The Wichita daily eagle., 1901-05-07
MAJORITY OF
THE INMATES
ARE MALES
Queer Facts Concerning Okla
hOma Insane.
MANY MENTAL DEFECTS
Some Insane on Religion and
Some on Politics.

Norman. o. T. May 4--on the 18th
day Of June the contract for the keeping
Of the territorial insane viii expire. but
there is no room for doubt but what
the contract VIII be renewed and the
insane people Of Oklahoma kept in the
Threadgin sanitarium in tnis city at
the present time. There are now 500
i territorial patients in the sanitarium in
this city and It is surprising fact that
the males outnumber the females al
most three to one. Whether 1t is. because
the average female is brighter intenectu-
ally than the male Is a question to be
answered, but from insane statistics OF
the territory the men are in the major
ity by large Per cent. Since 1895 the
territorial insane have been cared for
under contract by John Threadgiu and
without any doubt the insane viii be
kept in the Norman institution until
the territory has an asylum Of their own.
When this viii come is problematical.
but it is a conceded fact that Oklahoma s
| insane are well cared for Previous to
the Threadgill contract, the insane pa
tients were taken to Illinois for keeping.
This was found to be expensive for
transportation to that state was costly.
Norman is accessible to all parts Of the
territory which in itself is a good fea-
ture.
There are all classes Of patients at
Norman, from the most violent to the
feeble-minded person. Insanity IN itself
is peculiar thing, and to see strong
people. physically, yet mentally unbal-
anced is enough to cause wonderment.
The case of Del Johnson. Of Orlando,
is one of the strangest Of any IN the
asylum. Johnson IS the young man who
murdered his father and mother a few
months ago. and from his talks with the
sanitarium physicians, be states that he
was forced TO do the deed and that he
cannot be satisfied until he has killed
the balance Of his relatives. At first
appearance, Johnson is a harmless look
ing person, with peculiar countenance.
He sets In the violent ward IA the asy-
1um and there is little TO denote that
his parents met their death at his
hand. It was first thought that insanity
was only q ruse to save his neck from
the hangman's moose. but since his incar-
but what he is insane and that his in
sanity via increase as he grows older.
1t is the opinion of Dr. Threadgil that
within a few years. the mind OF Johnson,
will be blank as far as all reason is
concerned and that the balance of his
days in this life Will need TO be spent
In an asylum
There are many channels for insanity
it sens, but religion cuts q large figure
IN insanity. There are men IN the asy-
lum who are insane on religion. but
when their minds are detracted into an
other channel. these persons converse
sane as any one on general subjects.
There IS one feature about asylum life
however. that Is peculiar, for many Of
the patients, sane at times have a fear
that they win be forced 70 leave the
asylum, and this they do not want to
do.
The main builolng Of the asylum Is OF
brick, and is roomy with comfortable
quarters for the inmates. On the lower
floor are the Offices and reception rooms
and on the upper floors are the wards
The asylum, in reality, is built on the
cottage plan. In different directions are
the wards IN cottages and these are IN
charge OF special attendants. Some Of
the patients are Of much help to the
attendants. for they prefer 70 do work
rather than sit in the wards and do
nothing for hours at time. These pa
tients need 20 be watched, but many
OF them take much pride in their iabors.
There are twenty-eight employees at the
asylum and their work Is 50 divided that
there IS no conflict, and each day brings
its routine work with little vacation.
Some days the Norman institution Is
as quiet as a church and other Gays Il
is a noisy place. Weather conditions
have something 70 90 with this. and
there are times when It taxes the wits
Of the experienced attendant 70 quiet
the patient in charge.
IN the convaescent ward It is not un-
usual 70 see games Of checkers. etc, In
progress. There is just Is rauch spirit
and earnestness in these games as N
the outer world and as a usual thing
there are many persons sitting around
the tables watching the progress of the
game Such games as these have been
encouraged to detract the mind Of the
patient from himself and IN this man
ner a cure IS more easily Elected.
There are many parolied patients 40
the asylum. For these seats among the
trees have been arranged for and OF
bright days they are wei occupied.
Croquet is one of the outdoor games.
and some Of the -dany' persons. 70 use
street parlance. become very proficient
players and get much benefit from TIE
game.
The following statement was made 70
Gov. Barnes By Or. Threadgii fer i@e
up To July /. 1850 II shows the insane
FROM the various counties. ard Okla
homa county Is az the head q the ust