The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1905-08-11
Says We Are Too Swift.

Why is insanity on the increase in
Minnesota?
Statistics issued by the board of con-
troll show that in the past ten years
mental disorders have increased at Il
greater ratio than the population of
the state. These facts are confirmed
by Minneapolis specialists in nervous
diseases who, in their practice, study
| the cause. ...
"There are three general causes for
the increase Of insanity" said DIR.
Leo M. Crafts today. SIN the first
place, wherever portion of COM
munity is composed of Immigrants it
will be found that there are more in
sane among their number than among
the natives. In the East insanity is
to be found on the increase among
the Irish Immigrants. The same is
true of the Germans, although they
are more phlegmatic people and are
| less easily affected. In Minnesota the
great increase is among the Scandi-
uavians. This is easily accounted for
| by the fact that the Immigrants are
transported from their quiet hamlet
homes to a strange country. They
have to change their mode of life,
learn new language, and come in
contact with keen competition, The
result is that those who are not
equipped physically and mentally for
the revolutionary change in their
lives, break down and become insane.
1.-THE strenuOuSneSS of modern life
and modern conditions also affects
the lives of everyone. There is no
stop, everyone keeps moving and those
who are unfit are, crushed, Children
are rushed through the public schools
the standard for the dull being the
same as for the brightest. When the
children finish school they rush into
business where the competition is
keener than ever. The result is the
survival of the fittest. But what of
unfortunates who did not have the
same endowments? Many of them are
found in the insane institutions or
are cared for by friends.
SIN the pioneer days there was not
so much insanity, it is true, but the
settlers were prepared for the hardy
life. The effect was not necessarily
shown in that generation, but in the
succeeding generation the dry rot is
evidenced. This will be found to be
true of any community. When it in
creases in age the fibers of strength
weaken through various natural
causes.
"The third reason, strange as it
may seem, is due in part to philan-
thropy and is one which our legislat-
ors could abolish Before the world
became civilized and merciful as it is
now, homeopathic patients were con-
sidered a queer people and were al
lowed to drift about for themselves or
were taken care of by their friends.
Modern philanthropy now takes up
the cases. The physician refers his
case to the probate court, and the
patient is taken to an asylum where
he or she is treated and in many
cases cured. The result is lthat they
go back to their homes, marry and
bring children into the world, The
children really have but half a chance
as they do not Inherit the strength
necessary to meet life. That genera
tion helps to fill the insane asylums.
In past days the insane could not
marry, of course and their weakness
died with them. There should be
some regulation whereby the weak
minded should not be allowed to pro-
pagate,
1T may be of surprise to some
people to know that there averages