The New Hampshire Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, MARCH 13.

Tread-Mill.--It is not, we believe, generally known to the citizens of Philadelphia, that a tread-mill has been for some time in operation in their Alms House. When first introduced, it did not meet the approbation of the ladies and gentlemen of the establishment. So great offence, indeed, did some of them take at having their leisure interrupted by this new fangled invention, that they left the house--it is to be hoped for good and all, since they were of that sturdy kind who are quite as able to labor for their own subsistence, as many who have been obliged to pay taxes to support them in idleness. Certain it is that the number of names on the roll is about 150 less than it was at this season last year, and the decrease is attributed by the officers of the establishment chiefly to this new discipline. The discipline is in itself severe but not cruel. It is such as is required for the punishment of sturdy paupers, who are able but unwilling to work, and who have been devouring that which of right belongs to the sick, the aged, and the infirm. It is indeed liable to be abused, but there is little likelihood that it will be, seeing that the overseers have no interest in making the paupers work beyond their strength.

The apparatus at present attached to the mill is calculated for grinding Indian Corn and Oats, which when ground make better food for horses and other animals than when unground. As the grain prepared in this way is offered for sale at the alms house on the cheapest terms, we presume nothing is wanting but to declare the fact, to make the demand equal to the supply.