Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1885-12-18
OLYMPIA WASHINGTON TERRITORY: FRIDAY EVENING DECEMBER 1885,

We have now the advantageous
beginning of real University. Let
not local rivalries and petty antaSo-
nisms blind US to the great import
ance o. conserving this institution,
and of building it up, ill due proper
ton to the growth and development
of the Territory.
DEAF MUrES, THE BLIND AND THE FEE
BILE MINDED YOUTH.
| have a list of u deaf mutes, 4
blind aud I feeble-minded youth, all
residents of this Territory, and of
school age Three of the deaf mutes
Were III the Oregon school for half
term last year; and the Superinten-
dent of that school has sent me a
bill for their board and tuition,
claiming the same under an act OF
the Legislative Assembly of Wash
inSton Territory, approved Decem-
Der l, 1881.
1t is the conceded province and
office of the commonwealth to help
educate and care for those of its
youth who are thus afflicted. |
therefore recommend that you con-
slider the relative expediency of
starting II suitable institution in the
Territory for the future care and ed.
ucation of all these classes, rather
than continue the policy of sending
a few of them to schools already Or
GaniZsd in certain States in our VI.
cini;y.
1t is believed by those who have
been engaged i'll schools for such de-
fectiye you,h, that small institution
of the kline can now be advantage
eously and economically established
in the Territory.
HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE.
The Hospital for the Insane is
beautifully and conveniently located
at Font SIeilacoom. This post hav-
ing been abandoned as It garrison by
! the Cnitod States, the buildings and
land were transferred to the Terri
tory al nominal price, for the pur-
pose Of IN insane asylum. 1t was
first occupied for this purpose in
1871. The garrison buildings have
been converted into wards as fast as
the increasing number of patients
required, until now all the buildings
are occupied; and improvements and
extensions have, from time to time,
been made. One hundred acres of
land, in addition to that secured
from the Government, have been
purchased in order to secure water
privileges, making the total five hun
dred and eighty-three acres. The
numbor of patients nnder care and
treatment July l, 1885, was 164.
The average daily attendance for the
term commencing August 1G, 1883,
and ended June 30, 1885, was 142
patients; and the total net expense
of this hospital to the Territory for
the same term has been $40 ,626 16,
or at the rate of So 61 per patient
per week. During the last year Of
the term, deducting cost of improve
ments, the cost was reduced to So
per patient per week; which is be-
lieved to be very favorable show
ing, when we take into consideration
the liberality, humanity and careful
ness OF the management.
The counties bear the expense of
proceedings for commitment and of
return of the INDECENT after dis
charge; and the Territory pays the
cost of taking patients to the hos
pital and caring for them while
there. The travelling fees CT Sher-
ifs, and often of additional guards
in attendance upon the insane on
their journeys to the hospital, form
no inconslderable item of expense to
the Territory, and ] would invite at
tention to the suggestions of the Au-
ditor in his report, in regard to the
changes necessary to be made in the
law, to prevent abuses which have
sprung up within his knowledge, as
stated.
l concur in the recommendations
of the Board of Trustees and Super
intendent as to the propriety of
adopting o statute similar to that of
Wisconsin, concerning the manner
of the commitment of insane. |
also approve of their estimate of
$4,000 as the amount necessary to
be appropriated for current expenses
of the biennial term ending June 80,
1887.
The question of appropriating
$1,000 for construction of new
asylum is one OF great magnitude.
1t Is al admitted fact that present
accommodations are far below the
proper standard, and, that if not al
ready, they soon will be, INSULT ,ient
in capacity. Building can be econ
omically commenced; and philan-
thropy calls loudly for the improve
ments. l would suggest that each
member of this Les islative Assembly
personally visit and inspect the Hos
pital for the Insane at an early date
and determine for himself the pre-
sent necessity of new, durable
structure, to be built upon the best
sanatory plan.
THE MILITIA.
Since the month of March, 1854
six companies of militia have been
organized and mustered into the ser.
vice of the Territory, and the force
consists at presen. of 16 commits
stoned officers and 301 non commits
stoned officers and privates. They
arc armed with the Springfield
breech-loading ,itie, so calibre. will
metallic cartridges and with equip
ments of the latest pattern used IL
U. S. regular service. The loca
tions of these companies are as fol
lows: Two at Seattle, one at Ia
coma, one at Olympia. one at Walls
Waila aud at Goldendale. There
are four other companies enrolled
ready to be organized. The Adju
tant General of the Territory is en
, | 4 n.