made the occasion of appropriate memorial 0005 7exercises. The speakers referred feelingly to Mrs. Purvis' many years of service in behalf of the inmates of the Home—years brimful of kindliness, forethought and well-directed energy. The portrait now hangs on the wall of the reception room at the Home.

The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays passed pleasantly. When the household was assembled on Thanksgiving Day the old ladies were called on for a sentiment. They expressed thankfulness and a willingness to do anything in their power in return for the kindness and care they received.

With the help of the customary contributions from Howard University and the churches, the Christmas tree was hung with toys and candies, and a bountiful dinner was provided for all; several clergymen were present at the exercises and addressed the assembled household and friends.

It would be neither just nor kind to conclude this report without referring to the faithfulness and efficiency of the officers and teachers at the Home.

The matron, the industrial teacher and the kindergartner have assisted the superintendent in her every effort to promote the interests of the institution.

Dr. Cole herself has more than fulfilled the expectations of her friends. With a clear and comprehensive view of her whole field of action, she has carried out her plans with the good sense and vigor which are a part of her character, while her cheerful optimism, her determination to see the best in every situation and in every individual, have created around her an atmosphere of sunshine that adds to the happiness and well being of every member of the large family.

Dr. Williston has kindly given medical attendance gratuitously throughout the year.

Rev. D.E. Wiseman is entitled to sincere thanks from the Association for service in visitation of the sick, burial of the dead, and the performance of other duties pertaining to his sacred office.

Appended to this report is a report furnished to the Superintendent of Charities for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1899. Respectfully submitted, Helen A. Cook, Secretary.

0006 8

(Report of the National Association For the Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children Furnished the Superintendent of Charities of the District of Columbia.) Sir:—In compliance with your request that “The report should contain such an explanation of the character of the work done by the institution and such accounts of its several departments as will assist the reader to proper conclusions regarding it,” I submit the following brief statement:

The Home for Destitute Colored Women and Children was established thirty-six years ago under an act of incorporation approved by Congress February 14, 1863. The first officers were elected in March, 1863, and remain the same as to their number and to the duties prescribed as when the charter was granted. The By-Laws adopted by the National Association in 1866, with a few additions and amendments, are still in force.

A considerable part of the active work of the Association is done by committees, made up chiefly from the executive officers and the board of managers. They serve without compensation, though in several similar institutions the treasurer, at least, is paid for her services. Only a philanthropic spirit and a high conception of duty could induce women with many other duties and obligations to give the time and thought necessary to conduct successfully an institution that shelters a family varying from 100 to 125. During the long life of the Association the successive physicians, even when their term extended over six or eight years, have given constant and regular medical attention gratuitously throughout the year, as well as during occasional visitations of diphtheria, measles, and other diseases incident to childhood.

The management is most economical, there being, besides the teachers, no salaried officers except the superintendent and matron, all other employees receiving wages not exceeding $15 per month. In January last the chief officer of the home, formerly called matron, but now designated as superintendent, was removed, and Dr. Rebecca J. Cole appointed. The new incumbent possesses all the qualities essential to such a position—ability, energy, experience, tact. She has an able and conscientious assistant in Miss Louise Jacobs, so that the internal affairs of the Home are conducted in such a thorough and efficient manner as to 0007 9greatly relieve the Board of Managers and the Association of anxiety concerning that branch of the work.

The three trustees, all members of the Association, who, in accordance with the terms of the charter, are annually elected, give occasional but most efficient help. Their knowledge of affairs, their experience in the conduct of public business, and their generous willingness to take upon themselves any duties difficult or unpleasant to women, make them invaluable as an aid in the general management of the Home.

Children enter the Kindergarten about the age of four years. At the end of two years they are of the age to be admitted to the school. The course in the school, where there are two teachers, a principal, and an assistant, is that of the first five grades in public schools of the District of Columbia. The work is faithfully done and constitutes the principal, if not the only, mental training the children ever get. It is supplemented by moral and religious instruction. The industrial training consists in the practice of various household duties; such work about the grounds as may be performed by children under twelve years, sewing and mending, taught to boys and girls alike by the industrial teacher, and a summer course in carpentry for the boys, which is given by a special teacher.

