Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-09-13
FOR TEMPORARY HOSPITAL
INSTITUTION FOR TREATMENT
OF INCIPIENT INSANITY.
Matter Discussed by Commissioner
Mcfarland Based Upon Reports
Made to the Board.

Commissioner mcfarland was today ask
ed for an interview upon the proposed
pSychopathic observation hospital
where persons slightly afflicted with IN
sanity can be cared for. The institution
has been recommended by DR.. William J..
Robins, who was requested by the Commits
sioners nearly a year ago to institute a
thorough investigation of the local condi-
tons regarding insanity and who made an
advance report to them several days ago.
In his interview Mr. Mcfarland said:
Having two years ago this fall requested
the board of charities. which has juris-
diction over the INDECENT insane. to make
a report upon the whole question of in
sanity In the District of Columbia. with
a view to comprehensive recommendations
to Congress, for the improvement by leg
1slation and appropriation of tie methods
OF dealing with the Dist: let insane, / shall
await the report of that board before ex-
pressing any official opinion on the sub
1ect. In January, 1906, when l submitted
to the board of charities certain state
ments on the subject which had been sent
to the Commissioners | was informed that
considerable information had already been
collected as to the methods employed else
where, including psychopathic pavilions for
observation, and had every reason to eX-
pect a repo from the board in time for
its presentation to Congress at the session
beginning December 1906.
Physicians Consulted.
I'm March. 1906 however, 1t was suggest
ed that the expert advice and information
of Drs Robins, Simpson and Compton be
obtained. and it was agreed by the Com
missioners that they should be requested
to furnish the Commissioners for the use
of the board of charities such information
and advice in order that it may be embodied
In the report to be made by the board of
charities upon the conclusion of its inves-
ugation, with a view to future recommen-
dations to Congress, and March 80 1906,
the physicians We're asked accordingly.
January 8. 1907, the board of charities
stated that 1t had received nothing from
the physicians on the subject and suggested
that they be asked how soon they would
furnish the information, and January 10,
1907, this request was addressed by the
Commissioners to the committee of physi-
clans. Now we have the individual report
of one of the committee which has been
referred to the board of charities. and as
soon as the reports of the others are re-
ceived the board of charities will begin the
preparation of its report to the Commits
Sioners.
Boards Position.
"In it's annual report last year the board
of charities stated that there was no press
ing necessity in the matter which could not
wait its special report to the COMMISSIONS rs
on the subject. 1t ought to be remembered
that the INDECENT insane have for years
been kept under observation at the Wash
ington Asylum Hospital until their insanity
Is definitely determined, in some cases for
thirty, sixty or ninety days.
AT the last session o. Congress, at the
request of the board of charities, approved
by the Commissioners, appropriation
was made for converting the old amsho
into wards for treating inebriates, and for
the observation and temporary treatment Of
the INDECENT insane This will furnish, by
the time Congress meets. adequate provi-
sion for the observation and treatment of
the INDECENT insane before being sent to st.
Elizabeth.
Merely Makeshift.
'Of course. like the rest of the Wasning-
ton Asylum Hospital, it is but makesnft
until we have a proper municipal hospit al
on the Brightwood avenue site. But II
gives better facilities for the work of what
has been practically a 'psychopathic pa
vilion for the INDECENT insane.
The question of whether there should be
psychopathc pavilion for pay patients
other than that which now exists at St
Elizabeth. or the facilities offered by the
general hospitals, is one that the board of
charities will no doubt cover in it's report"