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"In less than a year from the first appropriation -- at the session of 1852 -- the number of State pupils in the experimental school was increased to 30.

"At the session of 1853, a still more decisive test of the confidence the new institution had inspired in the public mind, of the practicability of the work for which it was designed, was given. A bill was passed making an appropriation not only for its continuance in its present form, but for the erection of suitable buildings for its accommodation, thus placing it upon the same footing with the other State charitable institutions."

"Steps were immediately taken by the trustees to carry out the design of the Legislature. It was soon found, however, that the provision made was not adequate to accomplish all that was deemed desirable in the matter of building and grounds, and they very wisely decided to defer all action beyond the purchase of a site, the preparation of plans for building, and conditional contracts based upon those plans, till the meeting of the next Legislature.

"The whole subject was fairly stated in the last annual report of the trustees to that body, and their consideration and action, as, in some sense, ex-officio guardians of the asylum, solicited. This candid reference of the question to their decision was very favorably received. An additional appropriation was granted with the privilege of building according to the plans submitted to them.

"Immediately on the adjournment of the last Legislature, a meeting of the trustees was held, when it was decided -- in view of the fact that some exceptions had been taken to the site already purchased, and also of some feeling that had prevailed and been expressed in the Legislature, that the asylum should be located elsewhere than in Albany-it was decided to review the whole subject of location before commencing the new building.

"While this was pending, an overture was received from some of the citizens of Syracuse of the gift of a suitable location in the vicinity of that city.

"This proposal was finally accepted after an examination of the sites in the neighborhood of Syracuse by a committee of the trustees. A later and more thorough examination and comparison of the various sites that could be obtained, resulted in the selection of the spot upon which we have assembled to-day.

"The conditional contracts of last year have accordingly been perfected. A building of the same form and materials, to be built by the same mechanics, upon as favorable terms, and by the same architect, as the one proposed to be erected last year in Albany, is now here commenced.

"In this brief record of the history of our asylum, I can not forbear, in justice to my own feelings, and I know what I am about to say will meet with the approval of the members of the board of trustees, I can not forbear to express my sense of the great indebtedness of the institution for its present position, in point of usefulness and in public estimation, to the labors of one man, who, although prevented by a serious illness in a neighboring State from being present and participating in the ceremonies of this occasion is, I doubt not, yet present with us in spirit. I mean the Hon. John C. Spencer, who, as chairman of the executive committee of the board of trustees, has borne the greatest share of the labor necessary for the well-management and prosperity of the institution, who has ever been ready to sustain the courage and strengthen the hands of the superintendent by his constant sympathy and counsel, and who has been gracefully crowning the latter portion of a life of indefatigable intellectual exertions by an equally untiring devotion to the interests of this and kindred objects of charity and philanthropy."

Then followed a hymn adapted to the occasion by Rev. Mr. May:

Bright source of everlasting Love,
To Thee our souls we raise,
And to Thy sovereign goodness rear
This monument of Praise.

Thy mercy gilds the path of life,
With every cheering ray,
And kindly checks the rising tear,
Or wipes that tear away.

What shall we render, bounteous Lord,
For all the grace we see?
Each wise design, each generous deed,
Proceedeth, Lord, from Thee.

To Thee we owe the gracious plan
That bids these walls arise,
To Thee we look in earnest prayer,
To bless this enterprise.

Ex-Gov. Hunt was then introduced, and delivered the following address:

"The foundation of an establishment for the relief of human suffering and infirmity, is an event which never fails to fill the generous mind with unalloyed satisfaction. This is especially true in regard to institutions intended to mitigate the deprivation of the senses and faculties which are necessary to the full enjoyment of intellectual life. Besides the inherent and direct blessings which flow from an enlightened system of public charity, we contemplate each new effort to alleviate the calamities of mankind, as an onward step in civilization and social happiness. The people of New York, thus far in their historic career, have been honorably distinguished for the philanthropic spirit which has animated and guided their legislative policy. Even in the turbulence of party strife, when a calm spectator would conclude that the kindliest sentiments of our nature were stifled by the violence of political controversy, the mild voice of humanity, speaking to the conscience in behalf of the unfortunate, has been heard and respected. The varied institutions of New York, designed for the moral and intellectual advancement of her children, while regarded with a just State pride by her citizens, have been deemed worthy of imitation by many of our sister States, and our progress in some departments of social and political amelioration has elicited the highest encomiums from the statesmen and the philanthropists of Europe. Thus far our people have been actuated by a just estimate of the design and office of political institutions. They have recognized those high obligations which are inseparable from free government, constituting the only security for its permanence. The administration of justice, which in its broader sense may be said to include as well the making as the execution of laws to control mankind in their relations to society and to each other, is undoubtedly the primary and most essential function of government. The experience of all countries and of every age, attests the necessity for an agency competent to punish the guilty and uphold the weak against the strong; and this necessity is justly regarded as the origin of the social compact. But the responsibilities of a State are not confined within these narrow limits. When the civil power has provided for the protection of person and property, by equal laws honestly administered, the fulfilment of this duty seems but to open the way for the performance of other duties of vital importance to the happiness of society. The establishment of justice and security, is the first care of an enlightened commonwealth; but patriotism and wise statesmanship find new fields for exertion. They are exhibited in efforts for improving the physical advantages of the country, and elevating its moral condition. I will not dwell upon the manifold blessings which proceed from judicious legislation in favor of trade, intercourse, manufacturing arts, and the development of those varied resources which form the basis of our material prosperity. It is more appropriate, on an occasion like the present, to turn our view to that bright page of our history, which records the constant advance of the State in works of beneficence, intended for the diffusion of knowledge, virtue and religion. It is more pleasing to contemplate those noble triumphs of mercy and humanity, which shed abroad the pure light of science and morality, imparting wisdom to the simple, consolation to the afflicted, and proclaiming to all "peace on earth and good will towards men."