More frequent outings have been encouraged during the past year as giving variety to the life of the little ones, and affording opportunities for observation and contact with the outside world, where they must eventually take their place among other workers. When such excursions include car fares or similar expenses the amount is paid from other sources than the appropriation—generally by contributions from members and friends.

The most important of the standing committees is the one charged with the duty of finding homes for the children when they have reached the age at which they must leave the Home to make room for others, younger and equally needy. The difficulty of securing guardians who will give instruction, judicious training, and kind treatment in return for daily service is increased by the race prejudice, which meets the committee on every hand, most of the persons applying having but one idea—to profit by the labor of an unpaid drudge, whether a boy to be employed on the farm, or 0008 10a girl in the household. This tendency imposes increased obligation on the part of the National Association to follow, with parental care, its outgoing wards, even into their new homes. An improved form of indenture has been recently adopted with the view of throwing additional safe-guards around them, and every effort is made to communicate with them by correspondence and by personal visits of the Superintendent or other officer as frequently as some-what limited resources will permit.

All purchases ($15 per month being allowed the Superintendent for current expenses) are made by the Household and Clothing Committees, their accounts being passed upon by the Executive Committee (consisting of executive officers and managers) at each monthly meeting.

All of the clothing—boys' suits, girls' frocks, etc.—is made in the house by the seamstress and her assistant. Occasionally plain garments are made by the children during their regular hours in the industrial room. A completely new outfit for the dormitories, including 110 iron bedsteads, blankets, bed spreads, ticking, etc., though it was essential to health and cleanliness, involved an unusual outlay.

Among contemplated improvements, one of immediate need is a new heating apparatus, the present plant being worn out and insufficient. Repairs are frequent and expensive, the furnaces consuming large quantities of fuel without corresponding warmth in the house. During the bitter weather of last winter no efforts on the part of the Superintendent and her assistants could prevent real suffering of the children and old people, especially at night.

The bringing up to grade of several lots adjacent to the property of the Association, resulting in the gradual formation of a pool of stagnant water on the home grounds, will enforce the necessity of an entire change in the plan of sewerage. The pipes hitherto discharging on Eighth street being incapable of carrying off the water, the drainage will have to be conducted through another part of the grounds to the large brick sewer on New Jersey avenue, where there is a greater fall. The last-named expenditure, though unexpected at this time, must be incurred, since the condition is one that admits of no delay.

Respectfully submitted, Helen A. Cook, Secretary. Hon. Herbert W. Lewis, Supt. of Charities.

0009 11

I herewith furnish the additional information concerning the Home for Destitute Colored Women and Children requested in your communication of September 2, 1899: Number of Children and Aged Women cared for during the year ended June 30, 1899 115 Number on hand and to be supported (boys, 56; girls, 38; women, 9)...103

The reasons for receiving the children into the Home are that they are either orphans or destitute—that is, without any relative able to support them. With regard to the women, the provisions in the charter, “aged or indigent,” is construed to include both conditions, aged and indigent, the small number that can be accommodated—never more than ten—making it necessary to extreme care in selecting from those applying.

The principles governing the Committee on Admission are a strict adherence to the requirements of the charter, Section 3, as follows:

And be it further enacted. That said society may receive into a house or building, to be provided by it, any destitute child or children, at the request of the parents or guardians or next friend, or the mother, if the father be dead or has abandoned his family, or does not provide for their support is in habitual drunkard, such parents, guardians, or next friend or mother making a written surrender of such child or children.

The method of application of these principles consists in a careful investigation by the committee into the truthfulness of the representations made by means of personal visit and satisfactory reference from some reputable person or persons known to the committee.

The number of awards still in their minority and under the guardianship of the Association is (indentured, 59; adopted, 26) 85.

The Geographical distribution is as follows: New Hampshire, 1' New York, I; New Jersey, 3; Massachusetts, I, Pennsylvania, 7; Maryland, 21; Virginia, 27; District of Columbia, 24; total 85.

