The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-01-18
THE CARE OF THE INSANE.

The authorities of the Western .Hospi-
tai at Morganton and the Central Hospi-
exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand
dollars IN order to afford additional ac-
commodations for the insane of the State.
The care and treatment of "the INDECENT
insane, as required by the Constitution,
is a sacred duty. and the tax payers of
the State are always ready to pay their
share of the cost for such care and treat
ment. They are willing to make ample
provision for the unfortunate needy in
sane, and they will support the Legisla
ture in going as far as it can in provid
ing the needed increased accommodations
for them.
The State must have no pet institution.
1t must treat all alike. and in providing
for the insane there is every reason why
both of the hospitals should be made
large and undermined. The Morganten
Hospital is already twice as large as the
Hospital at Raleigh.
The institution at Raleigh ought to be
enlarged and modernized before any great
plan of enlargement is begun at Morgan
ton. These hospitals ought to be made
nearer equal u capacity and in equip
mcnt. This line of thought was sug-
gested by-sa private letter written by
leaJfng physician, in Eastern North Caro-
lind who has never lived within fifty
miles Of Raleigh, We quote from his let
ter;
III write this personal letter to you to
make ssome suggestions which believe to
be for the best interest for all concerned.
have come to the conclusion that it
would be unwise to enlarge the Hospital
at Morganton for the following reasons:
There are great many more people who
live east of Raleigh than west of Nor
canton; the present line dividing the ter
ritory between Morganton and Raleigh is
too far from Morganton; transportation
and convenience both require a change OF
the line. The Morganton Hospital re-
last Legislature for enlargement and by
removing the line as suggested, that
Hospital will be sufficiently large for the
present
"The State has built large Hospital
at Morganton, involving an expenditure
frof the beginning bf5more than one mil
lion dollars. Now, if money is to be APP
propriated for enlargement anywhere, let
ot Dol
eigh. There is no reason why this should
not be done rather than at Morganton
The location at Raleigh. is beautiful for
situation, and as healthy the management
is just as able and as good and with the
same population as lat Morganton, the
per capita cost neeHl not be one dollar
more. | believe the State could save
money in the purchase of building ma
terial; most of the lumber would have
to be purchased in the East, granite and
rock are just as convenient, labor would
be as cheap and arrangements could be
made with the penitentiary authorities
to furnish the brick as cheap or cheaper
than at Morganton. AS matter of State
pride, the State, others things being
equal, should build large and imposing
structure at it's capitol, rather than far
away III lnc west. WIllO WllHOut COh-
ferrins with flesh or blood, having no axe
to grind, not knowing DR.. Kirby's wishes
in the matter, but prompted solely by
what | believe to be the best interest of
the State, and the unfortunate insane.
DIR. Murphy. | do not think will oppose
this, for neither he nor his Directors, or
the people of the West could
do SO without doing injustice to the
East The Hospital there as stated, is
very large one, and reflects credit upon
the State, and the citizens of the West
ought to be satisfied with what the State
has done for it. ! submit these reflections
fcrs your thoughtful consideration, and
will not feel aggrievcd if you differ from
re"
Every word in this letter is as true as
Holy Writ, and we have no doubt will be
endorsed by the friends of the insane.
We want two great, useful hospitals for
the white insane in North Carolina-one
in the West and the other in the East.
We do not wish one gigantic institution.
enjoying all the favors of legislation and
one small and dwarfed and cramped.