Page images
PDF
EPUB

Overseers of the Poor were first chosen in Boston in 1691.

[blocks in formation]

John W. Warren, Treasurer to January, 1865.
Otis Norcross, Treasurer from January, 1865.

John Pratt, Secretary.

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

Robert C. Winthrop, Chairman (resigned in May).
Frederic W. Lincoln, jr., (Chairman from June).

[blocks in formation]
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

RESPONSE, BY THE BOARD OF OVERSEERS

OF THE CITY OF BOSTON,

TO CERTAIN INQUIRIES, TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE MAYOR, FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT AT WASHINGTON, AT THE REQUEST OF THE BRITISH LEGATION, IN RELATION TO ITS MODES OF RELIEVING THE POOR.

CIRCULAR.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE. WASHINGTON, November 17, 1871.

TO HIS HONOR, THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF BOSTON, Mass.:

SIR, At the instance of the Honorable Francis John Packenham, Chargé d'Affaires of Great Britain, I have the honor to request, for the use of his government, information as to the extent and nature of the provision which is made at the present time for the relief of the poor in the City of Boston. The following are the chief points upon which information is requested :—

1st. The nature of the legal provision for the support of the poor, the extent to which that provision is supplemented by charitable organizations, and the legal obligation imposed upon persons to maintain their poor relations.

2d. The principles upon which such provision is founded, and the mode in which any tax or contribution for that purpose is levied.

3d. The body of persons by whom the funds for the maintenance and support of the poor are administered, and in what manner they are elected or appointed.

4th. The annual amount of the funds raised and expended and the number of paupers relieved, distinguishing, as far as practi

« PreviousContinue »