The form of contract of indenture allows a probationary period of six weeks. If a child is returned from apparent want of adaptability to its surroundings—which occurs infrequently—another home, with a different mental and moral atmosphere is easily found, and the change is usually attended with satisfactory results. A boy was recently sent 0010 12back from Avondale, Pa., after an absence of several years, charged with laziness and a disposition to be a vagrant. As he was above the age when he could remain at the Home, he was, at the request of the Superintendent, taken in charge by the Board of Children's Guardians. From a personal knowledge extending over eighteen years, I know of but two cases where boys have been committed to a Reformatory. In both instances they had run away from the homes provided for them, on account of alleged ill-treatment, and had fallen into bad company.

Children adopted are usually between the ages of four and eight, the foster parents preferring to take them as young as possible. Under the general head of adoption are included five children returned to mothers who gave them up, with painful reluctance, when impelled by dire necessity or illness which obliged them to go to a hospital. When they had recovered their health and secured regular employment they were permitted to resume the care of their children.

Ample evidence that the care and training at the Home fits the children for usefulness is found in the fact that every year ten times as many applications are received as there are children of the ages to be put out. Previous to June 30 more than 70 such applications are filed, at least half of them from neighborhoods where other children had been previously placed; a common expression in such letters being, “a friend (or relative, or neighbor) has a child from your institution, and I desire to take one.” One lady in Massachusetts, who has brought to womanhood two girls from the Home, has applied for a third. Another, also in Massachusetts, writes, “Emma is a comfort to everyone in the house.”

Twelve years, however, is a very early age for a child to be indentured. At the Industrial Home School they remain until sixteen and though the managers endeavor to choose the best and happiest surroundings, it is manifestly impossible for them to control or counteract the influences of the new environment. When the apprenticeship is ended the authority of the Association ceases, and there is no means of ascertaining whether they have been “transformed into citizens capable and trustworthy for the performance of civic duties,” except through occasional visits and the unconscious testimony of the letters which their affection for the 0011 13Home leads them to write to officers or teachers. The following extract from the Superintendent's monthly report to the Executive Committee, dated May 2, 1899, under the head of “Events,” is one among many gratifying evidences of good accomplished:

James Taylor, a former inmate, called at the Home. He is a fine, healthy-looking man, regularly employed as a bricklayer, and taking care of his mother, with whom he lives, in Georgetown.

Letter received from Edward Matthews, in camp at Fort Douglas, Utah. He has seen service in Cuba, and is now doing clerical work in his company. He deplores the fact that he is not better educated, but thanks the Home for all that he has in that direction.

With regard to the request for improved heating apparatus, the Association offers in support of the petition, first, the need and the suffering before stated, and, second, the recommendation of the Joint Select Committee of Congress on the Charities of the District of Columbia (Part 2 of the Report, p. 76): “Convenience of administration would be facilitated by the introduction of steam or hot water, with a reduction in the number of furnaces.” It is to be regretted that the original request for information was not more definite, since there is no disposition on the part of the Association to withhold any of the facts or methods connected with its administration.

The need of such an institution—the only one for the people of this class, a laboring population of more than 90,000, the poorest and most circumscribed as to their opportunities—the imperative need of such an institution, “maintained at once as an asylum for the aged and a training school for the young,” is too apparent to make it necessary for those interested in its continued usefulness to resort to special pleading or an appeal to sentimentality.

Respectfully submitted, Helen A. Cook, Secretary. Hon. Herbert W. Lewis, Supt. of Charities.

0012 14

TREASURER's REPORT From January 1, 1899, to January 1, 1900. This National Association for Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children—Anna E. Murray, Treasurer—In Account with the United State: Dr. Cr. Balance in U.S. Treasury By payment of bills and January 1, 1899_______ $4,950 00 orders_____________________ $9,899 02 To appropriations for By balance in U.S. fiscal year ending Treasury, January June 30,1900__________ 9,900 00 1, 1900____________________ 4,950 98 _________ _________ $14,850 00 $14,850 00

Anna E. Murray, in Account with the National Association for Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children. Dr. Cr. To balance in Treasury By payment of bills and January 1, 1899__________ $359 56 orders________________ $1,584 18 To cash__________________ 60 By balance in Treasury, To Interest on Investment. 270 60 January 1, 1900_______ 106 07 To annual dues___________ 21 00 To sale of rags and old bedsteads________________ 11 35 To loan__________________ 500 00 To board from Board of Children's Guardians.___ 527 74 _________ _________ $1,690 25 $1,690 25

