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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/
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Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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Fourteenth Biennial Report of the
Board of State Commissioners of Public Charities
of the State of Illinois
Presented to the Governor December 1, 1896


         [p. 82-83]
         
         COOK COUNTY
         - Infirmary and Insane -
         
         The population of infirmary and insane asylum are fully
       discussed in appendix. The insane are overcrowded, and the
       infirmary inmates on the men's wards as well. In the opinion
       of the Board the infirmary population should be entirely
       removed from Dunning.
       
         It is too near the city limits for an almshouse. The line
       of city saloons across the street from the grounds are a
       source of constant disorder and mischief, and form a strong
       argument for the withdrawal of the infirmary, since there is
       no power to compel the withdrawal of the saloon.
       
         The Board would urge that the records of the infirmary be
       more carefully kept, especially that the very large duplication
       be noted. This is further discussed in Appendix II.
       
         Whether the insane of Cook county are cared for by the State
       or by the county, they should not be removed further than their
       present location from their friends and relatives, who can now
       reach them at a trifling cost. The present location is whole-
       some and adequate for an insane hospital if the entire plant
       could be used and the buildings remodeled, but it is not enough
       for infirmary and insane asylum too.
       
         At present the Cook County Insane Asylum receives many cura-
       ble and recent cases owing to the crowded state of the Eastern
       and Northern Hospitals. Its vital lack in an administrative
       sense is a competent medical superintendent to have sole respon-
       sibility for the care of the patients.
       
         A reorganization of the patients themselves under medical
       supervision should be made so as to keep more of them employed
       in various ways. The idleness and dullness of these wards is
       oppressive to the observer even in contrast with other similar
       institutions.
       
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