NEW INSANE ASYLUM
Mr. VOYLES, from a majority of the Special Committee thereon, returned the bill fs 87] for the location of a new Insane Asylumn at Evansville, Vandergurg County, recommending the substitution of new matter, authorizing the Governor to appoint two Commissioners from each of the two political parties, who, with the Governor, shall select suitable sites over fifty miles from Indianapolis for three new Insane Hospitals on not exceeding 160 acres of land, Commissioners to be allowed $5 per day and expenses; $300,000 appropriated for 1883 and the same amount for 1884. The Board to appoint Superintendents of builings and also Superintendents of the Hospitals. No patient to be discharged until permanently cured. The capacity of each to be from 200 to 700 patients.
Mr. BELL, for the minority of the same Committee, recommended the passage of the bill reported by the majority, with the provision that one of the Asylums shall be located at Evansville signed by himself and Mr. Rahm.
Mr. VOYLES opposed naming any place for a location, as is proposed by the minority, and favored leaving this question in the hands of the Commissioners.
Mr. YANCEY believed, in justice to all concerned, that the minority report should prevail, inasmuch as the citizens of Evansville seem to have taken more kindly to the proposition for establishing another Insane Hospital than any other city in the State. Though it be in the pocket, that city should have justice dealt out to it.
Mr. ADKISON opposed the minority report, and saw nothing in the argument just advanced. That city may be more enterprising than many others, but he denied it had more interest in the unfortunates of the State than many other places, mentioned or not mentioned. It can afford to enter into with other places desiring the location of this Institution.
Mr. VAN VORHIS regretted feeling compelled to vote against the minority report-thus encumbering the bill with the selection of one location which would be unwise. If one is to be selected, all should; if only one, then none should be.
Mr. BELL conceded some force in the last remarks, and yet the minority report commends itself above such reasoning. In the discussion yesterday there was a decided feeling expressed in favor of locating one of these Asylums at Evansville, and that being a large center of population, easily and cheaply accessible, with other considerations, influenced the minority to bring in its report. There seems to be an agreement upon Evansville all over the southern part of the State. While there are so many cities in the northern part of the State seeking the location it is better to leave that interest in the hands of the proposed Commission.
Mr. BUNDY supposed both reports and favored the bill as originally introduced. He objected to expending several thousand dollars just to locate these Asylums when it can be better done by the General Assembly. As between the two reports, he preferred the minority, because it definitely locates.
