in accommodations and treatment as the word hospital in the title of the institution is different in sound and significance from the hope-dispelling, soul-chilling names of “asylum,” “mad house,” and “bedlam” formerly given to all retreats for the mentally afflicted.  They find, and it is an encouraging feature of the plan that so many of them quickly see and appreciate it, that they are considered as sufferers from disease and not from demoniacal possession.  The remarkable range of classification provided for, the adaptability of construction to the different classifications, the reliance on occupation, the dependence on treatment, and the subordination of the custodial feature, except where a wise conservatism demands its retention, are apparent alike to inmates and visitors.

This hospital is complete as to plans, and as to the power plant, drainage, and subway construction necessary for the 1,500 patients, that the legislature has provided for in its law establishing the institution.  Buildings are already finished and occupied that accommodate 200 inmates, and the contractors have nearly finished part of the central group that will bring that number up to nearly 1,300.  The appropriation asked for this year by the managers will be scaled down considerably by Mr. McClelland, the very economical chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the Democratic Assembly.  But, unless he has miscalculated, there will be money enough to carry on the work of construction to advantage for the year.  An appropriation sufficient to complete the buildings at once was thought by many to be the wisest economy, but big figures in an appropriation bill have very little chance this year.  The bill establishing the State Hospital district and providing for the building of the institution fixed the per capita cost of construction, including the purchase of land, at $1,150, and the plans have been made on that basis for 1,500 patients.  But if the needs of the district should require it, the capacity could be increased by an almost indefinite extension of the system of outlying colony groups at a very small per capita cost, as the central group is by far the most expensive in construction.

The administration group in part, and one outlying group, with the general kitchen, bakery, workshop, laundry, employes’ dwelling house, power house, and pumping station, are already erected, and have added a feature of architectural beauty to Point Airy.  This point, of itself of picturesque and romantic beauty, juts into the St. Lawrence River at the head of the Galoup Rapids, three miles below Ogdensburg.  It is a part of the hospital farm of 950 acres, which includes woodland, meadow, farm land, and a market garden tract of the $100 an acre grade.  The location of the institution in these particulars and in reference to salubrity, sewerage facilities and abundance and excellence of water supply, is wonderfully advantageous.