were received in only sixty-one instances. Taking, however, for an estimate, the lowest per cent of idiots to the population of any State where a reliable census has been taken, which will not, probably, be above the proportion here, the number known to us is less than one-fifth of the whole. The When unprovided for, idiots for the most part grow or exist in idleness. If nothing is done for them in the ways indicated by modern science their condition almost certainly grows worse. animal appetites and propensities being first developed and unchecked by any development of the moral and intellectual nature, they become more depraved in their tastes, mischievous in disposition, and sink lower in degredation, during the wretched lives which they live. In ordinary persons the appetites and propensities if unrestrained by development of the moral and intellectual faculties, lead inevitably to degradation; but for these the prevailing systems of education and moral instruction are sufficient. The poor idiot, however, in consequence of a defective physical organization, can not be educated by the ordinary methods. Shut out from the light by a dense, material curtain, he is left to grope his downward way in darkness. The germs of the moral and mental faculties may be present, but peculiar forces and processes are required for their development. Some idiots seem to have feebler perceptive faculties than some brutes; but they almost all have at least a feeble portion of that light of the soul, which is the crowning glory of humanity. The forces and processes necessary for the development of what is - noble, though dormant in the unfortunate idiot, modern science undertakes to supply through a system which has for its basis: 1st. The physiological development of the organization. 21. 3d. The development of the senses. The development of the intellectual faculties. 4th. The development of the affective or moral functions. It is plain enough that such a system can not be carried out under any organization now existing here. Hence the necessity of founding and organizing institutions expressly for this purpose, many of which are monuments of the advancing civilization of our age and country. That idiots may be educated, instructed, or much improved, is no longer a question of doubt. It is only within a quarter of a century, however, that the fact has been established and some results reached that seem to be little less than marvellous. It is not to be expected that all, or even a majority of idiots will get a very thorough acquaintance with common branches of learning, or that they will be raised up to play an independent part in life; but it is expected many will gain some profitable knowledge, humble though it be, while others will be raised out of vicious and debasing habits, and trained to habits of cleanliness and decency. Ten years ago Dr. Jarvis said: "The more I see of the condition and progress of the school at South Boston, the stronger is my conviction that idiocy, imbecility and feeble-mindedness are not fixed and unalterable facts in humanity, but that these poor children can be improved and raised somewhat as certainly as those who are originally endowed with larger gifts." The late Rev. Mr. Gallaudet said: "Enough has been accomplished to satisfy the instructors of the Asylum of the possibility of improving to a much greater degree than has been done here or any where in this country this entire class of unfortunate persons, and of the propriety of establishing schools for idiots as soon as it can possibly be done." It would seem, then, that the time has come for this State to complete the circle of her charities, already second to those of no other State, by making provision for at least seventy-five idiots, with the necessary officers and teachers, in a commodious institution to be built for the purpose. As but one institution of the kind will be needed in the State it should be so located as to be easily accessible from all parts. In selecting a site care should be exercised to find a healthy one, sufficiently elevated to afford good drainage and fine landscape views, protected by a natural grove, if possible, from the rudest winds of winter and the greatest heat of summer, with an unfailing supply of pure water, and land enough for ample exercise grounds and for agricultural purposes. The building should be substantial, ample, well warmed and ventilated, with good accommodations for bathing, &c. The cost, exclusive of land, would probably be not far from $1,000, for each pupil the building would accommodate. Respectfully submitted, MARK RANNEY. IOWA HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE, January 24th, 1868. } |