The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1908-03-06
SPRINGFIELD PRAISED.
Baltimore Committee Sees Insane In
State Asylum.

With view to comparing the &C
commodations and treatment of the
insane at Springfield State Asylum, al
Sykesville, with those at Bayview, sc
that it could act intelligently in its
fight against the repeal of the law to
place all the insane under State sup
ervision, the committee on public well
fare of the Citizens Association went
to Sykesville last Friday and spent the
day in the State asylum.
AS the fine brick cottages, grouped
at two central points, came within
sight expressions of admiration and
surprise were heard on all sides. The
visit was surprise to DR.. J. Clement
Clark, the superintendent. He con-
Quoted the party through the institu-
ton and explained how the patients
are cared for and treated.
Perhaps the most striking contrast
to Bayview which forcibly impressed
the visitors was the dormitories. At
Bayview, on account of the crowded
quarters, number of patients are
obliged to sleep in the basement, where
the ventilation is bad. At Springfield
the dormitories are all on the second
floor of the cottages, equipped with a
number of windows, which provide
ample light, while modern system of
ventilation has been introduced. The
metal beds, which were covered with
clean, white linen and spreads, pre-
sented the appearance of college dor
mitory. They were from two to three
feet apart.
In the presence of the party 400 men
filed into the spacious dining-room
in tyun rd "
at their seats until the signal was CIV
en- for them to be seated. Once seated
they ate orderly and with evident
relish their meal of boiled fish, rice
potatoes, bread and butter, which was
served them by the attendants in great
quantities.
After visiting every department of
the institution, including the industrial
shop, where many of the men find con-
genial employment in making shoes,
clothing, furniture and other useful
things, the members of the party ex-
pressed their views.
Charles G.. Stieff said: This is an
institution of which the State Of Mary
land can be justly proud. If the peo-
pie of the State only knew what q
great institution is here, and that a
few more buildings would. it pos
sible for you to take charge of all of
the insane in the State, the money
would be forthcoming"
In his reply DR.. Clark said much OF
the success of the institution was due
to the excellent Judgment of the man
ayers, his assistant physicians, nurses
and attendants.
while Bayview IS doing remark
able work under the conditions" he
said, sit is not equipped for the work
as it is carried on here. This is the
proper place for the treatment of all
the INDECENT insane in the State. By
the addition of two more cottages,
costing about 100000, we would be
prepared to empty Bayview and give
the patients the same treatment the
patients here enjoy.
I'VE are asking the Legislature for
100000 which we need to complete
the railroad for the sewerage system
and the erection of barn and other
small buildings. If the General As
sembly saw fit to grant that appropria-
ton and an additional 100000 for
two more cottages we would empty
Bayview inside of year. l hope they
will do it,
Mr.. w. w. Parker said: "The State
has thus demonstrated it's ability to
care for the insane after modern and
model methods. The city is helpless
because of it's many burdens, which
are constantly increasing The State
is practically free from debt; the city
is burdened. The city pays more than
IS per cent of the total State taxation,
The logic of the situation demands
immediate State care, and to all those
who know the time conditions this
solution of the grave difficulty will
especially appeal"