Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-01-01
stroys physical health, develops insanity and

stroys physical health, develops insanity and
shortens life.
The civil condition of those admitted dur
ing the year is as follows: 81 men. and 40
women are married; 81 men and "a women
are single; II are widowers and Is are wild
ows.
OF the patients in the hospital to-day, 81
receive their entire support from the State,
200 receive State aid Of $3.50 per week, and
Gl pay the whole of their expenses, or are
supported by their friends at the rate of So. Is
or 500 week, according to accommoda-
ton. Since the hospital was first opened for
the reception of patients, in Oct, 1910, there
have been admitted APIS; of these, 1904
have been discharged, 1909 recovered, 734
improved, GA unimproved, and AT have
died.
The medical and moral treatment of patients
has received special attention; such drugs as
seemed adapted to each case have been pre-
scribod, and such moral appliances as could
be commanded have been called into action.
The additional means for the amusement and
diversion of the patients, by the purchase of a
piano, billiard table, parlor croquet, etc,
was move in the right direction, and they
have beguiled many a weary hour that other
wise would have hung heavily. The library
has also proved a source of comfort and pro-
regularly by the excellent Chaplain, Rev. Mr..
Penney. The need of chapel accommodations
continues to be felt The outside work of
the hospital has been we'll and faithfully at
tended to by the Steward, Capt. Leighton.
The farm has maintained more than its usual
productiveness. Not only a large amount OF
work has been done in carrying on the farm,
but in making improvements on the premises.
Some % rods of brick drain have been laid
and other drains finished; a cellar has been
dug under one of the barns; another reservoir
has been built which will hold 500 hogsheads !;
the raising of the wharf, begun last year, has
been finished, and a substantial coal house
erected thereon; changes and improvements
have been made in the centre building of the
hospital; considerable painting has been done
and new furniture purchased.
The same urgent necessity now exists that
has existed for some time, for further hospi-
tai accommodations. The work of erecting
a similar hospital, either at Augusta or else
where, cannot be begun too soon.
The Superintendent expresses thanks for
various donations received.
There has been no change in the resident
officers, save the addition of another assistant
physician-Dr. Maria A. Meservey, who is
we'll read in the science of medicine. DR..
Sanborn, the efficient assistant superinten-
dent, continues faltll1ul at MS post OF duty.
Capt. W. 4. Leighton, the steward Mrs.
Betsey X. Parsons, the matron, Mr.. A. B.
Hodgkins and Mrs. B. T. Sanborn, the su.
pervisors; and M. Amos Church, the farm
superintendent, each receive honorable men,
ton.
THE TRUSTEES REPORT
covers about the same points that are taken
up by DR.. Harlow. They endorse most
heartily all the recommendations, suggestions
and facts contained in his report.
THE CHAPLAIN's REPORT.
The Chaplain, Rev. C. F. Penney of this
city, reports that during the year he has per-
sonally or by acceptable substitutes, held re-
ligious services each Sabbath afternoon. The
services consist of singing, reading of scrip
ture, prayer, and short discourse-the en-
tire services usually occupying about three
fourths of an hour. There seems to be q
large number of the patients to whom the con-
solutions of the Gospel of Christ are peculiar
ly adapted to cheer and to soothe, and who
are helped and comforted by the ministry
of the Word. The uRiform attendance has
been large; the congregations have been quiet
and orderly. The need of chapel has never
been more imperatively felt, than for the past
year. This matter should receive the early
and earnest attention Of all interested in this
institution so benevolent in its aim and so
honorable and praiseworthy to the State.