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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
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Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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Seventh Biennial Report of the
Board of State Commissioners of
Public Charities of the
State of Illinois
Presented to the Governor, November 1882


         
         [p. 256-257]
         
         MADISON.  - In respect to numbers, the almshouse in Madison
       county is one of the most important in the state, and the num-
       ber is continually increasing. Two years ago it was sixty-seven;
       at the time of the present visit it was ninety-two, and of this
       number thirty-eight were insane and two idiots. Steady improve-
       ment in the management is apparent. The premises are in excellent
       order. In the centre of the airing-court for men a shed, provided
       with seats, has been constructed. One of the insane paupers has
       been given the nickname of O'Leary by his insane associates, be-
       cause he walks without cessation from one side of the yard to the
       other and back. Since our last report the authorities have pro-
       vided twenty-four new iron bedsteads with wire mattresses, a fact
       which should be mentioned to their credit. We are pleased to note
       the diminution in the amount of outdoor relief granted, which now
       does not exceed the cost of the farm. During the fiscal year end-
       ing September 1, 1882, the county farm cost seven thousand one
       hundred and twenty-six dollars and thirty-four cents and the
       amount granted for outdoor relief was seven thousand four hundred
       and eighty-four dollars and thirty-seven cents, whereas a few
       years ago it was forty-five thousand dollars.
       
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