River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-22

the HihlUTy VI uOSpltai oouSsl eaSsAOAAs
that the trustees ventured TO anticipate
your approval Of the necessary expen-
ditures therefor. The current expenses
at this hospital were $lG4, SOB 99-an
average OF $246 II for each patient.
TIE current expenses for the next hos
pital year are estimated at 1921 5000,
to meet which, in addition TO other
revenues, $40 ,657 co must be approprl-
ated. The increase in the number OF
patients beyond the number estimated
for, win occasion deficiency IN the
funds before the close of the hospital
year. To meet his deficiency and for
other purposes, additional appropria-
tons, aggrega!ing 500, 1900, are re.
quested. | do not clearly understand,
from the report of the board, their
method Of arriving at this sum, but yod
will be able to determine the amount
required for actual necessities by ascer-
timing the condition of their treasury
at the present time, and the probable
demands upon it for the current year.
At the Institution for the Education
Of the Bind, 90 pupils were in attend
ance. The total expenditures were $780,
051.80, of which SIS, 623 81 were for cur
rent expenses, the average per scholar
being $207 .26. The estimates for the
present year are 5000 for current ex-
penses, and 81 200 for special improve
ments. The cost of salaries and wages
was SC. 42057, and OF subsistence, $4,-'
385 81.
At the Institution for the Edacation
of the Deaf and Dumb, 1S7 names were
upon the register at the close OF the
fiscal year, with an actual attend
ance of 122, several Of the younger
children having been returned to their
homes after the fire. The total disburse-
ments were $50, 31S.5 80, of which 81 ,210.6S
were for permanent improvements and
,cplacing articles lost in the fire. The
cost of salaries and wages was $12-
GG9.G2, and Of subsistence, 1926 80.
The current expenses for the present
year are estimated at $4,000.
Experiments are being conducted al
his institution in the articulate system
of teaching, with most satisfactory re-
Its. Nearly onethird of the pupils
ave received instruction in the use OF
lie voice, and the progress made en-
irages the trustees TO continue the
lotem.
1t is known to all that the main build
&, erected by the state for the accom-
c,1dation of this institution, was totally
consumed by fire, September 16, 1879
Fortunately the only loss was in the de-
struction of property and the temporary
inconvenience to the school. Imme-
diately upon hearing of this disaster, |
rlt to Delavan, and there met the full
L ard of Trustees. The citizens OF
lleiavan generously opened their houses
'p the homeless teachers and pupils,
aid their hospitality was accepted for a
time for the girls and some of their
teachers-the boys finding quarters in
the gymnasium and other buildings not
burned. Most of the furniture, cloth
ing of pupils, and school room sppli-
ances had been saved, and 1t therefore
became practicable, at very moderate
expense, to fit up the buildings not de-
stroyed, for temporary use, and keep
the school in progress. With my full ap.
probation this course was determined
on, and in fact the regular lessons were
omitted but for one day. An early
special appropriation should be made
to meet the expenses incurred III the
prosecution of this work.
| have no special recommendations
to submit in regard to the future of
this institution. | assume that the
state of Wisconsin will continue to pro-
vide ample accommodations and APP
planes for the education Of its deaf
and dumb. The building or buildings
should be slammed with reference solely
to the uses for which they are intended,
and then they will be symmetrical and
in good taste. 1t does not need that
they should be surmounted by domes
or spires or towers, or that the accomo-
dations for teachers or pupils should be
palatial in any respect. The plans and
estimates should receive your careful
attentions and scrutiny.
Pending the erection of buildings for
this institution, would recommend that
such of the deaf and dumb children in
the state as cannot be accommodated
at Delavan, should be furnished in
struction and maintenance at the Pho
biological Institute in Milwaukee,, at the
exuense of the state. This will furnish
instruction to those who need it, render
much needed assistance to one of the
youngest and most promising Of our
private charities, and give an oppor-
tunity to test the respective merits Of
the two systems Of instruction, the one
confined exclusively to the articulate
method, and the other combining both
the sign and articulate methods.
AS in preceding years, have visited
all the state institutions during the
year, and most of them more than
once. The more familiar L become
with the workings of each, the greater
is my interest in its special mission,
and the more am convinced that the
management of each is efficient and
faithful. / do not presume to judge oil
every detail of administration, nor to
inquire into ell the reasons for appoint
ments and discharges. Boards of
management and control are clothed
with important sponsibilities, and OF
necessity must be accorded CORES
pondingly liberal discretion in the
choice of ways and means, and subor-
dlnates. Uuquestionably, it is the duty
of the Governor to exercise such q
degree Of supervision as may be nee
essary to prevent mal-administratiop
but further than that he can.
not be expected to go. Some COM
plants in this direction have reached
me during the past year, and in every
such case | havs deemed it my duty
to make, or cause inquiry to be made;
have sometimes advised with the local
board; and, had occasion required,
should have used the discretionary
authority contided to the Governor for
that purpose.
have every reason to believe that
toe educational and charitable institu-
tons in the state, under private man.
agement and supported by private ben
efactors, are in all ways meeting the
Just expectation of their founders and
promoters. They supplement and
complete the work which the state
Gun do only in part. There ought to
be, and l believe there is, cordial CO.
operation between them and the state
institutions.
The labors of the
STATE BOARD OF CHARITIES AND REFORM,
during the past year, as in those pre-
ceeding it, have been more enerous
than pleasant, and, as frequently hap
pens TO public servants, the good that
they do it not 80 much talked about as
he evil that may escape their notice.
In addition TO their customary duties,
they were required by my order to in