The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1875-11-13

A correspondent who does not wish to
have his name published, but who asserts his
willingness and ability to substantiate all his
charles, writes that some OF the abuses in the
treatment OF the insane which have been
brought to Nj ht during the investigation OF the
Flatbush Asylum are not exceptional IN that in
stitution, but arc common in asylums Of tho
highest reputation. He instances the state
ASYLUM In Utica, which is considered a model
institution, and In which his father was an in
mate for several months. lie brings no charge
against the responsible managers Of that insti-
tuition, except negligence In delegating too
much authority to the attendants, or keepers,
and disposition to shield them from censure
when they are discovered to have abused thls au-
thorty for fear that the reputation Of the asylum
would be injured II the facts should become
known. hut big father tells some shocking
tales OF cruelty inflicted upon himself aud
Others by brutal attendants, and says that he
WIS once savagely beaten and kicked by his
keepers because he could not force himself TO
eat We do not wish to be considered a. youch-
ing for the truth OF these charges, which we
state very mildly In comparison with the Ian.
guage used by our correspondent, but the sub
ject Is one Of public interest, and we do
not wish to deny the complainant a hear
ing. He very Justly says that the attend
ants in an asylum have a great ADVANTAGE
over the patients connded to their care. mas
much as the former are competent with esses,
while the latter being insane, their evidence is
not recognized as Trustworthy, 40 that COM
plants Of real abuses are often treated as the
results OF a diseased Imagination. One thing Is
certain, that ignorant, passionate, uncouth men
or women have no business as EMPLOYEES in a
lunatic asylum, where patience, forbearance,
and gentleness. combined with hrmness, are
qualities essential for those charged with the
custody OF demented patients. 1t Is only occa-
sionally that the physicians In charge pass
through the halls where the lunatcs are con-
1ned, for the greater part OF the time the latter
are under the absolute control OF the keep
ers. In many cases, men and women OF edu-
cation and refinement, whose insanity Is OF
such a nature that they might pass hours In or
binary society without any trace Of aberrant
intellect manifesting itself, are placed under
subsection to keepers who, with perhaps the
best Intentions, are utterly Incapable OF appre-
ciatinG the mental condition Of the patients.
and who, by domneerina manners and acts Of
unconscious rudeness, are continually ageravat-
ing the malady. Where ill-tempered and con-
scienceless keepers are employed, the results
may easily be imagined Our correspondent
saws there IL Commissioner appointed by the
state to supervise the management OF the Utica
asylum, but that the patients do not dire 10
make complaints TO him FOR fear OF consequences.
He, however. Is not An Inmate, and can have no
reason to dread consequences and II. a. he as
serts he Is prepared to maintain his charges at
any time, his proper course would he to make
them directly to the officials having authority.
When they refuse t. pay attention to complaints
which are supported by satisfactory proofs, It
will be the right time for him to appeal to the
press for aid.