The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1908-04-14
The A1mshouse.

Freeholders the condition of the build
ings and surroundings of the Almshouse
will probably be presented by the Bur
lington County Committee of the New
Jersey State Charities Aid Association.
It will be remembered that, some time
since, a communication was sent to the
Board of Freeholders, in which it was
stated that the buildings as well as the
inmates of the Almshouse, were in con-
dition that could be improved upon, and
suggestions were made looking toward
that end. AS result of this communica-
ton a special committee was appointed to
investigate the allegations set forth in the
letter, and meeting was held on the 22d
of January.
From some reports that have been re-
ceived there were those in authority who
took this investigation as a joke, rather
than a serious matter.
The recommendations made to the
Board of Freeholders were that the law
be complied with, especially as to the
separation of the sexes, and that improve
ments be made in many cases, particularly
the sanitary conditions. The condition of
the sick was described as ''deplorable,
and the hospital" and receiving house"
were shown to be totally unfit for use.
While the committee recommended in
many instances, it unhesitatingly con-
demned the violation of the law with
reference to the separation of the sexes.
After the meeting at the almshouse on
the 22d of January, the committee pre-
pared the following report:
The Board of Chosen Freeholders Of Bur
lington County,
Gentlemen
The Burlington County Committee of
the New Jersey State Charities Aid Asso
citation met a special committee of your
Board, at the almshouse, on January
twenty-second, for the purpose of further
investigation of the conditions existing
there.
In conjunction with this committee we
made careful examination of the build
ings and their surrounding and discovered
numerous defects aud conditions which in
our judgment should be remedied.
We reaffirm all that we have already said
in a former communication, sent you
under date of December II, 1907, copy
of which is enclosed.
We supplement this with the statement
that we believe that a change in method,
together with minor changes in equipment
and arrangement, will remedy many of
the evils complained of.
We insist on absolute compliance with the
EGsO as to the separation of the sexes, and
0I1a 10 hat hal
present structure is of ample size, with
considerable unoccupied space, and that
we believe Encouragement land different
disposition of departments, with due pro-
vision for locking Cor permanently closing) |
doors of communication would allow of
such absolute compliance as is required.
We call attention to the present un-
economic arrangement, whereby the sick |
are located in four different parts of the |
premises, inconveniently distant from |
each ether, involving the loss of much |
time to the nurse In charge, and |
discomfort to the patients.
We recommend the erection of separate
and suitable. not necessarily expensive,
building for the isolation and care of the
sick, believing that such suitable building
would not only meet present demands. but
greatly simplify plans and reduce expenses
in the event of the erection of a new
plant at some future time.
The question of outdoor closets should
receive careful consideration Those in
present use are of defective structure, and
should be rightly remodeled or replaced
BY new buildings properly constructed,
aud strict standard of cleanliness should
be set and maintained
Provision should also be made for pro
per laundry facilities, clothing and bed
ling of sick inmates should be kept en-
,irey apart from other articles.
We will be obliged to you if you will
n the near future inform US that these
matters have had your careful attention,
Ind notify us when it will be agreeable to
your committee to meet us again at the
Institution in order that we may go over
he buildings and note the changes you {
nave made, or propose to make.
The wording of the above report leaves
10 room for doubt as to the condition OF
affairs as found by the committee. A
woman inmate is in delicate condition,
out whether she became so at the institu
ion or was that way prior to her admis
ZION is not made clear, but it seems GER
ain that there is no safeguard against any
such happening so far as separation is
Those who have charge of the aims
house seem to consider the recommends
ions of the committee in the nature of a
oke. Perhaps they will awaken to the
TACT that there is a serious side to the
question. 1t is just as well for all to re
member, right on the start. that the State
Charities Society, and its authorized
agents. have law behind them. The sug-
gestions they have made are not unreason-
able, They do not ask that the present
be demolished, on the contrary
they say the present structure is of ample
size, with plenty of unoccupied space, all
that is needed being a reconstruction.
This is not matter to be laughed at or
'neered down. This committee is acting
strictly within its legal province and is
entitled to respectful hearing and treat
nent. The Steward is not monarch of
all he surveys" but he is the servant of
5he people, supported by the taxpayers,
and the members of the committee look
ng into this matter are taxpayers, en-
titled to due consideration as such, to say
nothing of being empowered by law to
AXE certain steps. While there may not
be general affirmation of all the sugges
ions of the committee, they ARE entitled
20 fair consideration, and it will be bette
Tor all concerned to see that such course
s pursued.
Co1ffnhuS