The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1880-01-10
management. First in importance OF
of these institutions Is the
JuNATIC ASYLUM

LUNATIC ASYLUM,
The number Of patients under treat
: ment during the year 1878 was 49S
Ont of this number there were "a
deaths. "A discharges, most OF which
were recoveries, and two escapes.
During the year 1870 the number
under treatment was about equal 70
that of the year before. There were
80 deaths and 80 discharges. The IN.
) stitution ia in excellent condition, ana
has been as well and economically
managed during the last Two years as
could possibly be done.
The large death rate during the year
1878 was probably attributable 10 IN Gile
excessive heat OF the summer. Inc
deaths of both years were mainly rom
consumption and epilepsy. Many OF
them cases of long standing, and the
patients worn out with age and dis
ease. am informed by the medical
superintendent that there are now
thirty applications for admission who
cannot be accommodated for want OF
room. This number will necessarily
increase, as the discharges from all
causes do not keep pace with the in
creasing demand for admission. Owing
to the increased number of patients
since the Spring of 1878, and the recent
advances in the prices of supplies, 1t
will be impossible to support the Asy-
lum for the next two years without
an increased appropriation. There
are on the books of the institution,
the names of many patients who are re-
quired to pay for board and treatment;
but very few actually pay, and i'll 4
majority of such cases it is found most
difficult to collect any thing. l re-
spectfully recommend that the Asy-
llm be made free to all the citizens of
the State needing its benefits.
DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTE.
The Deaf and Dumb Institute is in Il
prosperous condition. There are moro
students i'm attendance at this time
| than ever before at a corresponding
! time of the session, and u decided i'm
provement is shown by the fact that
| thirteen new students entered during
the year 1879, more than half of that
number being under the age Of thir-
teen years. The average number of
pupils in attendance during the year
1878 was forty-five. The average
number during the year 1870 was for
ty-three. There are now i'll tho school
forty-four pupils with several more OK
pected within short time.
Tho expenditures for the year 1873
were q little lest than the amount ap-
propriated, but for the year 1879 they
exceeded tho appropriation, covering
the unexpended balance, and in con-
sequence of the recent advance III tho
price of supplies the accounts of the
year cannot DO closed without small
deficit. With supplies at the present
prices the Institution cannot be MAIN
tanned withouta small increase of the
appropriation over that for the last
two years. Tho buildings are at the
present time in good condition, but a
small appropriation will be necessary
for repairs during the next two years.
The new wing was completed at a
cost of 1921. 50 and the balance of the
appropriation for building purposes
has been judicially expended by. the
Board of Trustees in necessary repairs
upon the main building.
There should be an additional am
ployeo in the Institution to instruct
tho girls in handicraft. There are
thirty girls in the school, most Of them
in very moderate circumstances, and
all anxious to be taught the art of
cutting and fitting garments, and the
use of the sowing machine. The Trus-
tees have the authority to employ such
a teacher, but have felt that the ap-
preparations were insufficient to justify
the outlay. am also of the opiuion
that, rs early as practicable, work.
shops should be erected in which the
boys may be taught such trades as are
best adapted to their condition. In
the western suburbs of the city, there
is tract of land formerly owned by |
this Institution, but by an act of the |
Legislature in 1852 it reverted to the |
State Tho land cannot be utilized by
the State, and if sold it would bring
only nominal sum. 1t is believ-
cd hut II can bo Inaclu useful |
and profitable to tho institution
and, | respectfully recommend |
that the act referred to be repealed,
and that the Board of Trustees be au-
to take possession of said land
and exercise ownership over the same.
Under the auspices of the Board of
Trustees this institution has been most
and economically conduc-
ted during The last two years; and too
much cannot be said in commentator
Of the worthy and attentive principal
whose entire time is devoted to the
important and delicate duties of his
position.
INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND.
During the year 1878 theaverage at
endance at this institution was TWEEN
y-seVen. Thirteen females, and
0urteen males, four of whom We're col
red. For the year 1879 there were in
twcnty-eight, sixteen
emales, and twelve males, one of
whom was colored.
A definite statement of the financial
condition of the institution could not be
obtained in time for this message; bat
am informed that the expenditures
or the past two years will not exceed
he appropria tion. The condition of
he buildings Is not as good as it
hould be, nor do they afford sufficient
Dom for the comfortable accomOda-
ion of the number of pupils now pres
ut, anditis expected that the number
will be materially increased within
he next few weeks. The crowded |
Of the Institution during the I
ear just closed, induced the Trustees !
D rent n house in tho vicinity for the l
of the male pupils, but
his results in great Inconvenience and '
ONE exposure to them, and if practi-
able ought to he remedied. The
'oard of Trustees will, perhaps, insist /
pom an appropriation for the erection |
additional, or new buildings COM {
with the necessities of the C
lstitntion. | commend their report il
} your careful attention, feeling assur- S
j that the interests of The unfortunate Il
lind, will not suffer in your hands. t
PENITENTIARY. G
Tho report or tho Superintendent of :
he Penitentiary will furnish complete = =
touching tho condition of u
lis institution. The number of con- 7
lets on the Register December 1st, IL
SO, was 997, of which sos were col
ed and 81 white. From December II
It, 1877, to December LIST, 1873, there "
ere received by commitment 376. 03 a
eaths, 81 escapes 20 recaptured, and =
pardOned. From December 1st, 1873 ~ ~
December 1st, 1879, there were re- y
lived by commitment 3S9, II deaths, u =.
escapes, 10 recaptured, and q par .,
med. Total number on the Regis o.