Pueblo County, Colorado Colorado Insane Asylum 1890 - 1899
The Administration Building. Early asylum buildings resembled Cathedrals, which many believed had a calming effect on the mentally ill.
San Luis Valley Courier, Alamosa, 1-8-1890 There are 217 patients in the insane asylum at Pueblo 141 males and 76 females. There were admitted during last year 111, of which number there were 83 males and 28 females, representing 282 persons under care during the year. From this number there were discharges as recovered 33 males and 18 females, making the 51 discharged as recovered and two males as improved. The expenses of the asylum for the year ending November 30, 1889 amounted to $38,545.84.
Leadville Evening Chronicle 12-26-1890 Colorado's Insane The sixth biennial report of the commissioners and superintendent of the Colorado insane asylum, at Pueblo, has just been issued, and contains a large amount of valuable information with regard to the treatment and condition of this class of dependents upon the charity of the state. There are at present confined in the asylum 274 patients, an increase of 103 for the year. There are forty-two conditions assigned, showing the supposed cause for the admission of patients. From the very complete tables presented, it would appear that the most prevalent causes are hereditary predisposition, alcoholism, disappointment, epilepsy, ill-health, exposure and self-abuse. Imprisonment drove one man insane, while religious excitement and poverty are responsible for two others. Fright, financial loss, over-work and anxiety are also the causes which brought several others inside the walls of the asylum. There are forty-six different professions represented in the asylum, from clergymen, journalists and lawyers to sailors, tailors and tinners. The largest class represented are placed under the head of laborers, followed by miners and farmers. Taking the patients by residence, every county in the state, with the exception of Hinsdale, Phillips and Routt, is represented. The largest number, of course, comes from Arapahoe, with Pueblo second, Lake third, Gilpin fourth and Boulder fifth. There are twenty-one patients credited to Lake county, while Arapahoe has eighty-three. It is a curious fact that out of the 274 patients, 166, or over half, are single. Still, the proportion is not large enough to warrant an attempt to draw any conclusions in favor of married life as a means of preventing mental derangement. It can, however, be safely asserted that married life does not save the man or woman from insanity. Connected with the asylum is a farm on which have been raised during the past year a great variety of vegetables, while the dairy yielded almost enough milk to supply the needs of the institution. With reference to the requirements and appropriations for the coming year, Superintendent Thombs urges the need of a sufficient appropriation for an additional wing for males, and a new building in place of the old one for the females. The old building was condemned last October as unsafe, unhealthy and dangerous, on account of liability to fire, being heated by stoves and lighted by lamps. The biennial appropriation to be asked for will be $169,759.90. Perhaps the most important portion of the report is embodied in the following paragraph, which we reproduce: The over-crowded condition of this institution during the past two years has led to the belief that if the necessity has not already arrived, it must be very soon, when there will have to be another asylum in this state for the accommodation of the insane. The object of asylum treatment is the cure of the insane. I am not in favor of either overcrowding or building large asylums for holding great masses of insane, as such establishments were principally for the custodial care of the inmates, and the superintendent is compelled to devote a great share of his time to the business features of the institution, thus interfering with the individualized care and treatment of patients. It is my belief that the asylum system of the state will not be complete until the city of Denver has an asylum of its own. There is little propriety in a large metropolis transporting its insane a distance of one hundred and twenty miles. The people will await with some interest the action of the legislature concerning this recommendation. The overcrowded condition of the asylum is an imperative reason for some sort of remedial legislation.
Rocky Mountain Sun 8-22-1891 Colorado Briefs The State Insane Asylum at Pueblo is full to overflowing, and now each county will have to make arrangements for keeping its own patients.
Aspen Union Era 1-7-1892 Superintendent P. R. Thombs, of the Colorado insane asylum at Pueblo, has filed his annual report for 1891 with Governor Routt. The number of inmates January 1, 1892, is 290, an increase of 16 over the number remaining on the same date the year preceding. The expense of sustaining the house for the year, the inmates probably averaging about 282, was $51,573.38. The per capita is about $183 per year.
