Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-05-28

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. MIrrEE. - THE INSTITUTION AND ITS
MANAGEMENT COMMENDED.
MANY of our readers have doubtless seen
reports in the papers alleging that John
Seidel, of Biddeford, while patient at the
Insane Hospital in this city, recently, was
grossly abused at that institution.
This report coming to the attention Of the
Mystic Tie Lodge, No. I, of the order of the
Knights Of Pythias. of Saco, a committee was
raised by that body to investigate and report
the facts concerning Mr.. Seidel and another
patient Of the institution. The committee
arrived in this city by the Pullman train on
the 18th, at 2 A. NJ. At A. NJ. they pre-
seuted themselves at the Hospital, having
''timed their visit" they say in their report,
Ito take those in charge at as much dis
advantage as possible From the report
before us, we extract the following:
Your representatives would also report
that agreeably to your instructions they pro-
ceeded to Augusta, arriving by the Pullman.
Friday morning. After a slight rest and
uIeHkihSt VIC WaiAcu Out W Vie lHs6uc LlUS-
pital. arriving at A. NJ, having timed our
visit to take those in charge at as much dis
advantage as possible. Having been shown
to the Superintendent's room and the object
Of our visit stated, we were welcomed and
Immediately taken over the various wards of
the Institution. Although our instructions
were in regard to brother we in
quired for all persons whose names we could
recollect that were there, and by so doing
better insight was obtained of the rooms.
beds, bedding, and other necessities furnished
to the inmates. An inspection of the store
rooms, kitchens, etc., disclosed cleanliness
and apparent economy, while the prepared
food was such that the fare rs furnished BY
the hotels we have met with in our absence
would suffer by comparison.
We had private conversation with brother
and others, and the only complaint we
could obtain was that of not having been al
lowed to 90 away. We saw the room occu-
pied by Mr.. Seidel, whose alleged abuse was
spread by the press. His attendant during
the last and almost all the time of his con-
finement here is slightly built, inoffensive
looking young man, and as to physical strength,
Mr. Seidel at any time during our long acquain-
lance with him could easily have obtained his
own way if violently inclined. On the other
hand the condition of the patients with whom
hc " ~ ClHSSeu SuoWS THAT ABUSE WOutu nave
been simply uncalled for and outrageous.
And il appears to US the press must have been
misinformed ~ to the alleged bruises found
on Mr.. Seidefs person. We have treated
this case at length as the report was the cause
Of our instructions.
After as thorough an examination
~ could be given in the time at our disposal,
the conclusion Of your representatives is that
brother - and others receive - good
treatment with As much liberty as can be
granted with the restraint that is necessary
for their welfare.
Signed BY the Representatives,.
The action of the Knights of Pythias in this
matter is worthy to be commended. They
msde an investigation on their. own account
Their representatives went, saw and question
ed for themselves. Their report is business
like, faithful aud truthful we have no
doubt.