Arizona republican., 1906-05-18

sirable feature of the cottage system is this; That under it proper classifi- cation of the patients might be made This is now impossible. The mildly ir- sane and the delicately reared woman to whom motherhood has brought an acute (and therefore curable) form of mania, are herded with the haIf-breed Indians and those vicious creatures who bring up here after, and often as result of, life of prostitution.
 The asylum has highly efficient superintendent, with a force of help CTS carefully selected. There is avail able fund for the maintenance of the asylum and another for building pur- poses. If the fund is insufficient the people of the territory have it in their power, through the legislature. to in crease it. And if the powers that be shall see these things as they appear , to common folk we may yet make of our asylum an institution to be proud of
 That Dr. Ferguson has surrounded himself by willing hands and kindly hearts was made evident on a trip through the gardens where thc little gentlewOman who acts as matron was cutting fresh flowers for the women's wards. As she passed under the bal cony a queer, hah-articulate sound from above caused her to look up and wave her hand in response to a similar gesture made by a repulsive looking Mexican girl-an epileptic of the vio- lent type. That she had a most friend ly feeling for Mrs. Brown. the matron, was quite apparent. Questioning de veloped the fact that some time pre- viously she had been deprived of her only treasure. a Catholic prayer book. Alter that her raving had filled the ? ace, and none of the attendants had been able to quiet her. Upon discover ing the cause of her violence, Mrs. Brown procured her a second prayer book thus winning for herself q grati- tude that was felt throughout the length and breadth of the asylum in
 the poor girls instant and continued tractability.
 On our entrance into the ward where this girl spends her time she shrank
 quietly out of the way. hdggtng the prayer book to her bosom. Of the others who crowded around many were Mexicans a few Americans, and all were eager to touch the matrons hands, her dress. her hair. To them she stands fer the fresh flowers and i the little treats she brings daily into their darkened lives, as well as for that degree of harmony which the employ ment she has induced many of them to take up has already wrought
 One of the most sullen and indiffer- ent patients in the ward was vO.up- tarily in the sewing room. assisting the seamstress with some intricate needle work, in order to please the matron. From the first the new management has made an intelligent effort to in terest these women in light tasks. In many instances the efforts have proved successful. When a patient comes out of the depths of brooding sullenness and apathy to engage willingly in use ful employment she is on the road to- ward returning health of mind: when she does it as a matter of gratitude it demonstrates the value kindness has Perhaps no other people in the world are so susceptible to the soft word, the gentle touch, as the insane.
 Life has many sides. and in an insti- tuition of this kind, though the tragic and pathetic predominate, the relieving element of humor is not lacking. One aged Mexican woman, who had been removed from the poor house to the asylum. after being bathed, combed and fed lay back in her clean sheets. declared that she was in heaven and demanded a cigarette. When this crOWning luxury was. with many ex- plantations and regrets. denied her, she decided that the poor house was better than heaven and announced her in tention of departing forthwith.
 At o'clock the whistle blew for supper. The patients and their keep CTS came troOping in double files across the yard, lining up in front of the din ing hall. separate building in the rear of the asylum proper. This hall is also used for entertainments, and at the farther end. on a small stage, is a piano. which one of the womeH pa tients plays, and plays well, during meal times.
 The patients entered the hall to the measure of stately march and took their seats =, able. where tea, thick slices of white, homemade bread. pitchers of fresh milk and great dishes of rice pudding Cfilled with raisins) made up the evening meal, The paid