New-York tribune., 1902-01-02
THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

of a proper presentation OF this subject that
they inspected during the last summer.
There is scarcely inmate Of any of these
institutions without loving friends and relatives,
whose interest in his wellbeing is great as
our own for those whom hold dear, and who
are blessed with intelligence and health There
fore, in the consideration of this question due
regard should be given and careful thought be-
slowed upon all features Of administration
which have for their object the proper medical
and physical care OF those whom we are called
upon to protect.
But this soucitude should not lead us to a
profigate wasteful policy. 1t is however, un-
fortunately true that the wealth of our State has
led us in the direction of undue extravagance.
For the comfortable homes, such existed in
the earlier institutions we have newly planned
buildings covering much greater areas, costly
in construction, and which far 1t is pos
sble to discover, accomplish no better results
and but add the burdens of the taxpayers. it
may be stated here that the law restricts
the per capita cost Tor construction and furnish
ing 10 5000. While this Is an improvement upon
earlier conditions yet 1t is l am convinced, still
too great, and brings no other result than an
increased expense for maintenance.
Since my visit during the last summer, plans
have been adopted for additions TO the hospitals
at Gowanda and Rochester on more conserva-
tive lines, at reduction in the per capita cost
of nearly 500, which, on the number of inmates
to be taken care of in these buildings will effect
a saving of nearly Sl30.O0O.
The impression one gains on visiting our insti-
tutions for the insane is the duplication of ad-
ministrative and executive powers so Tepugnant
to sound business judgment. First is the board
OF managers. with doubtful authority then the
superintendent, who is the executive officer
over all
The state Commission in Lunacy has not the
authority to remove or even correct superin-
tendent treasurer or a steward. The power
therefore, which they should have is lacking,
and the superintendent, protected by his boa rd
of managers. becomes autocrat in the admin
istration of his duties.
But one result can follow such a system-ex-
travagantly managed institutions. with constant
demands for Improvements not warranted nor
justified.
Either the Commission in Lunacy is unneces-
sary the local boards a hndrance to the
proper administration of this branch of the
States work. Methods more in harmony with
[ ideas that are businesslil1e and due regard for
the expenditure Of public money should be sub
stituteG. A central control would prevent ex-
travagant buildings for physicians and elaborate
attendance upon their wants. II would prevent
excessive salaries TO those high the official
stan. and provide fairer remuneration for
those charged with the Immediate care of the
| patients.
more scientific grouping OF the population
could be effected and many other reforms in
auguratsd that would in the end make a more
harmonious institution than is possible under
elaborate. because study of the expenses OF
the various institutions will lead all to the con-
clusion that difference in the CAPITA cost
for maintenance of SD between the highest
and the lowest is entirely too great. One CEN
trail board with absolute authority could with
out embarrassment and without taking from
the patients single necessary article effect a
saving from the most conservative estimate
have had Of S500oc0 per year on the present
population.
II, in addition TO this space now occupied IN
necessarily for administration and other pur-