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.

00046

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 00057exercises. 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.

00068

(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 00079greatly 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 000810a 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.

000911

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, 1899115 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 001012back 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 001113Home 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.

001214

TREASURER'S REPORTFrom 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 forBy balance in U.S.fiscal year ending Treasury, JanuaryJune 30,1900__________9,900 001, 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 TreasuryBy payment of bills andJanuary 1, 1899__________ $359 56orders________________ $1,584 18To cash__________________60By balance in Treasury,To Interest on Investment. 270 60January 1, 1900_______106 07To annual dues___________21 00To sale of rags and oldbedsteads________________11 35To loan__________________ 500 00To board from Board ofChildren's Guardians.___527 74_________ _________ $1,690 25 $1,690 25

001315

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

001416

REPORT OF ADMISSION AND DISMISSIONS.Number of Dependents, January 1, 1899-Women 10Boys 54Girls 39----103Number received during the year--Women1Boys 17Girls8----26Number Indentured--Boys3Girls2Transferred to Institution for Feeble-Minded Children, Elwyn, Pa.--Girls1---1Number died--Boys1Girls1Women1---3Number of Dependents January 1, 1900--Women 11Boys 60Girls 35----106Respectfully submitted,R.J. Cole, Superintendent.

001517

Report of Graded Schools, Year Ending January 1, 1900. Whole number taught106First grade pupils37 Boys69Second grade pupils25 Girls37Third grade pupils24 Average daily attendance ...78Fourth grade pupils12 Average age9-8Fifth grade pupils8 Mary B. May, Nellie A. Plummer, Teachers.Report of the Kindergarten for the Year Ending January 1, 1900. Whole number entered35Number in first year's work . 7 Number of boys19Number in second year's work. 10 Number of girls16Number in third year's work . 3 Number promoted to school, Number enrolled20 September, 18996Number of visitors 31 Number withdrawn9Anna 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.

001719

NAMES OF INMATES.AgeSinclair Thomas_______________ 12Edward Harris_________________ 11Clarence West_________________ 12Arthur Nevins_________________ 12Steven Nevins_________________8Morris Reddick________________9Clarence Betz_________________8Henry Stanard_________________8Joseph Stanard________________5William Wells_________________8Walter Washington_____________ 11Theodore Washington___________5John McThurston_______________7Edward Booker_________________6Gilbert Scott_________________8Herman Forest_________________7Herbert Forest________________7William Brooker_______________ 11Leslie Golden_________________7Harry Golden__________________4Jesse Campbell________________4Harvey Simms__________________4Benjamin Adams________________8Jessie Ramsey_________________ 10Walter Ramsey_________________5Samuel Adams__________________8George Holmes_________________ 10Harry Lomax___________________9Abraham Smart_________________ 10Ira Smart_____________________8Clarence Sligo________________9Alphanzo Mack_________________ 10Clarence Wesley_______________ 11Ellsworth Jenifer_____________8Walter Jenifer________________4Horace Williams_______________ 11Amos Brooks___________________7Charles Butler________________ 14Maurice Williams______________ 10David Williams________________8Harry Hodge___________________9Lewis Hodge___________________8Leslie Steward________________7Sinclair Steward______________9Leonard Edmonds_______________8Harry Brooks__________________5Van Williams__________________ 12William Buckman_______________ 10John Buckman__________________ 11William F. Brown______________ 13William Smith_________________ 12Leslie Johnson________________4Harold Johnson________________6Emanuel Minor_________________8Walter Henry Milford__________9Richard Briscoe_______________ 12Harry Clayton_________________9Rinall Brooks_________________ 10John Butler___________________8Carroll Norris________________4Rosa Earley___________________ 12Ida Parson____________________ 12Josephine Johnson_____________ 10Alberta Marshall______________ 10Mary Shinault_________________7Ella Brooks___________________8Mary Dyson____________________8Carrie Brown__________________8Cora Burrell__________________ 10Rebecca Diggs_________________ 11Odessa Tascoe.________________8Gertrude Brooker______________ 10Daisy Montford________________9Elmira Grimes.________________6Pauline Gordon________________5Cora Ramsey___________________7Agnes Adams___________________9Mary Clay_____________________6Ada Fields____________________8Gertrude Mitchell_____________9Pauline Mack__________________ 10Eskie Mack____________________7Patsy Brown___________________ 12Dora Hill_____________________7Maud Shinault_________________5Pearl Smith___________________9Mary Wilson___________________9Geneva Wilson_________________9Bertha Smith__________________4Bertha Thomas_________________ 11Maud Cummings_________________ 12Viola Norris__________________6Blanche Vinston_______________9Mary Barton___________________ 11Lottie Norris_________________4AGED WOMEN.Sarah Douglass________________ 76Jane MacIntosh________________ 54Harriet Sheppard______________ 74Hannah Stokes_________________ 62Betsy Banks___________________ 91Priscilla Willis._____________ 98Betsy Taylor__________________ 80Harriet Rafe__________________ 90Polly Payne___________________ 85Mary Penny____________________ 80Mary 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 001921dead, 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 002123amount 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. 002224

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.