Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-12-01

the vermont asylum of that approved char
acter as would be expected TO produce
reasonably beneficial eITects9 We have
heard no complaint about the manner in
which they are clothed or fed and certain
ly discerned no cause for any. We were
not able TO determine 10 our utmost salts
faction as TO the efficiency Of their open air
exercise, although we were assured by The
managers that II was fully up to their needs
and the requirements of health. Judging
from what we saw and were able to learn
respecting diversions by way of entertain
ment and amusements it would he unjust
TO find the management markedly faulty
in this direction.
| We found a comparatively small number
of patients undergoing different kinds or
forms OF restraint, but in no instance, in
our belief, did The cause or method involve
either cruelty or improperly. A few we're
secluded by being locked in separate rooms,
but this small number included none
whom 1t was safe 10 allow in company or
association with others. This fact was per-
fectly patent from the appearance of the pa
| TENTS. In conclusion of this subject we
could not find that mechanical restraints,
| locks, CRATES or bars occupy any more
prominent position in the ordering or di-
rection of the Vermont asylum than in the
asylum at Northampton. No evidence has
been discernable to us, that the active
medical treatment of the patient was less or
different from that which the best skill
would suggest and we certainly would
not feel justified in INDUCING in speculn-
tive conjecture In the entire absence of
proc: and against The presence of PROBABLE
| tiles.
The number aud apparent standing ofthe
corps of medical attendants we found to be
equal that at Northampton, and the num-
| Der of subordinate attendants a few more
than at the last named hospital, and the
| number of inmates at the two institutions
| the same.
Our statement thus far has been confined
| TO what we conceived to be such facts and
conclusions of fact as are truo and material
and bearing upon what might be expected
for results.
We now come 10 the results as proved by
the statistics of the Vermont asylum in
comparison with those of other states. We
make com parsons for the last ten years
and find the percentage of recoveries for
that time at the Vermont asylum to be
1904; and of deaths, 7.O2. The mean aver
| age or percentage Of rocoveries and deaths
for the rest of New England during tho
sane time, we find TO be as follows:
Percentage of recoveres, 90. II of deaths,
1925. These comparisons have been made
with institutions similar in character with
that at Brattleboro, and we believe them a
fair test, which, IL true, leaves the conclu-
sion inevitable that the treatment of the in
sane at tho Vermont asylum is at least rea-
sonably successful.
We could hardly do full justice to the
questions involved without briefly stating
our opinion in regard to the tendency of
the institution at Brattleboro, in the direc-
ton of improvement and reform. 1t is
quite clear that it has not reached Il state OF
perfection, but quite as evident that the
last few years have witnessed a substantial
change in many respects, all of which has
materially bettered its condition, and at the
present time still further notifications and
changes in the direction of reform are in
contemplation. We are fully satisfied that
the institution is under the management of
humane, competent and conscientious Of
fcisls, whose single purpose is 10 do their
duty fully and well.
AT this point we may he pardoned for
venturing an opinion upon the question or
propriety of establishing state asylum. If
one were TO he erected its capacity should
undoubtedly be equal TO the accommoda-
ton OF three hundred patients. According
TO the best authorities the expense for
buildings, apparatus and appliances, at the
lowest estimate, would be at the rate of one
thousand dollars for each patient 10 DO ac-
commodated, making the COST If authority
aud the experience of other states are at all
reliable, three hundred thousand dollars.
Tue cost OF the asylums in Massachusetts
with one or Two exceptions, have been
largely in excess of the above estimate.
III view of these facts, we do not feel self
sacrificing enough, 10 take upon ourselves
the burden Of attempting to secure The nee
essary appropriation for that pupose.
We have been requested by the superin-
tendent and trustees of the asylum. TO rec
ommend a bill increasing the pay for keep
ing state insane to three dollars and fifty
cents per week, aud the aid 10 towns 10 one
dollar per week.
Weare of the opinion that the state should
pay the asylum the actual cost Of keeping
and supporting its insane, and no more
and are also of the opinion that the cost, up
| on an average, is three dollars and thirty
three cents per week, for each patient, we
therefore recommend the passage of the &c
campaigning bill herewith submitted.
HENRY c. BELDEN, Committe
G. w. BRIGHAM, of the
l.. p. GEORGE, Senate.
II. G. ABELL,
L. o. PORTER, on part OF the