The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1898-08-12
THE ALMsHousE MATTER.

The proposition made on Wednesday
to the Board of Freeholders for the pur-
chase of the county almshouse property
located near Boonton is deserving of the
most careful consideration. The price
offered was $4,000, which the Board
considered too low; $4,000 was named
as the lowest price at which sale
should be made.
At the latter figure the sale ought to
be promptly consummated for numerous
reasons.
The almshouse buildings are collec-
ton of frames, the first of which was
built in 1925. Since then numerous
additions have been added, the result
being a number of buildings poorly
adapted for their uses. The water sup
ply for the first story is furnished from
wells: that intended for the second story
has to be carried.
In addition to the poorly planned
buildings there can be little attempted at
sanitary arrangements without great ex
pense. The law TO prevent the separation
of the sexes, which was the occasion of a
recent law suit instituted by the State
Charities Aid Association is as well OBJ
served as it can be unless several thou
sands of dollars are expended. In case
of fire, which the old buildings would
seem to invite, there is absolutely no pro-
lection, and it would be a miracle in
case one should occur if the loss of life
would not be large. The property,
which is not easy of access, embraces
over two hundred acres, about one half
oft being under cultivation.
We believe a farm of, say TWEEN
ty acres, located more conveniently.
can be secured, upon which a
building constructed of brick and made
as nearly fire proof as possible, with
modern sanitary conveniences or rather
necessities, could be erected for a sum
very slightly in excess of the price
named, So, 600. to which would be
added the amount realized from the sale
of hay, grain, live stock, etc., possibly
aggregating $1,000 more, or a total of
$50, 900. This would erect and equip an
almshouse which would be credit to
Morris county and at the same time re-
duce the cost per capita of o1ting
the inmates.
Among those interviewed by the
CHRONICLE, and whose familiarity with
the subject adds to the value of their
opinions, are Messrs. j Edward Taylor
and Paul Revere. Mr.. Taylor had con-
sidered the matter and thought the sale
should be made at the price named by
the Freeholders. He said; ga small
place could be purchased upon which
potatoes and other vegetables could be
raised, a building erected upon modern
sanitary plans, conforming in every way
to the law. Such a building would be
in keeping with the intelligence and
wealth of Morris county, and l believe
the inmates could be cared for at less
cost and in a manner more in accordance
with the demands of modern humanity"
Mr.. Revere agreed with Mr.. Taylor.
He said che had given much thought for
for years to the present almshouse and he
was well satisfied that farm of say TWEEN
ty-fiYe acres. all under cultivation, and
upon which brick building containing
modern sanitary Improvements could be
erected. would be a long step towards
caring for the unfortunate wards of our
county, in proper manner. Bearing in
mind how little manual labor can be
done by the inmates of the almshouse,
at present numbering ninety-four, of
whom two thirds are males, Mr.. Revere
was decidedly of the opinion that the
result of the change would be beneficial
as well as source of economy for the
county"
We trust the Board will dis
pose of the old almshouse property on
Monday and at once proceed to replace
it with one in keeping with the require
ments of the day.
LlVELlER THAN FIRST EXPECTED.