New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-06-10
THE FOUNDING ASYLUM.
A GLIMPSE INTO IT'S WORKINGS.
HOW FoUNDLINGs ARE CARED FORA CRIB THAT
HAS HELD THIRTEEN THOUSAND OF THEM

GLIMPSE INTO ITS WORKINGS.
HOW FoUNDLINGs ARE CARED FORA CRIB THAT
HAS HELD THIRTEEN THOUSAND OF THEM.
The region bounded By Park and Lexington
ayes and sixtynfth and Seventeen SITS is of the
most elevated the central and eastern parts OF Man
haitian Island The great park close at hand on the
west with its breezy and inviting thoroughfares
northward the landscape stretches away in falling
grade toward Harlem and the wooded hill country be-
yond; while the East River with Its island charities
and institutions borered by the pretty villas Of Astoria
completes the environment Heie is the great armory
OF the 9TH Regiment and the Gothic buildings of the
Normal College. and In the immediate neghbor-
hood Convent and Church OF the Dominican Fathers
the Hebrew Hospital and, most noticeable Of all. the
group Of buildings known the Founding Asylum. 1t
occupies an entire block. between Lexington and Third
avcs and sixtyeighh and Sxty-ninth ss.. the great
facade stretching along sixty-elghth-st with unn
terrupted southern exposure.
This asylum is among the most Impressive and admir-
able public institutions devoted charitable
In the city 1t symmetrical family of buildings. de-
veloped another growing requirements de-
manded architectural relations grace full
In outline massed that while immediate
ication may had between them each story
rupted light aud ventilation are secured to every
and corridor The plateau lies well above the street
level. and the buildings far enough removed to
secure quiet and secuslon. While there visiting
DAYS each month when the whole institution may DO
Inspected visit made q short time ago by TRIBUNE
reporter proved that Legitimate call OF study and
observation would not be intrusive at any time. The
yestibue bright and cheerful and contains statue
Of st. Vincent dc Paul. the founder Of the order
of the Sisters Of Charity, who have the asylum
In charge. spacious recepton-room opens
from the left Il Is plainly furnished, with q
bare floor. a few religious pictures on the walls.
and without q hint Of luxury eisurey
forts There was harily time for these observations
before Sister Irne, the Superior Of the asylum APP
preached the black dress quaint shrred bonnet of
color which by si the Sisters indoors
She slight Acknowledgement little woman, with fair
compile xon blue eyes full OF energy face beanng with
intelligence and kindness, and dgnifed and refined
address. The reporters visit welcomed with
frank cordiality. We not In company dress to-
day." she said, and you expect to find us at
great disadvantage. Indeed, haven't time to strike
the gong and the sisters and of your ap
proaoh"
GROWTH FROM A SMALL BEGINNING.
flow long has this work been established o.
al was sent by Mother jerome In 1869 10 build an
asylum for foundlngs, without dollar any visible
grounds OF hope or success. began In East Twelfth
st. AIMS Church. with two sisters to aid
me. You know have only 10 obey so | set out,
with clear purpose and unbendng determination do
my appointed work l had no money, responsible
supporters and every step venture OF faith.
Little by little by my unaided personal exertions in
humble beginnings"
But all these great buildings and this block of
groundl The city authorities"
Yes the city gave this ground for ninety mine
years and an annual sum T. voted for the partial sup
port OF our children according to the number in charges
but not dollar has IL given me for buildings, nor
penses OF administration. Tam constantly depend
Ing upon the operation OF the charitable Yes Ihave
on these buildings, furnishings and appliances In
debt No. only little matter of sl4 900 for this my
last building 81 Johns which our hospital and this
L shall easily provide for
My sisters now number thirty three. Last year
lost three through overwork and sheer exhaustion Tho
duties are arduous and confning. and have
vacation respite pursuing Ynvarying routine
according the season. for mass and are on duty all
day until half past nght-reserying but fortyaye
some urgent duty prevents There are no salaries here
and no expenses ior services except for the resident
man"
LIFE IN THE NURSERY WARDS
There ak wards In which all the babies distb-
uted. occupying additions at right angles with the main
edihce and thanking ION each end sister aided by
matrOn has charge of each ward The babies mostly
cared for and nursed by the mothers We find that by
this provision often helped in reaching
forming these unfortunate creatures who find some
times road back TO life OF ,titude through the
mother-love. They persuaded to remain with the
babes when practicable and desirable. They have q
home. attendance sympathy, and put some money in
the bank for them IN anticipation their
into the world We have weddings here too. sometimes
there were three last week-and we now and then
help repair the mischief and wrong
How many have In charge Well, with sisters ma
trons mothers and babies have about 300 on my
hands In these buildings to be provided for nurscd fed
and directed We have also an immense outdoor de-
partment More than 1000 Of babes nursed In
asylnm and we exercise oil possible prudence placing
our little ones sohat they sha receive honest and faith
full care The Society OF st. Vincent Paul co-operates
with u.s. and the gentlemen district the city and
oversight. Once or twice each month each home aud
nurse are visited and the baby never long Of
sight On the first Wednesday OF each month require
each nurse 10 DO present here with her baby then
one may see LOCO babies and more than 800 mcthers
matrons and physician. That ts monthly pay DAY,
and pay out from 20 900 to 10000 on that day 70
those outside You al goes back into crcu
laton In the city. and the people who taxed for our
appropriation get Il back again"
"Who eligible recefvablew
AL Legitimate babes born within the corporate Inn
It's OF the city and the majority Of the babies are not Of
every prccautQn 70 protect the Interests OF the city
that not dollar shsl DO wasted or diverted nom IL