Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-25
SAILORS SINUS HARB0R
WHICH CANNOT
SPEND ITS RICHES.
Owns Property Estimated to Be
Worth $4,000, ooo-Founded in
18O1-Rules of the Home.
From the Independent.

There is one institution in this country
| that can weather the severest financial
panic without anxiety, and although
charitable organization. 1t never has to
appeal for contributions. There is more
cause for worrying over legitimate
means of spending the income. This
enviable condition of affairs is found
at the Sailors Snug Harbor, on Staten
Island New York. 1t has been the policy
of the trustees to keep from the public.
as far as possible, the knowledge of the
inner workings Of the institution, and
especially all financial details. 1t Is
estimated, however, that their property
amounts to about $sOOOO.OOo. and as
visitors are admitted, under certain re-
strictions. those that have eyes and ears
may discover things of considerable IN
terest. Besides, old sailors are some
times garrulouS.
The idea of founding an institution OF
this character is credited to ALEXANDER
Hamilton. A wealthy shipowner. Capt.
Robert Randall, in making his will,
sought Alexander Hamilton's advice.
Il am thinking said Capt. Randall,
who was a bachelor with no near kin,
'of how I can dispose of my property
to the best advantage"
How did you accumulate the fortune
you possess?" asked Alexander Hamii-
ton.
1T was made for me by my father. and
at his death 1 became his sole heir
How did he acquire it?''
by honest privateering."
Alexander Hamilton then suggested
that it would be most appropriate TO
found home for the benefit of I'M
fortunate and disabled seamen
The will was drawn up in 1901, and the
property, which consisted of a farm In
what is now the heart of New York city,
was made over in perpetuity to the sail
ors of the United States. At first the
few inmates were quartered In large
house In the center of the farm. but the
city grew so rapidly that streets We're
laid all around the farm. and petitions
came from the city to have the land
cut up In 1891 the old house was torn
Staten Island In that year tract OF
100 acres had been purchased for sl6,on
The whole of Staten Island had been
purchased from the Indians in 1861 for
ten shirts, thirty pairs of socks. twelve
coats and an assortment of knives ana
hatchetS.
Growth Of Land Values.
At the time of the bequest the farm in
Manhattan was of little value. but as the
city grew it was found that the land In
cluded the valuable property on both
sides of Broadway and was bounded
principally between 4th and 9Th avenues.
lUtl street ana w dNtTiSy pidCe lhC
great marble store built by A. T. Stewart
and now occupied by John Wanamaker
is located on this farm. The land is not
sold. but under ninety-nine year leases
with the privilege of renewal The " ana
maker store pays a rental of SiJ.0H n
year for the use Of the land The trustees
have removed all trace of their holdings
from the city registry office. have refused
to issue maps or reports of any kind, ana
have entered on policy of silence which
fr1yr YirSln fr,n
comment. They have ceased to attempt
to spend the income on the actual main
tenance of the sailors. and are enabled
to improve their New York property and
make expensive additions to their bullH-
ings on Staten Island.
To be entitled 10 the privileges of the
institution sailor must have served ten
years under the American flag and must
DC sixty wears Of age. unless disabled. If
physically unfit, through accident or sick
ness. 10 pursue his calling. he may b"
admitted much earlier, some men OF
thirty being found among the inmates.
The sailors receive every comfort pos
sible. Their rooms are large and pleasant
~ furnished. They are allowed three
suits of clothes a year and a pound OF
tobacco month. Three meals a day are
served-at = II and 6. In addition. coffee
and crackers are issued at q and >. so
that none need hunger. A man. at sea
does not lnger over his meals. and these
sailors are accustomed to waste no time
over such matters. BY the time the gong
rings the men are all assembled IL the
hall and they march quickly TO their
places. where the food is ali laid out be-
fore them. In ten minutes, and. at most.
twelve, the sailors have done their duty
and the hall Is deserted.
Lazy Life.
No work is required of the sailors eX
cept to make their own beds and keep a
certain portion of the house in order.
They arc privileged TO work the
grounds. for which they receive I'VE dol
lars a month spending money. The only
rules to be observed are the regulations
against gambling and drinking. and the
requirement to be in by nine o'clock.
unless out by a special permission. The
men have access to a library of 4W'
volumes and a reading room in which al!
the current magazines and newspapers
are on file. Church services are held on
Sunday, but the men are not required TO
attend 1t is interesting to note that
about ninety less than 10 per cent.
avail themselves Of the privilege. At the
new music hall. enterta inments are given
every two weeks during the winter, con-
sistins of singing, lectures. plays and
burlesQue.
Inmates Mostly Americans.
There are at present $50 inmates OF
whom 80 are in the hospital. There is
an element of pathos in the inevita BILE
course of sailors voyage after he
reaches this final port The first few
years are spent in pleasant idleness and
becomes weaker and feebler, he is re-
moved to the hospital and later from
there to the graveyard on the hill. The
age of the men is SO advanced on reach