The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-04-10
This Board Should Be Abolished.


There Is the most comprehensive reason
why neither the Governor nor the Legisla-
ture nor whoever finally investigates the
Elmira Reformatory should regard in any
degree whatsoever the report Of the State
Board OF Charities condemning Mr.. Brock
WAY. Whatever small sensation this pro-
cured statement may have temporarily
caused. in view OF the use that rascals
have made Of 1t. there can be no lasting
public confidence In . the judgment Of
those who signed 1t, regarding this or
any similar matter. The members OF
the State Board OF Charities. az q body
and individually. simply do not possess
the training. cast Of mind. and general
expert ability which would entitle them
to speak in this case. They are mostly good.
worthy souls. drawing-room people. who
have but vague ideas Of practical prison
management. and would find themselves In
a very sorry plight as prison wardens. One
OF their number Is woman. an estimable
lady. who would not hurt fly. we are sure
The rest OF them. mainly. are wealthy,
retired elderly gentlemen. fond OF dabbling
In philanthropy and almost tickled to death
at the privilege Of running around the
State at odd intervals RS officials. visit
ing the public institutions OF which they
have heard. and OF meeting once year to
enjoy over cosey tea table the petty gos-
sip OF a board Of charities. The ill-advised
laws creating their office make 1t in theory
only an ornamental and honorary thing. It
is superfiuous and vexing appendage to
the executive routine OF the State. possess
ing neither dignity character. nor author
ity. bearing no part OF the burdens. having
no share OF responsibility. and almost en-
tirely devoid OF power. All Its members
can do IL to make calls and talk. They get
no compensation but their travelling ex-
penses. They have merely the right OF
entrance at certain times to q certain linz
tied number OF public institutions, and the
privilege. In common with all other citizens.
OF presenting memorials to the Legislature.
These memorials have turned up at stated
periods. and have usually consisted of sol
emn platltudes affirming the reports OF the
regular State officers. and adding thereto
amusing suggestions impossible Of accom-
plishment. 1t Is worthy OF mention. per-
haps. that included among these memorials
each year has been the most unqualified
and irreyocable endorsement OF the system
VI LILO
For the first few years OF It's existence the
labors OF the Board were OF such q milk
and-water character that 1t was looked
upon by those conversant with State affairs
with good-natured contempt. merely. and
its members were considered no worse, at the
uttermost. than the fretty persons aboard
ship who fear each hour that something is
the matter with the machinery. and ask the
Captain II he is sure he knows where they
are upon the sea. But Governor HILL. while
he Was In office. losing all patience with the
Boards wholly ridiculous career. and thor
oughly appreciating the grave dangers in
its continuance. recommended Its abolition
10 the Legislature. He knew the capacity
of its members for bOtehing and bunglng,
and for getting gulled outrageously by
sharpers. His recommendation was. I'M
wisely. not acted upon. 1t was thought
that. II the Board did not do any good. it
yet did not do much harm. and that unnec-
essary feeling might be created by It's
summary abolition. How sure was Governor
HILLS premonition. and how unfortunate
for the State OF New York that 1t was not
needed The Board Of Charities has OUT
grown its thin and eolOrless youth and has
become an evil agency. q public pest and
nuisance. taking upon itself by sheer as
sumption the most improper functions, and
spending Its time in ignoran and fussy
NEEDING with institutions to whose care