0013 15

Classification of Expenditures. Pay Roll——————— $3,585 52 Groceries——————- 1,214 85 Milk.————————- 1,170 31 Meats.———————— 816 10 Clothing.——————- 711 66 Plumbing——————— 431 17 Flour, Meal and Straw- 544 63 Fuel.————————- 497 63 Fish————————— 244 10 Drugs————————- 203 41 Current expenses——— 175 00 Ice—————————- 164 60 Gas—————————- 150 04 Repairs———————- 120 38 Vegetables—————— 282 02 Shoes————————- 74 15 Printing——————— 69 65 Books and School Supplies. 18 94 Painting———————— 10 00 Lessons in Carpentry—— 64 00 Hats—————————— 10 38 Butter.————————- 31 00 Plastering, Kalsomining and Whitewashing———— 47 75 Outings————————- 10 85 Interest———————— 15 00 Leather————————- 6 85 Paints, &c.——————- 6 93 Funeral expenses———— 9 00 Fruits————————— 80 41 Cakes.————————— 51 50 Visiting Children.——— 22 90 Lumber.————————- 56 64 Hardware———————— 10 15 Filling wells—————- 25 00 Sewing Machine————— 28 00 Christmas celebration—- 23 77 Error in account———— 10 00 Insurance———————- 45 00 Tinning.———————— 17 90 Stamps and Box rent——- 7 50 Gardening (including cost of ploughing—————— 14 00 House furnishings———- 406 87 Seal and Press————— 5 00 ————- $11,483 20 Respectfully submitted, Anna E. Murray, Treasurer.

The undersigned have examined the accounts as submitted by the Treasurer of the National Association for the Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children for the year ending December 31, 1899, and find them to be correct. John F. Cook, C. B. Purvis, F. J. Grimké.

0014 16

REPORT OF ADMISSION AND DISMISSIONS. Number of Dependents, January 1, 1899- Women 10 Boys 54 Girls 39 —— 103 Number received during the year— Women 1 Boys 17 Girls 8 —— 26 Number Indentured— Boys 3 Girls 2 Transferred to Institution for Feeble- Minded Children, Elwyn, Pa.— Girls 1 —- 1 Number died— Boys 1 Girls 1 Women 1 —- 3 Number of Dependents January 1, 1900— Women 11 Boys 60 Girls 35 —— 106 Respectfully submitted, R.J. Cole, Superintendent.

0015 17

Report of Graded Schools, Year Ending January 1, 1900. Whole number taught 106 First grade pupils 37 Boys 69 Second grade pupils 25 Girls 37 Third grade pupils 24 Average daily attendance ... 78 Fourth grade pupils 12 Average age 9-8 Fifth grade pupils 8 Mary B. May, Nellie A. Plummer, Teachers. Report of the Kindergarten for the Year Ending January 1, 1900. Whole number entered 35 Number in first year's work . 7 Number of boys 19 Number in second year's work. 10 Number of girls 16 Number in third year's work . 3 Number promoted to school, Number enrolled 20 September, 1899 6 Number of visitors 31 Number withdrawn 9 Anna E. Williams, Kindergartner. Work Done in the Sewing Room. New Garments, including boys' jackets and trousers, girls' dresses, underwear, sheets, pillow cases, etc., etc————————————-1098

All the mending is done in the house, with the assistance of the old women and children.

The shoes, also, are all mended in the house.

DONATIONS

Received During 1899. Six coats, Lansburgh & Bro.; 016 copies of New Testament, Mrs. Finley; 6 dozen eggs, Belmont Dairy; remnants of carpet, Moses Co.; cakes and biscuits, Mrs. Kaiser; $1.00, Mr. Ed. Farquhar; half fare to Charlotte, N.C., Southern R.R. Co.; dolls, Mrs. Tindall; barrel apples, Dr. Henry Root; barrel of crackers, the Havenner Bakery; candy for Thanksgiving, Mrs. Geo. W. Cook; candy for Christmas—Mr. E. Young, Mrs. Russell, Mrs. M.V. Datcher; rolls and buns, Mr. Kaiser; toys, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. R.A. Boit; fancy articles, Mrs. Hatch; box of candy for each old lady, Missionary Society, Howard University; apples, Mrs. N. Turley; strawberries and lettuce, Miss N. Plummer; rocking horse and dolls, from a Friend; fine crackers for ill children, Mrs. Shadd; flowers for ill children, Miss. Lillian Shadd.