Aspen Daily Leader 11-15-1892 Our Pitkin Insane Should Be Sent to Some Proper Institution County Commissioner Can Send Them to Eastern Asylums and the County Must Pay the Bill So Says Judge Rucker The sheriff's force is at present entertaining a large-sized kick against the further retention of the insane inmates of the county jail and the conservators of the law are vehement in their demand that the county commissioners do something to abate the intolerable nuisance resulting from the keeping of such persons in a place where no adequate provisions have been made for their care or treatment. There are at present two such unfortunates confined in the county jail, viz.: Charles Fitzgerald and E. R. Lee, and it would seem that the cause of humanity would be subserved by their removal to some asylum where could be found the necessary facilities for the proper treatment of the mentally afflicted. Certain it is that such facilities do not exist in the Pitkin county jail. When an inquest found as to the insanity of these two men and they were ordered committed to the asylum the county authorities were informed that the state asylum for the insane was overcrowded and that no more patients could be received. Thereupon the commissioners left the unfortunates in the care of the sheriff. Mr. Stewart and his deputies did the best they could with the means at their command, but they find it impossible to enforce the cleanliness so essential to the health and well being of the unfortunates. Judge Rucker is of the opinion that no necessity exists for the retention of these insane persons in the county jail as the law clearly authorizes the commissioners to send the insane of the county to any regular asylum for the insane. He claims that when the state asylum at Pueblo is unable to receive patients, the commissioners are fully justified in sending them to the nearest institution that is prepared to receive and care for them. Other counties so dispose of their insane and the sheriff's force is wondering why Pitkin county should be any exception to the rule. In justice to these two unfortunate men and to the sheriff the commissioners should arrange with some outside asylum for the care of Pitkin county's insane. In the light of Judge Rucker's opinion and the practice of other counties of the state, our commissioners should not hesitate because of consideration of economy. We are satisfied that there is not a citizen of Pitkin county who will grumble at the expense incurred should the commissioners do what they are clearly entitled to do under the law, send the insane persons now in the county jail to an institution for the treatment of the insane in some neighboring state.
Aspen Daily Leader 11-27-1892 Local Mention The new board of county commissioners will convene to-morrow, and will proceed to look over the ground to find out whereabouts they are at. It is said that one of the first things which will be done at the session will be to take steps for the immediate removal of the insane now confined in the county jail to an asylum where they can receive proper treatment. It is earnestly to be hoped that this report is well founded and that these unfortunates may soon be taken from their present quarters.
Boulder Daily Camera 2-1-1893 Gov. Waite appointed L.W. Walker of Pueblo as commissioner of the state insane asylum.
Summit County Journal 1-12-1895 State Homes and Prisons - Board of Charities and Corrections Gives Interesting Figures - Denver, Jan. 8. - The biennial report of the State Board of Charities and Corrections contains some interesting information relative to the present conditions of the various penal and charitable institutions of the state... The total number of patients in the state insane asylum on November 1 (?) was 361
Rocky Mountain Sun 7-13-1895 Will Hurry to Completion Denver, July 12. The state officials have agreed to issue $1700 in certificates to hurry to completion the new building in connection with the state insane asylum at Pueblo, so as to provide decent accommodations for the insane now kept in the foul dungeons at the Arapahoe county hospital. The county commissioners will pay 40 cents per diem for each patient.
Rocky Mountain Sun 11-30-1895 State Insane Asylum Private Institutions Thrive by its Overflow Sheriff Hayes and Matron Taylor of the Citizens' hospital, returned Thursday night from Pueblo, where they took Mrs. Elizabeth Maxfield, an insane person who was ordered committed to the asylum. They had no trouble with the patient, but found the doors of the asylum barred against them, the superintendent announcing that there was no room for the patient. This, the sheriff thinks is getting to be an old story, and complaints are being made by officers from all over the state. In addition to the state institution there are at Pueblo two private institutions for the care of the insane, and these thrive by the overflow from the state asylum. It is stated that these private institutions are kept filled at the expense of the several counties, although there are of course some patients in there whose bills are paid by friends or relatives. The charge at these institutions is $4 a day, and this is the price that Mrs. Morgan, who manages one of them, asked for taking Mrs. Maxfield. The sheriff refused to contract for the payment of more than $2 a day and Mrs. Morgan finally yielded, and the woman was left in her charge. Garfield county has one patient at Mrs. Morgan's under an expense of $4 a day, as has also several other counties in the state.
