Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-01-26
ZINE INSANE HOSPITAL.
,mportant Hearing Before the Commit
tee on Insane Asylum.



"a and Mrs. G. W. Quinby. from the Board
Of Trustees of the Hospital, were present;
also Dr. Harlow, Superintendent of the Hos
,;,al. Captain Lakn, Steward and Treasurer,
and Mrs C. X. Whidden of Calais. lady Wis.,
,or. A communication was received and
read from the Board of Trustees, asking a
fall and searching investigation into the man
aeement and affairs of the Hospital. long
letter was read from Miss A. A. Chevallier of
Boston, written on paper with the imprint up
IN it of the ''National Association for the
Protection of the Insane and the Prevention
Of Insanity" She suggested that a public
meeting be held in Representatives. Hall
in February, at which time some expert on
insanity should be present and lecture on the
proper method of conducting a modern in
ment of the Maine Asylum was fifty years be-
hind the times, and that something should be
done to bring it up to the present stand
ard. Senator Pattangall referred to an
anonymous communication in the Boston
Herald Of Friday Of last week, in which a
seandalous attack was made upon the affairs
Of the Insane Hospital, and especially upon
Captain Lakin who was designated as "a
mean, unprincipled, INSCRIPTIONS and vulgar
fellow" Mr.. Pattangall said that.an article
50 widely circulated as the letter in the Her
aid demanded some notice.
The members of the Committee discussed
the matter, and then requested Mrs. Whidden
Of Calais to relate her experiences as lady
visitor Of the Hospital.
Mrs. Whidden told her story in a straig hit
forward manner, which carried conviction
to the minds of all present. From her Of
fee she had keys to all the
doors of the Hospital, and was ac-
customed to visit the institution at all
hours of the day and night. Living out of
town she often visited Augusta Unexpectedly
at sll hours of the night. She had never
found the attendants derilect She had one
son in the Hospital, whom she loved with q
mothers warm love. He had been there sew
eral years. She had made inquiries in regard
to other institutions; and the more she had
searched, the more contented she was to leave
her son in DIR. IIarlow's care. The food was
abundant and nutritious, and the patients
were kindly treated. Last year this lady
passed is days at the Hospital and there
fore speaks from thorough acquaintance
with the subject.
Question by DR.. Eaton-''Is it not possible
for the Hospital to be managed with more
scrupulous care while you are present than at
other timesy
Mrs Whidden-'.Yes.''
Question jy Mr.. Goss-''Do the officers of
the Hospital know when you are coming?"
Mrs. Widden-'No, sir never"
Senator Paffangaii-"There are visitors
to the Hospital every day, are there not?
Mrs. Whidden-.'Yes, sir. A large num-
Der of visitors come to the Hospital nearly
every day
Senator Pattangaik-'.Wha is your opin-
ion about the employment of a female physi-
cian?'
gone complete revolution on that subject
From long and careful observation, | am
convinced that a woman could not have the
necessary authority in administering medi-
cines The female patients often refuse to
take their medicines when potioned out by
the nurse, but never refuse to take them
"hcna male physician was present"
Captain Lakin was questioned, and stated
that he had been connected with the Hospital
nearly six years. No special preparations
IL, a., ~,
Mrs. Qunby stated that she was FORM
erly the lady visitor of the Hospital. Living
IN Augusta she was accustomed to visit the
Hospital at all times and hours of the day
and night. At present she was a member of
The Board of Trustees. She had signed
Their report dissenting on two points
She thought that the water supply
was inadequate in seasons of drought,
and she advocated taking water directly
"om the river. She was also pro-
nounced in favor of a female physician. She
"ought that the patients were generally
treated humanely. In her opinion other
Asyiums were in advance of the Maine In
sane Hospital in comforts and modern APP
pliances.
Question 6y Senator Mii-'Mrs. Quinby,
10 You know of any good reasons for the
enarges made in the Herald article?''
Mrs QRinby-"I do not
question by Dr.. Linscott-''Is there, at pres
en' sufficient supply of water at the Hos
pitalg"
Mrs. Qaiajy-'I suppose there is
a plan was then submitted by the Trustees,
-" inc proposed new building to be erected on
me east side of the main building.
Is to be of brick, l20x42 feet, three
'''ries In height, with a Mansard roof The
sOs' OF erection will be about $4,000.
'ne trustees now have nearly $4,000 in
"0oey, which sum has accrued from careful
management of the Asylum. The question
@ raised whether or not it would be pru-
'"' 70 build the addition solely from this ac-
ueu sum, or ask the Legislature for an
-ppropriation of several thousand dollars to
Ne up the necessary amount. The Trus-