Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-01-03

has no discretion in the premises. Hence per-
son may be sent to the hospital without the pro-
lection it was probably the design Of the law to
give him. 1t is suggested that the section be so
amended that the certificates of physicians or cop
les be sent to the Superintendent with the COM
mitment.
In closing their report, the Trustees express
their continued and increased confidence in the
mana cement OF the hospital in all its departments.
The Superintendent. DIR. II. NJ. Harlow, reports
that degree of prosperity equal to that of any
previous PERIOD has attended the operations of the
hospital.
3Oth of November, 1S74-l94 men, and 1879 women
and there have been received since, 1911 men,
and II women. l78 have been dlscharged-93
men, and IS women.
The following was the condition Of those dis
charged recovered, 6S-34 men and "a women !;
improved, 3l-lS men and Is women unimproved,
27-li men, and IL women; died, 52-2S men, and
"a women.
The number of patients on each day has averaged
1893. The per cent. of recoveries on the number.
of patients admitted is trite less than that of
last year, it being about 30. On the number dis
charged it is larger, being over 3S. while last year
it was only about "a. On the whole number treat
ed in the year, 5sl, about II per cent. recovered.
The causes of death were as follows general
paralysis, s exhaustive mania, 6; consumption, 5
epilepsy, s; paralysis, 4. chronic insanity. 4
dropsy, 4 marasmus, dysentely, 3; apoplexy 3 !;
erysipelas, /; valvular disease of heart !; pneu-
monia, decay of age, l and died by their own
hands.
How to prevent suicides In hospitals, and in the
community, is grave question. The Doctor is
of the opinion that parading accounts OF suicides
in the newspapers has an influence to incite and
stimulate those who have tendency to selt-des-
truction. On the same principle we suppose the
burning of house will incite a whole neighbour
hood or community to burn other houses, instead
Of guarding their property and exercising more
care on account of the fire.
The assigned causes of insanity in those admit
ted during the year as follows ill health, ~;
OF head, g. domestic affection, 8; mastnrbaton, s:
epilepsy, puerperal, s; decay Of age, 5; spirit
ualsm, 5; over-exerton, 4; sun stroke, 3; loss Of
property, 8; religious excitement, 2; disappointed
affection 2; measles, one excessive use OF tobac-
co, /; paralysis, /; Jealousy ! /; cancer /; chronic
cold, ; venereal, /; unknown, 81.
The civil condition of those admitted during the
year is as follows: AZ males, and As females are
married; So males and "a females are single; s
are widowers and widows.
Fifty Of the patients in the hospital to-day are
supported wholly by the State; 297 receive State
aid Of 81. 80 per week; and Sc either pay all their
own expenses or are supported by their friends at
the rate of four to seven dollars per week accord
ing TO their accommodations.
Since the Hospital was first opened for the re-
ception Of patients in October. lS40, 1872 have
been received for treatment Of these, 4lS9 have
been discharged, OF whom 1888 recovered. 1913 i'm
proved, 702 unimproved, and S5l died.
intoxicating liquors, over-eating, and tobacco
are found to be the great causes of much insanity
The law of 1874 which returned so many IN
fortunates to almshouses and elsewhere has served
to keep at home many of that class who prior to
the law were accustomed to apply for admission.
With this statute in operation the Supt will be
able to regulate the supply and demand, so that
further public provision for the insane will not be
an absolute necessity for some time to come.
According to the best information now at hand,
there are from twelve to fifteen hundred insane
the hand of charity. Only about one-fourth this
number are within its folds, while the remainder
are waiting for the blessed gift. 1t is trusted that
all which the promptings OF benevolence seem to
demand viii be granted, and that the law which
dcprives the imbecile and demented of the COM
forts of hospital home, will soon be stricken from
4 new chapel and assembly room has been
erected, with Kitchen and dormitores below, at an
expense Of twenty-five thousand dollars. The
need of such . building has long been felt. 1t Is
nearly ready for occupancy. though small ap-
preparation win be needed for the purchase Of fur
nitnre A beautiful airing court has been provid-
ed by fencing q grove, embracing also lawns,
rayines and miniature woods. Several picnic
parties have been held there, and it has been often
occupied by the patients both male and female.
Various amusements are provided for the inmates.
Three 54-inch steam boilers, from the Whittier
Machine Works, have been put in. These were
deemed necessary on account of the precarious
condition Of the old boilers. They were put in
at an expense of some four thousand dollars.
Needed repairs have been made in the various
wards, and other improvements are suggested.
The yalue Of the farm has been equally ap-
parent the past year as at any time previous. MIR.
Ashford Sampson is at the head OF the working
force. Good crops have been raised, and much
has been done to keep up the standard OF cultiva-
ton. The farm was never in so good condition
as it now is. The value Of the stock has been in
creased in quantity and quality by the addition OF
new animals of the most approved breeds. The
hospital stock now consists of 80 cows, III oxen,
yearlngs, 10 calves, bulls Al hogs, rs plgs and
horses.
Regular services have been held ID the little
chapel room, every Sabbath afternoon, or at the
grove in the park, conducted by the Chaplain,
Rev. {. F. Penney, who has also attended the 1un-
erals The services have seemingly made good
impression upon the inmates
The library still continues to exert good IN
tluence; additions are annually made to il with
the income from the inv ested fund. The patients
are also furnished with copies OF the principal
weekly newspapers in the State.
DR.. E. {. Neal of the State Hospital at Jackson
vile, ILL.,, has been appointed second assistant
Physician to the institution, and entered upon his
duties last July. He has thus far rendered good
service. Dr. Fred Harmon, who acted as assist
ant and apothecary clerk for one year. left in July,
to complete his studies. The Superintendent ex-
presses gratitude to all his assistants for the gen.
erous help they have rendered him.
Mr.. Lakin, the Steward and Treasurer, reports
the expenditures the past year to be S9l, 4l4ol.
Net resources S3S, 29363.
already published in full.