The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1898-02-04
AMPLE APPROPRIATION IMPERATIVE
FOR MORRIS PLAINS HOSPITAL.

The disbursing OF the states money al
ways commands closer attention than
most ether forms of legislation, and
Justly so. 1t is right and proper that the
guardians of the states finances should
inquire into the merits and demands
made upon the treasury of the common
wealth. 1t is also highly important that
these guardians should not be niggardly
In providing for the interests of the
established meritorious charities of the
state. There is no class of dependents
more thoroughly dependent upon or more
worthy of the support of those who dis
tribute thsstate's money than are its iu-
sane; there is no class that more fully
commands our sympathy than does the
insane.
The people of the State of New Jersey
have long since spoken emphatically
their endorsement of liberal and digni-
fed policy in the care of this afflicted
class. Legislators in the past have build
ed nobly, have cast their votes in support
of measures which provided for the in
sane of the State creditable hospitals,
and acJmpetent maintenance. The in
sane population has rapidly increased.
The hospital at Morris Plains was built
for 800 patients: it has to-day within is
confines 1920 patients, aud a proportion
ate number of nurses and attendants. A
school boy can easily understand that
with 420 patients more than its normal
capacity it is seriously and dangerously
crowded house.
This over crowding is not just to the
many patients who are already in the
hospital. Many of these are relatives
and loved ones of some of our most
eminent and reputable citizens; they
are all the loved ones of some
body, and when the State of
New Jersey assumes the responsibility of
caring for this class of its dependents,
it is the duty of those upon whom the
responsibility falls to carry out the
work so assumed in a manner that will
f6H6ct cre0lG upon the OJaL0.
a certain amount of economy is COM
zHendable but when economy is carried
to that extent that it cripples or retards
any of the States noble charities it re-
comes economy misplaced and unworthy
of endorsement.
at the session of 1895 the Legislature
authorized the BOARD of Managers to
erect an additional building or buildings
for the accommodation of 600 patients"
and made appropriation of 1925, 600
which was to be used in erecting extern
eive lavatory additions to the old
building and to begin the work on the
new, and also for the purpose of provid-
ing water supply for the new building
and an additional supply for the DID,"
An architect was employed and
plans were gotten out and the work
begun. Hopes were entertained by
those especially interested in the welfare
of the insane that relief was near at
hand. The Legislature of 1896 made an
failed to make any appropriation. on the
plea of economy, and the work upon the
building had to be discontinued. This
failure on the part of the Legislature,
the CHRONICLE believes, reflects dis
credit upon the judgment of that body.
We beg to call the attention of the
present Legislature to the fact that no
more commendable application of
the States money can be made
than to give liberal appropriation
for the completion of this building,
thus discharging the duty the State
owes to its insane, and relieving
the distressing conditions that are caused
by the overcrowded condition of the
Morris Plains Hospital.
It is estimated that about 5000. 900
would complete this building and equip
it. That the plans for the new building
are economical is demonstrated by the
fact that for the accommodation of 600
people the building when completed will
cost less than one fiftieth of the amount
expended on the old building for the
accommodation of SOO Give us the
appropriation. The clear common sense
people of the state will approve of yonr
action and endorse it as money judicious-
~ expended.
THE passage of the Teller resolution
declaring that all bonds shall be payable,
at the option of the government. in gold
or in silver, by the Senate was expected,