Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1945-03-20

To plug up some OF the gaps in
administrative machinery in the
Federally-owned areas in nearby
Virginia and Maryland, the Justice
Department yesterday sponsored 9
bill to provide for prompt admission
to st. Elizabeth's Hospital of persons
found on such areas who show in
dications of being of unsound mind
A bill to this effect was introduced
in the Senate late yesterday by Sen
ator McCarran, Democrat. of Nevada
at the request of the Justice De-
partment. It was referred to the
judiciary Committee, which Senator
McCarran heads.
Justice Department spokeSmer
said there was no one incident which
brought about drafting of the meas.
ure, but that it was realized there
was need for legislative authority
now lacking
Jurisdictional Question.
1t was recalled, however, that re-
ports a year ago to the House Dis
trict Committee indicated more thar
score of women living in Govern
ment housing in Arlington County
had suffered mental disorders, Great
ing problems as to their care and Of
what agencies had jurisdiction.
Virginia, it was explained then
had no hospital for mental case,
within 100 miles, and to bring a pa.
tent across the uncertain District.
Virginia boundary line raised &
complicated jurisdictional question
At least one patient was taken tt
the Alexandria Jail for lack of som,
better decision, it was said.
The measure provides that an
United States commissioner desig
mated by the eastern district Vir
GINA courts or by the Marylan,
courts shall have jurisdiction t,
commit to Federal hospital for OBJ
servation and diagnosis any per
sons found in nearby Federal res
Iervations who are believed to be O
unsound mind. Listed are the Fed.
orally owned areas of Arlington ane
Fairfax Counties and Alexandra
City, in Virginia, and Montgomery
and Prince Georges Counties, ir
Maryland. The bill would apply tt
properties over which the United
States has either exclusive or con-
current jurisdiction.
To Cover Emergencies.
Normally, such commitments te
st. Elizabeth's would be made by
the United States commissioner.
only after hearing and taking o.
testimony, including that given BY
two physicians, one of whom mus
be skilled in nervous and menta
disorders.
However, to cover emergencies
the bill provides that any officer OF
employee of the United States is au.
thorized to make arrests and thai
ANY guard or Waterman" employed
on the specified Government reserva.
tons be empowered to apprehenc
and detain ANY person he believes
to be of unsound mind" and to brine
the person before the United States
commissioner.
If an immediate hearing cannot
be held, such Federal agents arr
authorized to take the person to st
Elizabeth's and the hospital is au.
thorized to hold the person, pendins
"a hearing, for not longer than 7:
hours.
II physicians at st. Elizabeth's f1nt
the person arrested is of sound mine
he is to be released immediatel,
and, If of unsound mind, reports ar
to be made to the Federal securit,
administrator Proceedings woul,
then be instituted in the Distric
courts If the person were not a
once returned to his State of resi-
dence or turned over to his rela
tives. For care at st. Elizabeth
there would be no charge agains
the District unless it were found tn,
person was resident of the District