1868.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 873

premises. After a satisfactory investigation oi' its conduct,
the fact was made known that the Managers desire the usual
annual appropriation of $15,000, for the year 1869, in view
of the biennial session of the General Assembly. The Board
oppose the enactment of any law prohibiting them from con-
tracting for the employment of the boys committed to their
care, as by this means, they are enabled to keep them em-
ployed, encouraging and inculcating habits of industry, and
preventing the mischievous results of idleness, which are too
well known to require recapitulation ; and beside, (bey are
enabled by their system of labor to aid in no inconsiderable
degree in the support of the Institution. The buildings are
in a cleanly and generally satisfactory condition, the only
matter of particular objection striking the attention of your
Committee, being the cold and cheerless condition of the cells
which these young "incorrigibles" are compelled to occupy
for sleeping apartments.

In conclusion it may be well to add that the institution
appears remarkably free from the diseases incident to such a
large collection of children. The annual report of the insti-
tution in detail will, doubtless, be laid before your Honorable
Body, from which you will he able to learn many matters
of interest.

On the 31st December, 1867, there were 358 inmates, 337
boys and 21 girls. During the year there were 537 inmates.

We recommend a continuance of the usual annual appro-
priation of fifteen thousand dollars for the year 1869.

THE MARYLAND HOSPITAL.

Your Committee made a thorough examination of the spa-
cious buildings and grounds of this institution. One-half of
the buildings are appropriated to the accommodation of the
lunatic paupers of the State, and the other to the use of such
insane persons as are supported at the expense of their friends.
For each pauper lunatic, the county from which he is sent,
pays $200 per year. The receipts from paying patients, con-
stitutes about two-thirds of the revenue of the institution.
The average aggregate revenue is about $30,000, out of which
the expenses of the institution are defrayed, including minor
repairs and improvements from year to year. Last year
$8,208.07 were expended in improvements and repairs.

The buildings require thorough repainting, and some mi-
nor repairs are still needed. Without enumerating in detail
all the improvements needed, it is respectfully suggested an
appropriation of About $8,000, would render the place respec-
table in appearence and comfortable to the inmates.

Since the year 1833, an interval of 35 years, but six appro-
priations have been made by the State, aggregating $79,500,
an average of $2,277 a year. Of this amount $30,000 was