The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-13
COUNTY POOR ASYLUM
A sCATHING REPORT BY THE COUN-
TY BOARD OF CHARITIES.
The Institution Found in Bad Condi-
tion-RecOmmendatiOn for New
Location.

The report of the Marion County Board
of Charities and Correction to the County
Commissioners, on the County Poor Asy-
lum, was submitted yesterday. 1t reads
as follws:
The County Board of Charities visitedt the
County Poor Asylum on Dec. 4. We found
the building in about the same condition
as it was at the time we made our last
visit. None OF the repairs that we sug-
gested have been made, and the building. in
some parts. is in a most deplorable con-
dition. There IS an odor throughout the
premises that is most insufferable and must
be injurious to the health Of the inmates
This odor has been very perceptible at
every visit we have made. 1t was thought
that when the insane patients were re-
moved the trouble might, in part at least,
be overcome; but such is not the case.
The ventilation is simply none. There is
one room that has no ventilation or light
except what comes from the doorway; and
in it two men sleep with the door closed
at night This is an inside room, and is
about twelve feet square or less. We are
told that the men preferred 1t. On the
next floor and directly over it is a similar
room, with the exception hat it has two
doors; and at night the transom Is open.
Two men sleep in this room. These rooms
should never be used for sleeping apart
ments. and the fact that the men prefer
them is no reason why they should be al
loved TO sleep in them.
"In the mems department. the bedding is
IN very bad condition. We recommend that
all the comforts be burned and blankets
be furnished in their stead. We call your
attention TO the untidy condition of the
clothing OF the men, some of which Is alb
Eve regret that the upper two stories are
still occupied. as we think the Ives OF those
who occupy them would be in peril in case
of a fire. Notwithstanding the so-called
fire escapes.
I'm the women's department we found a
better state of things, though a great i'm
provement can be made. The same odor
exists there, though not so bad as in the
mems department
There are two insane who should be
taken TO the Asylum for the Insane at
Julietta- The superintendent informed US
there was another who was tecoming so
fast The life and condition of tho inmates
Is such as would have a tendency TO drive
them 10 insanity. Their time should be
occupied IN some useful way, So far as pcs
sible.
"A careful scrutiny. we believe. would
divulge the fact that We are caring fer
persons who have no claim or Marion
county. There are others who, seemingly,
are able-bodicd and should care for them
selves. There are inmates who make use
OF the asylum for the winter only. thus
making a nome Tor themselves at the ex-
pense OF the county. We learned OF one
case where a man goes peddli ls fer a week
or moro and then returns to the asylum and
remains until he is ready for an
other pilgrimage as a peddler. There ere
inmates who have relatives abunsiantly
able 10 care for them, but thcy prefer 10
place them In the asylum at the expense of
the county. There are many who are
worthy of the care of the county. and
for such there should be great sympathy.
w recommend that a 'searchlight' in
vestieation be made In the case OF each
and every inmate now in the asylum, or
who may apply for admission in the fu-
ture-O as TO their claims on Marion coln-
~ for support; (2) as 10 the necessity for
care: ca as TO ability TO care for them
selves or OF friends TO care for them: (D
as 10 their p%ecuniary affairs. IL is our
opinion that the County Poor Asylum. in
its present condition. is a disgrace [. the
county; and In comparison 10 other similar
Institutions, Il falls far below the average.
We believe IL would be good policy to sell
this property and purchase another and
smaller place on the line OF some inter-
urban or steam railroad. and build TO suit
the needs OF the institution"