The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-08-12
Those Who Attended the Con-
ference Yesterday Decided
That Home for Unfortu-
mates Is Required.
Meeting CALLED BY
THE COMMISSIONERS
County Officials Wanted to
See What Public Thought
Of Existing Conditions
Consider Plans.

It was the sense Of the conference
at the court house yesterday after
noon that the insane and feeble mind
ed be removed from the county Jail
and Home for the Friendless. The
conferees were in favor of the erec-
ton by the county of home for this
class Of indigents separate and apart
from either of the other institutions.
The proposition of an addition to the
jail was held in disfavor.
The conference was attended by
members of the county board of char
tiles, county commissioners, repre-
sentatives of the county council and
private citizens who are interested in
charitable institutions and care for
the unfortunates. 1t was a meeting for
the exchange of opinion. 1t was call
ed by the county commissioners to OBJ
tain public sentiment. The general
public was not represented by large
attendance. It was stated by one pres
emit that the public seldom shows any
real interest in matters of this kind.
The inability Of Supt. Smith of East
haven and Secretary Butler of the
state board Of charities to be present
probably had some effect on the pub
lies interest.
What Was Advocated.
The establishment of a separate in
stitution was advocated as the only
practical way to dispose of the prob
lem. The law requires that the insane
shall be under the guardianship of the
sheriff while awaiting admittance to
the hospital. Different ways have
purpose and not infringe on the law.
The proposition which gained most
favor was the purchase of farm and
erection of building upon the will
age" theory. The patients could be
provided with plenty of grounds for
exercise and those in condition to
justify 1t might be given some priv
leges they can not enjoy at jail or
the home
The establishment OF the Village"
at the county farm was favored to a
slight degree. The farm is so far re-
moved from the city as to make it
somewhat difficult of access to the
authorities, although there is direct
interurban service.
The employment of man and his
wife as guards was proposed. 1t was
pointed out that women insane should
be under the care Of a woman custod-
ian. Her duties would consist almost
exclusively in looking after the in
mates and probably preparing their
food. The man would be in control Of
the male inmates and would look after
the farm and premises. 1t would be
required that the custodians be mar
ried.
Enlargement Opposed.
The enlargement Of the Jail was ex-
cepted to for various reasons. Prin-
cipal among them was the probability
that the state law will be changed in
q few years and district warehouses;
provided for. The present jail is suf-
'ficiently large to accommodate the
number OF prisoners usually remanded
there. The workhouse would reduce
the number of inmates at the Jail. It
would also serve as preventive
against the custom of some men to
winter In jail. These men prefer to
spend their time behind bars but we'll
fed and kept warm to having their
liberty and they are regular denizens
OF administration.
Itswas evident to all that some ar
rangement must be made soon. The
county council meets in September
and tf.an appropriation is to be secur-
ed~ttsmust be asked for at this meet
Ing. Consequently there is need for
Quickework. There is an incessant de-
mand and an actual necessity, accord
1nE to the conferees, that something
be,done to remedy conditions. No ad-
dition to the Jail and the removal of
al insane from Jail and home by pro-
viding separate institution for them
was regarded as the only proper solu-