The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1906-01-10

oIlClonCV
our troops. He asks for an appropria-
ton of $4,000 for the support of the
militia. In my opinion this amount is
none too large 1or the State to give for
the support Of |its solaiery, and I feel
assured that it will receive from them
full value in return.
Lieutenant Colonel Fuller of the
United States army, who was detailed
by the secretary Of war 10 assist the
adjutant genera, has rendered most
valutble service and has greatly aided
General Frost In his efforts to reorgan-
ize and build UP our military system.
His work has been most effective and
has been highly appreciated by both
officers and men, who have for this
officer and gen tleman the highest ad-
miration. To al interested in our mill
tary affairs, his report, included in
that Of the adjutant general, will fur
nish most interesting and practical in
formation.
Taking everything into consideration,
while there are many obstacles yet
to be surmounted and much to be done,
the State has reason to be more than
encouraged by the efficiency Of it's SOL
diers. We have body Of men who are
loyal to South Carolina, who realize
their responsible btlities and who are ever
ready to respond to the call of duty.
State Hospital for Insane.
This is the most Id hportant charitable
institution conducted by the State and
the 82nd annual report Of the superin-
tel.dent and board of regents presents
striking facts. The superintendent re-
grets that the growth of the hospital
and the demands made upon it continue
to exceed the limitations of the insti-
tuition, both as to accommodations and
means Of support. During the past 80
years the population of the asylum has
quadrupled, while the appropriation has
been only doubled, and, in addition to
this, foodstuffs have increased 25 per
cent. in cost.
Formerly the per capita cost Of main
tenance annually amounted to $4,000
and through the necessity Of the situa-
tion this has been reduced to $105.0C
per capita now. The officials Of the
asylum are thus confronted with a Sc
rious problem, the solving Of which
requires your cooperation-a problem
which can only be relieved by an in
creased appropriation.
The report suggests that the farm
ing lands owned Iby the asylum have
so increased in value that it may be
judicious to sell them and purchase
land farther from the city at a much
lower cost. It Is also suggested that
the present buildings and grounds
could be used as a central reception
hospital for more acute cases Of in
sanity, and that other classes of pa
tients might be distributed in colonies
on these farms.
These suggestions appear to me to
be admirable and they, with the full
report Of the excellent management OF
this institution Should have your most
thoughtful consideration.
The South Carolina Penitentiary.
This institution is conducted in a
most creditable and satisfactory man
ner. The discipline, while rigid, is
considerate and by no means severe
The greatest care and attention is
shown for the health and comfort OF
the convicts. am glad to report tina!
the new hospital for consumptives is
now about completed, and in recogni-
tion Of the valuable services Of Superin-
tendent Griffith who was mainly re.
sponsible for this humane undertaking
the board Of di Fectors have seen fit tc
name this build ling the Griffith Hospi-
tal." The farm rs owned by the State
are being constantly improved and
brought to a higher state Of cultiva-
tion. These farf ms, in addition to yield.
ing a fine profit, are of great benefit tc
the health Of tt be convicts and also fur
nish, In connec tion with the profit, the
chief supply of provisions for the use
of the inmates of the penitentiary.
The reformafory for youthful crimi'
mails Is a valuable adjunct to your State
institution. This also is self-sustain
ing, and the youthful criminals are
taught in rudi4nentary branches and ar
given religious education and instruc.
ton.
State Board of Health.
The State hoard Of health in theil
annual report make several important
recommendatid bns which should have
your favorable attention. Each veal
should convince us more and more o.
the great valle of the work done and o,
the necessity Of giving all possible en-
couragementl to this board.
At quar- hntine convention held II
Chattanooga attended by delegates
from all the 5Southern States, a resolu
tion was ad Ppted requesting our rep
resentatives In Washington to enact {
law whereby coast maritime and ma
tional 'front.' er quarantine shall b'
placed exclu 6ively under the control o.
the United 81 kates government, and tha
matters Of Interstate quarantine b
placed unde4 the control and jurlsdic
tion Of the general government, CO
operating wi h the several State board!
of health.
The State board of health, in thei
report, endol be this, and further recon
mend that y III enact laws in conform
ity with this resolution. They also re
quest that urge upon our delega
tion at Was gton the necessity for
national qua ntine system.
They also nphasize my recommen
dation Of laA year asking that they b.
allowed to lploy a competent phys1
clan as Stat 4 health officer, to give hi
entire time b this work.
The dutie Of this board are mos
responsible, Yand I know, from expert
ence in mN office, that much Is ex
pected FROM them, especially in con
trolling thel smallpox situation. The1
carefully. prepared report, to which
invite your5 attention, sets forth tn
needs Of a most important departmen
Of our worl
Report of the Historical Commission
On the 20t tth Of last February it wa
my pleasure to sign the act passed b.
your body at the request Of the his
torical conI mission, this act MAXIM
much more suitable provisions and ap
for the important wor
II this commission. The in
teresting re bort Of the work already ac
complished reveals the wisdom Of you
action and contains some necessar
suggestions concerning the furthe
needs Of this department.
A conveniently located Office on tn
first floor df the State house, contain
ing randsd me fireproof cases, is nov
occupied bH this commission. Many OIL
documents, papers, records and book
have been Arranged and classified an
are slowed away for preservation. Th
suggestion Hin this report that at som