Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-01-08
NORTHERN IUNArIC ASYLUM


Abstract Of The Report Of The Trustees Of hc
Noythra Lunatie Asyiam
The Trustees state that this Institution has
been satisfactorily managed during the past
year. i'a '-I.- ta '@ . 81,
The inmates have been we'll cared for, and as
free as possible from physical infirmitiea.
The condition of the Public Treasury has
compelled the Trustees to draw upon the appro-
priaIions, obtain the money upon draft, and
then pay interest, until the Treasurer Of State
could meet them. thus increasing the expendl
tures If this state bof things Ia to continue,
the Trustees suggest that special appropria-
ton be made to meet this item Of interest
The action OF the Board has not exc ele1 its
powers, aud no Indebtedness has been authorized
or created ',- ~ .,.,-.. u. u $780,
The general appropriations will be quite con-
sumed in payments, and upon contracts al
ready made, by the close Of the fiscal year,
November 18th b..
The Legislature has hitherto paid go little at
ention to the actual wants of the Institution,
tin the way Of special appropriations asked for,
that the Board feel delcaey in again present.
ing claims in that behalf .iai.s'gr iS 'lir
The Trustees conclude that 81 ,450 OF ad.
ditional special appropriations will be Of per-
manent benefit to the establishment.
The Board calls the attention OF the Legisla--
ture to the fact that the Asylum year closes up
on the 3lst of October, and the fiscal year upon
the 18th of November, which Ia a source Of 10
convenience aud Misunderstanding, and urges
the passage of an act which will remove this
difference and enable the Superintendent and
the Steward to report a, the end of the fiscal
ycar. The officers Of the Institution have dis
charged their duties with promptness and pune.
tuality, and the Trustees unite in commencing
il to the fostering care Of the Legislature, ~
Abstract of hs Report Of &s Superintendent Of
The Northern Lunatie Asylum.
During the six years existence OF this Institu.
ton, 764 cases have been treated, nearly one
half of which have been discharged as recover.
ed, and 20l as incurable. These unfortunates
who have been necessarily removed to make
room for more favorable cases, are Of all
the mcst dependent upon the charities of their
fellows, and the least cared for, and should have
their necessities more generally recognised and
some efficient plan adopted for their relief.
The health Of the inmates has been generally
good during the year. The physical disorders
Incident to hospital life have been mild In form,
and readily controlled by ordinary and simple
remedies. ,-r.
TIE resources of the Institution tor supplying
pastime and exercise TO the inmates are very
meagre. Recreation halls should be fitted up,
one for eachSsex adjacent 70 the Asylum, where
they can at proper times engage 10 innocent
sports, with freedom from restraint which 1t
is impossible for them to feel in the wards Of
the Hospital tgt4.| |L..
Some important changes are demanded In the
internal arrangements Of the present structure.
The bathing apparatus and water closets need
thorough repair. The kitchen and laundry
building should be extended and raised another
story. ,- -ag -1- -17.
New fences are greatly needed on the farm,
and, when built, should be Of the best material
The floors In the several halls must be replaced
Immediately. The house throughout needs q
new coat of paint; while the public rooms, and
wards generally, should be re.furnished.
Acknowledgements are due the American
Tract Society for number Of copies Of the
"Songs of Zion," to the Cleveland and New
bury Amateur Societies, for musical entertain
ments, and to the Editors and Publishers Of va.
rious local papers, who gratuitously furnished
the Asylum with papers, and to all others, who
have In any way contributed 10 the happiness
or instruction OF the inmates. tlf
The Superintendent bears testimony to tho
Efficient manner in which the assistants and at
tendants have discharged their respective du
ties; TO the skill and faithful services of th o
Assistant Physician, Dr.. W. A. WHITING, and
to the personal kindness, and cordial sympathy
extended to him BY all the individual members
of the Board, in all the transactions Of their Of.
fcial intercourse. '.'. '',...