Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-09-29

OF our ambulance drivers, who are, without
exception, the most poorly paid employees
of the department / feel that should not
be doing my duty did not again call atten-
ton and renew my former recommendation
that the pay of the drivers be increased to
$50 per month, and that Of the assistant
drivers to $40 per month. Their present
compensation $40 and S25 per month. re-
spectively) is far below that of many who
render less valuable service. These men
are grateful for your former effort in their
behalf. and hope that you may be success
full in accomplishing this well earned and
much needed relief
The Insane.
This class Of the unfortunate with whom
We have to deal always calls for prompt de-
cided and discreet action, and while an in
crease in insanity is to be regretted. yet 1
am compelled to report that the number
committed to the Government Hospital for
the Insane during the year just closed
shows an increase of fifteen over the prior
year. 1 am pleased to say that during
the year arrangements were made with
DIR. W. w. Godding, superintendent Of
the Hospital for the Insane, for the tenn
porary admission of patients to the insu-
tuition under his charge pending judicial
investigation and trial by jury, thus re-
heving the unfortunate persons who are
violently insane from being confined in
station house cell. There are cases, how
ever, that come to the attention of the
odHltdIy oiuCSI SCdICcly ddlllll VI
immediate admission to the Hospital for
the Insane, and Yet call for their deten-
ton by the police, and In this connection /
renew my recommendation made in several
former reports, for the necessity Of pro-
viding some suitable place of detention
where such persons can be properly cared
for and treated, and. perhaps, restored TO
their normal condition. Such a place could
be readily provi led at the Washington
Asylum at a small ocst l regard this as
a very important Recommendation and one
that should meet with favorable considera-
ton. / desire again to acknowledge our
Indebtedness to DIR. Godding, the efficient
superintendent of the Government Hospital
for the Insane, for his uniform kindness
and courtesy in all his dealings with this
department and the aid he has afforded
this office in providing for the unfortunate
insane committed to our care.
Asylums for Inebrfatcs.
I earnestly urge my suggestion made In
former reports looking to the establishment
for an asylum for inebriates. An institu-
ton of this character has been a long-felt
want, and with an increase of our popula-
ton the demand for hospital or asylum,
where the treatment of the inebriates
should be compulsory. is all the more evil
dent by the cases that are brought to the
attention of this office. Many cases OF
mental disorder have come under my OBJ
servation that could be traced directly to
intemperance. and IL they could receive
sity Of eventually confirming them in the
asylum for the insane could doubtless be
obviated. If a suitable hospital for inc
briates could be erected, properly equipped
and conducted 1t would, am sure, result
in a power Of good to this most unfortu-
nate class, as well as affording great relief
to the community. There is no doubt such
an asylum would accomplish work equal
in all respects to the most humane and
beneficial.
Thanks to officials.
In conclusion, permit me to express my
grateful Acknowledgements for your judi
cial counsel and generous approval of my
work. I also desire to express my appre-
citation for the great relief and assistance
you have afforded me in detailing Officer
William H. Amiss for clerical work In this
office. He has proved himself efficient, and
his services have resulted in facilitating the
business devolving upon him.
/ should feel Ii an unjust omission did
not extend my thanks to the surgeons OF
police, the physicians to the poor, as well
as the officers at headquarters and the
lieutenants of the several precincts Tor
their several valuable assistance and kind
cooperation at all times in the humane and
charitable work devolving upon the SAM
tary officer. Thanks are also due to the
attorney for the District, to the intendent
Of the Washington Asylum and those In
charge of the various hospitals and char
ton~ln