The Lewiston teller. (Lewiston, Idaho) 1900-1905, 1905-01-10

PIE VI an oppcl ~
the constitution, so that they can give
this great public necessity such encour-
agement as is thought best after a
careful consideration of the question
has been given.
The Soldiers Homo
THIS institution should be all that
it's name implies. While Idaho has a
right to feel proud of the splendid eff
forts ii has made in this direction, yet
IL you will visit this institution and
look 1t over carefully. as did a short
time ago, which I hope you will do, in
a body, at as early a date as possible.
you will be convinced that much can
be done to make the home more COM
Portable for the old soldiers. This in
stitution, like others in our state. is
crowded far beyond its capacity, and
it will be NECESSARY for you to provide
for its enlargement, also for better hog
pital accommodations. The general
government has dealth kindly with the
home, giving 1t magnificent endow-
ment Of $4,000 acres Of land, besides
paying one hundred dollars per annum
toward the maintenance Of each Of its
occupants. In my judgment enough Of
the moneys derived from the sales Of
lands granted by the government for
the support of the soldiers home should
be used to make 1t model institution,
providing it with all the comforts and
necessaries for the welfare of the old
veterans who answered to their coun-
try's call in it's darkest hour. At the
best. their time on earth is short.
and that their last home on earth ina:'
be pleasant and cheerful, let Us Look
well to their comfort. Since this insti-
tuition was founded another class of
veterans has been formed: those OF the
Spanish war. of 1898. Idaho volunteers
played a conspicuous part In the bat
ties Of this war. and l advise that the
law be SO amended as to extend the
privileges of the home to all honorably
discharged, disabled soldiers who were
mustered into the Idaho regiment for
service in that war.
state Insane Asylum
This institution will demand of you
more than usual consideration. Idaho
has always been kind to this institu-
ton, but 1t has now reached a period
in its development that calls four your
most careful consideration and best
judgment. 1t was my pleasure to visit
our insane asylum a short time ago and
I concur fully with the report and rec
concentrations of the board of directors
and the medical superintendent. A
careful study of the reports of the Of
ficers of the insane asylum will con-
vince you that you must decide on one
of two things, either the enlargement
of the institution at Blackfoot or the
building of new one in some other
portion of the state. After giving this
subject careful consideration, I am of
the opinion that the best interest of
all will be served by the location of an
asylum somewhere in the northern part
of the state.
In the last two years $2,347.52 has
been paid out for the transportation of
from the five northern counties
to the asylum. With an asylum To-
Gated in the north. much OF this amount
would be saved. This item of expense
will naturally increase with the growth
OF these counties, but OF course this
would only go small way to Offset
the increase of expense in the mainte-
nance of two asylums. However, m
dealing with this question I am sure
that economy. which 1 recommend.
will not be your only consideration but
that the best interests of these most
people. from whom the
light Of reason has passed. together
with consideration for their friends and
relatives who are placed at such great
Of visiting them at the
asylum at BlackfOot. will guide and d.
rect you in the settlement Of this oues-
tton. I can your attention to the ref
erence In the report Of the Officers of
the asylum relating to feebleminded
children. Humanity. Justice and the
interests OF society demand that the
state shall make some provision for
their care. Whether 1t be by creating
separate ward or division in this asy
lum, or by separate Institution. or by
contract with an institution in another
state. are matters Of detail which YOU
SHOULD decide. hope some provision
viii be made at this session for these
State Psnissnt;ary
A visit to this institution will con-
vince you Of the pressing needs Of inn
provements at our penitentiary. There
you will see the uncompleted cell house
started nearly six years ago by Warden
John HALEY. whose wisdom foresaw
the needs of this institution. Later. II
VIII submit to you for your considera-
ton a careful estimate for the compile
ton OF this structure. That this build
ing must be completed in the next two
years, there can be no question.
An appropriation of $4,000 was made
by the last legislature for the construc-
lion of canal from a point twelve
niles up the Boise river to the penitep-