CONCLUSION

An examination of the census reports of the several almshouses shows that a large number of the inmates are over seventy years of age. A consideration of this fact leads to the conclusion that very little labor can be expected from them, and that from their age and infirmity more attendants are necessary to take proper care of them. In most of the almshouses of the district there is a sufficient number of helpers, but in one or two there is not enough of the right kind to look after these aged and infirm people.

Respectfully submitted,

ENOCH V. STODDARD, M. D., Commissioner, Seventh Judicial District.

CAYUGA COUNTY ALMSHOUSE.

Sennett, N. Y.

ANDREW J. TRIMBLE, Keeper.

Some new floors have been laid in this almshouse, and steel ceilings placed in many rooms. The matter of equipping the building with fire-escapes has been referred to a committee of the board of supervisors, and it may reasonably be expected that the buildings will soon be rendered much safer.

The water supply is obtained from a well located about 20 rods from the house. It is forced by steam pump to three tanks in the attics, which hold about 400 barrels. As the building is lighted by kerosene oil, in the event of a fire there is not sufficiency of water at command. However, stand pipes with connected hose are in the several halls, and a number of liquid chemical extinguishers are kept on hand. The inside stairways are not adequate as means of escape in the event of fire, for they are not favorably placed. The fire-escapes which are under consideration will be a great benefit.

For the sick, two rooms are set apart, one for each sex. The total accommodation thus provided is for five women and fifteen men. A small hospital building ought to be added to the equip

ment.

1

In general the premises at the time of inspection were found

HYDE D. MARVIN, Superintendent.

There have been no recent improvements to this almshouse. The three brick buildings stand substantially in the same condition as at the time of last report, needing repairs and altera tions. A year ago it was supposed that the supervisors would take steps to remodel the former asylum building and convert it into a hospital, and then have the superintendent redistribute and classify the inmates of the institution. The chairman of the building committee was very much in favor of such steps being taken as would promote the health and comfort of the inmates, but apparently the board of supervisors did not coincide with his view, for nothing has been done. Until some such change is made, this almshouse will not be in a satisfactory condition. It is ill-ventilated, and as the inmates are at present distributed, they are compelled to remain in small ill-ventilated rooms wherein the difficulties of administration are greatly increased by their segregation, and where their safety is not assured in case of a fire. Something should be done as soon as possible in order to separate the sick from the well. Some exceedingly

offensive cases are now necessarily kept in the main dormitory building, and the health of all the inmates is imperiled as a consequence.

As the grounds have been cleared up and freed from rubbish, many old fences have disappeared, and the dilapidated outbuildings are now removed. Generally the buildings were clean and in order, but the changes heretofore suggested should be made. as soon as possible.

With the exception of some minor improvements, there have been no changes in the Monroe County Almshouse during the year. All improvements and changes are held in abeyance pending the final determination, by the supervisors, of the question of removal. There can be no doubt that a rural location for the almshouse will be an improvement. A large tract of land can be purchased, new buildings erected thereon, and the prod ucts of the farm will help pay the expense of maintenance. But in addition to this economical argument for a change, are the moral and humanitarian reasons. The crowded condition of the almshouse, the impossibility of giving suitable care to the many sick inmates, the temptations which are due to the con

tiguity to the city, all are good reasons why immediate action should be taken. The necessity for such removal has been urged by the commissioner in his annual report for several years past. The present board of supervisors seems to be fully impressed with the necessity for a change, but as yet no action has been taken which gives promise of the removal of the almshouse at an early date.

It may prove of interest to place here, in chronological order, the proceedings of the Monroe County Board of Supervisors since 1897, in this matter of removing the institution.

"December 4, 1897.-Committee on visiting county buildings reports that more room is needed in the almshouse for sleeping apartments, and that if a hospital could be built outside, the crowded condition would be relieved. Report agreed to.

"December 13, 1897.-Committee on almshouse and superin tendent of poor accounts recommends the building of a hospital at the almshouse to relieve the overcrowded condition. Laid on the table under rules.

"December 14, 1897.-Above report unanimously adopted. "December 17, 1897.-Resolution introduced by Supervisor Bareham, to the effect that the almshouse has insufficient capacity to properly accommodate the number of unfortunate dependents to be cared for by the county, and since the rapidly growing population of the county calls for immediate action the committee on almshouses should be directed to procure plans and specifications and estimated cost of a two-story hospital building. Laid on table under the rules.

"December 31, 1897.-Above resolution adopted.

"February 15, 1898.-Resolution introduced by Supervisor Oberlies, to the effect that since the erection of a hospital at the almshouse would probably cost $100,000 or more, and the county has not in proximity with the almshouse sufficient land to meet the requirements of such a building, and since it would be a great saving to the county to purchase a suitable farm site for the erection of a new almshouse on the cottage plan and use the existing structure for a hospital, the almshouse committee should be instructed to postpone plans for the hos pital and look for available farming sites. Laid on the table under the rules.

"February 17, 1898.-Above resolution laid indefinitely on the table by vote of 26 to 10.

"May 17, 1898.-Almshouse committee reports that plans for almshouse have been submitted by five architects, and agreement entered into with one of those architects to prepare a full set of plans, specifications and estimated cost. Almshouse committee also introduces resolution that it be directed to build a hospital at the almshouse at a cost not to exceed $110,000. Laid on the table under the rules. State Board of Charities presents a report to the effect that it approves of the plans for a hospital submitted it by the committee.

"May 18, 1898.-Board goes into committee of the whole, with Supervisor Briggs in the chair, for the purpose of visiting the almshouse to see if proposed improvements are necessary.

"May 23, 1898. Supervisor Briggs reports that after careful examination of proposed plans, and of site, the committee carried away the conviction that the present accommodations are inadequate, and that a hospital is necessary. Leave granted to sit again.

"

'May 25, 1898.-Supervisor Wellington moves that a report of Commissioner Enoch V. Stoddard, to the State Board of Charities, concerning and opposed to the proposed hospital, be referred to the committee of the whole, having the matter under consideration. Resolution adopted. Supervisor Wellington offers substitute to report of committee of the whole to the effect that present accommodations are grossly inadequate, stating that the board is not in favor of erecting the proposed hospital, but is in favor of securing suitable farm property not less than four miles from the city line, where the almshouse and hospital should be located. Substitute report agreed to. "May 26, 1898. Supervisor Wellington introduces resolution providing that committee on almshouse shall secure information about farm sites. Laid on the table under the rules.

"November 22, 1898.-Committee on almshouse reports its line of work in pursuance of instructions regarding farm sites, and says it has received 107 options, although it had expected less than half a dozen. The aggregate of the possible sites in the lot was 44. Full particulars as to the water supply, drainage, acreage, location and prices of the 44 farms were sub