The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-08-23
The Insane Hospital. .

Editor The Advertiser:
 The State Asylum for the Insane is an Institution of which the people of the State have long been proud Not only so, 1t has become the model for similar institutions tn other States.
 It has achieved a great and benefi- cent work during the many years of its existence. and 1t would be very strange, that. officered as it Is, in large part, with trusted assistants of the late Dr. Bryce and with one of the first citizens or the State at the head of it's affairs, aided by Board of Trustees presided the institution should have degenerated so suddenly into the terrible condition described by some of the witnesses.
 do not essay to pass upon or criti- else the testimony of these witnesses. and recognize the impropriety of any dtcussion 0f their evidence in the pa- pers while the whole subject is being investigated by the Legislative Com mission. But I believe I may, with prppriety ask, in behalf of the hospi- ment by the public until all the evl- dence Is placed before them, especially in view of the fact that the newspapers have not been over-kind or cautious in Their reporters, with that predilection for things sensational that Is charac- tefistic of the cult, seem to select jso- lated statements, discociated from their
 
 status of the witness. or to qualifying and sometimes Gas we insist) contra dictory statements of the same wit ness. The fact has not been mentioned that some of the statements that have been given much prominence, have been detailed by witnesses whose present sanity is qustioned; and others, by ex- nurses who have been discharged / In view of the tendency of such testimony to disturb the relatives and friends of inmates. 1t is important, submit, that great care should be taken in respect to such publications.
 It may be added, properly, I hope Gas the reception of the letter to which I Committee and 1t will be introduced) that on my return from Birmingham, where iC was testified that certain inmate of prominence had been beaten to death," found awaiting me letter written me from distant point by the widow of the deceased gentleman stating that the evidence did great in- Justice to Dr. Searcy and the other physicians and nurses of the hospital That her husband was carried there a very sick man: that she employed day and night nurse for him; that she received daily reports of his condition and being at last advised by pr. Searcy he could not recover she went to the asylum and was with her husband for four days before his death He was there only two weeks She says: T spent each morning with nm when ne had less fever and his mind was clear; ; he talked to noe of home affatrs and private matters and had every oppor- tuntty to comp plain of i'll treatment had he desired, as was left alone with him most of the time, the nurse thought fully going in the hall and leaving us alone. He seemed on excellent terms with his nurse, showing no fear or dis like to him. I have felt more than grateful to the physicians and nurses, for they seemed gentle and kind, and feel that if skill and attention could have saved him, he would now be alive and we'll" She further says: T feel so sure an injustice has been done, in his case at least. that I must correct the charges made against those who showed only kindness to me and mine" With such a response, wholly unsolic- tied. to a charge so grave, may not the public well be asked to suspend Judg- ment as to charges less grievous?
 J. M. Chiffon Attorney for Alabama Bryce Insane
 Hospital.
 (Note-The Advertiser does not agree with Judge Chiffon In his strictures on all newspaper reporters. As a rule re- porters are more open minded, ana con- sequently fairer, than persons interest ed in trials of cases. The Advertiser reporters have reported the testimony in this matter fairly Much of the tes- timony is still to be adduced and The Advertiser feels sure 1t will fully vim dicate the Hospital and It's superior management-Ed.)