The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-01-14
evening State Sollraal.
Tho Insane of the state.

We are indebted to Mr.. G. A. Schafter,
Superintendent of Public Printing, for
copy of very neatly printed report OF
the Board of Directors and Medical Su-
perintendent of the Western Lunatic Asy-
lum at Staunton, for the last fiscal year,
from which we learn the following general
facts There were in the Institution, at
the commencement of the year, S24 insane
persons-male 1T6, female 148; subse-
quently admitted S9--male 36, female 2S !;
the total number cared for during the
year was 3s3-male 212, female 571, and
the number remaining September SOth,
1870, was 335-male 1s1, female 154.
The number of patients discharged as
cured during the year, was 26,-16 male
and 10 female; the deaths were 1S,-s
male and s female while but one eloped'
The prospects for the recovery of those
remaining in the asylum, are thus stated
favorable, 13 doubtful, 18; decidedly un-
favorable, SO4. In calculating the cost OF
supporting the institution, DR.. Francis L.
Stribling, the medical superintendent says
1t has been found for several years past, that
about the sum of $4,000 per annum was
required to supply the current reasonable
wants of the ASYLUM. / can think of nothing
rendering it probable that the same amount
will not be sufficient for the fiscal years lS70-7l.
On inspection OF the above tables it will be
found that there was balance on hand, at the
-. - G.oa of Go Q91 ~ We hQva
reason to believe that there will be realized
from the paying patients fund, during the
wear. not less than SIS, 900. therefore respect
fully an gpest that your board ask an apprOpria-
ton from the Legislature of $4,000, in addi-
tion to the balance reported as on hand, and
what may be received from paying patients
This will leave a small margin for contin-
gencies.
We have also received from DR.. D. R.
Brewer, Superintendent and Physician,
the annual report of the Eastern Lunatic
Asylum at Williamsburg, showing the
operations of that public charity for the
fiscal year. 1t is very neat pamphlet,
from the press of the Norfolk journal.
The following facts we CLEAN from the re-
port of the President, Mr.. Sydney Smith:
During the past fiscal year 27s patients were
treated, of which number rs were cured and
discharged, and only died, the percentage OF
deaths being 2.56, and the percentage OF dis
charged to number admitted being 34.2: The
directors believe that no asylum in the United
States or in Europe can show so low per-
centage of deaths or surpass the percentage of
cures, tho nature of the cases being taken
into consideration. The amount appropriated
to support the asylum for the year was $780,
900. Of this amount 800 were paid over
by the auditor, from time to time, the remain
ing 5000 having been applied by the late
auditor, Col. Staunton, to some detective pur-
poses, as we are informed.
There was a balance from last year OF
$4, ,864.54 $529.44 were received from pay
patients, and $3.50 on account Of debts due to
the asylum-making the aggregate of receipts
$65, ,93l.98. For the manner of expenditure,
we refer to the reports Of the superintendent
and treasurer.
The president and directors unite with
the officers in asking an appropriation of
$4,000 by the General Assembly for
heating apparatus, and also refer to the
necessity of either enlarging this asylum
or building new one elsewhere.
On the score of economy, they recon-
mend the enlargement, and ask an appro-
priation of $4,000 for the purpose. The
Superintendent estimates that 100000
will be required for the support and neces-
sary repairs of the asylum during the
present year, and in this the Directors
concur.
We see from the above facts that it takes
good deal of money to provide for these
unfortunates, but in cause SO holy and
charitable, we must not pause to count
the cost. They must be well taken care
of, and the Legislature should be liberal
in making provisions for their comfort.
Were all the crazy people in the State
placed in these asylums, they would, in
deed, be expensive institutions.