New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-12
STATE INEBRIATE ASYLUM.
BILL TO PROVIDE FOR ITS ESTABLISH
MENT TO BE INTRODUCED BY AS
SEMBLYMAN WEEKES.

SEMBLYMAN WEEKES.
Albany Feb. II (speciaD.-A measure which
viii prove OF unusual interest because OF the
high philanthropic purposes that it seeks TO at
tain will be introduced in the Assembly this
week by Mr.. weekes. OF New-York- The bill
provides for the establishment OF public insti-
tuition for the treatment and reformation OF
these unfortunates who have fallen prey TO
the habituaI use Of alcohol narcotic drugs
The provisions OF this bill formulated by
the Church Temperance Society Of the PrOtes-
tant Episcopal Church. OF which the Rev. Dr.
Thomas Clarke Bishop Of Rhode Island. IS
president, aid which numbers among its vice
presidents sixty other bishops throughout the
United States. The demand for such legisla-
ton has resulted from the increasing preva-
lence Of this type Of evil and the inadequate
means provided by private institutions TO com
bat its ravages. A better knowledge Of alcohol
ism and narcotisrn, their causes and the meth
DDS 10 be employed in their prevention is ex-
pected TO result from such an institution, where
each case will be studied individually and the
effects Of different modes OF treatment will be
carefully analysed
In fact, the bill amends the State Charity law
by adding to It another article. TO be known
Article TX A The institution which IT pro-
vides for is to be called The State Custodial
Asylum for HabituaI Delinquents Inebriates
and Others" In order 10 carry into execution
the purposes Of this act there is TO be appointed
a Board Of Managers appointed by the Governor,
and consisting Of eleven members. OF these
there is TO be a representative Of each judicial
district, besides an additional member from the
counties of New-York Kings and Erie The
site OF the institution to be chosen by the Board
is to be large enough TO accommodate three
hundred inmates with grounds which will per-
nit the carrying on Of agricultural pursuits
The territory thus employed is not to exceed
five hundred acres, however, and not TO cost
more than $50 an acre. All plans and estimates
for the establishment Of the Institution as drawn
up by the Board must meet with the approval OF
the State Board Of Charities. There is a further
provision of the bill that 5000 be appropriated
by the Legislature for the formulating Of these
plans.
BOARD OF MANAGERS TO SECURE SITE
When the plans and specifications Of the Board
have been approved by the State Board Of Chart
ties the latter is to submit a report 10 the
Legislature containing the plans adopted and
the amount OF the appropriation necessary for
their accomplishment ThereupCn the Board Of
Managers is empowered TO enter into the ordi-
nary condemnation proceedings for the acquisi-
ton OF the site. and to expend moneys for the
construction and maintenance Of the Institution
for one year, at which time a report is 70 be
furnished the Legislature. with stipulations as
10 the appropriation necessary for the ensuing
year. The members OF the Board are TO receive
in compensation an amount 10 be determined
upon by the State Controller for their services
in acquiring the site and erecting the buildings
After the asylum is ready 10 receive inmates,
however, the members are to serve without
compensation. Their term of Office is for three
years and they are TO be regularly appointed
by the Governor. No elective officer Of the
State however, can serve on the Board
The Board OF Managers IS TO have a general
oversight Of the institution, including the recep-
ton and care Of inmates and the carrying out
OF system Of labor similar TO that now in
operation in the State prisons under the exist
ing law. The Board shall see that the inmates
are graded according TO their behavior, and
that proper exemptions and privileges are
granted those whose conduct would warrant less
severe discipline. The Board is also 10 care for
the medical treatment OF patients. with a spe-
ciaI regard 10 the results obtainable by different
specifics. Instruction in agriculture and useful
trades and handicrafts are 70 De put into effect
by the Board so far as possible, and each in
mate is 10 be given 70 understand that he is
part Of a working community.
The direct management OF the institution,
however. is 10 be in the hands OF supertn-
tendeut. who is 10 be appointed by the Board
The superintendent IS the executive officer by
whom all the employees Of the institution are
apnofn-e1 directed as % their duties and re-
moved. fl necessary.
With a view 10 encouraging work on the part
Of the inmates, credit system Is 70 be put into
operation. by which each member OF the COM
muri-y is credited with such part Of the earn
iugs OF the establishment as his work would en-
title him 20. On being parOled, therefore, an
inmate is 10 receive q certain portion OF the
money que him. which. If rntsspent will cause
the forfeiture OF the balance 70 his credit Upon
release he receives all that stands 70 his credit
TERM OF CONFINEMENT FIVE YEARS
The term Of confinement is hxed at five years
No one will be discharged until ne has served
the full time Those who are committed TO the
institution may be sent thither by a justice OF
a court having Jurisdiction over misdemeauors