WESTERN OHIO HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE.

DAYTON, OHIO, February 28, 1876.

To the Hon. C. S. Smart, State Commissioner of Common Schools of Ohio.

DEAR SIR:-In compliance with a request of the State Board of Centennial Managers, I herewith submit to you the following brief history of the "origin, progress and present condition" of this Institution:

The Western Ohio Hospital for the Insane, formerly known as the Southern Ohio Lunatic Asylum, at Dayton, is a Benevolent State Institution, built under an Act passed by the General Assembly, April 30, 1852, "To provide for the erection of two (2) additional Lunatic Asylums in the State of Ohio;" with the necessary appropriation of funds to carry out the same.

The main building, with a wing three (3) stories high, or one section with three (3) wards on either side, was completed and opened for the reception of patients September 1, 1855, with a capacity to accommodate one hundred and sixty (160).

In the spring of 1866, an additional appropriation was made by the State Legislature, and the Board of Trustees directed to enlarge the building by extending the wings two (2) sections on each side, in accordance with the original design.

The work upon the new addition was commenced during the summer of 1866, and was completed in the fall of 1868.

The basement, which extends under the entire building, is built of stone, and the superstructure of brick. The building is well arranged for its purpose, and substantially constructed, with moderate regard for architectural appearance, but no elaborate ornamentation.

The central, or administration building, is four (4) stories high, and the wings are three (3) stories; in all eight hundred (800) feet long, and in a good state of repair.

There are nineteen (19) halls, or wards, nine (9) of which are for males and ten (10) for females, capable of comfortably accommodating five hundred and fifty (550) inmates, and by uncomfortable crowding, as at present a matter of neces sity, six hundred (600) can be cared for.

The halls, corridors, sitting-rooms and dormitories are well lighted and ventilated, weli and comfortably furnished, according to grade, and are made as pleasant and homelike as can well be.

At present patients are admitted from thirty-two (32) counties, composing the Hospital District, but the number of counties in the District will be reduced to twenty (20) at the completion of the Hospital for the Insane at Columbus.

The location of the institution is well chosen, on the high lands near the city of Dayton, at an altitude of two hundred (200) feet above the Great Miami river, overlooking the city, valley and surrounding country, and is remarkable for its heathfulness and salubrity.

About one hundred and seventy (170) acres are included in the grounds, gardens and farm, and are under a high state of cultivation and adornment, with a bountiful supply of pure water.

The total cost of lands and improvements approximated $520,000. This-as all similar institutions of the State-is under the charge of a Board of three (3) Trustees, appointed by the Governor of the State, with the advice and consent of the Senate. By the Board of Trustees the institution is put

under the immediate supervision and control of a Medical Superintendent, with a staff of two (2) Assistant Physicians, Steward, Matron and Druggist, all of whom reside in the building. The supervisors, night watches, attendants, nurses and other employes in and about the Hospital, and on the grounds and farm, number about eighty (80) persons.

An idea of the extent and success of the operations and usefulness of the institution can be gained from the following statement, to wit: Since the opening of the Hospital up to the close of the fiscal year, November 15, last-a fraction of time over twenty (20) years-3,818 patients were admitted and treated, of whom 1,892 were males, and 1,926 were females. Of the whole number received 1,835 were discharged as having recovered; 957 of whom were males, and 878 were females. 273 were discharged as having improved; 434 unimproved; 252 were transferred to other hospitals; 428 died, and 600 remained in the Hospital at the close of the year for care and treatment.

The inmates are maintained, and all the expenses of the institution are defrayed by the State, at an annual cost varying but little from $100,000.

OHIO GIRLS' INDUSTRIAL HOME.

This is a State Institution, created by Legislative Act, May 5th, 1869, and sustained by annual appropriations. The necessity for such an institution for girls, that should correspond with one for boys, then in successful operation, had long been felt by the benevolent and considerate, and culminated in the experiment, as it was then considered.

Its object, and the class of girls for which it is designed, are shown in the first section of the law by which it was established: "That there shall be established, on land conveyed to the State of Ohio for that purpose, a school for the instruction, employment, and reformation of exposed, helpless, evil-disposed, and vicious girls." The limit of age is "above the age of seven, and under the age of sixteen years;" the commitment being by the Probate Court of the county where the girl is found.

The limit of detention is tilt the girl is eighteen years of age; though she may be indentured or discharged at any time previous, by the Trustees, at their discretion.

Soon after the enactment of the law establishing the Home, the Governor, Hon. Rutherford B. Hays, appointed as Trustees, Frederick Merrick and Abraham Thompson, of Delaware; M. D. Leggett, of Zanesville; Clark Waggoner, of Toledo, and Stanley Matthews, of Cincinnati. Initiatory steps were immediately taken by them, on their organization, for the purchase of the specified property, known as the "White Sulphur Springs," situated in Delaware county, on the west bank of the Scioto river, about nine miles southwest of the city of Delaware. The location is retired, but very pleasant and salubrious, having been oc