The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-03-20
The States Onnortuuity.

For several years the inadequacy of the In
:. sane Hospital at Augusta for the proper care
and treatment of the unfortunate persons for
whose reception the institution was establish
ed, has been notorious. The increasing num-
bers of those seeking admission has entirely
,outerown the capacity of the buildings, ana
those who can be received are subjected 10
very injurious overcrowding The Legsla-
ture of 1873 established commission.charged
with the duty of fully investigating the situa-
ton and recommending course OF ac-
ton for the State. The Commission present
ed two reports-one recommending the cree
ton of new buildings on the pavilion" plan,
3, and the other-Mr. Hiohborn's- advising the
adoption of the cottage system, which has
concurred in the suggestion of place, viz,
the present Hospital grounds at Augusta.
y The subject came before the Legislature
and was very fully discussed both in COM
smittee and in the House. From the course
OF debate it seemed that the ''pavillon" plan
was most satisfactory, that there was press
ing necessity of enlarged accommodations,
and that it was imperative upon the state in
the interest of humanity and decency to take
immediate action; and yet the proposition of
the committee was rejected for the sole rea-
son that Augusta was named as the place for
the new buildings. This was not the result
of local Jealousy, but Of a strong feeling on
the part of the members that public con-
venieuce required the establishment of hos
pitfalls in different parts of the State in ac-
cordance with the system of Massachusetts
and the theories of the most careful and sa-
gacious students of the subject. There was
also a somewhat vague sentiment of dissatis-
faction with the management of the present
hospital and strong indisposition to add so
largely to their charge. fsnf
1t may, then, be fairly concluded that the
State wants a new hospital, located else
pendent management. Andjust here occurs
possible opportunity of which the State
should hasten to avail itself. The United
States Marine Hospital at Cape Elizabeth is
fine, lerge, well built structure, containing,
if We rightly remember, six wards. 1t is To-
Gated ON one of the most beautiful spots in
Maine, ON an eminerce looking upon the
ocean, as perfectly adapted as place can be
for the treatment and cure of diseased bodies
or minds. For several years but few patients
of the class for which it was established have
been treated here, not exceeding an average
Of twenty at time and probably considerably
less than that number. An, expensive es-
Enlistment is kept up by the National Gov
eminent because, hitherto, there has been no
other place for the reception of diseased sea-
=, men, Now, however, the necessity ceases as
the Maine General Hospital will shortly be-
open, and an arrangement can be made be-
tween that institution and the United States
by which marine patients may be cared for at
vastly diminished expense to government
and to the advantage of our new Hospital.
Under these circumstances the Marine
Hospital can probably be purchased at a very
great reduction from its cost, as it will be
now simply wasteful burden to government.
We are informed that prominent official,
having some supervisory care of this depart
Tnent, has given the opinion that it would be
for the interest of the United States, to sell
the place al a very small price rather than
keep it up. We think the Governor and
Council would be justified in Immediately in
vestigating this subject, and learning upon
what terms the State could secure this very
desirable establishment.
1t will be incumbent upon the Governor to
recommend 10 the Legislature of next year
some action on this important matter, and
his recommendation should be accompanied
by such information as may be needed for in
telligent action. Gov. Dingley has shown so
strong disposition toward practical ard eff
fective conduct of his Office as to lead to tie
confident anticipation that he VIII not let pass
unimproved valuable opportunity for pro-
curing in an economical way, property which
the State must have.