The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1873-02-19
Thn HospLtaI for the Insane.


10 the Editors OF us AHVSuAkVuSI'
l wish TO make known q few facts con-
earning the new administration OF the
Hogpiialllor the Insane, at Weston, run by
Dr. T. B. Camden. There has been In
former days q great deal said touching on
extravagance, but by comparing the re-
port Of the retired physician (Dr. r. uills)
with that Of DR.. Camden, for the year Of
1872, up TO July 1st, we find great difIer-
ence in the cost per capita per week.
Under the former administration the cost
per capita was g 10, under the new al.
ministration there Is shown an increase
Of 81 cents or So 43 per capita, showing
an increase OF the expenses for one year
$2,949 90. Again, there are twelve or
fourteen children In the Drs family and
that Of his assistants. As matter ofCourse
they must fare sumptuously and have
their nurses and aasistants. These reck.
oned at his own figures, will cost $1,000 Oh,
this Is heavy tax and one for which ]
can see no justification. By this It Is
plainly shown that the increase Of ex-
pense since the Inauguration Of the pres.
eut physician reaches the enormous sum
Of $2947 40, 1t Is surprising to me that
such an imposition can be pracuced upon
people who has always labored dill.
gently to place at ahead Of their affairs,
good and efficient men. It Is certainly
demonstRtive Of something not altogeth-
or right, 1t Is either a lack Of diligence or
9 careless, don't care kind Of disposition
on the part Of our officials, for every day
that such uncalled for swallowing up Of
the public money is continued, we hold
the proper authorities, whose duty it Is 10
look after the matter in question, respon-
sihle. We are living In day that the
arts and sciences are making great pro.
gress and we sincerely hope that honesty
and an economical government may
make equally as rapid strides.
There is one other thing Of which /
would speak which seems to me so un-
pardonsble that cannot refrain from
comment. That is in reference TO the be-
stowRl or the patronage or rather In using
1t 10 further his political schemes.
l will mention one case on this subject
which l deem sufficient A citizen Of
Lewis came to the institution 10 make
sale Of some produce, the terms were
agreed upon and AN engagement made,
few days there after this citizen was
called upon to know how he was going 10
vote, he informed his interrogation that he
would support Gov. Jacob, giving his
reasons whereupon he was Immediately
informed that he (Osmden) could buy no
produce OF him, thereby forcing him to
seek market elsewhere. The hire oil q
general superintendent at an enormous
price is another expense which was not
Incurred during the erection oil the most
difficult portion OF the entire building
namely the centre seCtlon). There went
out OF the small amount appropriated for
the construction, last year $3.50 90 and
this for four months work. Now this can
easily be dispensed with for there is good
and efficient workmen living in our town
who presided over their respective
branches during the erection OF the two
threestOry sections now complete, and as
the entire building is already designed
the two sections yet to 60 up are exactly
similar to those already up, which will
enable said foreman to progress without
any difficulty, having a model to go by.
They can be answerable TO the building
committee and thereby save $4,000 or
$2,700 in the course Of year; In the
couse of eight or ten years enough can be
saved to erect one section Of the building
By the simple process Of addition any
man can see for himself that these figures
are facts and cannot be considered in the
slightest degree enormous.
The fine farm contained in the Asylum
boundary is certainly IN a most dilapi-
dated condition. Thorns and thislles
have taken complete possession, and fenc.
ing is out Of the question. 1t being the
property Of the State, think as a matter
OF pride, il not Of profit, 1t should be put
In better condition. 1t certainly suggests
the idea that my money comes easy and
l can live without your aid.
The reports Of the Board are such as
express general satisfaction, at which we
are not surprised, they having a set time
TO visit the institution; the parties all
being aware Of it, the most brilliant
preparations are made for their reception,
everything is polished to It's brightest
capacity, they are delightfully."- entertain.
ed by all that accomplishment can lend 10
the entertainment, and all goes on as
smoothly as the unrippled stream.
Their reports are so plausibly explained
that not without the most careful inVesti.
cation can anything be seen that is not In
conformity with strict economy. The
friends OF Mr.. Camden have made their
boasts that they would by legislation
wrest from the hands OF the Governor
the appointing power, and thereby render
useless that important Office, and plant in
oLr noble institution at Weston, a leech
that you cant shake of. And now Mr..
Taxpayer, in view Of these things let the
cry be simultaneous from every part Of
the State against such proceedings and
show to our legislators that the people
want them TO legislate for the benefit Of
the whole and not for sect. l am
prompted to this by no feelings oil ami
mostly, hut simply 10 bring about more
economical state Of things.
By AN EYEWITNESS.