Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-01-18
THE INSANE ASYLUM FOR THE
ARMY, NAVY, AND DISTRICT
OF COLUMBIA.

VII
The subject of the organization Of Hospital
for the Insane Of the Army, Navy, and District
of Columbia, is Of general interest to the coun.-
try, and of special and vital Importance to the
citizens of the District. Without, of course,
being competent to form an opinion as to the
details Of such an organization, there are GER
tain views which have presented themselves to
our mind, in connection with this subject, which
are practical in their bearings and, we believe,
sound in their character.
In the first place. we consider it manifest
to every fair and rejecting mind that, in
an institution eleemosynary and benevolent
in its character, neither politics nor secta-
rianism should enter, as elements of its
organization or subsequent control. We con-
fess ourselves to be party men, and, where
political influence can be welded, we are
free for excluding from Office those who
may be hostile to principles and measures to
which we are favorable; but we have never
believed, and will never contend, that any or
ganization formed for the maintenance of be-
nevolent purposes should be perverted into
political mutual assurance company for the
exclusive possession of Office or spoils. Hence
we believe that the appointment Of the officers
of this institution should, as far as possible,
be removed from political power.
In the second place, we are of opinion that
in an institution for the successful government
Of which experience and observation are essen
ta it is well that the term of Office Of its con-
trollers should be as extended as possible.
The frequent introduction of novices into Office,
often men, regardless of the experience Of their
predecessors, is inimical to the favorable man
agement Of such an institution as an Insane
Hospital, whose administration peculiarly re-
quires long experience and faithful attention.
The denial of the powers of removal would
also tend to deprive the institution Of any po-
litical or sectarian bias. Hence we would pre-
fer for the officers of the institution life tenure,
or term during good behavior.
In the third place, we believe that in the APP
pointment of the Directors to such an institu-
tuition, regard should be had to the representa-.
ton in the Board Of each and all of the inter
ests involved. No man will give his strict at
tention to duties, the faithful performance Of
which enure exclusively TO the benefit Of others.
No man can well understand the wants and
condition Of those who are in entirely different
circumstances from himself. Hence, in the
organization of the Board Of Directors, it is de-
sirabe that the Army, the Navy, and the Dis.
trict of Columbia, the three interests affected
by the institution, should each be repre-.
scented.
In the fourth place, we remark that the power
OF admission Of patients should be vested in q
Board of Directors, rather than in any one in
dividual. This power, so great in itself, and
often so dangerous in its exercise, should be
carefully guarded. Every one is aware of the
terrible results which have flowed from the ex-
ercise of this power in similar institutions in
Europe. And, while we do not apprehend such
consequences from any superintendent Of this
Asylum, yet it is the part Of true wisdom to
avoid danger rather than to calmly wait until
it is committed, to rectify it. Hence, finally.
we would advocate a system of organization
providing for the constitution of President
and Board Of Directors to be appointed as
other officers are appointed, and for a term Of
good behavior, and representing the three in
terests affected by the institution. The sp-
pointment of the Resident Physician, and the
inferior officers Of the establishment might
then be safely vested in q board so constr
tuted.
The plan submitted by DR., Thomas Miller,
an eminent physician Of this city, exactly meets
ourviews in these particulars, with the exception
Of the second section, providing for the appoint
ment Of the Mayor er oficio as one of the
directors. This, we think, is liable to con-
stitutional objection, as the power Of appoint
ment Of all United States officers is vested in
the President, by and with the advice and con-
sent Of the Senate. Although q similar course
to that recommended was taken by Congress
in the appointment Of the directory Of the
Smithsonian Institute, yet that institution, be-
! ing special bequest to be administered by
| Congress, stands upon different footing. At
any rate, one violation Of the Constitution
should rather be a warning to prevent, than
precedent to justify repetition. With this ex-
ception, we fully endorse the plan presented by
Dr. Miller, which we publish below.
al. That there be President, to be medi
cal man, the consulting physician and surgeon
of the institution, and the presiding officer Of
the Board of Directors.
az. A Board Of Directors, composed Of an
officer Of the army, an officer of the navy,
citizen Of Washington, and one from George
town, 1.-THE Mayor er o6icio,) who shall be en-
powered to make rules and regulations Ito be
approved by the Secretary of the Intsrior) for
the government Of the institution and the ad-
mission Of patients to elect or appoint the
resident physician, steward, and matron, and
o have control Of the monetary Affairs Of the