New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-04-26
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL.
STATE CHARITIES AID.
THE ASSOCIATIONS APPEAL FOR PUBLIC SUP.
PORT.

TO the Ed Of The Tribune.
SIR When the State Charities Aid Association began
It's Visitation Of the County poorhonses, it found in
many OF them insane inmates retained, IN some
legally, and in others illegally. because Of the lack
OF accommodations In State asyums. These inmates
were found to be given practically the same treat
ment as the paupers in cases not separated at
all from the latter; receiving medical treatment
such as their anctlon demanded; without proper
attendance without opportunities for exercise in the
open air or means Of employment or amusement; with
inadequate food and clothing, and subject to all
manner OF abuse and neglect.
The association cndcavorcd through its visitors
ana by an Interest the part OF the public in the
condition of this class to remove these evils and
abuses; but after many years Of persistent effort
toward reform, 1t became convinced that under the
existing system the evils practically rcmcdcss
II was impossible to secure In each county skilled
medical treatment poorhousc keepers were constantly
changed and the insane thus placed from time 10
time in wholly inexperienced hands. The facilities
for proper classification. etc, could not be secured.
Three years ago after many year, Of personal
visitation and Of study OF the experience OF other
communities. the association framed bill for the
removal OF all the Insane from the county poorhoascs
into the state insane asylums and procured its intro
auction In the Legislature. ii failed the first year OF
favorable report from committee in either House.
The work was taken up with new energy "a
second year. \ vast amount Of literature relating
to the subject Of the of the insane was sent
throughout the state, and every effort made to arouse
the Interest Of the public in this reform, but the BIZ
failed second time. having passed the senate, but
being defeated in the Assembly by few votes.
Again the contest renewed this time with moro
encouragement, but against an organized ana more
vigorous opposition on the part Of certain county
Onclhs, VINO wished to retain The insane uhdei thelr
care. The public was earnestly asked IN the name
Il justice and humanity t. urge the adoption OF thl5
Legislature with the strong Endorsement and support
OF the state Commission in Lunacy the president ana
Charities and the medical societies of tine state me
result was at last successful The pin passed the
Assembly by vote Of 80 to 80 and the senate by
vote Of II 70 q, and was signed by the Governor.
The effect of this bill l.
/. That II establishes the policy OF state care
and state support for all the insane who are or who
may 'eT G pTos en-, Snase legal distinction
between the chronic and acute Insane
B. That i provides for the removal Of all the
detention IN these places when state accommodation
has once been provided.
Touching the significance Of this reform We quote
tho following from THE Nation Of March y, 1900;
The passage Of the bin providing for state care OF
i 90 - 20 Is one Of The most notable triumph' OF
clldrcctcd effort I'm righteous cause that we have
ever had the happiness 20 chronicle. such vote,
after such struggle, now more than three year, pro
ongcd. and gained over tho petty spoilsmen Of the
rural districts rcnews our confidence in the soundnesS
II the social and political fabric. To the state
Charlie, Ad Association this advance along The line
II humanity and social elevation is due. II is one Of
long and honorable list OF advances and beneiactions
which that society has conferred upon the state and
people oi New YORK;
II H. In iur;hcrancc ~ this ana similar reforms
that The association asks for continued and stronger
support. It's practical aim T. 10 sccur" 20 the ihc
through unofficial Inspection and Interest an cc)nom-
lcal Inst and humane administration 81 a." poor laws
and the Improvement 81 those laws wherein they are
found - dofcctiv" I'm promoting the best Interests
4 society and The welfare Of the individual Persons
Interest I'd I'm the promotion Of theses ends are asked
to send contributions 70 Charles :. Farch.d No 40
Wall St. y Y. I. +. tlNNDLhh'
President of tho state Charities Aid Association.
New York April o. 1890.