Daily Kennebec journal., 1904-06-27

the usual channel for elee mosynary
purposes, Notwithstanding such pro-
cedures directly enhance the well be-
ing of the individual recipient and the
general public as well, yet because of
the fact that such appropriations are
paid from the public treasury and in
directly by the tax payer. there is
likely to arise much opposition and
contention. even where the object is
admitted to be a worthy one. The rea-
sons generally adduced are that a de-
pletiOn Of the public funds for a speci-
fic or unusual object, however worthy
of consideration, will so far cripple its
finances that prudence should dictate
further delay. 1t is admitted that it is
wise to guard public expenditures and
a legislative body would be derelict in
its duty to it's constituents should there
arise an appearance of non-interfer-
ence and non-interest in ScrupulouSly
guarding the finances of the people, yet
in contributing to the object under dis
cussion can the State afford to with
hold it's aid? Eliminating from this
contention humanitarian obligations
even then we make bold the assertion
end the establishment of n school and
home for the feeble-minded will con-
tribute to the material welfare Of the
state. The Good Shepherd left the
ninety and nine and sought the lost
sheep. The same disposition is eXem-
plified in the family and the one de-
pendent member often commands the
physical resources of the entire family
Productiveness is at q s.andstill and
as a consequence just so much of the
results arising from labor Is with
drawn not only from the family but
the community as well. Because of such
conditions Indirectly the State suffers
inasmuch as it is deprived of the labor
earning capacity of families comprised
| in these homes, who in it's application
| to our citizens, are caring for the 1881
| feeble-minded that now remain under
such environments. The removal of
| this defective class from the immedi-
| ate home to be placed under State
| supervision will not only relieve fathers
and mothers, brothers and sisters, from
peculiar burden almost insurmount-
able in character, which is i'm many in
| stances a secret known only to the
| SdcTcu pItclflctS Oi Tie ldIUily, YET
such withdrawal will allow freedom of
activities and production which will, it
is self-evident, more than cOunterbal-
ance in financial considerations to the
| towns and State the maintenance of
| this unfortunate class in a public in
stitution. Who can measure the pecu-
mary loss sustained by the Individual
ana Indirectly the public occasioned by
| the inability to become active and pro-
| ductive citizens because of the imposed
| duty and the absolute necessity en-
| joined. in protecting and attempting
| to care for it's unfortunate and di-
| seased members. 1t would seem that no
| argument need to be adduced when
| the status of the feeblemindad of this
| state is considered in all of Its bear
| ings. to convince one of the necessity
| of relieving the families of this "skele-
ton in the closet" We have discussed
it's financial bearings and it is proper
that such should be well considered,
but there are vastly higher motives
| which should control ones opinion
bearing upon the advisablity of maxi
ing radical changes in the care Of the
feeble-minded. It's social aspects should
not be lost sight of If we are to re-
| main vigorous and intellectual peo-
PIE. If increasing civilization is to con-
tinue its onward march and we are to
attain to even higher standards Of NOR
al and intellectual prosperity We should
see to it that such measures are in
augurated as shall make it impossible
for the propa cation of this weakened
and dcgeneratlve humanity, which if
allowed to continue will stint and
dwarf manhood, and physical and NOR
al decline will be the inevitable result.
Sentiments of philanthropy and the
dictates of humanity call for radical
changes. Christianity sanctions it, Our
duty as citizens Is plain. The enlight-
ered trend OF increasing civilization
and the henevolence Of an Intelligent
ana appreciative public and legislative
body, will, I have no doubt, when the
matter is laid before them in all of its
important bearings, take into consid-
Grafton the necessity of Immediate ac-
tion and will see to 1t that such wise
provisions are made as will cOnduce to
the well being of this class which are
in so much need of Institutional treat
ment. Such a procedure will not only
rebound to the credit Of the citizens OF
the state, but n consideration which
is of far more Importance. will ameli-
crate the condition Of the feeble mind
ed and afford opportunities for i'm
provement. The families throughout
the State who are so seriously handi-
capped and burdened by such objec-
tionable and dangerous members of
the household should be relieved.
"Salus populi suprema est lex"