Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-12-11
Our Lewis County Letter.
WESTON, LEWIS Co., w. Va. l
December G, 1886.

ter purportlng TO be from ClafkspurS, |
making slanderous attack upon
the Superintendent and medical fac
ulty of the hospital for the insane
and giving statements calculated to
give pain and heart ache to many
throughout the State, who are not
acquainted with the Institute, or
familiar with the treatment and de-
cipline of such an institute. 1t is
prompted by an impure, wicked
mind for political purposes, ard is
such gross Misrepresentation; that
Lon my personal responsibility pro
nounce the statement made, as di-
rectly opposed to truth and false in
statement. The writer AYERS that
friends of the patients are not given
information and enquiries are un-
answered. This statement is false,
I, from observation, and personal
knowledge, know the fact. that all
letters are promptly answered and
seldom does it occur, that they are
left over for the second mail. The
writer calls for rigid examination
of the doings of the Asylum. The
physicians will be pleased to have
such an examination made under a
properly organized committee APP
pointed by, and through the proper
channel Of authority, and cannot
fear or shirk from the most rigid
scrutiny into the decipline, control
or system of treatment, under which
affairs of the institution is conduct
ed. The writer throws out insinu-
ations and charges, of an impure
character which will be fairly met
and can be honorably explained.
There will be no disposition to re-
frain or conceal any fact, or basis of
act, upon which he POUNDS his base
charge. He, the writer, states that
inmates are whipped and starved,
and that all the old barbarous APP
pliances long since abandoned are
to be found in use In this Asylum.
These statements have no founda
ton, and in fact, are utterly false.
1t is my personal duty to conduct
visitors through the the Male halls,
and to all such as have gone through
at any hour or upon any day, the
contradiction is unnecessary, but to
those who have never been here and
are not familiar with. such institu-
tions. / would say that when OPP
portunity occurs, they will do well
to visit, and see for themselves that
such statements as the writer of the
letter made, are downright lies.
Many visitors express surprise at the
freedom of movement, and as they
suppose want ofrestraint. Theyar
under the impression that they will
see them chained, Gagged or kept in
private rooms to themselves. On
the other hand they find them sit
ting or walking at their pleasure up
and down the hall. Some are under
the restraint of leather wrist band
attached to belt with straps to
the writh-band, which is not uncom-
Portable and is done to prevent in
jury to themselves or other patients.
A few who develop disposition to
destroy their clothing are temporari.
ly placed in strait jack, which is a
tight fitting body, laced on the back
with sleeves sufficiently long to ex-
tend around the back with the arms
folded on the breast, until the time
they become quiet, when it will be re.
moved. / doubt if any one remains
three hours, under such restraint un-
til they are relieved again. We re.
sort to the use of crib bedstead
which is nothing more than rail or
slat covering on hinges with a good
bed and bed-clothing, where those
in fury of passion or insane excite
ment, are placed temporarily, and
only at this instance or direction of
the physician. AS to the charge of
starving the table, will contradict
such statements as those who have
recovered and regained health of
mind and body, are standing con-
tradiction to any such statement
The decipline is strict in every par
ticular, regarding the intercourse be-
tween male and female patients. No
privileges are granted or allowed for
admission to wards Of either sex by
Others. Physicians never go through
female wards except on occasion de-
handing engineers and carpenters
preparing the necessary repairs as
needed. Those of your citizens or
readers who know me can rely upon
the truth Of my statement contra
dieting the writer of the letter from
Clarksburg. General health of pa.
tients good. One death in the past
week of Geo. @. Black, of Wheeling.
Interment in Asylum cemetery. One
admission Of male natient from