The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1894-01-20
BRANCH ASYLUM.


sue. saws editorially that it is opposed
to the erection of branch asylum for
the insane in Eastern Oregon or of a
soldiers home in Southern Oregon, or
either Of these or other public institu-
tion in any place except at the seat OF
government, as provided in the state
constitution. Our esteemed cotempo-
rary assigns as the reason for its course
that it would be "waste of money IN
maintaining the official corps of double
establishments" for the insane, and re-
garding the soldiers home, that there
is such home in Southern California,
and sold soldiers may be conveyed
there either by the state or the United
States" These objections might have
been considered pertinent If they had
been advanced at the time the bills
were before the legislature; but since
the measures have become laws they
are very irrelevant.
A change of climate has been con-
sidered of the greatest Importance in
the treatment of many diseases, and in
these which result in insanity as well
as others. California has three, asylums
Washington two, and many states in
the union more than ene. Undoubt-
sdly the members Of the last legisla-
ture took this matter in consideration
before voting for the bill, and acted to
subssrve, what they considered, the
best interests Of all concerned. The
matter of expense was also canvassed,
and they considered the saving in the
cost of transportation of patients
would almost reimburse the state for
the extra outlay in locating branch
institution somewhere east of the Cas-
cades. But it is not relevant, at this
time. to again open this question. as
the matter has been decided by the
legislative branch of the state govern
ment, and the branch asylum has be-
come law. -
The provision of the constitution in
reference to public institutions has ney-
er been followed strictly, for the state
university is located at Eugene, the
agricultural college at Corvallis, and
normal schools at Monmouth and
Weston, and 1t is very doubtful if the
courts will decide that it has any refe-
renee to branch institutions.
We are fully aware that the present
year is the.nest distressful that the
country has ever suffered, and there is
great necessity fer the exercise of econ
omy In public as we'll as in private af-
fairs; but this economy should not
descend to penurieusnsss. There are
necessary expenses which must be in
CURED in every commonwealth, and we
believe the proper care of the insane,
or other unfortunate persons, one of
these. Property owners will not COM
plain of taxation when it has such
worthy object as this in view.
If Portland did not have the prop
erty her taxes weuld not be heavier
than other cities; but when she claims
$4,000 population, and no other place
can snunerate 10000 she should be
satisfied. The fact has never been dis
puted that the wealth of the northwest
was centered in Portland, and i. is also
true that the Oregon metropolis is one
of the wealthlest cities in the country.
There is not town in the northwest
but that would willingly take the
property ct Portland and pay her por-
tion Of the taxes of the state. Riches
may be burden in these days of de-.
probation of values; but those who
possess them are not very willing to be
reduced to poverty.
If Portland continues this opposi-
ton to ether portions of the state. /.
there will be a combined effort by out
side points against her interests, and
this will be deplorable. 1t is true, be-
ing the termini of many transconti-
mental lines of railroad, and also an
ocean-competitive point, she may laugh
at tho antagonistlc efforts of the in
terror; but it would be better for Port
land, even in the powerful commercial
position she occupies, if perfect har-
mony existed between her and other
of the state. This cannot be
while every project in con-
for the betterment of out
,ide places meets determined opposi-
ion at the metropolis.