Rocky Mountain Sun 4-11-1896 Tax Error Corrected - A bill from Mrs. L. J. Smith, who maintains a private insane asylum at Pueblo, for the care of Mrs. Lizzie McGuire, an insane patient, during February, was presented. The amount was $90, and $2 for carriage hire. The bill was reduced to $60 and allowed. The institution Mrs. Smith conducts is near the state asylum, and is only one of a number that is supported by various counties throughout the state. Pitkin county has been bled to an enormous amount through these private asylums, the authorities at the state institution turning sheriffs in charge of insane prisoners away, under plea that there is no room in the asylum. The sheriff has no other recourse then than to take his prisoner to one of the private asylums, or return the patient to the county committing. There are instances on record, however, where sheriffs have outgeneraled the asylum management by leaving the prisoner in the office with the commitment. In these cases it has been noticed that room was found for the patient
Golden Colorado Transcript 8-4-1897 State Insane Asylum Contracts Let for Supplies for the Coming Three Months. Pueblo, Colo., July 28. At to-day's meeting of the Board of Control of the State Insane Asylum bills for the past quarter amounting to between $13,000 and $14,000 were allowed. Contracts for furnishing supplies to the institution for the coming three months were let, with the exception of the bids for furnishing men's shoes, clothing and drugs. The other contracts were let as follows: the Knuckoll Packing Company, meat; Spratlin & Anderson, groceries; Andrew McClelland, hay and grain; the Pueblo Flour and Milling Company, flour; Sharp & Babbit, women's shoes. These are all Pueblo firms. The superintendent's report showed that the total number of persons at present in the asylum was 430, of which 293 are men and 137 are women. The total number of persons received during the last quarter was 32, while 24 were discharged. Seven men died in the institution during the past three months. The commissioners adjourned to-night and Dr. Eskridge, a member from Denver, left for his home at once.
Summit County Journal 1-1-1898 Colorado Briefs The annual report of Superintendent P. R. Thombs of the State Insane Asylum in Pueblo has been submitted to Governor Adams. Including officers, attendants and employees, the average number provided for daily was 450. The average number of patients cared for daily was 427. Of this number nearly 300 were men. The year 1897 has been very favorable for farm and garden products, and an abundance of fresh vegetables, which have been sufficient for all connected with the institution, have been raised on the farm. It cost $73,932.81 to maintain the institution during the past thirteen months, including improvements and repairs. The table cost $26,249.64, making the expense per capita $173.14.
Summit County Journal 3-19-1898 Western Notes Twenty-five insane patients in the Arapahoe county hospital are to be transferred to the private asylum of Dr. Work at Pueblo, where they will be boarded until the state asylum can receive them.
Cripple Creek Morning Times 11-11-1898 Negligence at Insane Asylum Reports of Gross Mismanagement Is Being Investigated Stories of Rank Abuse Place Is Not Overcrowded as Has Been Reported From Time to Time; Most Shocking Revelations No Attendants for Patients During the Night, or Fire Escapes on the Building - Special Dispatch to The Times Pueblo, Nov. 10. The investigation of the affairs of the Colorado insane asylum, which is being carried on by a committee of the state board of charities, promises to develop the most startling sensation ever connected with the management of a state institution. Charges of crookedness preferred against Dr. P. R. Thom, superintendent of the institution, have been denied investigation for several years. It has been intimated for several years that the management was being conducted crookedly. The present investigation is the result of an accident by which several members of the board of charities and corrections were allowed in one of the rooms of the asylum during a visit made by the board last September. It was discovered at that time that the board and the state have been deceived by the management as to the facilities for taking care of the insane. Following that clue, the board has discovered that, in addition to the false representations concerning the room in the asylum, and the facilities for treatment of the insane, the management has also covered up the facts concerning a series of the grossest abuses of patients, lack of proper treatment, and cruel neglect for which no excuse can be offered. When the state board of charities and corrections, accompanied by Governor Adams, visited the asylum last September, three members of the board were accidentally locked into one of the wards. Unknown to the management, these members conducted an investigation on their own account. They found cases of grossest neglect. One patient was found dead in his cell. Further investigation disclosed that a room with the capacity for fifty patients was wholly unused, and that the oft-repeated excuse of Warden Thom that the asylum was already overcrowded, covered up a story of mismanagement and neglect. After this visit of the board steps were at once taken by Governor Adams to have the unoccupied room fitted up for additional patients. Soon after, the board demanded an investigation of the affairs of the asylum, and a resolution was drawn up to this effect. But Dr. Thom foresaw the action of the board by requesting an investigation. The members of the state board, forming the investigation committee are Chancellor McDowell, Mrs. Sarah Platt and T. H. Devine. Sitting with the board are: Dr. Eskridge of Denver, and Chas. O. Unfug of Pueblo, members of the