The Portland daily press., 1881-03-18
The Hospital Investigation.

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As already stated. the committee which has
been investigating the management of the In
sane Asylum at Augusta, submit three reports.
The majority report is signed by E. l.. Pattan-
gall and Nahum T. Hill, on the part of the
part of the Senate, and A. P. Morrill,, j. j
Linscott, M. F. Wentworth, Ellery F. Goss.
S. G. Marble, and H. w. Sargent, on the part
OF the House. OF the signers, Mr.. Lnscott is
Fusionist, and the rest are Republicans. The
majority discusses the charges seriatim, and
concludes that the water supply is sufficient
for lavatory and fire purposes; that DR.. Har-
low is a competent and faithful superintendent
and that the hospital is well conducted by
him; that the discipline of the hospital is
good; that the food is excellent and abundant;
that the matter of the employment OF fe-
male physician or additional medical attend
ance is for the trustees to consider, and does
nol call for legislation; that the attendants are
carefully selected, and politics do not enter in
ter into their selection that the lodge system
cannot be safely abandoned; that the ventilat-
ing apparatus is efficient; that there is no dis
position to avoid publicity; and that the finan-
cial management is above suspicion. In con-
CiuSlOu, tIo IudJorlty say.
AS the result of the investigation, your COM
mittee has reached the conclusion that the
Maine Insane Hospital is an institution fully
entitled to the confidence and support OF the
people of the State; that it is well governed;
that the discipline is firm and strong. The
very small number of cases of alleged abuse
of patients, and this number on the evidence
of persons who testified under sense of per-
sonal enmity towards the management, and
most of whom had been dismissed for causes
proven to be JUST the trivial nature OF some
cases; the entire failure to prove in Others and
the fact that in all cases where an offence &C
tually occurred. the offender was at once re-
moved, all go to disprove the charge OF want
of proper discipline. 1t is remarkable that,
dealing as they do with many cases OF acute
dowed with maniacal strength, it is possible to
so conduct such an institution for the twenty
years over which this portion of the investiga-
ton ranged, without affording more instances
which to fabricate charges. The sensational
articles, which have appeared before and dur
ing the investigation, in certain newspapers,
mostly outside of the State, were probably in |
tended to prejudice the public mind, and, if |
the always
acted forcibly upon public sentiment, by rea-
son OF their extravaganza and the absurdity of
their statements 1t is to the honor of the
press of Maine, that it could disregard the adj
NduGtScS VI S0uSdtlOudl 1UoIQS anu avail Inc
completion of the evidence on both sides, and
the report of the committee, before rendering
a verdict which might cause. far greater suffer-
ing than any charges by the enemies of the
institution. The conclusions of the committee
on other points are stated under their respect
on full examination we are much pleased to
find the institution fully up to the highest
standard of efficiency, in all its departments;
and it is with feelings of pride and pleasure
that we fully endorse the management of the
hospital, and commend this great charge to
the people of Maine.
MINORITY REPORTS.
There are two minority reports, one signed
by David Dudley, Fusion Senator from Aroos-
took, and the other by DR.. H. c. Easton,
Fusion representative from Camden. Mr.
Dudley agrees with the maj ority substantially
in their findings in regard to the present condi-
ton of the institution, but recommends the
employment of female physician and the
adoption of the cottage system.
Dr. Eaton is inclined to believe all the
charges made against the Hospital He makes
the following recommendations:
l. The employment of larger number of
attendants, and OF more experienced atten-
dants.
2. The employment of two head nurses, one
on the male and one on the female side of the
hospital.
3. The employment of night engineer, by
whom the halls and sleeping rooms could be
kept at healthful and even temperature dur
ing the night.
4; board of visiting physicians, consisting
OF from three to seven experienced and sue
cessful practitioners, one of whom shall be
female physician. These physicians should
frequently visit the hospital and thoroughly
inspect the condition of the inmates, employees,
&C.
5. Better discipline amang attendants to
prevent the danger of abuse.
g.. The employment of female physician
for the female wards.
Z. That some plan may be devised by which
violent patients may be kept covered, and not
thrust into the "lodge' in a nude state
8. More individual treatment of cases.
8. An additional female trustee.