The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1881-03-09
Some Good Evidence.

Senator Keiser, of Pulaski, IN letter 10
the Winamac Republican, of which paper he
is editor thus speaks ofthe Indiana Hospital
for the Insane and of its management:
On Friday afternoon last, in compsny with a
friend visited the Institution for the first time
and went through the greater part of The male de-
partment I was shown through the various
wards by DR.. Hubbard, and a very gentlcmanly
and accommodating usher he proved
to be: lie is but one of the physicians
in this part Of the Asylum. / presume the
other Physicians are equally pleasant and sflable,
but was not fortunate enough TO make their ac-
quaintance. DR.. Hubbard Is a very social, pleas
ant man. understands his business thoroughly, +
should judge, and seems to have complete con
troll OF the inmates. They govern by kindness,
aud it is only in very violent eases where any re-
straint is used and then only sufficient 10 pre-
vent the patient from doing himself or any one
else harm. found the attendants, all of them,
apparcntly governed by the same humane ideas
that govern Dr. Hubbard.
The wards were all scrupulously clean and
neat. The beds were good and clean. The food
better and in greater variety than many families
outside the Institution have. There are no bar
pa.ous; appliallses USED 70 Compel snornslsslo
10 is necessary that this be done. Everything Is
quiet. / found some reading, some playing the
organ. some playing cards. Others talking and
others string Off by Themselves There are yarious
grades, and are so divided OFF and arranged as 10
be susceptible of easy management. The few
hours we were there satisfied me that | do
not want position in Lunatic Asylum. Ii is a
sad sad sight to see several hundred human be-
ings I'm the cor dition these are, even surrounded
rs they are by all the care and comfort the State
can devise and procure.
There are some fine looking men there. Ply
sically there IS hardly blemish. and n number,
who in repose, show BY neither look nor expires
sion OF cOuntenance, that there is anything the
matter. Then there are Others from whose
countenance every spark of intelligence has fled,
and who in form are only human.
There are IA number OF organs in the building
one in every ward where il is safe to keep it. 4
number Of the inmates plsy i stepped into the
ward where Mr. J. W. Clark stays. and he knew
me at once. inouiriug about my family and
friends, aud answered quite cOheTently every
question I put 10 him. but his mind would
wander or He is quiet and tractablc. He is
and can use his arm and leg TO some extent. His
ease is a sad one, and excites much interes,
among the physicians. He has good care and at
tentton- / did not see Barry Lane. but Ir. Hub
bard told me there was no change iii his
condition.
This building is entirely separate from the one
in which the females are. i can not take room
for description of either building now.
After had gone through this department
visited for few minutes the building devoted to
the females. / was shown through several wards
by Miss McGill, very intelligent and charming
lady, but as my time was limited / did not 30
through the building 1t was puzzle to me how
any one connected with this Institution could keep
from becoping solemn and sour-visaged, but Miss
McGill and the lady attendants " HON met in the
wards are bright and cheerful ana good natured.
presume they get used to seeing the sights
brought daily under their notice
Not being satisfied with my first trip TO the new
Wilson. White aud shaffer again visited tue Asy-
lnm This tiIae we were received by DIR. Rogers,
the Superintendent The Doctor is an earnest.
a2eomr lished gentleman, and confess ~ taking