Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-12-26
] INSANE
.fSY[OM IS URGED
If. Evans, In Report, Says
State institution Is In
adequate.
rspecinI to the Newark star.l

TRENTON, Dec. 2s.-Dr. Britton
n. Evans, medical director at the
New Jersey State Hospital for the
insane at Morris Plains, In the an
cnuaI report of the institution to the
NGsovernor, shows that the asylum is
n now caring for more than 800 per-
sons In excess OF its accommoda-
lions. The whole report Of the insti-
tuition emphasizes the serious men,
ace encountered by the great over
crowding In the insane hospital. The
number of recoveries Is seriously
hampered because of the calamitous
overcrowding, the report says, and
this condition becomes more grave
from day to day.
A specific recommendation for
another State insane hospital is
urged to preserve the States honor
IN the care of it's insane.
Referring to the cramped quarters
Of the institution Dr. Evans says the
rooms formerly used by patients Tor
recreation have been converted into
dormitories, and In the halls
u the wards beds are put
down In the evening to accom-
uoodste those who cannot be cared
Tor in rooms. This continued over
orowdIng lie the most serious problem
which constantly oonfronts us," he
continues. "Thie 10 q serious condi-
ton which threatens to give diB-
astrous results at any time should
Are break out In the hospital during
the night, aside from its extremely
nnhygienic aspect"
scuFvy In Asylum.
The report shows that at the close
Of the hospital year there were under
care 2,411 patients, where accommo-
dations are provided only for 1000.
DR. Evans further emphasized the
seriousness of conditions by report
ing that there have been several cases
of scurvy in the institution.
Continuing Or. Evans says: From
year to year l have set forth In as
plain English as / could command the
needs of the State along this line. |
have done 1t as my official duty and
1 have stated, as / now desire to
state, that New Jersey connot well
afford to overlook her obligations In
the care and treatment of the depend
ents Off the State.
ut is extremely unfortunate that
an institution built at an expense or
more than two and q half million
dollars should so be deprived of an
opportunity to cure a. fair percentage
of the afflicted class sent to II Tor
treatment Insane persons, because
of the nature of the malady, are pre-
rented from making IOfCeIuA dp-
peal in their own behalf Their well
fare depends upon the conscientious
energies of citizens in and out of our
legislative bodies who will look into
this problem as philanthroptsts are
moved to work for the great cause Of
humanity"
FOreign-Born Patients
The report shows that there is a
considerable increase In the number
of foreign born patients received at
the institution. On this point DR..
Evans thinks the State should give
great attention 10 the deportation of
Insane aliens. A strong Recommended
ton for the separation of criminal
and non-criminal patients is contained
IN the report.
The chief needs of the institution
which the Legislature Is asked to
provide are: An incinerating plant.
a drinking water publication plant,
an x-ray Photographic apparatus, a
surgical room and better ventilation
On the fourth floor. The total dis
bursements for the year were $3.50, 7bz.