Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-11-08

VIVA. . cat,... n.. {. s.x.

Mr.. EDITOR: In the recent issue, of IN.
age we notice attacks upon our Insane Hos.
pitai, its officers and attendants, and general
management. In the mind Of an humble citi-
zen, having no Official relation with this Hos.
pltal, the query arises, 'Were these charge,
OF the Age, backed by q statement Of ,
PerPorted attendant, prompted BY spirit
OF philantrophy, love and sympathy for
the unfortunate insane, or BY a self al
reeiing and for partizan purpose. As We,
We nave no evidence that it is the former.
but plenty to show that it is the latter. 1,
would seem that every insane hospital, after
the experiences Of the last two years, should
rest from such attacks, quietly fulfilling the
high mission for which it was establi.hed.
We don't know all that is done within the
walls of our Hospital Every act OF our super.
intendent, the faithfulness or incompetency of
every attendant, or at hat hour the patients are
made to retire. But the public had reason
To believe that the Hospital is in charge of
true and faithful men, who are earnestly
laboring for the best interests Of the Hospit-
al and the unfortunate ONES committed TO
their care, and vino are competent to Judge
of the Necessary number of attendants and
their faithfnlnass, as the editors of the Age.
We know that little more than two years
ago, the affairs, condition and management
of our Hospital was thoroughly Investigated
by Legislative Committee selected from all
political parties, and after long and patient
hearing, were able to render report
that reflected great credit to the institution
and honor to the State. And recently, since
the retirement Of DR.. Harlow and the pro-
motion of Dr. Sanborn to the position of
superintendent, we know that medical men
and others competent to judge, familiar vii h
other institutions, have visited our Hospital
and placed it in the front rank of American
insane asylums.
In face Of these facts we have tie astonisll-
ing declaration by these political philanthro-
phists that the Hospital is run in the interests
of the republican party by a ring; that the
superintendent don't dare to open his he adj
but is subject to the dictation of the ring {;
that he cannot select his attendants as the law
provides, but they are engaged by the ring on
political preferment irrespective OF their
qualifications or physical intirmities that NAV
unfit them for their duties also that some of
the officers are wearing patients clothes, etc
We are aware these charges are not deserv-
ing of public notice. And still they are given
to the public for purpose, and they are given
without a scintilla of evidence of their truth
fulness. As an humble citizen we contend
that our State Institutions and their officers
are for higher purpose than to be the OBJ
jects of political targets. If any wrong exists
let it be corrected in a proper manner. To
disturb the minds of the many friends of the
$50 patients that are reported to be in our
Hospital by unjust and uDfonnded charges.
To magnify occasional accident into a
prevailing wrong can be considered only the
part of an INSCRIPTIONS politician and not of
a true and honorable citizen. MAINE.