The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-10-16

of room. There is an undoubted in
crease of insanity in the negro race.
but i'll proportion the stare has pro-
vided well for the colored insane,
while there are probably from 700 TO
900 whites uncared for and lansing
into chronic and incurable mental
disease.
The general ratio of the insane is
to 1000 of populations; i'll North
Carolina it is about / 10 coo. The
yearly increase for five years is $50.
1t is plain that something must be
done for this annually increasing sur
plus over the number now provided
for I'VE are a great State and we do
not know it," remarked a prominent
North Carolinian. We do not realize
this. and consequently nave not pro-
vided for great states needs. The
hospital al Morcanton is a grand ok
preston of the result of Christian
civilization. Nobly conceived. de-
signed. carried out in detail. 1,025
unfortunates are there, sheltered. pro-
tected. often cured. AS l write. ] see
the smiling face of a young woman.
glowing with health. the light of the
one time darkened intellect once
more irradiating her features. She is
we'll: she is "going home. 10 the
weary traveller the word nome
sounds like bencdiction. how much
more it must be to the victim of in
sanity who has been an unwilling
traveller and Sojourner in shadow
and unreal lands. inhabited by the
fearful and mysterious creations of
disordered brain? Let there be
light" as at the Divine command the
heavens were glorified so must the
soul that has been groping in the
darkness of a distorted vision. feel the
wonderful transition.
h cl1 hac
completed was first visited by the
board. II is a brick building and pro-
vIdeS accommodations for 40 patients.
1t is situated a mile and a half from
tie hospItaI on q knoll among fertile
fields and woodland with a lovely
view of the South mountains. The
idea is to be as home-like as possible.
For instance the inmates are under
no restraint in the day time, they
have their own chickens, etc, they
have sitting room. dining room
and are employed about the domestic
needs of the Colony. A number were
beating out peas on the hack porch.
as many of them were wont to- do
in their own homes. They take a
pride in their possessions and do not
hesitate to command the superini-
ents dog Ito let my chickens alone
This is what the experiment does, it
brings an interest TO them indiVidu-
ally, and men are being aroused from
melancholia who have taken no notice
Of anything hitherto. The Superin-
tendent and the directors are so well
pleased with the Colony that they are
now building a second cottage with
the labor of the patients and at no
cost to the State, which will accommo-
date So. This plan for chronics and
for certain classes of patients is gain
ing ground with the profession.
Where there are already admins
ration buildings and an expensive
plant. it is a most economical way to
increase accommodations The Col
any building cost $4,000 The usual
cost per bed is $500 per patient, the
,olony cost $3.50 per bed. 1t is neces-
sarv to have land. There should be
me acre to each patient. The agri-
cultural life is getting nearest to ma
sure. and is the best adapted to the
insane. their needs and their capa-
oiIities. Dr. Drewry.of Petersburg.
Va. has 100 in colonies. and other
states are recommending this plan for
certain classes.
The Harper building cost $780,
100. was completed last year and its
80 beds are already occupied. This
building is for women. Airy. light
corridors and porches screened with
wire are distinctive features. The pa
tents get an unusual amount of fresh
air and sunshine without the necessity
of leaving the building. All classes