The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1903-10-10
Springfield State Hospital-Investi-
cation by Baltimore Grand Jury.

/ SDTlQQu6lu oU6btO A4SOEAoSSA
cation by Baltimore Grand Jury.
ISAAC S. FIELD, Esq,
Foreman of the Grand Jury, Baltimore City.
| MAY Term, 1908.
Dear Sir-The undersigned committee APP
no;nted by YOU to visit the Springfield State
| ASYLUM, Sykesville, Carroll county, Md, re-
spectfully submits the following report:
The committee desires to express to the
officers of the Baltimore and Ohio Il. h. 20.
thanks for the kind courtesy extended to the
members of the Grand Jury in furnishing
| complimentary transportation to those VINO
desired to visit the institute on the afternoon
of August 9th, 1903 At the same time we
desire to express to DIR. Clark, Superlnten-
| dent. our thanks for his most cordial recep-
ton, thorough and most careful explanation
of all details regarding the management OF
the buildings the care of the grounds ana Inc
treatment of the patients entrusted to MS care;
The Buildings which the State has proVioe,u,
for the reception of patients at the Sprlnshelu
farm and known as State Asylum No. z, we
found to be elegantly constructed and planned
upon the most scientific principles, the gen
eral plans embracing what may be termed Inc
| Colonial Cottage STYLE. The male and female
patients are cared for in separate groups OF
buildings or rather cottages at least half mile
apart. These buildings are located on command
ING noints ofthe farm, which embrace about
800 acres of very rich and productive land.
This large tract is well cultivated by the more
trusted inmates and through their LABOR the
institute has plentiful supply OF vegetables
and other produce. Under such iaVorao'e
circumstances and conditions the patients are.
assured an abundance Of nourlshlng 1000 'he
most inyigorating air and the purest water.
The committee through you can further as
snre the citizens of Baltimore that the SAM
tary arrangements of the buildings are perfect
We found the buildings to be fire proof so lar
as the comfort of the patients will permit;
The water supply we found most generous and
the plumbing throughout all OF the buildings
is we'll calculated to excite admiration. The
sleeping apartments are upon the uorlhitory
plan and area IMPLY supplied with all 'hat tehds
TO promote the rest the safety ana me com
fort of the inmates The beds and bedding
anneared scrupulously clean The ventilation
of The best Each cottage in each group EN-
braces identical features and is connected by
broad and spacious walks elevated to level
Of the first floor of the cottages and protected
by artistic roofing; this excellent arrangement
offers "A large space for exercise AT all Times
and under all conditions OF weather. Inc
apartments for the general use OF the pallem's
we found beautifully neat and attractive. Inc
dining room, with its linen table covering.
decorated china. flowers, &c, must have
very pleasing and soothing effect up n the
nervous system of the unfortunate sufferers;
We are pleased to report that dark rooms ana
cells are not Il part of Springfield State Hos
pital: locks and bolts are conspicuous by their
absence The greatest freedom CONSISTENT
with the proper care is given to each ana
every patient. The State of Maryland III
making such liberal provision for the insane
performs grand and noble work. lhls act
places our State in the advance rank OF states
in the Union in the adoption OF improved
ideas of homes for the insane, where they may
obtain the best medical skill and the most pa,
tient care in an effort to restore dethroned
reason.
The asylum now Shelters
Patients from Baltimore City.......... $50
Patients from Counties. ................. loo
Present number of patients. 800
The revenues are about as follows
State appropriation estimated $4,000
Received from Baltimore $50
per annum for $50 patients,
Estimated Observation-Disclosures. oZ,ooo
Received from Counties $3.50
per annum for $50 patients,
Estimated. ...................... ZZ,ooo
$135,00O
The above amounts meet in liberal man
ner the present demands of the institute and
we understand the number of patients at the
Asylum represents its full capacity.
The committee further states the startling
fact that the State and private institutions are
filled to their uttermost capacity. The sltua-
ton is truly alarming and demands from those
in authority the most urgent attention. We
quite agree with DR.. Clark of Springfield and
most heartily endorse the views expressed by
him advocating the concentration of all State
patients at Springfield, and we would urge
upon those having controlling Influence over
the charities of the State the importance of
making such further extensions at Springfield
as will enable the State to place all OF its pa
tients at this place. The expense per inmate
to State, city and county would thereby be
greatly reduced,-at the same time by the
concentration of skill and management the
condition of the patient would be correspond
ingly improved. The care of the insane is
responsibility resting upon those who are
more fortunately situated. 1t is Il work that
appeals to the cordial and hearty support of
all citizens The Commonwealth of Maryland
appreciates this obligation and from out of
that abundance which "a kind and bountiful
providence has blessed our State has been
erected the Springfield State Hospital at
Sykesville The cit .ZenS of Baltimore appre-
ciate the value of this asylum and give to II
their confidence and endorsement by placing
under its care some three hundred and fifty
patients. and by further aiding the great work
bv making liberal payment for each city i'll
mate This insures the greatest possible com
fort for those for whom the city assumes re
sponsbility. We are respectfully,
SAMUEL NJ. Kinks, HARRY X. MULLER,
n. T. ToNGUE. PHILIP G. MUELLER.
JNo. I. SHEEHAN, Committee.