Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-11-05


Annual Report Of the Intendant.
NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS
APPROPRIATIONS-A HOUSE OF REFORMATION
FOR CoLoRED BOYS NEEDED-CARE OF THE
MILDLY INSANE" ETC.
Mr.. George A. Caswell, commissioner and
ntenoant OF the Washington Asylum, has sub
mitted bis annual report to the District Commits
sioners, In which he states that while there has
been some improvement, both sanitary and in
the way OF economy in the general condition
OF the hospital, he is unable to make report as
favorable as that of last year, owing to the fact
that the appropriation was largely reduced
While there was decided increase in the num-
Der OF inmates and the cost of material. As a
result it was necessary to withdraw the prison
gang from street work, there being no money
for the purchase of tools and extra clothing
needed for that service. For the same reason
1t has not been possible to make either
repairs or improvements to the premises
The appropriation for the present year is but
little larger, and the cost of material has still
further increased, again making it impossible to
utilize prison labor on outside work; besides
the necessity for certain changes too long
neglected, to make the pauper class reason ably
comfortable without regard to the money at
command. renders the situation even more en-
barrassing than last year. The condition of the
shanties occupied by
COL0RED MALE PAUP ERS
has been for a long time a disgrace to civiliZa-
ton. They have now become absolutely I'M
tenantable. Though the necessity for additional
money to furnish comfortable quarters was re-
peatedly urged on the attention of the gentle
men having charge of the appropriation bill in
the House Of Representatives, he could not be
persuaded either to visit the asylum to see for
himself nor grant the needed means. He (the
intendanD has been obliged to fit up at cOnsid-
cradle expense, one of the old army magazine
buildings in which to quarter these paupers.
In times past but little attention was given to
the condition of our unfortunate classes, but
public sentiment now demands that they shall
be reasonably and comfortably cared for. When
he first assumed control of the asylum every
thing seemed going rapidly into decay. While
much has been done more still remains to be
done.
NEEDS OF THE ASYLUM.
SO far as cleanliness both of buildings and
inmates is concerned, the intendant states he is
in condition to challenge comparison with anv
similar institution in the United States; yet for
want Of means fences have decayed beyond
repair; blinds have fallen from their hinges,
and roofs are in leaky condition. New wards
have become absolutely necessary. Under this
condition he had made decided increase in the
estimates for the coming fiscal year. An addi-
tional oVerseer is needed and increase of their
salaries is recommended. He renews a former
recommendation, that the present law be so
amended as to enable the Judge Of the Police
Court to sentence constant offenders to long
terms of service. 1t is absurd to hope to reform
or benefit person who has fallen so low as to
become regular inmate of the workhouse
while the longest term of Imprisonment is ninety
days. With longer terms and proper system Of
rebate of time for industry and good behavior,
some hope may be expected towards refOrma-
ton.
HOUSE OF REFUGE FOR COLORED BOYS
NEEDED.
He recommends that house Of refuge
or reformation be established in con-
nection with the asylum for colored boys who
are being sent to the workhouse for petty of
fences; whose enforced association with the low
est criminals soon make them criminals With
small outlay the remaining army and navy mag
azine buildings might be utilized for such pur-
pose. The law should be so amended as to en-
able the Police Court judge to sentence these
boys to the house or refuge until Is years of age
with reserved power to the Commissioners to
release at discretion. Many Of these boys are
without friends or homes, and they are sent
down there not because they are bad, but be-
cause the world affords them no other place and
at the end of their terms they frequently impOr-
tune to be allowed to remain there The parents
OF others, obliged to go out to service and una
bic to properly care for them, have also begged
to be kept there. Under the present arrange
ment he is Obliged either to turn them upon
the Streets knowing that they will Immediately
return, or transfer them to the aims house to be
trained as ignorant paupers.
CARE OF THE MILDLY INSANE"
The OupSfjOu of fhe caro off tho ssy,iI.1lv in
sane" has received considerable attention. and
they have been sent to this institution, but IN
the most enlightened communities such dspo-
sition is not tolerated. If they are to be sent
there, it will be necessary to provide for suit
able building and for proper attendants. He calls
the attention of the Commissioners to the mo-
test of the visiting physician against 1.-The send
ing of persons suspected Of insanity, or actually
insane, to the almshouse hospital for safe keep
ing"
MISCELLANEOUS MENTION.
Some years ago he had recommended the abo-
ition or one Of the offices of resident physician
and the appointment Of a resident student
The large increase of work in the medical branch
renders il necessary that the Office
should be restored. In 1879 the total
prescriptions were $780, while last year they
We're Is. 122. The improvements made to some
OF the dlnlng-rooms DC, are described. Fifteen
hundred and forty-seven days work OF prison.
ers. one hundred days work of overseers and
fifty days of horse and cart labor were furnished
the engineer department for the Improvement
of II street northeast; during last winter TO
barrels Of dry fertilizers were made from night
soil and garbage, ten thousand heads of cab
bages We're raised and large quantities Of other
vegetables. and fruits were raised and consumed
on the place: five thousand seven hundred and
four pounds Of prime pork was killed. The es-
Inmates for fiscal year ending June 80, 1888, are
SIS. OG0. The report of Dr. Dyer. visiting physi-
clan, is appended, showing the number of deaths
to have been so during the past year, number Of
admissions to hospital 613 All demands upon
the hospital have been promptly met, though at
times it has been Over-crOWded.
Laws Of Hygiene in Government
Offices
To the Editor OF The EVENING STAR:
Permit me to suggest to those who have
charge of different divisions in government
buildings, school rooms and other places, that
while ventilation is Indispensable to health and