The New York herald., 1875-11-17

CONTINUATION OF THE STATE COMMISSIONERS
INvESTIGATIoN-How AN EX-LUNATIc WAS
ABUsED-THE EVILS EXISTING AND THE
cAUsE-oTHER AsYLUMs.
The investigation before DR.. ordronaux, the State
Commissioner in Lunacy and the Citizens Committee
as to tho alleged abuses in the management of the
Lunatic Asylum at Flatbush, resumed yesterday
afternoon in the Fircman's Trust Insurance Company
Office Before opening the investigation Dir. 0rdronaux
read letter from Supervisor elect David d. Quimby in
relation to the treatment of patients at the asylum.
The letter had been sent 10 HIM by patient who
had been robbed of his clothing gagged hands
and feet He had been kept the floor all night and
then thrown into the bathtub where he was kept till
nearly sufocated. 1t further set forth that other
patients had been treated in similar manner some of
them being kept on ice.
Ex-Judge Greenwood lid not think they could take
any notice OF this communication it not sworn
to, and 1t was at best but the word of exlunatic
The letter was signed by d. w. Talmage whom Dr.
ordronaux said he could not reach that day. Other
members of the committee also objected to the recop-
tion of tho letter as proper evidence
DIR CoERY RECALLED.
DR.. Charles Cocry, on being recalled, testified that he
had made the statements accredited to him by Commits
Norris the day previous. He believed that tho
matron, Mrs. Cunningham, was well fitted
irons. Superintendent blanchard, witness said,
has many good traits but was not
cordial with the ladies' OF the visiting
did not advise Dr. Macdonald to resign but on the
contrary he told the Doctor go and complete his
annual report and then, if he that he could get
good private practice, might be well consider the
question of resignation. Every patient, the witness
considered should have at least two sheets The law
IL stands at present is too complicated. While
supervisory physician OF tho asylum he had called
for better accommodations spoons chairs and
plates for patients and the Commissioners had applied
them, but the Board Of Supervisors did furnish
them. The plumbing gets out of order and causes
great danger to the health of the patients Comms
Norris said that the Commissioners OF Charities
give bond of 500 600 TO the people for the faithful
performance of their duty, but they are under the
control OF committee of live members OF the Board
OF Supervisors, who give bond at all and deal
them the materials required in very stingy manner
Dr. Coery said the Flatbush Asylum will even now
kind in the State. No asylum could escape prejudice
on the part of ex-patents.
ARMAND KoRRFHR,
clerk at the Kings County Hospital testified that por
tion of his duties to translate for the physicians
and make requsitons for supplies for the Lunatc Asy
lum. He submitted q record showing what medicines
liquors and wines had been furnished each year. In
1878 they amounted TO 81, ,10s, which REDUCTION
OF 5000 in year All the institutions suffering
for the want OF supplies under the law. They do
get drugs for nearly two months after the limo
they make the requistons upon the Board Of Super
vsors.
ROBERT HEDpgN
Clerk OF the New York Board OF Charities and Corrcc-
tion testified that the salary of the superintendent
Blackwcs Island is 81, 000 and that the medical
sisants ST. 200 per year The attendants get
$40 per month, and all appointments are made by tho
Commissioners OF Charities In the Lunatlc Asylum
Wards Island there employed forty -four
and twenty nine attendants The administration thoro
is economical Complaints of III treatment OF patients
made sometimes. When attendants once dis
charged they not taken back again. When a
i'll treats kills patient the offender Is turned
TO tho authorities.
Commissioner Norris said that is what his Board
would do. DR. 0rdronaux doubted this.
The examination was thcn adjourned TIL three O'Clock