The sun., 1890-04-23
THE STATE CHARITIES AID ISsocEA-
TIOM
what It Hss Aeeo>piished-AA Appeal Nsr
FHbne BnPpsrt.


| what It Has Aeeonplishsd-AA Appeal Nsu
| Fubiie BHPpsrt
When the State Charities Aid Association
began its visitation OF the county poorhouses
1t found In many OF them insane inmates re.
tained, In some legally and In others Illegally
because OF the lack OF comodations In State
asylums. These inmates were found to be
given practically the same treatment as the
paupers: In some cases not separated at all
from the latter: receiving no medical treatment
such as their affliction demanded; without
proper attendance; without opportunities for
exercise In the open air or means OF employ
ment or amusement; with inadequate food and
clothing, aud subject to all manner OF abuse
and neglect
Tho association endsavored, through its visi-
tors and by an interest on the part OF the pub
lie In the condition OF this class, to remove
these evils and abuses, but after many years
OF persistent effort toward reform It became
convinced that under the existing system the
Owls were practically remediless. II was Inn
possible TO secure in each county skilled medi-
cal treatment: ,poorhouse keepers were con-
ssIantly changed; and the insane thus placed
from time to time in wholly ineNperionced
&ec.i could not be secured.
Ihree years ago after many years OF per-
sonal visitation and of study Of the experience
oi other cconimuuities, the association framed q
eoppy @ GF ,hS Of all the insane from the
lnms and procured It's Introduction in the
LEGISLATURE. II failed tho first year OF favorable
The work was taken up with new energy q
second year vnst amount Of litot ature re-
was sent throughout the state, and every effort
made TO arouse the interest Of the public In
fhis reform. but the bin Jailed second time;
In the Assembly by few votee.
,r again the contest was renewed. this time
Win moro announcement, but against an Or
Ganlzed and a moro vigorous opposition on the
DAT OF certain county officials who Wished to
was earnestly asked. in the name Of justice
and humanity, TO urge the adoption Of this
measure II was presented the third time in
and support OF the state Com Mission in Lu-
nacy; tho President and several OF the Com
Rc q as c srs S. s Es r.s sna
vas at last successful. The bill passed the
Assembly by vote Of 80 to 50. and the SENATE
Governor.
The effect OF this bill IA:
L. That 1t establishes he policy OF State care
and state support Tor all the insane who are or
w5o WI may may become public charge.
= That II destroys the pernclous legal dis
tlnStion DetWeon the chronic and acute insane.
.. That it provides for tho removal Of all the
insane from The county poorhouses. and for
accommodation has once heen provided
Touching the Significance Of this reform. We
quote the following from the Nation:
Insane IN tho Assembly by the decisive OF 90 10
~ ~ one OF the mort notable triuphs OF we'll directed
eEort In righteous that have evcr had tho
happnoas to chronicle Such a vote after such a
HrnRRe. now more than three years prolonged and
gained over the petty spoiSmen OF tho disrictA
reneWH our confidence in he Bnundners OF and
political fabric To the state thariteR Aid alton
This ndyAnce along tho line OF humanity and social ele
VAton 10 due II IL one OF long and honorable list OF
advances and henefactios which that society has con
ferred upon the state and people OF New York
, 1t is In furtherance OF this and similar re-
forms that the association asks for a continued
and stronger support. Its practical aim is TO
secure to the public. through unoillcia! insrer-
tion and interest. an economical, Just. and
humane administration Of the poor laws and
the improvement OF those laws wherein they
are found to be defective in promoting the
beet interests OF society and the welfare Of the
individual. Persons Interested in the promu-
tion OF these ends are asked to send contri-
buttons to Mr. Charles 3. Fairchild. 46 Wall
street. New York. c. F. CHANDLER
President State Charities Aid Association.