Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1888-03-30
W. K L. A. investigation.
THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE SUB
NIT THEIR REPORT TO THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
The Report a Complimentary One

~A~S FSss
The Special Committee appointed
to visit the Western Lunatic Asy lum
for the purpose Of examining tho
general condition of the Asylum, 10
investigate the charge of cruelty TO
one Hendricks, a lunatic, who escaped
on June IS, 1887, and who was never
thereafter heard from, as well as any
other charges which might be pre-
sented to the committee, have sub
mitted their report to the General
Assembly, the same having been
printed in pamphlet form.
The report is a complimentary one
and reflects much credit upon the
entire management. The committee
reported that after rigid, thorough
and careful investigation, they found
that the employees and officers were
discharging their duties SATISFACTORY
ly and faithfully. The main point to
which their inspection was especially
directed was the food, clothing, treat =
ment and well-beiug of the inmates
of the Asylum, as we'll as its financial
management. They reported finding
the food supplied plentiful, in sniii-
cient variety, clearly and well served !;
especial attention being given to that
given the sick and others who could
not sit at the general table. They
found the clothing furnished, for both
male and female, of superior quality
and respectable appearance. They
were much pleased with the clearly
appearance of the bedrooms, dining
room, sitting-rooms and halls, also
with the manner of heating the whole
building, the heating apparatus be-
ing sufficient to keep the building at
high temperature in the severest
weather. Regarding the finances
they reported them managed with
/ intelligent economy and with de-
gree of faithfulness to the interest Of
the Commonwealth. Every ward
pertaining TO the Institution, both
white and colored, was found to be
in excellent condition. 1t having
been charged that one Robert Hen
bricks, lunatic, sent from Franklin,
Simpson county, had been cruelty
treated and foully dealt with, by the
employees of the Asylum, full and
thorough examination concerning
said charges was made, the Superin-
tendent, DIR. Jas. Rodman, the officers
and employees all manifesting, not
only desire, but determination to
have the matter fully put forth as
the proof warranted, and the COM
mittee failed TO develop any fact TO
sustain said charge, the proof show
ing that Hendricks was kindly treat
ed, receiving all the medical atten-
ton necessary from the time he was
received up TO l o'clock, p. NJ, on the
day he eloped, and that he was in
better mental as well as physical con-
condition at the time Of his elope-
ment than at any time since his re-
ception, the proof further showing
that he was accorded the privilege
Of going to spring several hundred
yards from the Asylum for water,
and on this occasion took advantage
of the opportunity to escape, and a
diligent search failed to elicit his
whereabouts, nor has he ever been
heard from since.
The water supply obtained from
springs and cisterns while sufficient
under ordinary circumstances was
reported TO the committee as being
insufficient in case of drouth, and af-
ter conference with the Board Of
Commissioners and Superintendent
an act was prepared authorizing said
Board TO use any surplus money they
have to that end. Finding also that
the general law in regard to dismiss
al of patients from the Asylum should
be amended, they prepared an act
looking to that end, which will meet
the approval of the management of
all the Asylums in the State, and the
committee will insist upon the pas
sage of both acts. No appropriation
is asked in either.