The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-12-11

to be cheap boarding house for pau
pers, but refuge and hope for citizens
of the state afflicted by disease requir-
ing special treatment and expensive care, the
rate abeve indicated is not, and does not seem
exorbitant. The cost OF maintenance for the
~ tba rsd f sR oeDooer 81, iSaI' was
actual cost OF maintenance OF patients
in the hospital, from printed reports,
an error is often made by adding the amount
OF "credit on account of clothing which liz
advanced ,i from year to year, and does not
amount received by the steward from sales Of
hides and tallow mostly originally drawn from
for in the purchase of cattle for beef, to the
amount of the regularly appropriated re-
AS the hospital has no other original re-
source than the state treasury, and can not
draw from that more than is appropriated by
expenses can not exceed the amount appropri-
ated; although by converting one class OF
materials into anotner-as that Of hides and
tallow into cash to be expended for other
goods, and charging up the value of each class
so received In exchange as an original re-
source, the figures might De multiplied indefi-
nitely, TO the great alarm of the misinformed
taxpayer.
SPECIAL PLEADING.
Much of the superintendent report is
devoted to a review of his connection
with the institution, and an ar
gument in behalf of his manage
ment and general course of action. He
claims credit for vast improvements
made since he took charge and goes
deep into figures to prove that
the institution has run at a less average cost
per inmate than any similar one in the
country. He gives a table of items in the bill
of fare showing that the cost of the
daily ration is 10 cents and 8 7-10 mills
and then asks, Should our expenditures be
still further reduced? Is it practicable? Is it
best?r
The superintendent also says:
recognize, also, the fact that the periodical
promise OF "retrenchment and REFORM made
by politicians and parties should be fulfilled
whenever practicable, But there is O limit.
An institution OF this kind can be retrenched
out OF existence, and soon would be, should
each successive legislature feel called upon
10 appropriate something less than did its pre-
decesSor-and nothing but failure and disgrace
can be anticipated as a result of bandying
great and permanent institutions of a strictly
professional character like foot balls be-
tween contending and alternatingy success
full parties. wish IL also to be distinctly IN
derstood that do not make this record with
any selfish desire for personal retention in an
office which have already occupied for more
than double the average term of five prede-
cessors and which 1 would only consent to
remain in because wanted"
The report closes with various suggestions
and recommendations. 1t says:
1t has been suggested that the money re-
ce1ved by the steward from sales Of hides, ETC.,
should be paid into the state treasury. AS
ohNiC ID nv law W Which, treasurer cOulu
receive such fund and place ii to the credit
of the hospital, to do would be equivalent to
returning just so much of our appropriation
10 the Treasury. can see no necessity for so
doing, unless it is to be inferred that the
money would be safer in the hands of the
treasurer of state, than in the safe keeping of
the steward, who is at the same time a bonded
o1hcer. 1t is great convenience to the
hospital TO have a fund from which small
bills can be paid, without waiting for the
monthly meetings of the board, IN some in
stances. list of vouchers covering the dis
buTsements If the steward, will be found in
the appendix.
STEWARDS REPORT.
Hospital for Insane in account with farm.
1878. DIR.
To farm products. vegetables, hay,
grain etc, per schedule 81 ,7S2 90
To l4,6O gallons milk at Is cents per
SallOn lSO %
To Is calves at s. each.................... so 90
TOTAL 90
CIR.
By cost of production, labor teams
and tools, ground feed and products
fed to COWS, paStuTage not included-S ,SUl IS
Estimated profit 30 %
For details see appendix.
Hospital for the Insane,
In account with George Patterson, steward.
CIR.
tallow, ETC., from November 1, 1877,
to October 81, 1859 81
To cash paid out as per vouchers on
nle....... 2,olo 70