The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-28
THE INEBRIATE ASYLUM
Divergent Views Of Herbert w.
Lewis and Major Sylvester.
The senate Bill Adversely Reported
Ipou by the superintendent of
Charities - Cure of Alcoholism In
the Experimental Stnge "A Hos
PisaI Ward Deemed Sufficient.

Herbert W. Lewis. the Superintendent
sioners that the passage OF the bill now
before Congress for the establishment of
an inebriate asylum In the n8trict would
be premature and inexpedient. This ac-
ton was taken in direct opposition TO the
views expressed by Major Sylvester and
Sanitary Officer Frank in their annual re-
ports, when they urged the Commissioners
TO secure such an institution as soon as
possible. Senator Mcmillan introduced
bill in the Senate last month providing
for the establishment Of the inebriate hos
pital and 1t was referred to the Commits
sioners for report. They in turn referred
it to Superintendent Lewis and his report
WIS received by them yesterday.
The latter states that there are num-
Der OF reasons why the Commissioners
should not advise hasty action on this
measure. In the first place. he says,
there is no good foundation on which TO
base a belief that such an institution
would effect the cure of that which is
generally referred 10 as the disease of
inetriety" Some OF the highest suthori-
asserted that there is no cure for the So
called disease. while others Of equal repute
have contended that there is. II is hard
to determine which of these is right, the
Charities Superintendent continues, and
even allowing that those in the affirmative
can prove their case, how far does the
treatment accorded the inmates of the
asylums of hospitals go toward effecting
a cure? The extent TO which q cure can
be effected, and the means of securing
such relief are yet TO be determined and
until this is done II seems that the extab-
lisbment OF an institution of the kind In
the Capital is premature.
II Congress and the Commissioners de-
sire to experiment in the treatment OF
inebriety they csn very properly do so
through the insertion OF clause in the
bill for the establishments of a municipal
hospital, which will assign one Of the
wards in that institution to such matters
and where all the experiments can be car
ried on under the direction of the District
authorities. The plens and estimates OF
this building are subject to the approval
OF the Commissioners. according to the
provisions of the bill now before Congress,
and they can, therefore. include such spe-
cial facilities for the treatment of inc
briates as they deem wise. and as may
be required by the conditions that prevail
in the District. In conclusion, Mr.. Lewis
states that the authority for the commit
ment OF such patients as may be unwill
ing TO become inmates OF this particular
ward OF the municipal hospital can be
readily obtained from the proper authori-
ties when It is known that such a place
is in the process of construction.
At present there is no law or regulation
in this city regarding the Incarceration OF
intoxicated persons. Some time ago there
was police regulation which made help
less inebriety a misdemeanor, punishable
by a fine OF not more than Sc. but the
ordinance was stricken from the books,
and. at present the police are not sup
posed to arrest those who may roam about
the streets in an intoxicated condition. The
District authorities have invested the
policemen with the power to take care of
intoxicated persons that are found on the
streets, and they are often taken to the
stationhouses and locked up over night
10 prevent them doing harm to themselves
or other persons.
For some time past the police officials
have been OF the opinion that an institu-
ton OF some kind should be established
IN the city where such persons could be
detained OF treated until they are cu-od.
and II has been given great deal of at
tention by the present Superintendent of
Police. Major Richard Sylvester. His at
tsntion was fret called to the matter by