Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-01-01
INSANE HOSPITAL.
1sport ~ the vislting Csnnitsee ~ ~.
C00Aeil,

The visiting committee Of the Execu,;v.
Council. to the Insane Hospital, has made
the following interesting report to the Gov.
ernor and Council:
40 Hes ExeetIeney the Gover1or and tie En-
eelf'ce Council of Maine:
Inc visiting committee to the Insane Hos-
P'ai nave the honor to submit their ANIMAL
report for the year 1885.
during the year this institution has been
visited every month by one member of ,he
committee, and with one execution bv the
whole board. In making our visits we have
enoeavored to ascertain if the patients we're
wen treated and properly cared for. Seldom
nave We heard complaints FROM the inmates.
IL Is not expected that your committee will be
Gognizant OF all that may transpire in the
hospital. The superintendent informs US
tnat ne selects the attendants with great care
ana that he requires in zach application a
recommendation from some responsible and
weii-known person. The attendants seem
70 De OF more than ordinary intelligence.
very many of them we personally know to be
rom excellent families, and from observa-
ton we believe they have an interest in their
work, and treat their patients with kindness
and forbearance.
The superintendent appears to know the
wants OF the patients and is doing every
thing IN his power that will result in their
improvement and add to their comfort.
There has been less sickness than usual
during the past year and the rate of mortality
has been decreased from that of former years.
Doubtless this is due in a great measure to
the sanitary Improvements made within the
past few years under direction of DR.. San
born.
The haaap,onf of 81
thoroughly repaired and ventilated and seven
basement windows for the ingress of sunlight
and fresh air have been added. Indirect ra-
diation has been put into all the bath rooms
aud water closets. Two new bath rooms
have been constructed and two have been
thoroughly renovated and furnished with all
modern Improvements. All the sewage and
drainage on the north side have been thor
oughly reconstructed, thus giving a more
satisfactory sanitary condition. Both the
water drainage and that of the sewers here
tofore have had common exit, but in the
recent construction each system of drama ge
is discharged by independent pipes.
The water works and fire department have
been much improved. With the advantage
the hospital now has for the supply of water
the risk of fire is much lessened. The amount
of hose has been largely increased. Each
" oiu uao occu suppllcu Will large uumOer
of pals which are kept filled with water, ex-
! clusively for fire purposes, and hand grenades
have been distributed throughout the build
ing
While we speak of the improved condition
of the hospital, due to the superior manage
ment of the superintendent. we should do in
justice should we not add that Drs. Hill and
Davies have shown themselves very efficient
assistants.
In conclusion, your committee are of opin-
ion that some method should be devised to
separate the insane criminals from other in.
mates of the Hospital 1t seems unjust that
the innocent and unfortunate insane should
be confined with murderers and other crimi-
nails, who are sent to the hospital for the OBJ.
servation of the superintendent. AT this
time there are twenty-eight criminals in the
hospital. The whole institution lie under ex.
cellent management the large appropriations
made for the past few years having been
wisely expended. The institution has superior
advantages and has the reputation of being
one of the best in the country.
Respectfully submitted,
| A. r. G. SMITH, co,;,.oo
A. X. BIxBr,