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Speaking in behalf of the officers and those directly engaged in the work, I solicit your close supervision, not only of the financial matters, but the every-day management of the institution. Such oversight is a constant stimulus to efficient and faithful service.

Respectfully submitted,
H. B. WILBUR,
Superintendent,
SYRACUSE, October 10, 1882.

REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE.

The committee of the board of trustees, to whom was in trusted the special oversight of the custodial branch of this institution, established four years since, on the recommendation of the Board of State Charities, herewith present their report of its affairs.

The initial steps in carrying out the purpose of the Legislature in founding a home, for adult female idiots have been described in former reports. It was designed mainly to relieve the county poor-houses of the care of such cases, as in many instances these institutions have not the proper means for the separation of the sexes. In fact with few exceptions the intimates of the new asylum have been committed directly from the poor-houses.

A building quite well adapted to the purpose was leased temporarily at Newark, in Wayne county.

The statistics of the year are as follows:

But, in comparing the cost of these inmates with those of other State institutions, it should be noticed that included int he -sic- total expenditures were items that should not be reckoned as maintenance, etc. Thus, rent, $965.

About $1,100 expended in improvements to increase the accommodations for inmates. Also about the same amount for new furniture for the increased number of inmates.

Deducting these items the entire cost of maintenance and clothing of the inmates did not exceed two dollars a week on the average. This amount is no more than the average per capita cost in the county poor houses of the State.

In accordance with the requirements of the Board of State Charities, a schedule is annexed showing the mode of expenditure of the amount above stated, namely, $15,168.23.

The death-rate for the year seems large; but many of the cases first sent were old and feeble on admission. The class generally are not long-lived. Several of the early committals were insane rather than idiotic.

The greatest difficulty in the management of the institution has come from the fact that a few of the cases sent were committed because they were wanton in their habits rather than lacking in intelligence. Such give trouble anywhere, and the county superintendents of the poor were only too glad to get rid of them when our asylum was opened. Their proper home is in a reformatory rather than in an asylum for feeble-minded.

Our experience with one of these, which has been made a subject of a special report to the Board of State Charities, should lead us hereafter to refuse their admission.

Of the inmates, generally, we may record a very marked improvement. Their general aspect is much better. They are more orderly and quiet. In the way of practical industry there has been marked progress. With a moderate paid working force in the establishment the house is in admirable condition, the inmates are well-clad and neat in person. In short, the main work of the whole establishment, including the manufacture of the clothing, is done by the inmates under the direction of employes.

Mr. and Mrs. Warner who have had the immediate charge of the institution continue to merit the approval of your committee. The credit of the economy of management as well as of the excellent household arrangements is due entirely to them. We have lately been fortunate in securing the services of a lady of large experience in institution life, to assist Mrs. Warner in the general oversight and management of the inmates.

Some of those committed to the asylum have some degree of intelligence. They are imbecile in part from poverty and neglect. In their previous surroundings there has been no opportunity for mental or moral improvement. In this undeveloped mental condition they have been only partially responsible, if responsible at all, for their bad conduct or misfortune. To such the better influences that may be brought to bear upon them in a well-managed institution, planned with reference to their needs, may come to them with regenerating power. The new home may be made not only comfortable but pleasant. They may not only be well cared for and protected, but taught to care for and protect themselves. Habits of industry may be encouraged. They may be led to see that, by their own labor, they are contributing to their own comfort and enjoyment as well as the welfare of others.