The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-06-12
WRIGHT STEPS IN.
The New superintendent of the Insane
Hospital Takes Charge.

hoepltstt axes
The insane hospital trustees held their stated
monthly meeting Thursday at the institution.
Most OF the day was devoted TO routine busi-
ness. allowing of claims and inspection OF the
institution which was found in fairly good con
dition. DR.. Charles +. Wright took charge
and he and his family have taken up their resi-
dence in the institution DR.. Galbraith's family
having removed the previous day. No changes
in the working force was made Thursday, but
storekeeper viii be selected without delay,
there having been such officer for several
months. This Is n very important position, as
al the supplies pass through his hands.
The state auditor yesterday paid the follow
ma bills for maintenance for May, 81, S34.59;
clothing, S79L45; repairs S990.4S.
Or. c. +. Wright had prepared him
self for his task BY a visit 10 the
principal asylums IN the Fast including the
Pennsylvania hospital for the insane at Phiia-
delphia the NOrristOWn hospital, the Morris
Plains \. j. hospital and the three hospitals
conducted ~ New York City, located at
Biackwell's, Wards and Randall islands
speetively, containing in all 5000 inmates, and
the st. Elizabeth hospital at Washington, con-
Quoted by the government and housing the in
sane Of the army and navy and District OF Co
lumhia-about 400 in number. DR.. Wright
states that IS a general result of his journey he
comes back to Indiana with high opinion
81 the Indiana institution, feeling that
il compares favorably with any OF
those Eas:- The general manage
ment Of the hospital is, he says about the same
the country over. The Marine Plains hospital
had one manifest defect in that there was
bad management-the steward being in COM
plete control OF the business departments, and
the physicians OF the medical department. On
this account the physicians were not able to
control the diet of the patients, and his visit
there confirmed DR.. Wright in his previous
belief that there should be but one head 10 the
asylum and hospital.
In only one institution" said DIR. Wright,
did find a female physician. That was a.
Sorristown. where there was n female superin-
tendent over the female department, with
female attendants, etc. inquired at most OF
the hospitals II they had female physician.
and the reply generally was that they con-
sidered il an experiment, which they seemed
inclined 70 let others try. In fact, the result
Of the experiment with female physicians did
or 10 m mind, seem 70 indicate that any
benefit was derived from them"
DR.. Wright said he did not care 10 speak Just
nov or what his plans were for the Institution
of which be was to take charge. He hoped the
reporter would visit the institution under his
management 81 believe" said he, chat If the
people were a little more familiar with the in
stitution they would have more confidence in
II. For my part, do not believe the
stones that have been told about this institu-
ton. / have the greatest confidence in Or.
Gilbrsith, and am unwilling TO believe he would
permit any such crueltieS 10 be practiced as
were talked about"