REPORT.

To the State Board of Charities:

Your commissioner presents his annual report upon the almshouses of the Third Judicial District, and is gratified to be able to state that throughout the district conditions are much improved, and that the general tendency is toward betterment. During the year he has visited the several institutions and examined into their condition.

IMPROVEMENTS.

The Albany almshouse has passed into the hands of a new administration. The work and service building, which was begun two years ago, has been completed and occupied. This is a fine brick structure, roomy and well appointed. The hospital has been enlarged and remodeled, a new equipment of beds and other necessary furniture installed, which, with sanitary plumbing, makes this building very satisfactory, excepting as to the new floors, which are in unsatisfactory condition. Other improvements in the way of repairs were made to the dor mitories, and the grounds were put in order.

A number of changes were made also in the Schoharie County Almshouse, so that it is much better than at any time in its history. In the almshouse of Greene county the chief recent improvement is an increase of the water supply.

THE CARE OF THE SICK.

From what has been said, under the head of improvements in Albany county, it will be seen that the care of the sick is a matter of concern with those who have charge of these institutions. Throughout the entire district greater attention is now paid to the proper care of inmates who are suffering from sickness. The work of the physician is more constant, the accommodations provided for patients increased, and the necessary supplies suitable for the sick are furnished in abundance.

ADMINISTRATION.

It is a matter of satisfaction to the commissioner to be able to state that the administration of the several almshouses is not deteriorating. The officials generally are intelligent, zealous, and efficient, and, as a consequence, the management of these almshouses has due regard to the welfare of the poor, as well as that of the taxpayers.

The tables appended to the reports on the several counties will serve to show the general character of the inmates.

Respectfully submitted,

SIMON W. ROSENDALE, Commissioner, Third Judicial District.

ALBANY ALMSHOUSE.

Albany, N. Y.

WILLIAM H. STORRS, Superintendent.

(Frequently visited by the commissioner during 1901.)

In addition to the regular inspections made during the year by the inspectors of almshouses, this institution was visited by the commissioner, in company with the Superintendent of State and Alien Poor, as well as on other occasions, and its condition observed from time to time.

At the time of the last annual report, important building operations were under way. These have been completed, and, as a result, the almshouse is in better condition than for many years. The new building for work and service is large and well arranged; the hospital is practically a new building; and all of the dormitories have received important repair. In the extension of the hospital, as well as in the older portion, the new floors are in very unsatisfactory condition; the attention of the superintendent has been called thereto, and it is hoped that they will be remedied.

Situated close to the business part of the city of Albany, there is constant inducement for inmates of this almshouse to seek permission to spend the day in the town, but, under the new commissioner, an effort is made to prevent such wandering

about the streets. In the past, one great source of trouble has been the facility with which inmates could obtain intoxicants. It required diligent oversight to prevent indulgence, but a determined effort of the new superintendent is directed toward the prevention of this evil.

At the time of the inspection the institution was found clean throughout, all things apparently in order, and the inmates contented.

J. H. RIVENBURGH, Superintendent.

(Visited by the commissioner August 31, 1901.)

All the buildings of this almshouse are in good repair, and, at the time of inspection by the commissioner, were in excellent condition, well appointed, and the walls well whitened.

There have been no improvements made recently beyond the ordinary casual repairs. The matters of a steam laundry and of electric lighting were considered at a meeting of the board of supervisors, and it is possible that during the year these may be introduced.

The food supplied to the inmates is of good quality and in sufficient quantity. The officials seem to have the interest of the inmates at heart.

(Visited by the commissioner September 21, 1901.)

These buildings are in good condition. Some minor repairs have been made, and others are in progress. The almshouse is lighted by kerosene oil lamps, which are dangerous. The water supply has been improved since the last report; the main supply is now received from the Cairo water works.

While precautions against fire bave been improved, there is still a lack of outside fire escapes. This almshouse has a large number of feeble-minded and defective inmates, there being no less than 13 who are classed as idiotic or feeble-minded, besides 4 blind persons and 3 epileptics. Twenty-seven of the inmates are over seventy years of age.

The food is supplemented by the butter and milk from the dairy, and the inmates gave evidence, by testimony, of having been well cared for.