For Xmas Feast—Decorated pitcher for each old lady, Mrs. G.W. Cook; fruit for each old lady, Mott School Pupils; trimmings for Xmas tree, Mott School pupils Mrs. Boit (Mass.); fruit cake and small cakes, Mrs. Kaiser; 12 copies of New Testament, Mr. McKenney; $4.35 through Rev. Walter Brooks; $5.01, Students and Teachers of Howard University; barrel of apples, Mr. Koss; stereopticon exhibition through Dr. J. Albert Johnson; 10 per cent. discount on all purchases from city merchants.

0017 19

NAMES OF INMATES. Age Sinclair Thomas_______________ 12 Edward Harris_________________ 11 Clarence West_________________ 12 Arthur Nevins_________________ 12 Steven Nevins_________________8 Morris Reddick________________9 Clarence Betz_________________8 Henry Stanard_________________8 Joseph Stanard________________5 William Wells_________________8 Walter Washington_____________ 11 Theodore Washington___________5 John McThurston_______________7 Edward Booker_________________6 Gilbert Scott_________________8 Herman Forest_________________7 Herbert Forest________________7 William Brooker_______________ 11 Leslie Golden_________________7 Harry Golden__________________4 Jesse Campbell________________4 Harvey Simms__________________4 Benjamin Adams________________8 Jessie Ramsey_________________ 10 Walter Ramsey_________________5 Samuel Adams__________________8 George Holmes_________________ 10 Harry Lomax___________________9 Abraham Smart_________________ 10 Ira Smart_____________________8 Clarence Sligo________________9 Alphanzo Mack_________________ 10 Clarence Wesley_______________ 11 Ellsworth Jenifer_____________8 Walter Jenifer________________4 Horace Williams_______________ 11 Amos Brooks___________________7 Charles Butler________________ 14 Maurice Williams______________ 10 David Williams________________8 Harry Hodge___________________9 Lewis Hodge___________________8 Leslie Steward________________7 Sinclair Steward______________9 Leonard Edmonds_______________8 Harry Brooks__________________5 Van Williams__________________ 12 William Buckman_______________ 10 John Buckman__________________ 11 William F. Brown______________ 13 William Smith_________________ 12 Leslie Johnson________________4 Harold Johnson________________6 Emanuel Minor_________________8 Walter Henry Milford__________9 Richard Briscoe_______________ 12 Harry Clayton_________________9 Rinall Brooks_________________ 10 John Butler___________________8 Carroll Norris________________4 Rosa Earley___________________ 12 Ida Parson____________________ 12 Josephine Johnson_____________ 10 Alberta Marshall______________ 10 Mary Shinault_________________7 Ella Brooks___________________8 Mary Dyson____________________8 Carrie Brown__________________8 Cora Burrell__________________ 10 Rebecca Diggs_________________ 11 Odessa Tascoe.________________8 Gertrude Brooker______________ 10 Daisy Montford________________9 Elmira Grimes.________________6 Pauline Gordon________________5 Cora Ramsey___________________7 Agnes Adams___________________9 Mary Clay_____________________6 Ada Fields____________________8 Gertrude Mitchell_____________9 Pauline Mack__________________ 10 Eskie Mack____________________7 Patsy Brown___________________ 12 Dora Hill_____________________7 Maud Shinault_________________5 Pearl Smith___________________9 Mary Wilson___________________9 Geneva Wilson_________________9 Bertha Smith__________________4 Bertha Thomas_________________ 11 Maud Cummings_________________ 12 Viola Norris__________________6 Blanche Vinston_______________9 Mary Barton___________________ 11 Lottie Norris_________________4 AGED WOMEN. Sarah Douglass________________ 76 Jane MacIntosh________________ 54 Harriet Sheppard______________ 74 Hannah Stokes_________________ 62 Betsy Banks___________________ 91 Priscilla Willis._____________ 98 Betsy Taylor__________________ 80 Harriet Rafe__________________ 90 Polly Payne___________________ 85 Mary Penny____________________ 80 Mary Brown____________________ 87

