The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-11-02


Governor Gray and the Insane Asylum.
To Isaac p. Gray, Governor of Indiana:
IL you are correctly reported by the papers
then you profess not to believe the charges of
Encouragement and cruelty to patients now be-
ing publicly made against the Indiana Hospital
for the Insane. Twice within the last two years
have called your attention to the abuses exist
ing in that institution
Being myself Democrat and knowing by
personal experience and observation that grave
abuses existed ia the Insane Hospital, it WAS my
duty, not as Democrat only, but good cit
izeu, to report the facts to you had right
to believe that you, and other proper
officials, would investigate the charges and
take measures TO prevent the evils complained
Of Instead of that, you. with other prominent
officials ard our leading Demoosmtic papers, are
pr0elAiinlng 10 the world that my charges are
simply campaign lies. If during political cam
paign is not a proper time to agita.e a question
like this then why did you and others not give
1t your attention long before the campaign vas
on, and make Some sign that measures would be
taken to give our insane better food and kinder
treatment 1t would be very easy matter,
Governor Gray. for you to ascertain If | am
truthful man. One hours inquiry among lead
ing wholesale men on South Meridian street,
who have known me for twenty years,
would convince you that as The world
goes, am a truthful, honest man and not a
common liar. Neither eua a political ringster
nor chronic Office seeker. What motives. then,
could l have for trumping up pack OF false
hoods against our State benevolent institutions,
now under the care OF party OF which have
always been proud to be member! When or
where did ever write or utter word against
the better sentiment of the old party that you
and other leading Democrats should dispute my
Btatements7 What harm could possibly come TO
the Democratic party were you and others to
admit that grave abuses always have existed in
our benevolent institutions a result OF parti-
san management. and that it would be hest to
take them ont Of politics2 Such e course would
certainly meet the appreciation of all intelligent
people
Cutting down the expense for caring for our
insane is Rot-the kind Of reform demanded. 1t
Is not reform in humane, Christian sense.
These unfortunAtes should receive the klndest
nursing, and the greatest variety and abundance
of wholesome food no matter how great the cost.
The Christian taxpayers OF Indiana are able and
willing to foot the bille. AIS they ask is that the
money appropriated for tine purpose shall be hon
estly used, and not stolen. Let me say to you,
Governor Gray, that every single charge L have
made against the Insane Hospital--of wanton
cruelty to patients of beatings, kickines, chok-
iHgs and cursngs. of insufficient and inferior
foods true Whenever you want 1t L will
furnish you with evidence that will convince you
that 1T is true.
/ was twice an inmate of the Insane Asylum,
and have had better opportunities than you have
had to know whereof / speak. For over four
years l have spent both time and money, which
] could i'll spare, to place the condition OF our
Insane Hospital before the people. l believe
that the better sentiment OF both the Demo
cratic and Republican parties approves my
efforts. / my living by running q little
wood yard. ] would rather peddle wood all
the days OF my life than 10 be elected to
the United States Senate by deceiving the
public into believing that our insane are
receiving such treatment from the State. of
which you the Governor, as accords
with humanity, when they are not receiving
such treatment. If you have attended to your
public duties az you should, you know that my
charges are true. Do not, Governor Gray. af
front the old soldiers of Indiana by pretending
not to believe that grave abuses exist in our In
sane Hospital Too many Union soldiers have
reason complain bitterly of the treatment
they received when patients in that place. The
inhu:nan and wanton crueltes practiced against
Capt James Buchanan, old citizen of Indian
apois. who went insane from wound in the
head, received in the war for the Union, the out
RACES inflicted on him when patient there. that
alone is enough to damn all who try to defend
the present condition of the Indiana Hospital for
The Insane ALBERT THAYER,
No 81 Massachusetts avenue.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND, Nov. 2.