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The acknowledgment of this principle in this manner was due mainly to the efforts of those interested in the education of deaf mutes and of the blind.

It remained only then for those who were the advocates of the extension of the principle to one more unfortunate class, to convince the Legislature of the susceptibility of the class of idiots in the matter of education, and with a reasonable expenditure of the public money.

The fortunate mode of accomplishing this constituted the second cause I have referred to. The first step was to found an experimental school under the supervision of gentlemen of well-known practical judgment and philanthropy, and, in a measure, under the eye of the Legislature. This was done.

The location selected for the school was a fortunate one. It was opened in a building just without the limits of the city of Albany, and within easy visiting distance for the members during the session. The school was organized, and pupils of a great variety of mental deficiency were received from all parts of the State. During the four years of the continuance of the Asylum at Albany, a majority of the members of each Legislature actually visited it, and usually in so small parties that they could witness the details of the system of instruction and its results, without disturbing the routine of occupations and exercises of the pupils.

The results elicited were more valuable than any reasoning upon the subject, and the evidence of the practical conviction of the members has been seen, as I have before intimated, in our rapid growth and present position.

There are now between eighty and ninety pupils connected with the Asylum. There are at least thirty more children for whose admission to the Asylum applications have already been made to its officers.

Some of these are of a very pressing character, I would therefore suggest the enlargement of the number of pupils another year, at least to the extent of one hundred State pupils. The material items of expenditure for the Asylum would not need to be much increased by such enlargement.

To meet the current expenses of the establishment, with the number I have mentioned, for another year, will require an appropriation from the Legislature at its next session, of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).

It will be remembered that the purchase money of the furniture necessary for the new building, and our present number of pupils, and also the expense of removal from Albany to this place, was obtained by borrowing from the amount appropriated for the annual expenses of the Asylum during the present year, with the exception of a thousand dollars. This all amounts to some four thousand five hundred dollars.

To enable us to get comfortably through the present fiscal year with the multitude of little expenses likely to occur, that ought still to be charged to construction and furnishing account, we shall therefore need a special grant of five thousand dollars more.

When the very high prices of provisions and supplies for the two last years are taken into consideration, and also the fact that all the furniture and apparatus and stable stock of the Asylum, that has cost in the aggregate near $12,000, has been purchased from time to time from moneys appropriated only for current expenses I think that it will be conceded that the institution has been managed with a satisfactory degree of prudence and economy.

The short experience we have had in our new location confirms the anticipation expressed a year ago. It is manifestly very accessible from all parts of the State. A strong local interest will undoubtedly be felt in its prosperity and success. The necessary supplies can here be obtained upon very favorable terms.

The buildings have been completed very nearly in accordance with the plans submitted a year ago, and which were then minutely described. The convenience, comfort and safety of the pupils are apprently -sic- well provided for in our new quarters.

The apparatus for warming and ventilation has thus far operated very well. The supply of water is now ample for all domestic uses, all purposes of cleanliness and security against fire.

We anticipate soon to be supplied with gas from the city gas works.

The school rooms are hardly surpassed in convenience of arrangement by any in the State, and a large gymnasium affords all necessary facilities for that physical training that underlies our whole system of instruction.

I ought to add my testimony to the fidelity of the contractors who were engaged upon the building, who have seemed disposed to execute not only the letter but the spirit of their contract, by thorough workmanship and promptness in the execution of it.

I close with an acknowledgment of the hearty co-operation that has been extended to me by all employed in any manner in the Asylum in all its varied duties and labors; with an expression of gratitude to you, gentlemen, who have sustained me in my post of duty by your constant counsel and approbation, and with an humble recognition of that superintending Providence that has so kindly watched over all the interests of the new Asylum.