Page:Immigration and the Commissioners of Emigration of the state of New York.djvu/164

136 those newly arrived emigrants who, though in a healthy condition, are prevented from proceeding on their travels from want of funds or other causes. The inmates of this department perform a considerable amount of labor for the benefit of the institution, such as farming, grading, building stone walls, etc., etc. This department includes also those persons who from age or disease are infirm and incapacitated for labor; and, moreover, affords a refuge for all those persons discharged from the hospital who have no home or cannot obtain employment. A large number of persons of these different classes are constantly provided for during the winter season.

The buildings embracing the Refuge Department are plain but substantial, and well adapted to the purposes for which they are designed. Every possible provision is made for health and comfort. One of the buildings shelters the male sex, another the women and children. For nursing women and children without parents or protection, there is the nursery, in charge of a matron. It contains a school-room, where all newly arrived emigrant children at once have an opportunity to learn the English language. Boys from ten to fourteen years of age occupy their own quarters, and are employed on light, out-of-door labor.

In addition to the care of the Refuge Department, the Superintendent has charge of the entire property of the Commissioners of Emigration, and co-operates with the Medical Board in carrying out all measures affecting the well-being of the inmates; orders the supplies for the island, and is the chief executive officer to whom the heads of all the departments are obliged to report. As his duties are of a weighty responsibility and onerous, it requires not only talent and ability, but also a considerable experience to perform them.

The medical administration of Ward's Island from the year 1847 up to the present time has experienced various changes until it assumed its present form, which experience has proved the most efficient. When the service was first organized on Ward's Island, the office of Superintendent and Physician was united in one person. Dr. John Snowden, who first occupied this position, a few months after his appointment fell a victim to his untiring