Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-11-17

we secure every pOsslDlc auNdntaEc ~ OuH
household, by rotation in our clerical sup
ply, thus aGordng to those Of all deuomin-
alions the valued privilege Of hearing ia
turn their own.
The officers Of the Institution do not re-
gard the general plan Of the Asylum as
specially defective. When founded more
than generation ago, it wasin accordance
with the most approved architecture Of the
time, and though built by successive addi-
ton OF wings, and carried ultimately some
what beyond the original design, the ex-
tensions have nevertheless followed the ar
rangement Of Institutions planned for the
like capacity Of this at their beginning, and
which have been found 10 embody the
greatest practical advantages.
Minor defects have been mainly reme-
died, and the recent Improvements made
will be found more fully detailed in the re-
port of the operations of the Asylum for
the biennial period just passed, 10 which
we would refer in detail, and respectfully
request It's examination in connection with
that OF the Commissioner.
To the complaints that the Institution
has locked doors, and guarded windows,
and that mechanical restraints are employ
ed, we have only 10 reply, that we have in
use no safeguards, nor restraints not DEEM
ed essential to the proper management of
every similar institution throughout our
land.
The complaints against the enclosed air
ing courts for the use Of patients who can
not with propriety be taken out upon the
open grounds for exercise, ignores the fact
that such persons ought rather to be pro.
tected from, than exposed TO public obsyer-
walton, aud that such provision is of the
most vital importance in securing TO this
class, who otherwise could rarely be taken
out, the constant hygienic advantages OF
open air and sunshine, in common with
the larger class, who from the wards in
general, enjoy their daily exercise in the
eighteen acres OF uuenclosed grounds in
front Of the Asylum, or in longer walks
along the roadside or in the fields.
The Commissioners Explanation Of the
failure OF this Asylum as a Hospital for the
insane" calls for little final comment. The
points have been all met in the preceding
pages of this review. The melancholy
results, as shown by the Vital Statistics"
have been corrected, and will be seen 10 be
favorable TO its management" rather than
otherwise, and creditable in comparison
with the other State Institutions of New
England.
Its policy in respect TO extension, has
been shown TO be consonant with the gen.
eral State policy; and the assertion that
call its obligations were 10 this State rests
upon no shadow of foundation. The Com
missioner conveys the impression that the
interests OF the insane in this State have
been greatly prejudiced by the admission
| of those from other States, and the infer
ence is drawn that because the Institution
was patronized by the State, it should have
devoted itself solely 10 its interests.
That no such exclusivcness, however,
was contemplated, or entered into original
| ly, is sufficiently evident by the provso Of
1887, giving residents first or preferred
right; hence such an assumption at the
present time is unwarranted, as is that rel
| alive 10 the building up of an establish
ment beyond the capacity required for The
nu mber belonging 10 this State, and the
consequent reception Of a limited number
| from other States, as having been detri-
mental to those from Vermont. 1t is from
these that the surplus receipts of the Insti-
tuition have been largely derived, and out
of which have been afforded many OF the
| advantages all have enjoyed.
Its "enormous expense to the State" pc
cuniarily, and "of the lives and welfare of
citizens committed 10 its care" will be best
understood by the statistical facts, CAREFUL
| ly prepared, and herewith submitted.
! To the "Recommendation" Of the Com
missioner, that "the Legislature dissolve
the unnatural relationship of the State to
the Vermont Asylum for the Insane, and
erect as soon as may be Hospital for the
Insane, which shall be under its own con-
| troll and management" the Trustees have
only to say that this is question for that
body to decide: perhaps such a step would
relieve the Vermont Asylum of some of
| the gross Misrepresentation 10 which it Is
now subjected. TIE Trustees have kept
scrupulous faith with the Stale in respect
to the relations existing between it and the
| Asylum, and believe that the interests of
| the former have been better served there
by, than those of the latter. They would,
however, respectfully urge the insufficient
cy OF the allowance made by the Legisla-
ture for the State insane, and feel that it is
unfair at least to institute critical COMPARE
sons between this Asylum and those of the
neighboriRg States, without taking like
wise into account what Vermont has done
toward securing adequate provision and
proper care of its insane, in proportion to
the other States.
The officers of The Vermont Asylum feel
that it is quite lime that the relations of the
State 10 the Institution should be fully
| comprehended and that II these relations
| are TO be continued, there should be an end
| of all antagonism, and that henceiorth a
more liberal policy, and more charitable
| feeling should be, exercised toward the In
| stitution. These chronic complaints and
| expressions OF distrust, are alike injurious
| to The public and the Institution, and ought
| for the common good 10 be silenced.
J. DRAPER,
Secretary Of Board of Trustees and Super
| intendent.
'1n Connecticut the eight years. existence Of the
State hospital at Mddl etown, and the two previous
years of tho Hartford Retreat (Which until the OPEN
ing Of Middetown Institution, served the purposes Of