The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-03-24
THE SATURDAY <euleue1
By JAMES M. MOORE

and as SICK persons ShOud De re- teiving treatments designed to em- better or cure their condition. AL though consideration is given to the fact that artime restrictions have curtailed the possibility of any formative efforts to treat these in- dividuals the facts seem to be an indictment both of the present au- thorities of some of these institu- tions who have failed in their duty to make more of an issue of the situations prevailing and in the case of those in office proceeding the war who failed then to attempt at time when labor and materials were available to eliminate the sit uation.
 Such consideration of these "un- fortunates" deems them as lost in- dividuals who might better be dead than as burdens upon the state Such an attitude penalizes society rather than benefits it inasmuch as each and everyone is a member Of that society and by the simple ex- pedient of a severe blow on the head could well become classified among those now so poorly treat ed. In addition is the most import ant fact that by means of humnae and progressive experimental treat ment of these persons much knowl- edge could be gained toward the subsequent prevention and possi- ble cure of such mental and per- sonality anomolieS.
 Border-Line Cases
 Consideration of the utmost con- cern must be given also, We believe, to the proper treatment and deten- tion of what have been termed border line" cases the majority o1 which are classified criminally as rapists. Under law, at present, these individuals are sentenced to state prison for the crime of this type assault and upon serving Of the minimum sentence, three years TOT example, they are released into So- ciety to again perpetrate a similar act.
 Many of these persons are psy- chopaths whose sense of judgement may be feeble, or whose emotional instability is so great that they are victims of impulses and sensations, or they may be suffering from the preliminary stages of real insan- ity. Certainly they too, in many in stances, where predicated on such causes, are sick" persons and as such should be given the advantages of proper care, treatment and con- flnement both for their good and the good of society. Yet under the law they need but serve their sen- tence as set by the court and then must be freed to become the ire sponsible preyers upon society. In a recent discussion the Reviewer had with Warden Ralph Walker Of the WetherSfield State Prison the latter expressed deep concern with this problem and noted that ne had numerous cases of this type at his institution.
 Of great importance is the need, we believe, to maintain a constant means of proper and adequate treatment for persons ill this con- dition for only by such means can eventual possible cures be effected and can come forth the means and ways, the discoveries as to how, pos sibly, to prevent the warping and stress upon the personalities of 1n- dividuals that cause them to be- come, in many instances, antagonlS- tic to, or unworthy of, society and it's functions.
 Better Wage Standard
 The state should be willing to pay a high level of wage for the serv- ices of skilled and trained psych1a- trio workers, psychologists. social workers and trained and intelligent attendants. Only by such means can we hope to obtain the best in Serv- ices in such new institution. With out such assistance the administra- tion of such hospital would be tragic joke.
 The problem is 8 vast and tre- mendous one calling for constant and vital attention, which at no time should be permitted to lag out of callouS indifference, misunder- standing or just plain misadminis- tration of responsibility.
 It Is a problem that all author ities opine will be increased follow ing this war because of the stress and strain on both the Serviceman and the civilian. It has already shown 8 tremendous increase since the start of the war.
 Our preparations should start inn mediately both for the anticipated increase after the war and as pro- gressive means of building for future which will see this problem handled with all moral respect and responsibility. These people are our fellowmen and to ignore their plight l~ to i0nnra fha nliOht 0f all s0ciptV