The Sun.
London, England, 1863-06-20 00:00:00

Better late than never, is a well-known adage,
and it seems likely to be realised in respect to Beth-
lehem Hospital. Sir G. GREY has addressed a letter
to the President of Bethlehem Hospital. In this
letter Sir G. GREY alludes to a document received
from the Commissioners in Lunacy, in which they
make mention of the question of removing the hos-
pital to a more suitable locality. Sir G. GREY re-
quested that the same might be submitted to the
Governors of Bethlehem Hospital, with this impor-
tant addenda, that he freely concurs in the opinions
expressed by the Commissioners. He also expresses
a hope that this excellent opportunity will not be
thrown away, and that the Governors will most
carefully consider how unfit is the present institu-
tion for its purpose. This communication is a
very desirable one, and reflects great credit on Sir
G. GREY, It was certainly high time that some
influential person should exercise authority. The
Home Secretary could not have done a wiser thing
than thus interfere in this awkward dilemma that
has arisen in consequence of too much being expected
on both sides, and too little conceded by either.
The Commissioners in Lunacy forwarded a commu-
nication to the Home-office, which is most appro-
priately timed, and is sure to produce good results.
After expressing the hope that they had entertained
that a satisfactory arrangement would be come to
by the governors of the two hospitals, they remark
that they think it incumbent upon them now to
address Sir G. GREY on the subject before it is too
late to confer the inestimable benefit of fresh air to
those ahlicted beings who are in so much need of
it. The following paragraph is a direct explanation
of the whole affair, and certainly conveys to those
referred to a tacit reproval which is only too well
merited :—" It has for many years been the opinion
of the Board that the site of Bethlehem Hospital,
as respects its limited extent and situation, in the
centre of a dense and rapidly increasing population,
is most unsuited to the due medical care and treat-
ment of the insane, for whose sole benefit the
administration of its ample property and income is
intrusted to the governors. Outdoor exercise and
recreation, and freedom from disturbance and obser-
vation, so indispensable to the proper treatment of
insanity, especially in its earlier stages, require
an ample extent of grounds and gardens
within the boundaries of the institution."
No excuses can be urged regarding previous igno-
rance of the immense importance of making this
change, for the Commissioners state that so far back
as 1858, they embodied these views in a communica-
tien to Mr. -WALPOLE, and suggested the removal
of Bethlehem Hospital into the country. Further
on it is stated that not only is the site objectionable,
but the construction of the building renders it mos
unfit for being the domicile of the insane, and that
no new hospital built upon the same principle could
ever be sanctioned. The new one must be in accord-
ance with the " improvements of modern experi-
ence." Finally the Commissioners urge this im-
portant argument, that the Governors have large
sums at their disposal, that they have extraordinary
means of imprcving the condition of the insane, and
that this power imposes upon them the duty of
employing those large sums to the best advantage,
which it is well known cannot be done while the
present arrangements are persevered in ; and that
on Monday there will be a General Court
of the Royal Hospitals of Bethlehem and Bridewell,
at which these documents will be especially con-
sidered. It seems hardly possible that they can
fail to produce a due effect upon those present ; and
indeed the justice and good sense of their remarks
are so apparent that if a deaf ear is turned to their
suggestions, the public will get tired of such con -
fi1111169113 conduct. These Governors are invested
with a solemn responsibility, and endued with a
sacred trust. Be it theirs to fulfil worthily their
lofty duties, so that the reproach may not fall upon
them of neglecting those unfortunate sufferers upon
whom has fallen the heaviest curse that can befall
humanity. It seems scarcely credible that anyone
who has the power should lack the will to employ
it when places are desired for the benefit of those
for whom se little can even be done in the way of
alleviation. It is astonishing how much mischief is
effected by men persisting in obstinate opinions of
their own, in advocating their own peculiar
views and original tenets, instead of adapting or
conforming themselves to public good and genera
advantage. A further movement has taken place
in regard to this important question. A de•
potation waited upon Lord SHAFTESBURY, in
reference to the site of St. Thomas's
Hospital. Mr. KENDLE, who introduced the depu-
tation, stated that they represented eight parishes
of the South of London, with a population of more
than 500,000 people. Lord SHAFTESBURY remarked
that with the funds now at the command of the
Governors of Bethlehem Hospital, and a suitable
position, they might accommodate double the num-
ber of patients. The deputation lamented the un-
satisfactory state of affairs as at present carried on.
Bethlehem was a public institution, supported by
public money, which would be greatly improved by
removal, while St. Thomas's would be benefitted
by occupying that site. It appeared that these two
institutions were refusing proposals that were for
the public advantage, and also for their own benefit.
Lord SHAFTESBURY replied that the Lunacy Cele_
missioners were quite decided as to the importance
of removing the Lunacy Hospital. His lordship
adverted to the difficulty of a settlement, for only 30
or 40 of the Governors attended, out of 200 or 250.
He truly said that it was " monstrous," since they
held not a private but a public trust. Also there was
no doubt as to the desirability of that site being ap-
plicable for St. Thomas's Hospital. The idea of
sending persons with broken limbs, or with severe
diseases, by railway, was quite out of the question.
He observed, however, that it was not his duty nor
that of the Lunacy Commissioners to interest them-
selves concerning St. Thomas's Hospital, but that
they would use every endeavour to effect the re-
moval of Bethlehem to a more suitable locality. His
lordship advised that petitions be forwarded to
the Houses of Parliament, and furthermore added
that he would present one to the House of Lords and
speak upon it. It must be a source of great satis-
faction to all well-wishers of distressed and afflicted
humanity that Lord SHAFTESBURY has undertaken
to lend his aid to the good cause. There is no public
man who has done more essential service to the poor,
the sick, and the oppressed than the noble earl. For
, and it
w
achievement to
any years he has ever been toiling in the service
of his fellow creatures
his
social
lu
successest be the leastthat
he has been instrumental in gaining
rank among
gaining the end
There is so
and so many prejudices and
much selfishness in
here proposed.
jealousies
the world,
are rife in every society that it is ne
have some with large aims c"sary to
and exalted views to
infuse a higher tone into the system. Such cha-
racters are rare to meet with, and should be accord-
ingly appreciated. The public in general will look
with interest for the result of the meeting en
Monday, and it is not expecting too much to
hope that a favourable termination will be given
to this vexed question. Jr each side will forego
the claims of self assertion, and lose themselves
in their desire to benefit others, there can be but