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It should be remembered that there are latent qualities of mind to be seized upon, that will respond intelligently, if the instrument is taught to convey the requisite impressions. Opposite opinions cannot prevail in the minds of those who will give the subject a moment's thought, for it will be apparent that the mind, in itself, cannot be subject to the accidents and diseases of this life, for such a belief would be at variance with that which is prized by man above all else -- the hope of the immortality of the soul. The perishable part may be so imperfectly developed, or become so diseased, that it will fail to perform, in any degree, its offices, yet all will agree that the mind is intact, and that the idiot, whose mind is incased, as it were, possesses an immortal part as precious in the sight of Him who noteth even the fall of a sparrow, as that of one who wields a nation's power by the force of a mighty intellect. This subject has been regarded in this light by the State, which, in providing for this feeble portion of her children, is best following the lesson of the "one talent" carrying out the spirit of this people, that all within the State shall be educated, including special means for those who are beyond ordinary methods.

There has been expended already for buildings and lands for this institution, $214,300, or a cost of $612.29 for each person accommodated. As the census reports, taken four years since, show how inadequate this accommodation is, to say nothing of the actual experiences at this institution, an amount, equal to that already expended, will more than double the present capacity of the institution, and properly adapt the additional buildings to those now occupied. The proposed buildings can be made fire-proof within the sum named, and buildings of no other kind should be constructed for so helpless a class. If a comprehensive plan be adopted, it can be worked up to from year to year until the whole is accomplished.

The present buildings should be placed in a thorough state of repair and safety from fire. No appropriation has been made for repairs since the organization of the institution. The amount now required is too great to be taken from the general expense fund, and an appropriation for this purpose is respectfully urged. While making these repairs, certain precautions should be taken to protect the lives of the inmates from fire, also for the protection of the buildings; for the first, fire-proof stair-ways; for the second, fire-proofing ceilings and floors. Experience all over the world shows the necessity and humanity of such precautions.

The many additions that have been made to meet the pressing necessities of the times have made all arrangements and appointments different from the original design. A comprehensive plan, therefore, that will, while accommodating those who so need the benefits of the institution, restore the symmetry of organization and administration, greatly adding to the progress, comfort and happiness of the inmates by facilitating care and oversight, is a necessity.

Respectfully submitted,
G. A. DOREN,
Superintendent.

REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE.

The committee of the board of trustees charged with the special oversight of the custodial branch of this institution herewith present their report of its affairs

The following are the statistics for the year:

The causes of death were as follows:

The object of the Legislature in establishing this department of this institution was the protection of adult female idiots and imbeciles. The cost of caring for this class in this institution is no greater than in the county poor-houses of the State. To this should be added the many advantages in the separation from other dependent, and frequently vicious classes from whom they require protection that cannot be had in the alms-houses. The lessening of the burden upon the public by limiting the number to be cared for, rather than encouragement to increase their kind by such exposure. The number of this class requiring protection is much greater than has been supposed, and is by no means confined to the alms-houses. They are entitled to training in their youth and to the safeguards that will secure to them the happiness and comfort of well-ordered, industrious lives. And it will be a sufficient return for such guardianship and care that they yield their quota to their own support, live a controlled life separated from the dangers that beset those who are in their mental condition. Their industrial capacity should be exercised fully for their own happiness, and then the reduction to a minimum of the cost of care and support will be realized. A considerable number of the class are capable, and under the direction of those interested in their progress, and responsible for their care, can accomplish much more than their own wants require. In the provision for the entire class in buildings near each other and with proper organization, all of this capacity can be thoroughly utilized. The products of the farm, garden and a certain class of shops being so ordered as to find entire use in the institution, the labor being performed by the boys. The girls performing their proportion of work that is appropriate to their sex, under the care and instruction of those required to attend them, even if permitted to live in a state of idleness. If trained to regular labor the number required to care for them need not be increased. Thus the strong and vigorous of adult age cannot only contribute to their own, but to the support and care of the more feeble of their fellows whether children or adults. For these and other reasons the custodial department should be in the immediate vicinity of the parent establishment, that all may be coordinated to the common object, the highest possible development in each case and the firm establishment of influences for improvement over all that pervades it. As a class they never stand still and are either growing better or worse. They can and should grow better. The elevating influence of their vicinity to the educational department and the softening influence of contact and association under proper conditions with little children in that department will be certain to have the effect that has been seen in experience elsewhere, and to be without these is a privation to them that should not exist, because unnecessary. Finally, it will be much less expensive, and can with a less expenditure furnish more of happiness, comfort and growth than otherwise. There should be procured more land near the educational institution, upon which should be constructed plain and substantial buildings adapted to the purpose, so arranged that others may be added as the wants of this class are provided for from time to time. This provision will in no way increase the burden for their care, for in most cases it is now being borne and must continue and possibly be increased. The cost of maintenance will be no greater. The cost for construction less.