To the Hon. VICTOR M. RICE, (C.) Superintendent of Public Instruction: SIR-The Trustees of the Thomas Asylum for Orphan and Destitute Indian Children, respectfully beg leave to report, that at the close of the year ending September 30, 1861, fifty-two children were reported under care at this institution. One of these was immediately dismissed, leaving under care October 1, 1861 There were received during the year.... Total There were dismissed before the close of the year.... Leaving in the institution, October 1, 1862... No death occurred among the children during the year. Of which from the State for the support of chil- 51 7 58 6 2 50 $3,024 17 $992 00 The disbursements during the year were $3,240.89, being an excess of payments above receipts, of $216.72. The amount of debt reported September 30, 1861, was $1,837 44 The amount of present debt is... Diminution since last report. 1,109 75 $727 69 This reduction was effected, in part, by an extra appropriation from the Indian Department at Washington, and partly by omitting needed repairs and improvements about the premises, and reducing all expenses to a war footing by retrenchments in every practicable way, however injurious to the prosperity and success of the institution, aiming to reach the lowest point at which it could be kept in operation until the present pressure should pass by. At the present moment there is urgent need of repairs, improvements, and additional help, to an amount much greater than the diminution of debt accomplished by this doubtful but imperative economy. While, therefore, the Trustees would gratefully acknowledge the relief which has been afforded, they would respectfully but most earnestly solicit from the overflowing treasury of the State that additional assistance which will remove the burden of debt entirely, and place the institution in circumstances to accomplish its benevolent objects for the benefit of the degraded and suffering Indian orphans, and for the relief of the surrounding community from the burden which the ignorance, poverty and crime of this numerous class, if neglected, will inevitably impose upon it. The Trustees would only add, that double the number now under care, might be gathered at once without including any who would not be proper objects of this charity, if they could be furnished with the means of providing for them. All which is respectfully submitted. In behalf of the Trustees, WALLACE KING, President. |