The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-20

partially examined, but have not compile
led for want OF time. We deem II oil the
highest importance that this investigation
should be continued, and that the entire
business and system OF the work-house
should be thoroughly sifted. The cost OF
the work-house 10 the county during the
year 1887 was So, 1857 Its cost during
the first quarter Of 1888 has been III 5000
actually paid, with about 5000 or 500 OF
bills. unpaid.
In addition 10 the express provisions OF
the statute relating to this institution, the
county court is vested with very full power
to pass rules and regulations concerning
Its management. Up TO this time adequate
rules and regulations have not been
adopted, as otherwise the evils and abuses
above referred TO could not have existed.
CITY HOSPITAL.
We visited this institution and were
more than gratifed at theperfect order and
in every department. The in
mates with whom we convcrsed expressed
themselves as perfectly satisfied with their
and the attention they re-
ccived, food, etc.
We examined the mode OF tho books OF
hospital and could see nothing in which
we could suggest improvement and we
feel IL Just 10 compliment DIR. Black upon
his management OF the institution, 30 far
as IL came under our observation. Our
visit was entirely unexpected.
The Jury have had under advisement,
and examined number Of witnesses in re-
gard 10 the burial Of the dead paupers, in re-
lation TO which there has been some pub
lie complaint. We found from our investi-
cations that the law has failed 10 make any
definite provision for the shrouding Of dead
paupers, and that neither the hospital nor
the undertaken are required to make such
provision, consequently the only reliance
Is upon the clothes the pauper brings with
him TO the hospital. II often occurs that
these are 10 worthless and filthy as TO rem
der II necessary that theyshould be burned
and the patient be clothed only in the
hospital shirt. IL Is the order OF the man
agement that these shirts 20 with them TO
their graves when they have nothing else
left
by the request OF some OF the Catholic
churches, 10 be notified when Catholic
paupcrs died at the hospital, nm order was
made that they be 30 notified, and the
bodies turned over TO them for burial in
the Catholic cemetery instead Of potter's
field, and thereafter notice was always
given when Catholics died, TO the under
taker, TO 80 deliver them.
The management Of the hospital, by
some means, understood that the object
OF this change was 10 give them decent
burial, on the part Of the church. and that
they would furnish grave clothes for them,
and under this impression the hospital
shirts had been removed by some OF the
employees without the knowledge Of the
physician in charge, and from this grew
the reports that were made public.
As we could find the violation Of no law
ON which 30 make an indictment, We could
take no further action, the management
Of the hospital having pledged themselves
that no repetition Of the matter COM
planned Of would occur again.
We earnestly recommend that the proper
authorities should make II the duty by
law OF either the hospital or the under
takcr 10 provide suitable shrouding for
dead paupcrs, and that provision be made
10 cover the necessary cost, upon n proper
certificate that such shrouding has been
furnished.
woRK-nousR.
The work. house il an expensive institu.
ton TO the public, and II Is important that
the county court should look after Its
management with more vigilance and
slrictncss. Reform Ia needed there from
root to branch, and ought to be under.
taken NJ .ouce.
We ind In The work:housn -b0ys,-botl
white and colorcd Unfortunately mixed
up with hardened criminals. and ms n con.
Al
leased worse than when they went in, and
no good results from their punishment will
follow.
Other large places have improved upon
this system by building houses Of refuge,
where children and youth, male end lc-
male, who ac waits on society or crimi-
nails, may be sent aud placed under tuti-
lagc both in schooling and learning useful
mechanical arts, ~ that when they arrive
al n certain age they may be placed out
among such families or workshops m may
receive them, without any stain upon their
character II recommended by the institu-
ton.
We think this plan IN admirable one,
and az the building Of the West Tennessee
Insane asylum will soon relieve the poor.
house Of that class OF paupem, We would
urge upon the county court 10 take speedy
action IN regard Ia this matter Of house
Of refuge To be added 10 the poor-housc,
and made to take the place Of the insane
department now there, and thus with very
little additional expense 10 the county, II
any, M now occupied. this great bcnen.
ciary aud philanthropic work might be In.
slitutcd, which would eventually grow "a
bo Of incalculablc benefit 10 society. And
no better location could be selected e
begin the work than nj the poor house
where both institutions could be mad,
beneficial TO each other.
NAREKr.nousE.
The Jury visited the Bcalc street market
house. and while not prepared To pa~ an,
compliments upon u M 10 IL attractiycncs,
nj the same time Il Is In a paEsablc condi
ton, considering the support given 10 II b,
the public. Our citizens seem 10 prefer IN,
private markets aud huxtcn' wagons for
supply Of meats, vegetables and greer
groceries.
hut while u II used al all, we would rec
ommcnd 10 tho proper authorities In charr
Of Il 10 have n bountiiul supply Of white
wash aud paint used on the building wher,
needed, and we would call the attention o
the health officer 10 the filthy condition o
the closets belonging TO the markct-housc
We consider this a nuisance, and public
closets should ut once be constructed will
water works connection, aud kept In
clean and Wholesome condition. with
properly constructed waslc.pipc connecting
with the city sewer.
We also suggest that water should b,
provided for man and beast by the erection