The New York herald., 1862-03-05
OUR PUBLIC CHARITIES.
Second Annual Report OF the Commits
sioners OF Public Charities and Correc-
tfon for the Year 1861.

| New YoRK, Jan. l, 1862 !
To THE IEorsrAruRx THE STATE OF New YORK AMI
| The BOARD OF SUPERVISORS on THE COUNTY or New
| YORK.
have the honor present the honorable the Lgsa
ture Of the State Of New York the honorable Board
Of Supervisors Of the County of New York. the following
report Of their proceedings, and Of the condition of the
department of Public Charities and Correction" with
an account Of all its receipts and expenditures of tho
year 1861 In conformity with section nineteen Of the law
passed April II, 1sGo-chapter $40.
The duties Of the Commission which represent per-
formed with view TO the objects and intentions Of 1t,
embrace ordinary obligations and therefore to DO
regarded with proper estimate of the embarrassmens
which present themselves in their faithful execution
This vast population extent Of boundary
far beyond tho ordinary demand OF similar exercise or
power in this country-demands thoughtful and enor-
getic administration. To carry forward all its oblga-
tons without the liability or error, would be claiming
more than human foresight and common justice would
| claim.
| Our fellow citizens who interest themselves in the
workings Of municipal provisions for tho welfare
| OF the deserving poor, are, no doubt, well
| advised as to the direction given to their an
nual tax for their support but it will not be de-
| ncd that moro serious consideration OF
tho claims of charity would essentially change and more
appropriately apply their efforts that direction. In
the opinion Of the Commissioners nothing could possibly
be devised efectually arrest the progress and
success OF the American offspring, than the encourage
nent and nurture of that loahsome dependence winch
the annual application the poor house engendcrs The
propriey Of estabshng-by city ordinance or legislative
enacImnt-a point where the suffering Of fellow
may be ameorated ended be doubted
yet while admitting the charity Of such provision there
should be no hesitation ON the part OF the dispensers oil
that charity TO do everything in their power to dscour
age the too apparent vice Of protesting poverty without
| an honest claim for relief.
a. in
condition OF national affairs. very heavy demand
has been made upon taxpayng citizens for the sup
port OF the families OF those who have found employment
in the army Over million Of dollars have been paid
by our city authorities, without consultation with the
records OF this department No one can for moment
suppose that reference is made to this fact for the
purpose of changing the direction Of this cxtraordt
nary charity; but simply 70 point out as we are
been availed OF upon improper and duplicated de-
mands The same wrong is perpetrsed by many OF our
leading corporate and private charities There great
deal OF nconsderae relief granted, to the derimen of
modest retiring and deserving charity The subject is
| susceptible of more extended consideration than
may be found, upon resort TO patient examination and
| scrutiny. The desire to increase the number of
| Of usefulness will warrant The city and county
of New York. through this organization, is invested
claims Of the unfortunate poor. Its duties not
unwillingly performed; and whenever and wherever
the legitimate claimant asks . hearing, the repre-.
sentatves Of generous population will respond to the
just claims Of truthful charity.
New York shrnksfrom no duty which the welfare Of
her population fairly demands Tho trials which have
been inflicted upon her citizens have been far beyond
those Of any Other municipality, in this any other
country in times Of peaceful and fourishing admnisra
ton. The her population generous and for
giving it is due from the points of influence and
power that she should be protected by every in
sition which may expose the wrongs inflicted by unjust
combination or individual effort deem it our duty to
fellow citizens to be cautious well LIBERAL
to be just to themselves well charitable to others
The past, with its benefits and its "errors and oms
future under the guidance Of the Almighty, trust
may be prontably embraced The sad trials which bad
have inflicted upon our heretofore united national
population enjoin upon US frugal expenditures and We
must not disregard the least opportunity to postpone at
least whatever may be properly delayed for more pros
The hope and expectation s that before another year
and prosperity may commence its onward
in the turbulent regions OF the South and may again
be permitted 10 prepare adequately for increasing
bers
rHR LuNArIc ASYLUM
The new building which may be referred to in this
connection, while 1t will do much towards relief will be
inadequate for the proper care OF the increasing num-
bers
The report the resident physician abounds In stats
tics which furnish the history Of this important branch
OF lunatics known every This institution con.
tanning far greater number than any similar institution
nacy and includes in it's number at all times q large
portion Of the most troublesome character. We feel
justified in presenting the whole and more especially the
Mad House branch deserving especial commenda-
tion.
TIE woaKHorsE
Report shows o falling on in the aggregate. Some
proyement has been made in the employment OF both
sexes and the prospect favorable for more enlarged
as well as more Profitable use OF the labor Of the
tuition The army has called this class Of our popula
ton and left with the least useful Of this useless
class.
is in good condition. furnishing all the ordinary
forts Of similar institutions elsewhere The wardens
posing Of the temporary and vsitdrs this
their island home the separation Of the demented and
failing intellect from the more strengthened physical
we'll as mental power of the the useful appro
priaon Of mothery and protection for the infant
children that have been distributed among the able
and most useful class who claim protection
agreeable demonstration OF the justice Of combination
OF old age and innocence, sharing in the cheering efforts
to enven and mako happy the beginning and end Of life.
PESITEyuARY,
Containing. it does the larger portion OF our efl
cent labor has returned will be reference To
the figures much larger amount for labor than any
other previous year. Tbs prospect is that still more
advantageous disposition Of the labor will be made for
The principal working Of our quarry has been from
The manufacture OF soap has been sufficient supply
the entire department.
decrease in numbers has given US opportunity to
reduce our number Of keepers and relieve the crowded
condition which has heretofore troubled US.
THE ISLAND HOSPITAL
Being the most capacious and most convenient
the most Of the sort in this country
contains large number OF patients. who carefully
provided and properly regarded The number OF patients
will be found with those OF other hospitals at the close
Of this report, and Ia worthy Of regard.
TIE SMALLPOX uosprTAL
Is smaller but not less entitled to the claim for archi
tectural regard. The number Of patients that have
found home there during the progress Of this oath
some disease Ia very much beyond any previous year.
Yet we have the satisfaction Of awarding 70 its con.
duct additional testimony OF its general usefulness
and value.
THE PRIsoy
Has much improved the arrangements con-
sttutng its government and II 10 hoped that an unre
axed application OF the rules adopted the
Of the various branches will still further commend it's
faithful administration.
OUTDOOR POOR.
This portion Of our duty Is OF great socitude The
OF its detail has entire confidence yet
we ncsssantly aborng 10 prevent the abuses which
welded 10 system oary established and persssny
insisted upon The interrogaores which have been cir
culsted to the extent d thousands beyond those that
have been responded 20, have doubtless been instru-
mental Of great good andswil render great service in
the revision OF work, and, hope bring to light
many whose object has been TO deceive and obtain help