Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-02-16
The Insnne of the stnte.

To the Editor of Richmond Dispatch:
From your valuable columns / learn
that a bill has been introduced in the
Senate to put all insane and lunatic asy-
lums under the charge of five commits
sioners, to be appointed by the Gov
ernor.
1t would hardly be possible to advocate
a measure that would more effectual-
ly prove disastrous to the welfare OF
all these unfortunate people than that.
These commissioners. If appointed. would
probably be one from each geographical
section-the Valley, Piedmont. Tidewater.
Southside. and Southwest Virginia Each
commissioner. eager to do something"
and TO prove that new brooms sweep
clean, would probably consider It best
TO remove the majority of the present
efficient forces at the various asylums,
and make room for some personal favor
ite and disaster and injury would be
the result.
While 1t is true the appointive power
will vest in our efficient Governor. as
it now is. yet 1t is putting too much
authority In the hands of few men
that might be wrongfully used I'm a
multitude OF counsellors there Is wisdom"
Besides, from the provisions of the
bin. 1t would be no cheaper to the State:
although they are expected TO serve
without pay (only a wealthy man, with
plenty OF leisure. could accept the ofiico).
A careful estimate Of the amount al
lowed Secretary Cleek 81. 100. and travel
ling expenses; the eleven times this
board of commissioners meet. etc., year.
win show that the cost Will foot up
as much as the present boards spend on
themselves now.
II the Legislature and Committee on
lin 90. tfool
suggestions may not be amss:
/ am informed that the joint COM
mittee OF the Senate and House have
lately visited the Southwest Hospital. at
Marion. / am satisfied that they found
the institution in good condition, only
needing some assistance from the State
While comparisons are odious. II might be
well TO compare the reports of the
different superintendent. THE asylum
at Stanton reports with an average
OF 200 inmates; some $4,000 expended
i'm improvements since the meeting of
the Legislature. two years ago. have no
fault TO find with this, but l am in
formed there seems to be a disposition
on our reform" Legislature to cut
down appropriations. and especially to
apply this reform movement 10 our
Southwest Hospital. A large new build
ing containing 81 single rooms and 3
large associated rooms. is now under roof.
and needs only the sum of 5000 to COM
plete IL, and be ready for the accommo-
dalton Of 100 lunatics. The present cost
OF this building Is 1880, and II stands
q monument to the efficiency and good
management OF the Board OF Directors,
There are now (from the data before
mel 2is insane chargeaSle to the State.
In the county jails and In charge OF pri-
Thpra az - ha MT
OF Carroll alone. Sc applications for ad-
mittance to the Southwest Hospital were
rejected last year. In the language Of the
Superintendent, chiefly for want OF
room"
understand about $4,000 was expended
last year for insane outside OF the hos
pitfalls; $1,000 spent In finishing the
present new building at Marion and In
putting up new one exactly like II will
afford accommodations for 260 insane (ali
that are unprovided for. and more), and
save the State expense In the end: be-
sides. these unfortunate people win Their
get better treatment, than they can get
in our ja!ls. and the number Of cures will
be Increased This expenditure win only
put the Southwest Hospital about on
a par with the others.
by examining the various superintend-
ents' reports. II will be Seen that the
cost OF maintenance OF each inmate COM
pares more favorabiy at the Southwest
Hospital than almost any other In the
country for this reason. Considering
the fine climate OF the Southwest, and
the fact that very large majority of
lunatics "unproyided for are In the coun
ties adjacent thereto might II not be
well for the Appropriation Committee of
the Legislature 10 lay aside the pruning
knife In expenditures for awhile. and
grant SUFFICIENT appropriation 10 pro-
vide ample accommodations At the Eouth-
west Hospital for all the unfortunate
insane IN the State that are now beg
nfnr 10 be cared fort sp."