The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-06

trustees will be placed before You during
the session, and will fully advise you as to
all the details connected with the asylum.
This asylum wasestablished and opened for
patients in 1855, and has been from time to
OF time enlarged until its comfortable
capacity is $40, but has $50 or more
patients DR.. I. j. Mitchell, the present
superintendent, has been in charge Of the
asylum for ten years, and by his well
known ability and general worthiness he
has constantly grown in public confidence.
Inc assistant physician, Dr. James Nc
Willie, has held the position he now so
wortniiy ILLS Tor many years, and brings to
ence.
There has been treated at
THE MISSISSIPPI INSANE ASYLUM
during the past two years 405 patients. OF
TINS number 70 were discharged as having
recovered and "a improved; unimproved,
9; not insane, 8; by order of court, q died.
oo, leaving on hand pa, most OF whom are
thought TO be chronic cases and probably
incurable.
The rough grounds in front of the ASYLUM
have been greatly improved and rend cred
most attractive by the labor of patients,
under the direction of the superintendents
10 nave seen the grounds. when the asylum
was opened in 1885 and TO see them now
IL IL diiilcult to realize that the beautiful
terrace, walks, flower beds and improyised
fountain is the work OF inmates of the
asylum. II was demonstrated after the
erection of the main building that there
was an insufficient supply OF water. To
remedy this DIR. Rice, after taking charge
oil the institution, conceived the idea of
making lake in the rear OF the building
The grounds offered some natural advant-
ages, and for two years the superintendent
has patiently but steadily pushed his un-
dertaking, and now confidently believes
that in few days he will have an artifi-
cial lake 720 feet in length, 225 feet in
width and twenty-five feet in depth, which
VIII Afford an abundant supply Of pure
water. This lake, II IL proves a success,
that has cost the State comparatively
nothing, could not have been built by
hired labor for many thousand dollars.
The following shows the financial con-
dtion
State appropriations for lSsS7 $4,000 90
Disbursements for 1886 In
Guiding outstanding war;
rants, accounts audited by
committee OF the LcgS-
laturc, support Alnrics
Disbursements for 1857. in.
Guiding support, salaries
nnd ppairs-.."....a........... $3.50 ~
Cash on hand ............-......... 22g2
Totals $4,000 90 $4,000 %
Considering that an unfinished building
was opened up for the occupation Of the
insane, and that there were many incon-
| xauianrac md Iigad 10 combat \
congratulate the superintendent and board
OF trustees on their successful adnlinistra-
ton.
During your session the report Of the
superintendent and trustees will be before
you, giving detailed statement of the ai-
fairs OF the asylum.
Ii gives me pleasure 10 bear testimony
TO the distinguished ability and fidelity Of
DIR. Rice, as well MS the competency OF hi
assistant, DIR. Johnston.
Prof. j. X. Dobyns and his intelligent
and faithful corps OF teachers have con-
Quoted the
DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTE
with gratifying success. The most ap-
proved methods OF teaching are adopted
in every department OF the institute, and
the teachers seem TO vie with each other
in the advancement OF their several classes.
II is a singular fact that the pupils OF this
institute write more rapidly, and spell
and punctuate more than boys and girls
Of the same age who hear and speak. !
| do not hesitate 10 say that the most intel
ligcnt and searching investigation would
not suggest n single change in the conduct
and management Of this institution.
While this is true, and this and other
charitable institutions will receive a cheer
| ful support from those who bear the bur
dens OF government II is proper that the
strictest economy should be practiced in
expenditures. The reductions made In
this institute In 1886 were, perhaps, too
great. / submit that the buildings are ex-
tcnsive and necessarily require few hun
dred dollars for repairs, and an appropria-
ton for that purpose under the direction
Of discreet trustees Is money well expended
for Il IL economy 10 preserve valuable
buildings you already have. Appropria-
tons for the transportation OF pupils un.
able TO defray their expenses have proven
inadequate for the past two years and
should be increased 10 the sum heretofore
given $3.50 per year. The superintendent
and board Of trustees will place in your
hands their biennial report showing in de-
tail the working Of the institute, and the
few changes and suggestions sub
mitted by them heartily commend TO
your favorable consideration.
DIR. W. S. langley, for many years
leading physician oil this city, and a gen
tlcman who has always been foremost In
the establishment Of benevolent institu.
tons, and who has devoted much time
and investigation 10 their conduct, adj
vanccment and prosperity, is now and has
been for some ycans the superintendent Of
the
INSTITUTION FoR THH BLIND,
and with his accomplished and capable
teachers has conducted the institution with
marked skill Indeed, when Il is remem-
bcrcd that the pupils are deprived Of sight,
and the greatest patience required In teach
ing them, do not hesitate 10 say that the
State Is most fortunate in having the SER
vices Of the able corps Of teachers now EN-.
ployed at the institute. As stated Of tho
deaf and dumb institute, do not believe
a searching examination would suggest a
single change In the management and con-
duct Of the institution for the blind.
The report Of the superintendent and
trustees will he furnished YOU during thc
| acasion giying "A detailed statement Of ia