The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-09-29

Schermerhorn-st.. Brooklyn, from
which watch tower the black sheep OF
that borough and OF Queens and Rich
mond Will be sorted out.
The magnitude Of the project can
best be realized by a statement OF the
expense involved. The maintenance
of the two main Offices will cost $780,
900 year. The Board OF Estimates
will soon be asked TO appropriate
$525,0O0 fer the purchase OF farm
and its equipment, the maintenance OF
which Is estimated at 100000 year.
In addition $4,000 Will be asked for
TO build and furnish a reception hospi-
tai on Blackwell's Island for Manhat-
tan and Bronx delinquents. and sim
liar hospital In the connection with
the Kings County Hospital for the re-
ception OF those who fall from grace
In Brooklyn, Queens and Richmond
a total appropriation of s675.000. with
maintenance charge OF 100000 a
year.
And the men who are charged with
the responsibility of this expenditure
and with the care of thousands OF un-
fortunates have been working day art
er day through the summer. abandon
ing their vacations and without hope
OF financial reward. for only honor and
the opportunity to carry out ideals at
tached to the post OF Inebriety Com
missioner.
Personnel Of the Board.
The men called upon to make this
financial sacrifice, that Is the way
Mayor Gaynor put II when he asked
them to serve last July, lamenting the
fact that the law passed short time
before provides for no salaries for the
members OF the board-are Thomas
J. Cotton, retired merchant; the
Rev. John ]. Hughes, head OF the
Paulist Fathers In Manhattan; the
Rev. DIR. William Morrison, rector OF
All Saints Episcopal Church, Brook
Ign: DR.. William Browning, OF No. "a
Lefferts-st., Brooklyn, and DIR. .Jhn
Dorning, OF No. l24 West Eighty
St, Manhattan, chief of st. Francis
Hospital. The Commissioner Of Cor
rections, are members OF the board.
ex-officio.
Mr.. Cotton is President of the board.
He had just returned to his home at
No. 537 West End-ave., with Father
Hughes and Dr. Morrison. from tour
OF inspection of sites for the inebriates'
farm when q World reporter called on
him to learn just how seriously the
board was taking itself and should, In
self-defense, be taken by $4,000 or so
OF the public.
What first impresses one In Mr.. Col
ton Is his extreme modesty. Not until
he has been drawn Into discussion OF
the great purpose Of his life, the re-
form Of drunkards, which to him IL far
more than a mere lad or hobby, does
one see beyond the almost old maidish
exterior OF timidity. Then, forgetting
his usual attitude of self-abnegation,
he discloses an enthusiasm that Ia con-
tagious.
A Pen Picture.
In appearance he is Of the type that
Is represented by hundreds OF retired
business and professional men whose
homes line West End-ave. and the
side streets OF the upper west side.
About 30 years old, his hair Is white,
and the semi-military mustache Is
snowy, but his face is almost devoid
of lines. and his gray eyes are as clear
as they were score OF years ago.
He carries his five feet ten with q
quaint primness. When he sits down
he keeps his feet close together and
pointed straight ahead. A stool would
serve him as well as chair, 50 rigid
does he hold his back. One could as
easily picture him titled back In his
chair, with feet on desk. as imagine
Gen. Bingham leading in prayer. But
despite the mild exterior, the head OF
the Inebriety Board will prove to be q
stern taskmaster to those who regard
an occasional spree as merely little
joke to be forgotten as soon as the
effects wear of.
"All my life I have been interested
In trying to pull men up whom drink
has dragged down." he began, In his
gentle voice. putting aside any sugges-
ton that he was especially well fitted
for the important position he holds,
but I cannot imagine why was Sc
lected by Mayor Gaynor as a member
of this Board. did not have even a
speaking acquaintance with the