Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-18
BOARD ]. OF CHARITIES
Annual Report Submitted to
the Commissioners.
REVIEW OF THE WORK
ESTIMATE FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF WoRKHoUsE FOR MALES.
Sum of $25o,ooo Wanted for Begin
ming of Work on Munich
pal Hospital.
REVIEW OF THE WORK

son as secretary. A brief review of the
work of the various institutions under the
supervision of the board is presented with
such specific recommendations concerning
particular institutions the board has
deemed proper to make; and following the
review of the work Of these institutions,
some more general recommendations are
made. The work of the various institutions
under supervision is considered under four
principal divisions, follows: Reforma-
tories and correctional institutions; medical
charities; child-caring institutions and mis-
cellaneous institutions.
The report shows the total commitments
to the workhouse during the year 1902 were
4223 as compared with 4023 during the
previous year, showing an increase or 2oO
commitments. The daily average number
of prisoners was 295 as compared with 26O
tor the previous year, showing an increase
of 30. There has been a marked decrease
in the number of persons under twenty
years of age who were committed to this
institution.
Estimate Renewed.
The board again submits an estimate for
continuing the erection of a workhouse for
males. The amount is S1O2, 900, which sum
has been estimated by the engineer depart
ment as being necessary to complete sec
ond wing similar to the one now under con-
struction. The last mentioned wing will
be ready for occupancy probably with
in two or three months, and will at
ford accommodations in Individual cells for
IA prisoners. Frequently there are more
than twice this number in confinement and
the old building now in use is entirely lack
Ing in the facilities required for modern
prison. The building is insecure, and pris
oners occasionally escape
But. worst of ALL says the board, the
old building has only thirty separate rooms.
In these rooms are confined from six to
n a
Is a condition of affairs which necessarily
fosters vice, and in the opinion of the
board should not be tolerated longer than it
is possible to remedy it. There should be
but one prisoner in cell in any prison.
This statement needs only to be made for
It's Importance to be recognized. No argu-
ment is required In support of 1t, Even
with the facilities afforded by the wing now
under construction when completed, 1t Will
be necessary to conffne several prisoners in
a single room in the old building, and the
board urges upon Congress the Importance
of remedying this condition of affairs. The
old building could not readily be remodeled
so as to provide single cell accommodations,
and the board is of the opinion that it
would not be true economy to undertake II
repair and rearrange this old structure
Reform School for Boys.
The daily average number of inmates at
this institution was 234, as compared with
900 during the previous year, showing an
sending of boys under seventeen to the Jail
or workhouse has tendency to increase
the number of boys sent to the reform
school, and the number of inmates is likely
to increase with the growth of the city.
The capacity of the school is now taxed to
accommodate the present number Of in
mates, and the board of trustees has recon-
mended that an appropriation be made TO
erect an additional family building. The
board approves this recommendation and
submits an estimate for building and fur
nishing suggested by the board of trus-
tees.
The board has also increased the esti
mate for repairs from 81 500 to $1,000. Much
repair work has heretofore been done from
| the contingent fund of the institution, but
| the increase In population and during the
| last year. the increase in prices also. have
made heavier demands upon this fund, and
| the board believes that repair fund OF
| $1,000 Is very moderate amount, consider
| ing the size of this institution and the num-
| Der of buildings to be kept in repair.
few days after the close of the fiscal
| year occurred the death OF Col. Shallen
berger, who for many years has been the
| superintendent of this institution. The
! vacancy caused by his death has just been
| filled by the election of Mr.. John c. Kali
| leen, a man who has had broad and sue
cessful experience in reformatory work.
| Reform School for Girls.
| The daily average number of inmates at
| this institution is fifty-fve. as compared
| with thirty during the previous year, the
increased number being due largely to the
fact that the completion of a new building
| afforded increased accommodations. Before
this building was opened there were fire.
Quent applications for admission that had
| to be denied for lack of room, and the
marked increase in the number of inmates
last year, as compared with the preceding
| year, does not necessarily indicate any in
crease in the number of persons guilty Of
! such offenses as would result in their being
| sent to this institution. Before the erection
| of the new building this institution could
receive only colored girls, but it now re-
| ceives both white and colored.
Medical Charities.
Last year Congress provided for the con-
tract system with Garfield Hospital, and
charity patients are now treated at public
expense, under contract with the board of
charities, in Childrens, Columbia, Garfield
and Homeopathic hospitals, and under con-
tract with the surgeon general OF the army
at Providence Hospital. The contract rate
provided for the current year at Columbia
| Garfield and Homeopathic hospitals is 81
per day for each INDECENT patient. The rate
for the preceding year was $1.12h per day.
so that under the new rate the board will
secure care for an additional number OF
persons without corresponding increase
| in the appropriation.
Probably the Emost important benefit to be
derived from the contract system, consid-
W,
scrutiny which the board is able to exercise
over admission OF charity patients to the
various hospitals. aEvery applicant for ad-
mission as free patient must be approved
by the board. and this fact in itself has a
tendency to deter persons who are able to
pay for treatment from making application
for admission as flee patients.
Municipal Hospital
The board submits an estimate for an ap-
preparation ofo $4,000 for beginning the
construction OF asmunicipal hospital, and
one of the most important considerations In
reference to medical charity is that of the
policy concerning this hospital. In thi:
connection the board submits the following
considerations:
In the opinion Of the board 1t is not nee
essary that in the immediate fut ore this
:, institution should be carried to completion
in accordance with the plans prepared BY
the architects but work should be com
menced and provision should be made fol
certain classes of cases without delay. II
communications to the Commissioners O.
the District of Columbia, under dates o
r November 81. 1901. and February 9, 1902
this board suggested that the most urgen
needs for the immediate future In a mu