The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1882-09-01


An examination of the tabulated state
ment OF the causes of deaths will show that
"a were from nervous diseases peculiar TO
insanity 10 from bowel diseases, which were
complicated with diseases of the brain and
nervous system with great nervous prostra,
ton. The other 10 from various acute ana
chronic diseases detailed in table below.
some of these cases were admitted in
feeble and exhausted condition, and upon
whose systems the hospital atmosphere had
depressing effect. -,
Bv referring to table below ii will
be seen that were in the asylum less than
one month, and 10 less than two months.
The principal causes were the Q, III amd
the crowded condition of the ill-ventilated
wards. There is no artificial ventilation
connected with the asylum; we are, there
fore. dependent entirely upon the Winu
which blows during the heated term almost
exclusively from the south, and this hnds
access to the wards through narrow WIN
dows. The consequences, that the paItenIss
who occupy rooms on the north and west
of the halls would almost suffocate, were 1t
not that during this heated term we, to pre-
vent actual suffering, had the doors OF the
north and west rooms leading into the halls
left open at night. -,
Another source of unwholesome SANTA
ton is the imperfect system OF sewerage,
This has been the cause OF much trouble
and annoyance during the summer; an OBJ
iect of deep concern. The pipes for the
water. closets frequently become obstructed,
filling up with filth, giving cut offensive
gases and thus increasing the danger OF
Sickness and death. However, we have
prospect for change Tor the ne.ter, as ~ y
ated by the last legislature will be sufi1clent
to thoroughly repair and improve the entire
sewerage system provided Sufhclent sup
Div of water can be obtained.
1t is also to be regretted, that while 80
much sickness prevailed, both among the
patients and the employees, during
greater portion of the past summer, 1t was
impossible 10 give all the medical attention
that was absolutely required, from the fact
that the asylum had no apothecary; hence
much of the time of the physicians was
nect ssarily employed in the dispensary,
Iprepa, ing medicines and attending to once
duties.
IMPROVEMENTS AND REPAIRS.
No improvements worthy of note have
been added during the time to which inns
report is limited. Fifteen hundred dollars
were appropriated by She last legislature,
of which amount $S0513 have been ex.
pended for that purpose, leaving a balance OF
The system OF water and sewerage pipes
being defective, some part OF them Is
almost constantly out OF repair, and
source of much annoyance and expense.
The arrangements for lighting the build
ings are very unsatisfactory and INSULT
Gent. The gas is manufactured from gas
| cline nv a complicated machine, and is con-
SANITY out Of order, for which coal oil
lamps, lanterns and candles are necessa-
rily substituted, from which the buildings
are in danger Of fire. The original build
| trnF mi
pairing. The walls are cracking and CIV
Ing way in many places, and 1t will become
necessary to brace them up with strong iron
pirders. A vast amount OF painting and
clustering is badly needed as matter of
economy. Much Of the fencing around the
entire premises, and through the grounds,
needs extensive repairing. II mas o zen es.
will REQUIRE 5000 for bracing the building
and rendering 1t safe. 1t will readily be
seen that the amount appropriated for re-
nairs Is totally inadequate for that purpose
In an institution as old as this, and OF such
magnitude, and to keep It in proner state
Of preservation will require at least s30oO
per annum.
WATER SUPPLY AND HEATING.
The subject Of water supply has fire.
ouently been discussed during the past
summer in connection with the plans for
done, and no definite conclusion has been
arrived at by which this very important
item can be furnished. The wells and cis-
terms are in danger constantly OF being con-
Ifaminated by the foul and obnoxious
sasses escaping from defective and ill.con
structed sewers.
Thirty thousand dollars was appropria
ted for heating and water supply by act ~
tho last legislature. Thisamount is who'll
inadequate for this purpose. have no dai'
Al present by which can reach dehnii'
conclusion as to the actual amount 1t viii
take to furnish the asylum full supply Of |
water and heat. But steps will be taken to |
furnish this data, and before the called SEES |
sion of the legislature convenes IL Is to be |
hoped that | will be able togiye an approxi- |
not the exact amount-tbat will be |
required for this purpose. And when said |
amount is known, and the attention oil the |
legislature is called to the same IL is earnes |
tly desired that that honorable body will |
make the necessary appropriation.
FINANCIAL.
II will be seen by the stewards books /
that S23. 036 81 of the appropriation for gro
ceries, provisions and wood, $5,S22.5O Tor
dry goods, clothing and bedding, and SiS5-
30 for forage have been expended mp 10 this /
period leaving balance Of q. 1853. 20, for gro
ceries provisions and wood, S2,G77.7 40 for dry |
goods, clothing and bedding, and S65.6i for
forage, for the balance Of the appropriation |
wear ending February %, 1852. which viii
fall short OF the amount absolutely Deces-
sary for the support Of the institution BY |
about $1,000, There was on hand NJ the
time the oct governing the fund obtained /
from the care and treatment Of the so7-in-
iigent patients went into effect. and de
rived from that source S966l, out OF which
the deficiency will be supplied for the pres
ent appropriation year. IL - notable
fact that the prices Of provisions ofail kinds
are considerably in advance Of what they Il
have been for at least the two years pre-
ceeding.
A sufficient number Of horses ard mules
are Indispensable for working the iarm, for
hauling, and for conveyance TO and rom
the city, 20 attend 20 the business 81 the
asylum. 30 also Q sufficient number Of
cows 10 furnish the Institution With milk
that very important article Of diet. The
amount appropriated for. supplying forage
for this stock - utterly Inadequate l,
therefore. beg leave 10 cal your attention
especially 70 the deficiency In these very
important matters.
flIs last legislature appropriated $1,000
for the Purpcse o. erecting seait,o.sl "a D .
and specifications drawn up. BIDS sdvertis-
"a for and opened. but the plans we're not
erreuted Out 81 this appropriation SefI.lI Il
were paid out for advertising and serylces
q nrchitecfs, leaving balance q s9es-
122 -.
rnrr AsD CARDS.
Nv referring 20 the report q The seward.
Il vii - ..en what has been done N this /
lire. and Food snd sufh.seut re4sous Wy /
more wns not done
Nrc0WMrEDaTfCE1.
I would respectfully RECOMMEND thet
the anounts already ALLUDED . =
laid t.efu-t ths e.1ed sesslcn %
fI.a Irrlslefur. ~ it. crrsi1rr1-
ton. That $50 ~ year IN tfs errploy-
ruent 81 rbsrrnncisl, $50 rsr yeAr iof
rnals SUPERVISE. md So TeHr - . fsrna,e
n. whicA he ii.ssitution = n a.