New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-07
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

almost any other locality in the State.
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
The more modern methods OF treatment Of
insanity, the consequent increase in require
ments have brought US anomalous condi-
ton Notwithstanding the additional space in
hospitals. apparently have not added 10 the
dormitory capacity of our institutions. This to
the uniformed seems like overcrowding and
unwIse economies. During the past three years
appropriations amounting To S3.11U.oOO have
been made 10 meet these growing demands. In
1898 the capacity was rated al 2O6J6 and in
1901 Il was reduced 10 iS.6IS. Thus II would
appear that the States ability TO properly care
for its insane population was lessened nothwith-
standing that large had been expended to
Increase the dormitory facilities. During the
past three years provision has been made for
5,141 new beds, that If the old measurement
OF capacity OF 1895 were in force should have
when all changes are made. facilities for popu-
lation OF 25.4O3. The present population is
24.1SI, with a rating in capacity OF 23S20. From
this statement il will be readily seen that under
modern methods more cubic space per capita is
allowed, with resultant advantage. In every
direction that which Is for the benefit OF the
patient has been furnished. The total cost OF
maintenance for the year 81 1O4 $50 %. Bet
ter discipline prevails among the employees and
the increased pay for the nurses has produced
results which more than justify the additional
expenditures involved. Up 10 the present there
fore there seems 10 be no just cause for COM
plant New-York. like every other seaboard
commonwealth. is experiencing the baneful re-
suits which come to IT because OF the with
which degenerates and incompetents from other
lands can be sent here. We obliged to rely
for protection upon the inspections which the
Federal Government makes. 1t would seem TO
be the part OF wisdom TO protect ourselves, and
to that end 1 should favor legislation for State
inspection by board of competent physicians.
Notwithstanding that We have now almost pro-
vided for our present population with the ex
piration OF the lease at Flatbush, with aver
age annual increase by october, 1905. shall
again have a deficiency of nearly $500 beds.
Immediate steps are necessary to provide for
this increase. The separation of the chronic
from the acute insane seems in every way to be
dictated by wisdom and experience. PaVlIlons
for the acute insane at New York, Brooklyn and
other State hospitals together with the neces-
sary appropriation for the new building in
Northern New-York, will call FOR expenditure
OF So, 175.00O. This sum probably will be all that
Will be required for the next three years 1t
providing emergency hospitals be adopted
the per capita cost will be nearly $1,000 so that
If legislation for this purpose is had change in
existing law will be required the per capita
authorized il now but $3.50 While the latter
sum is all that is necessary for chronic wards,
the former. which will require costly apparatus
and appliances, is not too great If the results
promised secured.
There is urgent necessity for an increase in the
capacity OF the Custodial Asylum for Feeble
Minded al Rome TO care for the rapidly increas-
ing population of this class OF State wards. Pro-
vision should be made at the present session of
the LEGISLATURE for additional buildings in order
that the transfer from county to State care Of
idiots and degenerates may be speedily made
RANDALL's ISLAND
The complaints made as to the mana cement
of the Home for Juvenile Delnquents has
brought about two Investigations. one by the
management and by the State Board of
Charities. Both Investigations have shown mis-
mana cement. and both demonstrate the need of
immediate action. Peculiar in its character,
with but limited power exercised by the State,
II seems TO me that the time has arrived for a
change and for the assumption of this work by
the State. While it is true that the Fiscal Su-
perintendent has power over expenditures so far
as the approval OF estimates is concerned. the
management of this asylum is entirely under
the control of private corporation. With a
board made up of busy men, il is largely in the
power OF It's superintendent TO dictate its poll
cies. Although its support comes almost en-
tirey from the State, its officers are without the
pale OF the Civil Service rules which govern
every other State institution and its manage
ment is self perpetuating. Situated upon land
which in the event of removal or disContinuance
OF the asylum, must revert 10 the city, the state
is annually called upon to contribute for better
ments Its close proximity to the greater city
does not permit that healthy outdoor life which
would be possible In a rural community; besides,
the frequent visitatons by many who should be
kept away during the period which these youths
ire confined Is not always conducive to refor-
nation Experience at Rochester has demon
strated the wisdom of many of these conClu-
sons and to escape these evils the State has
recently conSummated the purchase of large
tract of ground for the removal of the Rochester
Industrial School Expense should not be
matter of serious consideration If results can
be secured which make possible more complete
reformation The prevention of crime is more
desirable than it's punishment. Punishment may
not be necessary If the Fairgrounds of the tene-
ment popula ton OF our great cities are made
attractive Parks are desirable as law. and
sunshine brings out the best OF mans nature
Therefore If the State should replace the asylum
at Randalls Island with a similar state institu-
ton at some nearby point in an adiacAnt county.