January 19, 1900

Melvin P. Burnham, son of George L. Burnham, superintendent of the Town farm, has just received the appointment as an assistant physician at the state alms house at Tewksbury, for eighteen months.

Twice-a-year in January and June, examinations are held at the State House inBoston, open to all medical students, who desire to secure an appointment in this institution, and two students are chose from among those who succeed in passing the examination. This year, the candidates numbered two score or more, and to Melvin P.Burnham of this place, came the honor of securing one of the vacancies, while to a Dartmouth student was given the other.

Mr. Burnham is a graduate of Phillips Academy, class of '96, and will graduate from the Harvard Medical school next June. A peculiar credit is attached to his success from the fact that he will not reach his twenty-first birthday until March of this year.

There are nearly 1400 inmates at the state alms house and to care for them necessitates four resident physicians and about ten or twelve assistant doctors, with a large corps of nurses. A varied and extensive experience is obtained by those here employed, and the places are much sought after. Each assistant is allowed his living expenses, but no salary. He has one hour a day, one afternoon a week, and every other Sunday off from duty. Dances or entertainments of some nature or other are held each week for the amusement of the employees so that the monotony is somewhat relieved.

Mr. Burnham began his duties last Monday and his Andover friends, of whom he has many will all wish "the little doctor" as he has been called frequently by the patients with whom he has come in contact in Boston, a continued success in his chosen profession.

Communication

Editor, Townsman:

In your issue of last week I notice a change in the teaching force of the Public schools. I and many others of your readers would be pleased to have the following questions answered:

1st. How many teachers have there been appointed since our present Supt. took hold and how many of these are Andover girls?

2nd. Are College graduates better qualified to teach in our public schools than Normal school graduates and why?

3rd. Are out of town teachers to be preferred (other things being equal) in preference to Andover girls?

As Mr. Johnson in one of his Annual Reports deplores having to go out of town for teachers, and as it is well known that a number of Andover girls have applied for positions and have not got them it looks somewhat strange to say the least.

Sincerely yours,

CITIZEN