Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-02-28
A FAVORABLE REPORT
Strong Language Uned About Some Con-
ditions at s. Elizabeth Asylum.
Passage Urged of the Bill Providing
for the Purqhase of Land Lying
South of Rresent Site.

$685. which authorizes and directs the pur-
chase of Wilson Park, containing about
seventy acres of land, adjoining the south
ern lns of st. Elizabeth's Insane Asylum.
The report recommends the prompt passage
of the bill, and in the course of 1t is the
following:
The committee find that our unfortunate
heroes of Santiago, Manila, San Juan Hill.
as well as those of other wars, who have
lost their sanity in discharge of their pa
triotc duty to their country, are thrust in
the asylum among thieves, counterfeiters,
murderers, and all other insane criminals
at st. Elizabeth's Asylum, there being no
other place to receive them. To say that
this is dishonor to our country and a
stain upon the fair record of our govern
ment is but speaking plain truth. That 1t
Is so Is the result Of a lack OF knowledge
on the part Of Congress. The fact oeing
now brought to the attention of Congress,
we are assured that this demoralizing out
rage will be speedily remedied.
DIR. Godding, the most eXcellsnt and eff
ficent superintendent of the asylum, states
that the proposed addition is necessity of
the most urgent character. We recommend
the prompt passage of Senate bill No. 552o,
that proper care may be taken of those of
our unfortunate soldiers and sailors who
have given to their country more than life
or treasure.
SseEAptioA VI L EoPCAtss
Wilson Park consists of Pencotes
Heights consisting Of 295 lots, and lots 16
and II adjoining the southern line of the
above-described subdivision Of land, con-
tanning $3.50 acres, and all containing a
total of 4.59440 square feet of ground,
Which, at ten cents per square foot,
amounts to s459, 40 Lots sold at ten cents
per square foot before building of railroad.
Over 100 lots adjoining this property
were sold at ten cents to fifteen cents per
square foot. Since building of railroad,
building Of school house and lighting of
streets, lots are now being sold at twenty
five cents per square foot, which would
raise the value of the property to S1,14S,6D.
Wilson Park adjoins the present grounds
of the United States Hospital for the In
sane, and, as stated by DR.. Godding, is the
only available tract of land suitable for the
extension of the hospital grounds for build
ing purposes.
1.-The entire park is covered with mag
nificent growth of large oak trees, which
the extension of the city streets in the
spring will destroy; and excavations in
grading streets will disfigure the property
for the proposed hospital grounds; besides,
the park is located upon a high, beautiful
site, with a commanding view of the Po-
tomac river and the city of Washington
DIR. Goddins's Letter.
The letter of DR.. W. w. Godding which
accompanies the report, being printed with
it, was addressednto Senator Chandler Feb
ruary IA, and is as follows:
MY attention, has been called to a bill
recently INTRODUCED in the House of Rep
resentatives authorizing the Secretary of
the Interior to purchase a tract of land
adjoining the present hospital site, so as to
afford distinct provision for the insane of
the army and navys. with grounds apart
from the United States convict and Dis
trict INDECENT insane.
Ills contamination devoutly to be
icl,o ,,,f1r 1rt
everything pertaining to the welfare of our
sailor boys. l venture to ask you to look
into the matter, hoping 1t may have your
approval and support.
The act of 1882 authorizing the Attorney
General to transfer tosthis hospital, through
the Secretary of the Interior, all insane
persons charged with. offenses against the
United States or6conSicts serving sentence
in state prison or penitentiary has resulted
in steady increase in this undesirable
class of patients, until at the close of the
last fiscal year no. less than 100 of these
We're provided for at ST. Elizabeth the
same hospital that cares for the insane of
the army and navy
Lately our noble sailors have been car
rying the flag round the world. The heroes
of Manila and Santiago brave as lions
stricken with fever and bereft of reason
are brought home, for our nursing and low
ing care. They have not held their lives
dear; yea, have freely given more than
their lives for their country. Shall we not
give them the best of hospital surround
ings and pleasant home, free from asso-
citation with felons and criminal insane? Is
not the country generous enough and Just
enough to do this?
THE land in question is most desirable
1t is a beautiful spot, elevated. commanding
views of the city and river, and is in every
way suitable for extensive buildings and
ornamental grounds. No movement has
ever been made by the hospital author
tiles to secure it, simply because 1t was
considered impossible to purchase The prop
erty. There is adjoining land that can
compare with it or that would be in any
way adequate for the purpose.
Il feel sure that no one will do more to
relieve our sailors and soldiers from need
less humiliation than the kind-hearted and