The New York herald., 1845-01-08

hundred PATIENTS; received up to the 9th day Of
December one hundred and two, and discharged
nnety-nne leaving in the institution, on the last
named dav, one hundred and three.
As the fiscal and calendar year are the same at
this institution, II has not been In the power OF Its
officers to lay before me the condition Of its pecu.
mary affairs Tor the last year, but communica-
uon from the resident physician informs me that II
will not vary materially from that of the year l643,
reported TO the legislature during its last session.
reference to that report will show that the imam
cial affairs OF the asylum appeared then TO be In
fairly healthful state The resident physician gives
a favorable and encouraging account OF the condi-
tion and treatment OF the patients IN the Institution,
and thinks II will bear a comparison with any SINH
lar Institution in the world, and he seems to speak
from very extensive experience and examination.
The annual report to the Legislature, of the 60
vernors of the New York Hospital, OF which this
asylum is a branch, will put you in possession OF
all the necessary information In relation to both IN
stitutions. The State pays an annual annuity to
the hospital Of $l2 500 and 10 the asylum OF
$4,000.
The principal of the institution for the education
of the deaf and dumb in the city of New York has
laid before me an interesting statement of the
dition of that school, but as the fiscal closes with
the calendar year, the state OF Its finances for the
last year could not be given.
The number Of deaf mutes resident in the lnstl
tuition on the second OF December last, was one
hundred and eghty-6ve, Of whom three were con.
nected with the department OF instruction. seven
with the mechanical department., seven were en-
ployed in domestic household duies, and one hun
dred and sixty-fve were pupils ofthe school
The sums received, and To be received, from the
stae from the various appropriations to this insti
tuition, were estimated 10 amount, for the year, 10
something more than twenty-five thousand dollars,
and it was stated that some Of the laws making
these appropriations are about to expire. An inti
nation was also given that additional aidswas de-
sirable and might be asked. Many other interest
ing facts stated in relation to the institution,
and the advancement of education, and improve
the mndea of hut q al will he
more fully placed before you in an annual report
from the managers, 10 be laid before you early in
your session, omit a reference TO them here.
Next TO the deprivation OF reason, the subjects of
this charity make the strongest appeals to the public
sympathles, and will doubtless command your
guardian care. In the present embarrassed condi.
ton Of the general fund and the deficient state Of
its revenues, Icannot feel authorized to orecommend
an increase Of the already very liberal patronage
extended 10 this institution. 1t will doubtless be
your pleasure to continue that already extended,
far the revenues relied upon to meet the pre-
appropriations and the state of the public trea
The New York Institution for the Blind is ano
ther public charity only second to the two which
have been mentioned. A statement from the cor
responding secretary of the incorporation gives the
present number Of pupils at one hundred and ten,
Of whom eighty eight are supported by the State
at the annual expense OF one hundred and thirty
dollars each This will amount to $l1 ,440 per an
mum, paid from the public treasury for the educa-
tion Of pupils in this school for the blind The ac-
count given of the advancement, of these unfortu-
nate children in the various branches of education,
in the science OF music, and in mechanical and ma
nutacturlng industry is one OF deep interest," and il
i matter OF profound regret that, with this liberal
patronage from the State, the funds of the nstitu.
tion not such as to preserve it from embanass.
ments, which limit Its usefulness. The managers
suppose they can derive benefit from certain al.
terations and extension of their charter, which will
aid in relieving these embarrassments, among
which is the permission to constitute this nstitu-
ton asylum, well as school. for the blind.
My acquaintance with the subject does not enable
me to judge of the propriety of this extension of
the charter; but invite your careful attention to
the requrs convinced that it will receive your fa-
vorabe action, unless there shall be sound obec-
tions against It.
1t is most gratifying reflection, that during al!
the period OF our late financialt enlDaI assments
driving us to the necessity of direct taxation, our
expenditures for education, for the maintenance Of
pententiatiaries, and for the liberal support Of
our public charities, have not merely not been d.
minlshed, but have been increased and extended, al
least to keep pace with our increasing population.
THIS single fact speaks volumes In favor of the in
telligence, patriotism, and public spirit Of people
Few subjects connected with this communica.
tlon have been pressed upon me with so much ear
nestness since the close of the late election as the
necessity of some additional legal provisions to sc.
cure the independent and unbiased exercise OF the
elective franchise, and the purity of the ballot box
especially from the corrupting influence of money
No subject can possess deeper interest to the free
uCu VI OuI OtdtC anu COuuIy, VI DC UOIC VltalIy
important to the very existence of our political in
stltutions. Without, however, OBTAINING you with
remarks to establish position which will be in.
stanlly conceded and fully appreciated, will pro-
ceed directly to the points to which propose to
c0nfine my suggestions.
One of the prominent complaints is that efforts
are made, and successfully made, to defeat the po
licy OF our present law, intending to secure the
sight inspection of the officers Of the election or
any one else, and its character known to himself
only. BY the law, fhe chooses to hand his ballot
to the inspector closely folded, the law prohibits
misdemeanor, from 80 opening it as to expose the
names Of the persons voted for upon it, The law,
however, requires that the ballot should be labelled
upon the outside, and folded, il must be folded
the means of defeating the protection intended to
be thrown around the elector, by enabling him to
keep the character OF his vote profound secret
from all the world but himself If he should choose
to do so. This label, as general remark, must be
printed, and the character of the type is made to
designate the political complexion Of the vote
within, as plainly, to those who understand the de
sign, would the inspection of the names upon the
ballot. In this way the influence OF The employer
over the feelings and fears of the employed is ar
fully and forcibly exered. as if the latter were re-
CURED to give viva voce vote, or deposite open
ballot. So the description and color of the paper
upon which ballots are printed is often resorted to-
for the same purpose, and in this way the spirit and
intention OF the law, TO protect the elecor in the
Independent exercise OF his own tree choice, are
cIrcumvented ard defeated.
do not know that it is possible by legislation, tc
reach and prevent all these devices unduIy and i'm
properly to influence the free choice of the elector
but II does appear to me that all the abuses of .
label upon the ballot, may, as the law now is, bs
prevented by very slight modification. When there
is not Presidential election, and when no amend
ments to the Constitution are 10 be voted upon, ",
now have but one ballet box and one ballot, ans
then manfes!ly no label can be required. can sec
no cause to apprehend Inconvenience or injury, BY
such an amendment Of the law as shall render bu
one box and one ballot necessary at any time-
The persons voted for as electors OF President ant
Vice President may be as well designated upon thu
State ticket, as upon separate one and the opinion
OF the elector upon any constitutional amendmen
can be as well expressed upon that as upon sepa
rate ballot. Nor do think the addition to the size
Of the ballot, either OF these cases would produce
any serious objection.
respectfully submit these suggestions for YOU
consideration, confident that, as far as you shal
enjoyment of that impuni,y from improper infuenceI
in giving his vote, which it has ever been the policy
~l l..,