GENERAL APPROPRIATION BILL.
Mr. WILSON (continuing his remarks)--The concurrent testimony of all the officers in the State Building is that three Janitors can do all the work--there are three now allowed, but one claims to belong exclusively up stairs. They refuse to serve except in certain rooms, and the janitor to the State Library refuses to act in any other department. The report of the Committee will require these employes to work for all the rooms in the State Building, occupied by the State officers.
Mr. FOSTER thought the four janitors might be reduced to three, still believing the States Librarian should have a janitor exclusively for the library rooms.
Mr. BENZ was willing to stay by the Committee on Finance and favored its recommendations.
Mr. OWEN moved to amend so as to provide for three janitors at a salary of $600 each.
Mr. GRUBBS favored this amendment.
It was adopted.
On motion by Mr. OWEN, the vote allowing the State Librarian a janitor was reconsidered.
Mr. LEEPER moved to amend so as to require that janitor shall act for the entire building.
The amendment was agreed to.
The Committee amendment cutting down the appropriation for repairs of State buildings, etc., from $10,000 to $2,500 was concurred in.
Mr. GRUBBS believed in making ample appropriations for the Insane Hospital. He moved to make the sum $220,000, and for repairs $10,000 being satisfied that sum is sufficient, and that $245,000, $15,000 for repairs and $12,000 for clothing, as recommended by the Committee is exorbitant. Two years ago that Institution did not expend the page: 105[View Page 105] appropriation by $16,000, and now they ask $45,000 more than two years ago.
Mr. OWEN stated there were then less than 900 inmates, but this year there are 1,100 inmates, and the appropriation of two years ago, it is evident, will not be sufficient.. Further than that, the building is not completed, and the question is whether the General Assembly desires to complete the building. The cost per capita was about $188, and on that same basis it has required over $200,000 this year. After the building is completed it will accommodate 1,300 inmates, and $45,000 increase in the appropriation will be required for maintenance. If the building is not completed this $45,000 extra will not be required. The building should be completed, so as to accommodate this class of unfortunates, who are now huddled in County buildings all over the State.
Mr. VAN VORHIS did not think more than $200,000 was needed for the present population in the Insane Asylum. He was satisfied these inmates can not be kept as they should be for $188 per capita. Eleven hundred is the present capacity of that Institution, and he favored an appropriation above the sum of $200,000.
Mr. GRUBBS insisted that in any view of this case his amendment proposes a sufficient appropriation.
Mr. BROWN said if we could look into the recesses of the future the keeping of these inmates at a cost of something over $184 per capita might be calculated upon. Some three years ago it cost nearer $300 per capita. For the reason that no man can foretell the future it is unwise to fix a given sum per capita, and make the appropriation the exact result of that calculation. The capable and honest management of that Institution lately has enabled it to cover in the Treasury a balance of the appropriation made two years ago. If future events prove the amount proposed by this Committee is too much the State will lose nothing because the overplus will be turned back into the Treasury. He favored the report of the Committee.
Mr. VAN VORHIS offered an amendment which proposes $230,000, including repairs and clothing. If the building is to be completed he would vote for an increase in the appropriation.
The PRESIDENT pro tem (Mr. Spann in the Chair) decided this amendment out of order.
Mr. MARVIN favored the recommendation of the Committee on Finance--regarding that Committee as qualified to make the proper figures. The Insane Asylum building should be finished, and many wards In the female department could be completed in ninety days' time. He hoped the Senate will reject the pending amendments,
