1874.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 747

visited. This Institution was established in Baltimore City
in 1829, and for many years was scarcely known by many of
the people of Baltimore. Within a few years past the march
of improvement compelled them to abandon their old quar-
ters, and they procured a handsome location in the north-
eastern section of the City. A building has been erected,
though not yet completed, which has been admirably ar-
ranged for the purposes of the Asylum. It now takes care of
thirty-two orphans and thirty-four half orphans, and the
School of the Institution exhibits a good training in educa-
tion. A few years has wrought a change in the status of the
colored population, which demands recognition, and it is
gratifying to notice that this Asylum is gathering in and
rearing to lives of usefulness those who, but for its care,
would become vagabonds and pests of society. Your Com-
mittee think that in the distribution of its charity, this In-
stitution should receive a fair share from the Treasury of the
State.

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR.

The Little Sisters of the Poor is another charity which fell
under the notice of your Committee. This is a charity in the
fullest sense of the word—an Asylum for the aged of both
sexes. The building is handsomely located on John street,
and is high and healthy. It is exclusively for the support
of those who, through the infirmity of age, are no longer
able to earn a living. The community having charge of this
retreat, have been in this State but a few years, but have al-
ready under their charge thirty old men and ninety-four old
women. All these are supported on contributions of food and
clothing. The food is gathered daily by the Little Sisters,
who devote their lives to this work of charity. Among those
under their protecting care are some who, in the years that
are gone, occupied good positions, and themselves contribu-
ted to the revenue of the State. The aged, as well as the
young, unable to take care of themselves, are the wards of the
Commonwealth, and but for Institutions of this character, the
Almshouses would be more crowded than they are. The
Committee would earnestly recommend this Institution to
the favorable consideration of the General Assembly.

MOUNT HOPE RETREAT.

Your Committee visited Mount Hope Retreat where the in-
sane of that Institution are confined. Neither of the Com-
mittee had ever before had an opportunity to visit or examine
its operations. The Retreat is in charge of the Sisters of
Charity, and they ask no aid from the State. They have now
some two hundred and six patients, equally divided between
the sexes, of which number, thirty-five are free patients.—
The building is among the best in the country in all its appoint-