The Colville examiner. [volume] (Colville, Wash.) 1907-1948, 1916-07-22
THE CHAUTAUQUA
BEGINS THURSDAY

to have supervision over the hospital.
1t was also decreed by this legiyla-
ture that this hospital would receive
patients only from the counties east
of the Cascade range of mountains
Except Yakima and Kittitas coun-
ties) unless otherwise ordered by the
superior Judge.
The hospital was opened May 9th,
1891, when twenty patients were re-
ceived from the Western Washing
ton Hospital for the insane. At that
time the water supply was barely suf-
ficient to meet the demands of these
patients, although both we'll and
spring were being used. The plant
carrying Clear Lake water was in
process of construction, but not until
early in June were they able to use
water from that source. On July
8th, 1891, the first patient direct
from the courts was received, and
three more followed within five
from Fort Steilacoom to this insti-
tuition took place July 18th, 1891,
and since that time all patients from
the east side counties have been sent
here.
Much work was done the first two
years. A stable, carriage house and
~ n a n
holding 100000 gallons of water,
were constructed a temporary air.
ing court was fenced and set apart,
so that the most vicious patients
could have outdoor exercise.
There was an inexhaustible supply
of pure water at this institution. A
six inch pipe was laid for over two
miles to Clear Lake, leading to the
reservoir. This reservoir is situat-
ed on a hill ninety feet high, and wa
ter was forced to every floor in the
building. An electric wire connect
ed the engine room with the pump
ing station at Clear Lake, and when
a signal was given for fire pressure,
force enough to throw two streams
over the cupola of the main build
ing, a height of 115 feet, was pro-
duced. At Clear Lake station there
were two boilers and two pumps;
one pump with a forcing capacity of
1900 gallons per hour and the
other 44,0OO gallons.
Soon after the completion of the
water works, a proposition was re-
ceived from the council of Medical
Lake. asking the institution to sup
ply the town with water. An ar
rangement was made, subject to the
approval of the legislature, to fur
nish water to the people of Medical
Lake, water to be paid for monthly
at the rate of twenty-five cents per
thousand gallons. This was and is
a source OF revenue to the state and
a benefit to the town.
One hundred and seventy-three
acres of land were purchased from
the Northern Pacific Railway at a
cost of $6,942.50, and a little over
12 acres from E. E. Smith for 1864.
Several attempts at escape were
made during the first two years, but
only three were successful. Two of
these had been for months allowed
the privilege Of the grounds, and one
made a dash for liberty while work.
ing on the farm. None were danger
Gus at the time of their elopement.
A new laundry building, a brick
milk house, a brick vestibule added
to the south wing, and many farm
buildings were additions made to the
institution during 1893 and 1874
the panicky years. A new three
story wing, with open fire-places or
namenting 1t, and large verendas
surrounding the front and portion
of the side, were constructed at
cost of $55, 100000 The big railroad
strike delayed the work somewhat.
In 1898, the first dangerous at
tack made by patient was made by
a convict, who had homicidal tenden-
ces, and who succeeded in removing
the transom from his bedroom door,
and after wrenching an oaken handle
from a floor rubber. awaited the ap-
proach of the night watchman
When the latter opened the door he
was felled by a blow on the head
The patient, in his fury continued for
a time to strike the PROSTATE victim,
making several deep and serious
wounds.
It was noticeable that the proper
tion of melancholics to the whole
number treated was less, and the
number of maniacs relatively high
er in this hospital. Careful study
revealed no other reason for this
condition than the difference in ell
mate. The belief was that 1t was