Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

they do not exist. And when they do exist, they may be masked under so many specious pretences, as to elude public scrutiny. With a view to remove the institution, as much as possible, from the range of these influences, the committee would respectfully submit to the legislature the expediency of establishing a board of trustees, to be selected, without distinction of party, who should be invested with the power of appointing the officers of the insane hospital, and charged with its general superintendance. Or if it should be apprehended, that such a patronage might become an object of jealousy, the nominations of the board might be made, subject to the advice and consent of the executive department of the state. The plan of government here suggested, has been adopted for similar institutions in some of the states.

It is well known, that the treatment of the insane has in modern times been very much improved, under the auspices of men, distinguished alike for science and philanthropy. But it is not so well known, as it ought to be, that insanity properly treated, in its earlier stages, may generally be cured. The claims of humanity require, that the proper remedies should be at once applied. They can no where in our state be so efficaciously furnished as at the hospital. There can be no question, that if this institution should obtain public favor, to the extent it deserves, it may be productive of great good, in relieving many human beings from the greatest misfortune, which can befal them in this world. It would be most afflicting to humanity, if through misapprehension or misconception, its benefits should not be extended to every one, of whose cure just hopes might be entertained. If any mode can be devised to enforce the duty, already imposed upon towns, in regard to insane paupers, the benefits thence resulting, if economy alone were consulted, would finally be felt and acknowledged by the whole public. If a cure can be effected, at an expense of one or two hundred dollars, a town is thereby relieved from a

continuing expenditure for years, which may in the aggregate, amount to a large sum. But in addition to this consideration, the restoration of a human being to the exercise of his rational powers, and to usefulness in the community, is a blessing, the value of which cannot be made the basis of pecuniary calculation. It is believed, that a charge of from two dollars to two dollars and fifty cents a week, would indemnify the state for the actual expense, to which it would be subjected, for such, as are supported in whole or in part at the expense of towns.

There are however some insane persons, for whom their friends have an insuperable repugnance, to solicit relief as town paupers; but who are themselves unable to meet the whole expense, necessary to be incurred at the hospital. They might not be unwilling to avail themselves, in whole or in part, of a charity coming from public sources, such as might be proffered at the expense of the state, or of a county. Different modes of extending relief to patients of this description, have suggested themselves to the committee; and it is a matter not entirely free from embarrassment. The assumption of the expense by the state has been thought by some most eligible, but the better opinion seems to be, that in the present condition of the finances of the state, such a recommendation at this time, if otherwise desirable, would be premature. If beneficiaries of this class, to a limited extent, not excceding thirty or forty in number, to be apportioned upon the counties, according to their population, could be provided for, it might be an experiment well worth trying. It might be left to the Judge of Probate, in the respective counties, to determine, upon such inquiry as he could make, to whom the privilege should be extended, and what proportion of the expense should be a charge upon the public, to be defrayed from the county treasury; making it his duty to give a preference to the most pressing claims, if there were a greater number of applicants than could be accommodated.

Experience has shown, that the hope of cure, in old and confirmed cases, is greatly diminished; yet their condition may be much improved. Public establishments for the insane, properly conducted, not only have the most benign influence upon their comfort and happiness; but in many instances, they have been found capable of being employed in useful labor. If however more patients should be offered at the hospital than can be received, a preference should always be given to recent cases.

A library properly selected, for the use of the patients, has been found highly useful and salutary. If the fund, given by the late Judge McLellan, for the benefit of the insane, could be invested in state stock, and the interest applied annually to the purchase of books for a library, the humane intentions of the donor could, in no other mode, be better carried into effect.

It has been deemed by the most competent judges indispensable, that a carriage and horses should be provided, for the benefit of invalids and female patients. It would add much to their comfort and happiness; and have a tendency to aid essentially the curative remedies applied.

It is desirable also to ornament the grounds, by proper grading, trees and shrubbery, which may be gradually done, at a moderate expense.

The committee would recommend, that provision should be made for a covered way from the hospital to the lodge, prepared for the reception of females. When it becomes necessary, that they should be carried to that place, their condition is often such, as to render public exposure very unsuitable.

On the question, submitted to the committee, "whether it is expedient to provide by law, that all insane persons, being citizens of this state, not adjudged by the superintendent of said hospital to be incurable, shall be supported in the hospital, at the expense of the state," their answer has been anticipated, by their previous intimations.

They would close by commending this noble institution, the joint result of private and public munificence, to the guardian care of the legislature and the friends of humanity throughout the state.

NATHAN WESTON,
WILLIAMS EMMONS,
STEPHEN C. FOSTER.

STATE OF MAINE.

IN SENATE, January 7, 1843.

ORDERED, That 500 copies of the Report of the Investigating Committee on the Insane Hospital, be printed for the use of the Senate.

Attest:

JERE HASKELL, Secretary.

[blocks in formation]

[WM. R. SMITH & Co.....Printers to the State.]

« AnteriorContinuar »