The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-01-13
cHAR1rAnLE INSTITUTIONS.

| agencies as we'll as In the fiscal affairs Of
the state Is equally satisfactory.
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
The charitable institutions of the State
are the colored and white Deaf and Dumt
| institutes, the Blind institute, the Or
| phans' home and the three Insane asy-
| lums.
The main building of the colored insti-
tute, erected during the administration OF
Governor Ross became unsafe for occu-
pancy aud was torn down and entirely re-
built during the present term, at cost of
$4,000. The average attendance for the
past four years which was probably les
sened by the suspension Of exercises dur
ing the construction OF the new building,
was n against - the previous four years,
and the average cost of maintenance per
capita per annum was $751; against sos.
At the white Deaf and Dumb institute
the average attendance the past four years
was 266, against 215 for the previous four
years, and the average cost OF maintenance
S1S9 against $685. The Increased attend
ance in the institute necessitated unusual
repairs, for which the authorities were
forced to use funds for maintenance. else
the average cost would appear materially
lower.
In the Blind institute the average at
tendance for each period was 1865, and the
average per capita cost of maintenance per
annum S240 the past four years. against
1912 for the preceding four years. In es-
timating the per capita cost for this in
stitution every character of expense la
computed, including improvements. which
were greater during the latter period.
Valuable Improvements and additions
to the Orphans home were made, consist
Ing Of dining hall, school building and
hospital. at total cost of $1S,500. The
number Of orphan children cared for in
this institution is $50 for 1898. as compared
with 147 in 1894. The annual per capita
cost OF maintenance was reduced from 1888
to SOL for the same period.
The average number of patients in the
San Antonio asylum increased from 200 in
1894 to 272 in 1898. and the average per
capita cost of maintenance per annum was
tion Of the main building at this institu-
tion, which was constructed In 1890, was
found to be in such condition as to render
immediate action necessary, and 1t was
repaired at cost OF 1880 out OF the fund
for executing the laws. An additional
wing is about completed. costing $4,000,
which will accommodate $50 patients
The number of patients at the Terrell
asylum has increased from 1922 in 1894 to
1920 in 1898, and the cost of maintenance
has been reduced from s165 to sl29. Per-
manent improvements costing $4,000 were
made, consisting OF male hospital and
an associated dining hall.
The number of patients at the Austin
asylum increased from 653 In 1894 to 722 in
1898, and the average cost of maintenance
was reduced from s16s to $140 No de- 4
duction is made in averaging this cost for
farm and garden products, as is doe. with
the Terrell asylum II this deduction were
not made the cost OF maintenance at Ter
rell for 1898. would be about $135 per
capita per annum. at Austin $40, and at
San Antonio $685. maintaining 1920, 722
and 272 patients respectively. This shows
that with Increasing numbers, other
-hings being equal, per capita cost can be
reduced. and clearly demonstrates that
he wise policy for the State to pursue for
many years in making further provision
or the insane is to add to present insti-
utions and not establish new ones, be- I,
'ause with officers and administrative
buildings already provided, the only ad- 4
litional cost would be the construction Of
|ormitories and maintenance of the addi- 4,
tonal inmates. Many important and
'aluable permanent improvements, includ-
ng an ice plant and natatorium. have re-
emily been made at the Austin asylum
Without extra appropriation.
Considering the three asylums 1t will
e seen that provision has been made to
are for 660 additional insane patients.
'hese great benevolent institutions, which
effect the character and generosity of the I
eople have been managed with excep- |
lonal ability upon broad lines OF sym
athy and humanity and with the view
nat the high purposes OF their establish
lent may be maintained. (,