Norwich bulletin., 1921-05-02
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Remember tho Patients at the State
 HospftaI


 Hospital
 Editor: The state hospital report reached your office ere I was apl etc com plete my letter 10 the public in behalf of that work.
 No so long ago, feathers were ruffled and much ado made over those who advo- cated the ending of the indescribable torture of the violently and hopeless.y insane, dangerous to themselves and others me doctors and attendants know By daily contact, what ttrment the af- hicted stiffef, and relatives beg that nler- cy might be shown the afflicted by hu- namely putting them to Sleep.
 Since reading the discussions in various papers, and witnessing bad cases, though far from the worst. we have wondered how many of the critics ever tried 10 solve the problem. ever visited such wards in the hospital, ever catne in con- tact with such patients, or, in fact. ever visited any ward of the mentally afflicted. Have any such evet tried to think of any way to alleviate this terrible suffering? Again, how many have thought that it was possible for them 10 help cheer some | of these sad lives-many can find relief | in nothing short of summons to Eternity. There are some as some as you and by spells, others fighting bad case of 1 nerves whom we can cheer and en- ] courage, some battling against bad | habit (whether formed through ignorance, weakness, self-Will. environment or the | fault of others) They are herolcally fighting and need our cooperation. We have a greatly mistaken idea that all inmates are irresponsible, and uncon- soious of surroundings. The writer
 brought few flowers to patient and | was broken in spirit by the many pa | fOr nd finally, for just Q smell" let alone the longing eyes of such as you'd not ask. The week following Easter we were struck to note not a blossom in the wards, just few struggling plants in windows of administration rooms, perhaps. Yet | the papers had glowing accounts of the many lovely plants and cut flowers in churches and homes, and the disposal of the same among Norwich institutions. I Dr. Wilcox asks in his report for a
 small appropriatio ton for the improvement
 of the State hospital grounds It cer-
 tainly is much needed as he says. flor the material benefit which is reflected on
 our patients from fine outlook The } state ought to provide for flower beds on . the grounds. One patient who has spent
 years at the hospital and who in better
 days kept her windows at home full Oi , blooming plants, told us in one of heI sane orAnts how she longed to "se, . flowers grow out there pointing through
 the iron bars to the cheerless surround. ings.
 Now, we, whom God has 90 mercifully blessed, cam at least help these sad lives
 if not release them. Why not coun Norwich State hospital as among our in stitutions? Why not remember the suf ' ferers there as well as we have so gen erously done toward the other Norwich
 institutions God knows they need it an,
 appreciate it. Some long for readin;
 matter-good light interesting storie a various languages, others wish for som pastime for their idle hands materis n for paper flowers, crochet thread, etc
 into which there are diversions for me- Into which we ought to study and fo which mems clubs might donate.
 T We are sure the superintendent doc I tors and nurses would be glad to give u U pointers. The report in Wednesday : Bulletin shows thetr appreciation of ou } co-opera tions. Above all. let us not for
 get the mission of flowers which has prov en such a joy to us, tonic and chee :. 10 others.
 r It is hoped that the churches. societie ' and individuals will take this work Il " earnestly and realize the joy of bright ening these suerers of tired nerves an
 restless minds. 'Inasmuch as ye hay
 done 1t unto one of the least of thes, My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. z and we recall how the Master hae com s passion on such as these and helped then h A FELLOW CREATURE
 Yantic, Apri 30, 1921