ACT OF INCORPORATION

An Act to incorporate the National Association for the Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Sayles J. Bowen, Daniel Breed, George E. Baker, their associates and successors, being members of the said society, by paying into its treasury the sum of two dollars annually, or life members by paying fifty dollars at one time, are hereby incorporated and made a body politic by the name of “The National Association for the Relief of Destitute Colored Women and Children,” for the purpose of supporting such aged or indigent colored women and children as may properly come under the charge of such Association; to provide for them a suitable home, board, clothing and instruction, and to bring them under Christian influence, and by that name shall have perpetual succession, with power to use a common seal, to sue and be sued, to plead and be impleaded, in any court of the United States; to collect subscriptions, make by-laws, rules and regulations needful for the government of said corporation not inconsistent with the laws of the United States; to have, hold, and receive real and personal estate by purchase, gift, or devise; to use, sell or convey the same for the purposes and benefit of said corporation, and to choose such officers and teachers as may be deemed necessary, prescribe their duties, and fix the rate of their compensation.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the officers of said Association shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a Board of Managers to be composed of nine members, the whole to constitute an Executive Committee, whose duty it shall be to carry into effect the plans and purpose for which said Association was formed; all of which officers shall be elected on the fifteenth day of March next, and hold their offices until the second Tuesday of January, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, on which day, and annually on the second Tuesday of January, in each succeeding year, at the annual meeting of said Association, which shall be held on such day, their successors shall be elected, and hold their offices for the term of one year, and until their successors shall be duly elected; and in case of a vacancy it shall be filled by the other members of the Executive Committee.

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, that said society may receive into a house or building, to be provided by it, any destitute child or children, at the request of the parents or guardians, or next friend, or the mother, if the father be 0019 21dead, or has family, or does not provide for their support, or is an habitual drunkard, such parents, guardians, or next friend or mother making a written surrender of such child or children. The Superintendent, or other officer in immediate charge may, with the concurrence of the Executive Committee, or a Board of Trustees, to be appointed by said Committee, and to consist of three persons, citizens of Washington, govern the inmates, preserve order, enforce discipline, impart instruction in useful knowledge and some regular course of labor and establish rules for the preservation of health, and for their proper physical, intellectual, and moral improvement. The Trustees may, with the consent of the Executive Committee, bind out by indenture such children as may be deemed capable of learning trades or becoming useful in other occupations, to such persons as will give them the benefit of good examples, wholesome instruction, and other means of improvement on virtue and knowledge and the opportunity of becoming intelligent, moral, and useful members of society.

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That it shall be lawful for said Association, by and with the advice and consent of the Secretary of War, to occupy, for the objects of said Association, and lands, not exceeding one hundred acres, and the improvements thereon, which the Government may now own or may hereafter acquire contiguous to the city of Washington, by confiscation or purchase, such occupation to continue for such a number of years as the Secretary of War may, in writing prescribe. Approved February 14, 1863.

BY-LAWS

Adopted by the Association, 1866. 1. Any person may become a member of the Association by paying the sum of two dollars. At the meetings of the Association ten members shall constitute a quorum. At the meetings of the Executive Committee five shall constitute a quorum for transacting business.

[This By-Law was amended June 10, 1879, as follows: “Any person may become a member of the Association, upon nomination at a regular meeting of the Association, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, and by paying into the treasury the sum of two dollars. At the meetings of the Association ten members shall constitute a quorum. At the meetings of the Executive Committee five shall constitute a quorum for transacting business.”]

[This By-Law further amended October 13, 1891, by inserting after “treasury” the word annually, also, on January 8, 1895, that the annual membership fee be one dollar.]

2. At the stated meetings of the Executive Committee, and at the quarterly meetings of the Association, the order of business shall be: First, minutes of the preceding meeting; second, reports of committees and officers; third, unfinished business, new business, adjournment.

