1868.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 875

acceptable to those engaged in this good work, be it ever so
meagre in amount. An annual appropriation of $500 for
two years is recommended.

THE BALTIMORE ORPHAN ASYLUM.

One of the most admirably arranged institutions in the
State is this one. Its object is to take from the abodes of
wretchedness and sorrow, the helpless Orphans, and by pro-
per training, prepare them for a life's great duties here, and
a good inheritance hereafter. An incalculable amount of good
has been done by it since its inauguration, sixty-nine years
ago, during which time no assistance has been received from
the State. Many of those who were among the first to ex-
perince its benefits, have grown up to be good citizens, and
in their gray hairs bless the Baltimore Orphan Asylum.
Surely, such an appropriation as the Managers ask, will be
made with cordiality. The petition of those in charge is
herewith appended for consideration marked A.

An appropriation of three thousand dollars annually for
two years is recommended.

[A.]
To the Honorable,

The General Assembly of Maryland:

The undersigned, on behalf of the Managers of the " Balti-
more Orphan Asylum," respectfully petition your Honorable
Body for an appropriation to aid in supporting the helpless
and otherwise homeless children now sheltered in the asy-
lum, or who may be brought there hereafter.

It is one of the oldest institutions of the kind in the city or
State, having been established for upwards of sixty-nine
years. During all that long period, it has given not only
shelter, but education and moral and industrial traning to
the friendless orphan. The community abounds with living
evidences of its value. It has annually sent from its walls
well trained hoys and girls, many of whom now grown to
maturity, some of them old and grey-headed, are among our
most excellent citizens. It has doubtless made good men and
women of thousands of poor little forsaken ones, who but for
its saving influences, would in all probability have grown old
in vice and become a, nuisance and burden to the public as
paupers and criminals.

Do not the public owe a debt to the asylum ?

It is in no sense a sectarian institution, its Managers and
Trustees having always been, as at present, members and
representatives of nearly all denominations. It receives chil-
dren from one to nine years of age, cares for and instructs