The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-03-01
SATURDAY EvEN'G, MARCH /, 1873
The Eastern Lunatic ASYLUM.

nHdoio uianaSeiucut vi LII. ~. II. DIOWer,
will ask for very small increase of appro-
priation this year, and in our judgment
should have it. The institution now ac-
commodities about three hundred patients,
principally those constituting state charge.
The appropriation heretofore has been but
sixty thousand dollars year, making the
entire expense to the State only about two
hundred dollars per annum for each patient,
including about six thousand dollars for
transportation which is not paid by the
towns and counties, as in most other states,
but out of the general fund appropriated for
the support Of the institution. The man
agement will ask for an increase of five
thousand dollars only, and this additional
sum is absolutely needed for the benefit of
the patients, and will be expended chiefly
in furniture to replace that which is worn
out, and purchase what is needed for the
extension to the buildings-one calculated
to accommodate at least one hundred new
patients. This extension has no furniture,
and was erected under the present manage
ment at an expense of only 100000 to
the state-making the cheapest building for
the accommodation of insane patients to
be found in the United States, considering
the actual number it will accommodate.
And yet the building is every way suita-
BILE to the purposes for which it was erected,
as well as creditable to the state, the ac-
commodations being all that could be rea-
sonably desired.
The Superintendent in his report says
that an appropriation of not less than sixty
five thousand dollars, together with the
amount that may be derived from pay
patients, should be made by the General
Assembly, for the general support for the
coming year. They cannot reasonably ex-
pect more than two thousand dollars from
pay patients. This will give them sixty-seven
thousand dollars for general support, of
which, at least, six thousand will be neces-
sary for transportation expenses. This will
leave only sixty-one thousand dollars with
which to support the patients and make
such repairs as are absolutely necessary,
and they expect to have in the asylum by
the first of January, or sooner if the heat
ing apparatus is finished, at least fifty addi-
tonal patients, making the whole number
to be supported three hundred. Every
cent of this amount, says the superinten-
dent. will be absolutely necessary for the
purposes above specified, and will give
nothing whatever with which to pay any
judgments that may be obtained for back
debts.
The attention of the General Assembly
is also called to the deficiency of their
water supply. A steam pump of ample
capacity, which is also fire engine, has
been purchased, the water tanks have been
raised to such an elevation as to be SER
viceable in event of fire, limited amount
Of hose has been purchased, the old fire
plugs have been refitted, and the water has
been introduced in the upper stories of the
buildings. But while the water supply
and storage is sufficient for ordinary pur-
poses, it would be insufficient in case of fire.
70 supply this deficiency, reservoir of
not less than one hundred and seventy
five thousand gallons should be
built, and this storage be held as a
reserve in case of fire. A duplicate of the
steam pump should be purchased, so that in
the event Of one breaking down they would
have another ready for use. Additional
fire plugs are needed, and at least one
thousand feet of three inch hose. Ar
rangements should also be made for filling
the attics, at moments notice, with live
steam, and to have number of Bah
cocks Fire Extinguishers /" at convenient
points.
These are among the pressing needs of
the institution, and special appropriation
of four thousand dollars would meet them
and protect the buildings from fire, agreea-
bly, to the suggestions ofthe Superintendent.
1t is absolutely needed for the security and
safety of the property, and the Legislature
should not adjourn without making the
special appropriation asked.
We regard this Asylum at Williamsburg
as one Of the best institutions in the whole
South. 1t is certainly one of the most
economical in its management in the whole
country, while its percentage of recoveries
will compare favorably with the best
managed institutions in the North. Its
demands upon the Legislature are ex-
tremely moderate. 1t should have what it
asks.
HERE is fruitful question for the law
yers. A jury is composed of twelve per-
sons-we mean petit jury in an ordinary
law suit in court of record. We suppose
verdict would be set aside should it APP
pear that there were but eleven iurymen.
And for the same reason the verdict found
by jury of thirteen would not be good.
Out in Wyoming women serve on juries,
and q defendant who was found guilty by q
mixed jarv Of men and women, now asks
TO have the verdict set aside because one Of
the jury women had her baby with her