3. The President, or, in her absence, the Vice-President or President, pro tem., shall preside at the meetings, preserve order, and see that the officers perform their duties, and all drafts upon the treasury, approved by the managers, shall be signed by the presiding officer at the meeting at which they have been passed.

4. The Secretary shall keep correct minutes of the proceedings of the meetings of the Association and of the managers, and give due notice of the place of all meetings—a notice of the annual and quarterly meetings of the Association to be advertised for at least two days in a daily paper published in Washington City. The Secretary shall conduct the correspondence and countersign all drafts upon the treasury.

5. The Treasurer shall take charge of all moneys belonging to the Association not otherwise ordered by the Board, and shall deposit them in such institutions or invest them in such ways as the Board may direct, and shall make no payment except by its order. All bills ordered by the Board shall be paid by the Treasurer. She shall report in writing, at each monthly meeting, to the Executive Committee the 0021 23amount received and expended during the month; also all indebtedness. She shall keep a list of the contributors and an accurate account of the receipts and expenditures of the institution, which accounts shall at all times be open to the inspection of the managers. She shall make a written report to the annual and each quarterly meeting of the Association and give bonds in the sum of one thousand dollars for the faithful performance of her trust.

6. At the first stated meeting held after the annual meeting of the Association, the Executive Committee shall elect from their number the following standing committees A Committee upon Education, Committee upon Clothing, Committee upon Household, Committee upon Admission and Dismission.

7. Of the Committee upon Admission and Dismission.—The Committee, or one of its members, shall visit the Home once each month. To this Committee all applications for admission shall be referred. They shall keep a book of registry, in which they shall enter the name and age of every woman and child received, the date of admission, whence and from whom received. If the woman or child has near relatives, note the degree of kindred and residence of same ascertain whether the children have measles, whooping cough, or small-pox, and whether they have been vaccinated. These particulars shall be recorded, together with other circumstances which may be of importance to them or to the institution at a future day. If the child be brought by a parent, obtain his or her signature to the form provided for the same. When children are placed out, state particularly with whom, the residence and occupation of master and mistress, and note the date of removal from the Home whether by death or otherwise. When children are placed on trial, if returned they shall be well clothed by their employer, or he be required to pay twenty-five cents a week for as many weeks as they have served him. A promise to do so shall be made by him in writing, on receiving the child.

8. The Household Committee, or one of its members shall visit the Home once a month, and oftener if necessary. They shall see that its affairs are administered with order prudence and economy; that proper attention is paid to the habits, manners, and persons of the children, and that peace harmony, and domestic religion are cultivates; and, whilst obedience is required of the children to the duly appointed officers, of corporal punishment shall be allowed. They also shall keep a book of the record of all gifts and benefits conferred on the institution which do not appear on the Treasurer's record. They shall make a monthly call on the Matron for a report in writing, of the same. 0022 24

9. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Clothing to see that the women and children are supplied seasonably with all necessary clothing, including hats, caps, shoes, and other articles of wearing apparel which may be needed, on leaving the Home. They shall report when necessary to the Board.

10. The Committee on Education, or one of its members, shall visit the school once a month, and provide furniture, books, and whatever may be needed for the use of the school.

11. The above-named committees shall render monthly reports to the Board, all of which shall be in writing, as well as all resolutions and resignations. The Executive Committee shall elect three Trustees, to continue in office until their successors are chosen. A special meeting of the Association may be called by the Board at any time, due notice being given.

12. The By-Laws may be amended at any regular or duly called meeting of the Association by a vote of two-thirds of those present.

AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS.

13. Children under three years of age will not be admitted to this Home.

14. The Association, at any regular or duly call meeting of the Association, may, by a vote of two-thirds of those present, expel a member, but the vote shall be taken by yeas and nays, and be recorded by the Secretary in the journal of the proceedings.— Adopted June 12, 1870.

15. Members of the Association, other than members of the Executive Committee, shall be eligible to position on any of the regular or special committees of the Association.— Adopted January 10, 1880.

16. The Executive Committee shall have power to appoint matron, a assistant matron, and such other officers as may be necessary to carry on the work of the Association, and, further, they shall have power to remove such officers by a majority vote.— Adopted January 10, 1893.