The matter of toilet articles has not received the proper attention of many institutions. Aside from the idea of cleanliness which should maintain, the necessity for good hygienic conditions should impress the managers with the need of supplying the inmates with individual toilet articles.

That boon to childhood, the cheapest of all commodities, fresh air, is too little known and its value to health and good spirits too little appreciated in many quarters.

Not enough attention is given to good table manners, to having clean crockery, glassware and knives and forks in the dining room. We will not comment upon that disregard for proper training sometimes shown by the appearance of a dining room with some of its crockery broken almost beyond recognition, for this should appeal to the most careless as inexcusable.

In an institution visited by a member of this committee the dining room used by the employed help was more neat and clean in all its furnishings than that used by the inmates. In fact, the knives and forks used by the help were properly scoured, while those placed for the children were unclean.

The committee on orphan asylums and children's homes earnestly recommend that this Board take steps towards bringing together in convention the matrons and superintendents of orphan asylums at convenient points at least once a year. The reasons, stated briefly, why such conventions would be a benefit, are that a keener interest in the work would develop in the several institutions, a knowledge of other institutions would broaden the horizon of the workers, discussion on the best methods of discipline, education, physical development and of instilling in the young lives with whom they come in contact those qualities which uphold noble manhood and womanhood, would result ultimately in a higher grade of orphan asylums throughout the State.

Respectfully submitted,

Dated December 31, 1898.

HARVEY W. PUTNAM,

Chairman.

REPORT

OF AN

Investigation into the Management of the House of Mercy, New York City, by a Special Committee of the Board.

REPORT.

To the State Board of Charities:

The following letter, addressed to President Stewart, was laid before the Board at its meeting on January 12, 1898:

"NEW YORK, December 27, 1897.

"Hon. W. R. STEWART, President State Board of Charities: "Dear Sir.-On Thursday, December 23d, an article was published in the New York Herald relating to the House of Mercy, containing charges against the institution in reference to the care and treatment of inmates, and casting a most serious imputation upon its administration. It is probably needless for us to inform you that these charges are absolutely false and without foundation, but as the publication of such statements, if allowed to remain uncontradicted, must necessarily affect the reputation and standing of the House of Mercy, we respectfully request the State Board of Charities to investigate the management of the institution. We shall esteem it a favor if you will cause such investigation to be made at the earliest practicable date and in the most thorough manner, in order that the friends of the institution and the general public may be fully informed as to the actual facts and that all grounds for unjust accusations may be effectually removed.

After consideration of the request contained in the foregoing letter, the State Board of Charities unanimously adopted the following: