1856.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.          525

The committee believe that the interest of the State is deeply
involved in neglecting, thus far, to extend their liberal aid to those
unfortunate beings, who, deprived of reason, and consequently of
self protection, are dependent upon the State for their restoration
to society.                                                                       

In the State of Maryland, according to the last census there
were 900 Insane and Idiots, of whom the State has only accom-
modation for 125—about one sixth of the whole number.

This fact induced the General Association of 1852 to appoint
commissioners to purchase a suitable site for an Insane Hospital,
and to appropriate the sum of $10,000 for that purpose. The
commissioners with a laudable zeal, and aided by the munificence
of some private citizens of Baltimore city, purchased a site for
the purpose. Its location near Baltimore city is beautiful and
commanding, and reflects great credit upon the judgment and
taste of the commissioners and the building, according to the plan
adopted by the Board, will be one, of which the State may proud-
ly boast. It is intended to accommodate 250 patients, (one half
of whom are to be taken from the counties and cities at an an-
nual cost of $100, the other half at a higher price, to meet the.
expenses of the Institution, and so arranged as to contain apart-
ments, adapted to the condition of the patients in the various
stages of mental derangement. Its estimated cost is $150,000,
which is as low as any building that has been constructed for that
purpose in any of the States.

The gentlemen to whom the State has confided this important
trust, have proved themselves equal to the task, and ask of this
Legislature such aid as in their wisdom they may deem pro-

per.

The faith of the State is pledged to the prosecution of this
noble undertaking—the cause of humanity imperatively demands
it, and the interests of the people require it.

The calculation, based upon tables, amounting to 50.000 cases
show that 50 per cent of cases taken in time and put under pro-
per medical treatment, are curable, and have been restored to
the bosoms of their desponding families and their wonted places
in society. Whereas, experience and observation prove that ne-
glected cases permitted to become chronic, cause the patient to
be an incubus upon his friends and a loss to society, or fastened upon
the State for permanent support.           

In view of the foregoing facts, your committee beg leave to
recommend an annual appropriation of fifteen thousand dollars
for the next two years. All of which is most respectfully sub-
mitted.

E. J. HALL.