The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-12-22

I as that here referred 10. II Is enough 10 say
that from small beginning the Baltimore
city and county almshOuse under such
management became capaciolis and happy
home for a class OF people upon whom sOr-
row has ever set IL seal 10 give assurane q
Of earthly misery. Upon its success as an
e.eemesynary institution was built up a
magnificent hospital for the INDECENT sick
Of both communities. Two prominent med
ical men were in daily attendance with "A
staf Of six young graduates to carry out
their directions.
The strictest discipline was enforced in
this department. and every appliance OF
science and art subonlinated 10 the welfare
Of the patients. IL afforded facilities for
studying anatomy. pathology, and practical
pharmacy. besides preparing in other re-
specis the young practitioner for his future
professional duties. one other feature Of
this department should not be forgotten.
Lying-in wards were prepared for the fami-
lies Of the working classes. in which the
mother and newly-bOrn child were carefully
tended. not rs pauperS, but As those VINO
not been able 10 pay the full professional
fee Of the city. could be- here accommodated
at rate suitable to their means. The
charges were paid either in money or in
work for the institution.
II
fine productive farm was developed with
its gardens and its grass lots. Every inch
OF land was devoted not only to the staples
OF profitable labor. but 10 the exercise Of
taste and the arts of adOrnment. And.
lastly. here was maintained successful
reformat0ry without tie degrading assOcia-
tiOns Of prison or the humiiating features
Of penal establishment. In order 10 the
more complete gay eminent of the institu-
ton. board Of managers, composed Of a
prOpOrtiOnate number from the city and
county. met once month 10 inspect lis
Affairs. Reports from the agricultural.
mechanical and medical departments were
required, covering financial statements and
all other matters incident 10 the admins
fraton Of It's most minute details. The re-
suit Of this management was, that in
time il became a self-sustainng institu-
ton.
The place first purchased for this en-
terprise was situated about two and
half miles from the city on what was
then the Franklin road. now Franklin
avenue. As the latter extended itself in
that direction, the property became so val
liable and the demands OF the increasing
population 80 exceeded its capacity that the
authorities We're obliged 10 move cOnsid-
cradle distance further out. Whether the
same system j. now kept up We cannot saw.
But upon approaching Baltimore by rail
from the South. the traveller may observe
an imposing pile Of buildings loom-
Ing up some distance on the left
This j. the stately successor 10 the
small beginning at the modest little country
seat Of years gone by. I'm the meantime.
what an amount Of good has been accom-
plishcd. what amazing results have follow
ed the judicious action Of the people of Bal
iimOre at a time when that city was very
little larger than Richmond Is now.
In view OF the facts given in this outline
Of the Baltimore and City-COunty Aims
house, and it, relations 10 that community.
we may venture to ASK whether il may not
now he worth considering whether some
kindred enterprise would not be- adapted 10
the peculiar wants Of our own city. sup
pose, instead of building the present
Almsh0use. the Common Council had !
secured a body Of land several miles !
ont in the same direction twenty-five years !
ago. and had established system akin 10 !
that described above, would il not have |
proved. 10 say the least "A more adyanta-
geOus one than that now maintained VEL
cannot think It necessary 70 adduce argi-
ments 10 prove what would seem self-eyi. |
dent proposition, The idea was suggested |
at the time steps were being taken Ia erect |
the present building, but IL was not even |
The authorities Of Richmond should move |
at once in this matter. II is not too late 10
undo the mistakes Of thirty years ago. In.
deed. the wants of our city in this direction |
are more imperative than they ever were. |
\ tract of land should be secured, on which |
should be- erected the buildings necessary |
for beginning. and rs soon as th. shall /
have been done. the present almshouse |
should be- rented out "a sold. by the Use Of |
steam, il could be- changed j. 30 manufac- |
tory OF some sort. aud the city be thus re-
lieyed not only from "a positive expense. |
but be- in time provided with an institution
calculated TO meet the peculiar demands of
its increasing aud mixed population.