The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1875-11-25

D s"harged during the year. e.... 156
Remaining under treatment, ,.,.., asa
OF those discharged there were;
Recovered Observation-Disclosures SO
Improved. Observation-Disclosures. 26
Unimproved.. }n.A....,........ ID
Died d.J..,,,,l...,......,..,..., 20
Not lnsane.' '..,..,"..,,,..... 3
Among the number admitted, was one
negro, the first citizen of African de-
scent received as patient since the in
stitution was founded.
The building is entirely completed
and furnished with accommodations for
800 patients. The hospital district is
composed of nineteen counties, and pa
tients are apportioned according to popu-
lation. The quota of Stark is 40 and
there are "a in the hospital.
Considerable space is devoted in the
report to the loose manner in which in
quests are held and the deception 80
often praCticed in order to get patients
into the Hospital, both of which are Sc
verely condemned as retarding the
treatment of the case.
The per capita expense Of maintenance
is $3.38 per week. Last year it was $4.07
and the year before $3.50. Notwith-
standing the reduction it is conceded by
those who know, that the fare has never
been better. The current expenses for
the year foot up $3.50, ,390.l8.
Patients have had the liberty of the
grounds more freely than any previous
year and the escapes have been fewer.
lhe building is complete and we'll fin
ished. Being fire proof, no such ca
lamity as that which occurred three
years ago can ever again happen. In the
arrangement and furniture, it will COM
pare favorably with any State institution
of the kind in the country. The special
improvements for the year have been an
increased supply of water for drinking
and culinary purposes, laying out and
beaulifying the grounds, erection of gas
works, construction of an improved re-
frlgerator for the preservation of fresh
meats, milk and fruits, an electric tele-
graph by means of which direct and
speedy communication can be had be-
tween the Office and other parts of the
Hospital.
The appropriations asked for the year
1875 are for current expenses, 5000 ;
officers salaries, $,500; ordinary repairs,
$1,000; to complete the grading, setting
cut trees and repairing fences, $4,000 ;
for the purchase of five horses, 81 900 ;
for constructing root cellar, $500.
There is chapter on dietary, occupa-
ton and amusements as we'll as other
kindred subjects, but for these our read
ers must await the publication of the
full report.
Dr. Slusser closes with his resignation
as Medical Superintendent and the fol-
lowing personal explanation Justice
10 myself demands that | give the rea-
sons that impel me to this course. 1t is
well known in the immediate neigh
borhood of the Hospital, that last sum
mer combination was formed to effect
MY removal. 1t originated with several
discharged employees and few still re-
tained, aided and abetted by parties out
side who failed to secure the patronage
they had formerly enjoyed. BY their la
boriuus and unscrupulous efforts, such a
leellng was excited among the public,
that the Board of Trustees were induced
to investigate the matter. The alleged
charges were not sustained, but the in
yestlgatlon developed such opposition to
my administration that l concluded,
rather than be subjected to such annoy
ances | would resign, and accordingly ten
dered my resignation. A card from the
Board eXOnerating me and a notice OF
my resignation was published. AS the
motives which prompted this action on
my part, was atterward misConstrued to
my prejudice, and partisan papers and
political speakers made it the text OF IL
belous accusations, recalled that reslg-
nation, determined to remain and, ii 1t
became necessary, prove the talsity OF
the accusation. still hold myself in
readiness to appear before any proper
tribunal and not only defend but justify
my administration and personal conduct.
Since the institution has been cleared of
the discordant elements of last summer,
its movements have been as orderly and
a0 consistent as could reasonably be ex-
pected by any one familiar with institu-
tions of the kind.
The opposition to my administration,
so far as / have been able to learn, is
confined to a single locality or clique,
and, as the result of the last State cleo
ton has emboldened them to renewed
efforts, | have decided to resign. 1t is
unfortunate for the Benevolent Institu-
| tions of the State that they should be
made subservient to the interests of a
political party, but SO it is, and the
blame be upon that party who are re-
sponsible for the beginning of such un-
wise legislation. 1t is not now, likely to
cease so long as there are two political
parties. y' ia b3. ~ agi.lI n-,lA
| leave the Institution with the con-
sciOusness of having labored to dis
charge the responsible duties devolving
upon me, honestly and faithfully, with
an eye single to the good Of the unfortu-
nate inmates, and the interests OF tie
S ate. Jlreg9f .N9, N }ti-rJmt i
The evidences that l have received
from patients restored, and the friends Cf
those who are still under treatment, in
acknowledgment of benefits received,
are more than compensation for the in
justice that has been done me. The
interest l have always felt in the care
and treatment of the insane, and in the
management of our State Hospitals
shall not abate. i T
DR.. Slusser's resignation has been ac-
cepted, to take effect January 4th, and
the Board of Trustees have elected as his
successor DR.. j. Strong, e.