New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-28
ARusEs IN AsYLuMs Axp JAILs.

The prompt retractlon Of the charges OF revolt
ing violence and other abuses in the Craig Colony
Of Epileptics at Sonyea, n. Y, was not AT all IN
expected although the trustees OF the institution
are probably we'll advised In determining 70 in
veStigate the matter. A large proportion Of tales
of abuse fictitious, some being the product
of disordered imaginations and some of malice
The ready credence which is given TO the charges
the public sensation which they produce, the
sympathy for the alleged victims which they
provoke. the gross Odium which they cast up0n
the accused aud the vast difficulty OF getting
denial or a retraction to Overtake the original
statement, all make the utterance of such accuse
tons favOrite method of wreakng spite o.
revenge. while among those whose minds are dis
ordered in even slight degree the inclination 10
imagine or TO invent stories OF i'll treatment is
very strong. In the present case happily the re-
traction has followed 80 closely upon the accu-
sation that il will probably altogether nulIify It
and innocent individuals and benefcent insti-
luton VIII thus be saved from a grievOus wrong
There is, however. sometimes only too good
basis for such reports. even In institutions OF
usually admirable management. and that is WHY
their confirmation generally excites little or no
surprise. however strong may be the horror and
condemnation. The temptation to acts of VIC
lence Is far stronger than most people who have
never been subject TO it can readily understand
The perversty Of many criminals In confinement
is 'weilnigh incredible. and at times becomes ex-
asperating almost beyond the power of human
nature 10 endure. Even more trying Is the he
haviOr Of many inmates OF hospitals for the in
sane Their ingenuity, their deceitfulness. their
violence, their lthiness, their persistence i'm mis-
chievous conduct are understandable. Theoreti-
cally. of course all nurses and guards and other
attendants ought Ia treat them with unvaryIng
patience and tenderness. Practically il often all
but surpasses human ability TO do SO
There is. of course, no adequate excuse for
wanton violence or for any abuses in any ASYLUM
or prison There is this explanation of such CON
duct, however. and IL suggests the desrability of
the payment of such wages TO attendants in in
stitutions as Will secure better class of persons
IMAM mat which Is sometimes found i'm such
places and also the desirabllity of making terms
OF service so snort and so dependent upon proper
conduct that there will BE little chance of at
PENDANTS getting hardened. and therefore cruel or
retaining their places after their temperamantaI
unftness has been disclosed In some inn
portant hospitals for the insane the attendants
get less pay than the rudest unskiIled farm Ia
borers, and the kind of persons who engage in
such employment may be imagined In MANY
cases attendants who I'm the early part of their
employment We're able TO exercise unfaiIlnp na
thence and gentleness after q time becone
eallous and brutal 1t may unhesitatineIv ne
said that the moment this change becomes an
parent their usefulness should be regarded as nj
an end. One of the most difficult and trying
problems OF social and governmental adminjstro
ton pertains TO the care of the dependent and
criminal classes, and it Is problem 10 which
TOO earnest unceasng and resolute attention
cannot be paid.