The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1915-02-11

herewith the report of DR.. A. P. Her
ring on the condition and needs OF
the Hospital for the Insane. You
have doubtless read in the public
prints of my purpose to secure
thorough, scientific, non-partlsan in
vestigation of this institution. l
realize that We have been fortunate
in securing the services of DR.. Her
ring, who has both technical training
and practical experience necessary
for such work. He has national
reputation and is endorsed by the
highest authorities.
| requested DR.. Herring to give
a calm statement of existing condl-
tions; l wanted nothing sensational
or hysterical. In the accompanying
report you will find strong presen-
tation of what want you to inspect
personally and verify for yourselves.
The general requirements for treat
ment of patients suffering from men
tai diseases, and suggestions for i'm
provement in the physical condition
of the hospital, and treatment of the
insane as offered by Dr. Herring, will,
l am confident. commend themselves
to you as wise and practical, and
nothing short of plain and manda-
tory duty-a sacred debt to these
suffering and impotent patients.
KEYNOTE of Investigation.
Here is the keynote of the investi-
CATION:
The duty of South Carolina to its
insane is a cardinal, supreme osll-
cation to do all and everything with
out stint for their benefit that its A
nancial resources possibly permit or
enable it to do: to exercise in their
interests, through the public officials,
every effort and labor they are capa-
BILE of. and to put into effect all the
means and resources at its command
to perform most effectually this great
debt to humanity, this direct and i'm
mediate obligation to its people and
this noble duty to all the future.
DR.. Herring says that the funda-
mental principles underlying the en-
tire plan of reorganization proposed
in the report is to make certain
changes in the law relating the con-
troll of the State Hospital for the In
sane.
Amendments Recommended.
The following amendments to the
constitution governing the asylum
are recommended:
l. The superintendent should be
appointed by the board of regents,
and not by the governor, removable
only for cause and after hearing.
2. The board of regents should
consist of five members, appointed
by the governor, with the sanction
of the senate They should be ap-
pointed, at first. one for two years,
two for four years, two for six years,
subsequent appointments to be made
for a period of six years. The men,
bers of this board are not removable
except for cause and after hear
ing.
5. The superintendent to make
all appointments. with the sanction
of the board OF regents. and to have
the power of dismissal of same, to
be approved by the board. The SUI
perintendent is to report to the board
of regents the activities of the hos
pital. and the board of regents to
report to. the governor and general
assembly. Briefly. the governor will
appoint board of regents in whom
he has absolute confidence. They
in turn will select a superintendent
in whom they have every confidence,
and who, of course, has had train
ing in the care and treatment of the
insane and in hospital management.
and it will then he up to the super
intendent to conduct the hospital in
a proper manner. There should be
no dual authority or divided response
bility.
Formulated by Board.
4. All rules and regulations for
the hospital are to be formulated by
the board and executed by the super
intendent and his assistants. There
is no reason why the general assem-
bly, should be asked to approve or
reject the rules governing the con-
duct of hospital for the insane.
5. To change the name from the
"State Hospital for the Insane to
the columbia State Hospital"
while the hospital for the negroes
will be known as state Park Colo
ny"
G. To provide for voluntary ad-
missions.