The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1900-05-16

lniirmarv, Lexington supports three,
Versailles is 10 bnild $50 900 Infirmary
l. is not much to ask in the name of
humanity simply that our poor he
brought out f'Om the shadows Of isola-
ton into the open dsy for competent,
conscientious treatment at any Insti
luton that cost the county absolutely
nothing. but to whose support the pit
lance of 5000 per annum is all that is
asked to keep it in our midst.
Now. from a business standpoint.
since sentiment, if such it is. may fall
upon deaf ears. 1t is agreed:
l The county must take care of its
sick paupers.
2 How can this be done at the least
expense TO the taxpayers, the welfare
of the patients, of course, considered?
feel safe in asserting that under the
old system. after its trial of half a CEN
tury, the care of the sick, who were
placed in charge OF anybody who could
be persuaded to take them. cost the
county more money, annoyed the COun-
ty Judge, and resulted in miserable
treatment of the unfortunate wards
They were poorly cared for, the only
consideration being the pay that ac-
crued to the unskilled attendants.
Often the Judge could get no one to
care for the sick and thew were dump
ed in Jail cell and there became bur-
den TO the officers, menace to the
health of others and q prolonged eX-
pense to the county, ii death did not
come to their relief Sickness was
therefore prolonged and the cost in
creased and the attention insuflicient
In this way the items of cost we're a
room, board, fuel. medicine, doctors
calls, and an attendant Sum that up
and it far exceeds the expense per
patient at the Infrmary. Here we
have perfectly adapted home for the
sick, every attention, clean clothing
and bedding, baths, heat and light in
winter, air and shade in summer In
stead Of an unsympathetic, unskilled,
mercenary attendant, we have the edu-
Gated trained nurse, herself little less
skilled than the practicing physician,
all the surgical operating appliances,
sterllized instruments to prevent poison
from disease germs, proper food and
diet, medicine and physicians atten-
tion-all those things that contribute
to hasty and safe restoration to health.
Time is great item of expense, hence,
the Infirmary is saving grace TO the
taxpayers. 1t produces The best results,
i'll the shortest time, at the lowest cost.
While other counties in our beloved
State are settling this question by OWL
ing 1nfirmaries, Madison is blessed
by having one that costs her nothing
on earth except the 500 annual apprO-
priatiOn for the care of her INDECENT sick.
And yet we witnessed the spectacle last
Saturday of our Fiscal Court voting
down tins pittance. Assuredly the OPP
ponents of the measure are not inform
ed as to the false economy of such a
step, however conscienciously taken
And we pray God they may show a
Willingness TO seek for facts and know
the truth as it exists, laying aside per-
| Sonalities, jealousies, and other hind
RANGES that the taxpayers interests end
the welfare of the sick may be truly
subserved. An investigation is courted,
and as wise, fearless and unbiased
guardians of the fiscal affairs of the
county, these gentlemen will be sur
prised to know how honestly mistaken
they were in their position, and when
! they become convinced they were right
or were wrong. that portion of the tax
payers alleged to be opposed to the APP
preparation, will from the same sense
of justice to all, endorse the action OF
the Magistrates, whatever it may be.
1t is reported TO the delrIment of the
Infrmary that majority of its patients
die. An inspection OF the records
shows this to be cruel canard and its
circulation is due either to ignorance
or malice. In the last twelve months
not single county patient died. In
the seven years the Infirmary has ex-
listed, although many unfortunate in.
cuTables were brought there as a last
resort. only a small portion died.
The vote on the question of the ap
preparation was:
FOr.-Armer, Young and Gays.
Against Cotton, AeicaIf, Wells, Williams
Sandlin.-5
Assuming that the honorable mem.
bers of our Fiscal Court opposed the
small appropriation simply because il
lis an extravaganza expenditure, we as
sert and it is easy to show, that it is far
cheaper, more convenient. and more
humane to eXpend $500 per annum than
to return to the old system with all its
horrors and imperfections, its greater
ext ense and aggravatiOn of the Coun.
~ Judge and others entrusted with the
care OF the sick poor, whom we have
with us always.
1t is in the spirit of fair play that
write. In 4 spirit1Of respect for thosS
who rule, and trust these and all the
people will consider this subject in &
way that right and Justice and not pas
sion and prejudice shall prevail.
c. Z. w.