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than the laboring class. The high price of provisions resulting therefrom, and the scarcity of remunerative employment, especially during the winter months, will only increase crime. The pauper population is gradually increasing under the operations of existing orders, that is so far as their dependence upon Governmental support is concerned. The apathy and limited means of the proper authorities renders it almost absurd to rely upon the "Overseers of the Poor" for the support of this class. In my Division, these who have been assisted by me are absolutely incapable of taking care of themselves, from various causes, and unless they are aided by the Govmt or by private charity (the latter of which cannot be relied upon) these people must suffer. By cutting down the allowance I am able to assist a goodly number, without really supporting any, but those assisted upon this plan are only in number about one half of those who apply for relief. The School interest is lagging by reason of the pecuniary inability of the freedmen to keep them up from their own resources. Their anxiety to learn and the rapid advancement they have made notwithstanding their limited advantages, certainly entitle their claims for Governmental assistance, to favorable consideration, and it is