The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-07-20
THE INSANE ASYLUM.
mAT AN EXPERIENCED LADY SAYS
az IRIS PRESENT MANAGEMENT.


II unuld investigate the matter thoroughly. and
accordingly sent reporter to make inquiries
into the condition Of the City Insane Asylum.
which is now located In the United States Ma
fine Hospital, on Common street.
with this purpose In view the reporter called
on Mrs. s. N. Moody. the lady president OF the
Ladies, Insane Asylum Relief Association. On
sending up his card he was ushered into a
spacious parlor. and In few moments Mrs.
Moody made her appearance,
Reporter-Good morning madame. hope
you will pardon my intrusion; but as You see
By my card. ] am connected with the DEMOCRAT
and called to see II you would allow yourself to
be interviewed on the subject Of the Insane
Asylum.
Mrs. Moody-Be seated, sir. 1t will afford me
great pleasure to give you all the information
in my power. am truly glad the papers are
taking an interest in this matter.
Rep.-I will commence. then. madame, by
asking you what the condition of the Insane
Asylum Is at the present timer
Mrs. MI will state TO you. sir. that the con-
dition Of the asylum is very much improved
from what 1t was at this time two years ago.
Rep.In what condition was 1t when your as
ISOLATION first commenced to take an interest In
the matter2
Mrs. M.--When we first visited the asylum 1t
was In very poor condition; theswalls were
bare and there seemed TO DO no system about
the management
NOW EVERY THING rs ARRANGED
In a systematic manner. At meal time bell is
rung and the patients walk into the dining
rooms as regular as soldiers. Before they were
simply told that dinner was ready and they
went to II or not. as they chose.
Rep.--This changed condition of things is no
doubt owing then. TO your association
Mrs M.-We certainly have had something to
do with it still we do not claim to have done
all. We bought pictures and had them hung
on the walls, and also had curtains made for
Rep.-What is the sanitary condition OF the
Mrs. N.-Eyerything is kept In the most
clearly condition: the floors are well scrubbed,
the windows washed, and. In fact every part of
the building Is kept in most thorough con-
Rep.--It ID said that the sexes we're mixed
Unfortunately together. Have you noticed
this2
Mrs, M.-The sexes are now entirely sep
Rep-How are they placed In regard to color9
+ Mrs. M.-The white and colored patients have
separate apartments, although the males eat In
the same room, at the same hour. but at sepa-
rate tables; The white and colored females eat
Rep.-Wi you be kind enough. madame, to
toll me what the condition of the beds and bed
clothes are?
II.
are supplied with
ALL THE NECESSARY COVERING,
and which Is in a nice condition; besides all
me beds that nat are e. occupied are provided with
eupied are not in as good condition.
Rep.-W What Is the condition of the food used2
Mrs. M.-The food Is exceedingly good. It Is
sy o. roh oT E6296 kaa
sOned food. That would be of an exciting ma.
ture and greatly detrimental to their health
but they have an abundance OF good wholesome
food.
Rep.--Of what do the articles of food consist
Mrs. M.-They have excellent bread. as good
as eat or any one could DESIRE They have
meat and vegetables in abundance.
Rep.-.What then. Is the principal thing they
Mrs. M.-They are always in
GREAT WANT OF CLOTHING.
You would be surprised to see the quantity that
lis destroyed. When they are In an excited condi-
suits day / know of one lnstance-a young
girl who destroyed three suits, one after sn-
other, and then tore up her sheets into thin
strips. She had to be placed In straight jacket
before she would allow anything to remain on
Rep.,-What is the treatment used to cure
Mrs. M.-The treatment is of a mild and gen.
tie character calculated to ailay excitement. AS
an example. i will cite the case of q young man
who went there some time since. Before he
went to the asylum he was at times very violent
now he is as quiet and gentle SO lamb. When
always helps. His father told me that the first
time he called to see him there. he found him
gone to get some tobacco, and he walked up and
said, How are you. father" There was then
no appearance OF 1nssnity about MIN.
Rep.-When the patients become violent. what
Is done with them2
Mrs Min that case they are confined In
apartments
but these rooms are not uncomfortable They
are about 8x12 feet, and well ventilated.
Rep.-lt am not mistaken the Grand Jury
report said that the food was passed under the
doors to
THOSE UNFoETUNATEs
who were confined.
Mrs. M.-That is true but 1t is necessary.
When insane people become excited 1t is dan
gerous for any one, to go near them. and the
passing of their food to them in that way is only
Rep.-How are the ordinary quarters ar
rRnged2 Do they occupy rooms or are they
Mrs. M.-They occupy rooms. and think the
arrangement OF them Is very fine: many people
say that they look like chicken-coops. but do
not think so. You see they are not walled up
and pIastered, but are built Of stats. perDen-
Rep.-Mrs. Moody. 1t is also said that the ma
tron does not have proper attendants for the
female patients.
Mrs M.-The matron receives
ALL THE ASSISTANCE
she needs from among the inmates. many Of
whom at times are partially sane and able to
attend to any duties assigned them. Nearly all
of them have lucid intervals. The inmates give
ali the necessary assistance required, and there
are no outside attendants employed for that
reason.
Rep-Is there physician In regular attend
anee?
Mrs. M.-Yes: there is physician in charge,
but at the present moment cannot recollect
his nsme
Rep-Does his treatment seem to have any
effect on the patientsP Do any of them recover?
Mr. M.-The physician seems to be very sue
cessful. On an average about six patients
ARE DISCHARGED CURED
every month.
Rep.-What is the number of patients In the
asvlum now?
Mrs MAS near as can remember there
are 1888.
OF their health?
MRS. M.-They have universal good health,
There is scarcely ever q case Of sickness In the
asylum,
stands is all that is required?
Mrs M-The building. although not exactly
what many would desire. La SO much improved
that we do not like to ask for anything more.
The only thing we feel justified In asking for
now from the oitV ia n larger RUnDlv Of uvatar