New-York tribune., 1902-10-26
INSANE WELL CARED FOR.
EMPHATIC DENIAL OF CAMPAIGN
CHARGES BY STATE COMMIS-
SION IN LTNACY

Albany, Oct 25.-The State Commission IN
Lunacy to-day issued statement declaring that
the reports which have been spread broadcast
throughout the State that owing 10 decrea sed
appropriations the efficiency Of the State hos
pitas for the insane has been seriously i'm
paired. that scurvy resulted from diminished
food supply and that officials have been in
Inundated. Is tissue Of falsehoods. The state
nent continues;
Since the appointment by Governor OdeI Of
Dr. Frederick Peterson as president of the
Medical Commission he has devoted himself al
most exclusively to developing the scientific
spirit among members of the hospital staffs.
He has secured director OF the State Hos
pitals Pathological Institute staff DR. Adolf
Meyer the ElUst distinguished patholOsisr in the
United States, and arrangements are now per
fected by which improved methods OF research
viii az once be put into operation under Tlr
Meyers general supervision. Considerable con-
fdence IS felt by the commission tbst AZ No
distant day tangible results in an enhancement
ments
As 70 The overcrowding which undoubtedly
lieF5lis IN me hospitals to-day this much can
ne salo' mat II contractors having buildings now
IN course Of construction. adequate appronria-
lions Tor which have been made had compiled
with the terms OF their contracts. recurring the
completion OF the buildings during the nresant
year. The accommodations thus provided would
meet every requirement.
The experimental dietary ordered in Decem-
her, 1901 is reviewed at length. and the COM
mission states that IL was adopted as the re-
suit Of experiments conducted by Professor
". O. Atwater, the government food expert
Regarding present conditions. the report saws.
No case OF scurvy exists or has existed in any
state institution since the inauguration Of State
ca'e so far as can be learned by those in re-
sponslble charge Of the hospitals. Il can be
asserted that at this time. and for several
months past, the insane of this State are re
cevlng better quality. quantity and variety
or 1000 than any similar class OF persons are
in ha mir
Furthermore, that the food is more wholesome
and is better served. and that there is none OF
me waste ana eNtravagance that characterized
former days.
The commission declares that Mr Oden has
always insisted on strict observance Of the
CIVIL Service rules in connection with the in
stituuons, and that he has maintained the BIZ
partisan character of the State commission in
his appointments.
Regarding the intimidation charge. the report
saws:
The system Of rules and regulations which
has been prescribed by the commission and ap-
proved BY the Governor, was prepared by the
medical superintendents themselves the very
slight notifications therein having been made
by the Medical Commissioner, DIR. Frederick
peterson surely these of7oers NAV he relied
on 10 provide a sufficiently elastic working
system 70 insure freedom of action in an de-
partments Of their institutions. and TO avoid
action tending 10 hamper and retard medical
work. or u ''intimidate hospital officers and
employees"
In conclusion the statement says:
Il would perhaps, be rash 20 assert that the
new methods initiated by the Governor will
bring about cure Of eli the conditions that
have existed for so long tine. or that per
fection be claimed for the new system. but
certain il is that the administration of these
institutions is facilitated that every insane per-
son is receiving everything necessary for his
comfort and restoration ana tnat me rignts OF OF
the taxpayers Of the State are being sedulously
safeguarded.