East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1911-01-10

rule of right and wrong has been our |
guide in administering the affairs of
this, the greatest of the states chari- |
ties. We have found much TO do in
the past: more remains for future ac-
complishment. The buildings are old;
rapid and steady increase in popula-
tin has rendered the different depart
ments inadequate. In correcting these
conditions the future must be taken
into consideration, so the the new
buildings may be properly grouped
and, if need be, added to as necessity
arises. 1t is unfortunate that the
need must be urgent before the pro-
vision is made. In spite of general
w liberal policy on the legislators,
every insane hospital in the country
is overcrowded. Oregon's one institu-
tin will soon reach, if it has not al
ready passed, the limit in size best CAL
culated to meet the requirements and
the needs of the individual patient"
The legislature of 1909, through its
appropriations for improvements and
equipment and its provisions for the
establishment of a branch asylum in
eastern Oregon did much to relieve
the conditions complained of, but a
great deal yet remains to be done.
1t will be some time before the
eastern Oregon asylum can be con
structed and equipped, and as th'
population of the main institution a
Salem is rapidly increasing, nothing
should be neglected that will add L
the safety and correct treatment o
the insane while this crowded condi
tion exists.
Should the improvements planne'
and recommended by the superintend
ent in his report be provided for by tn
legislature and the population Of tn
main institution be reduced by tn
completion and occupation of tn
eastern oregon branch, it will then b
possible for the management to Civ
those unfortunates remaining adde
attention and more comfort.
State Capitol.
Something must be done at an earl
date to relieve the congested condi
ton of the capitol building. Ever
available foot of space has been use
and conditions in some of the depart
ments are becoming almost unbear
able. If arrangements could be mad
for the removal of the printing an
heating plants from the building
would go far towards solving tn
problem.
The States Water Supply.
The time has come. in my opinion
when the state should take some az
ton to secure an abundant supply
pure water for the state institution
At present the supply is being draw
from wells or from the Salem wat'
system, and both sources are open
objection.
The city Of Salem has recently Il
ken steps 70 assume the ownership an
control Of the supply system now
use and the plan Of piping pure moul
tain water to the city is under discu
sion. In my opinion this is the on
safe solution Of the water supp
question.
Oregon National Guard.
Through the passage Of an admi
able and effective military code at Il
last session Of the legislature and II
patriotic spirit and ability display'
by its officers and men, the nation
guard of the state is being maintai
ed in nlBn state Oh eIllciehcy.
During the past year the guard W
called upon to assist in extinguishil
the great forest fires which were
stroying our magnificent forests al
the homes Of our settlers. The Of
GERS and men answered the C;
promptly and rendered most valuat
service in the performance of ii
unpleasant duty.
During the year 1909 it cost 4
state $30.S7 for each man in serviS
The same year the national guard
California cost that state SS1.0e