committee. Secretary Stonaker is in attendance and stonegraphers (stenographers?) have made a careful report of all evidence submitted to the committee. The condition of affairs has struck the committee and every effort is being made to hush up the matter until the committee can report to the full board and decide what action shall be taken by that body. Enough has been learned, however, to verify the statement that the people of the state have been frightfully outraged by the management, and that nothing but a sweeping change can guarantee a betterment of affairs in the future, and that nothing can atone for the wrong that has been perpetrated in the past under the present management. One of the first things developed by the board was that there has been positively criminal neglect shown in the treatment of patients in the woman's ward. It was offered in evidence, and fully corroborated, that for six weeks at a time within the last six months, the entire woman's ward, containing more than 100 patients, had been left at night without any attendant whatever. This neglect has been allowed for weeks at a time. There was no protection against fire, and absolutely no protection in case any trouble should break out among the patients. They might die during the night, and the fact would not be discovered until next day. It was shown that the patients were huddled into cramped quarters without proper room or attention, while ample rooms were retained and set aside for guest chambers and for the attendants and their friends. A sensation was sprung on the committee when it was developed that one of the woman patients who has been confined in the asylum for six years, was delivered of a child some time ago. The child died and was buried at night. This statement was sworn to by a number of witnesses among the attendants. The management made but feeble effort to deny the truth of this statement. The committee was informed that if a patient recovered he might remain in the asylum indefinitely, unless he contracted some disease that would make a medical examination necessary, in which case the physician would discover that the man was sane. The investigation will be concluded either to-night or to-morrow. The committee has determined to go to the bottom of the scandal and is supported by Governor Adams, who has requested that the investigation be made most rigid.
Aspen Weekly Times 11-12-1898 State Insane Asylum Horrible Condition of Affairs Developed by An Investigation Uncared-For Patients Left To Die Patients Huddled Into Small Rooms, While Spacious Apartments Are Reserved For Attendants Criminal Neglect In Women's Ward Left Without Protection Pueblo, Nov. 10. One of the most startling sensations ever developed in the history of the management of a state institution has been brought to light by a committee which has been here for several days making an inquiry into the condition of the state insane asylum. A condition of affairs has been developed which has struck the committee aghast and every effort is being made to hush the matter up until the committee can report to the full board and decide what action shall be taken by that body. Enough has been learned, however, to verify the statement that the people of the state have been frightfully outraged by the management of the state insane board and that nothing but the most sweeping change can give guarantee of better management of affairs in the future. The present investigation is the result of an accident by which several members of the board of charity and corrections were locked in one of the wards of the institution during a visit made by the board last September. While the other members of the committee went on a visit to other departments of the institution these members made an investigation on their own account. Their first discovery was a startling one. One of the members found a man lying in one of the cells. He called the attention of the other members to the man. It was at first thought he had fainted, but on investigation it was found that he was dead, and had been dead for some time. When he had died no one knew and his death was unknown until it was announced by the members of the state board. The members of the committee also found a large apartment connected with the women's ward with a capacity of at least fifty people. This was occupied by a single attendant, and at the same time it was alleged that the asylum was over-crowded and could accommodate no more patients. The evidence of the present investigation is being taken down by stenographers and will be submitted to the board at a meeting to be held next week. The evidence is being carefully guarded, but enough of it has been learned to show that the committee has finally begun to get at the facts concerning the sensational charges that have been made against the asylum management, for a number of years, but which now will be made public and in an official way. One of the first things developed by the board has been the positive criminal neglect shown in the treatment of patients in the women's ward. A number of witnesses testify that for periods as long as six weeks at a stretch within the past six months, the entire women's ward containing more than a hundred patients, has been left at night without any attendant whatever. This was not for one night, or for any particular night, but for weeks at a time. There was no protection against fire and absolutely no protection in case any trouble might break out among the patients. It was shown that the patients were huddled together in cramped quarters without proper room or proper attention, while ample rooms were retained and set aside for guest chambers for the attendants and their friends. The committee is making a further investigation and will conclude its labors tomorrow.
Aspen Weekly Times 11-19-1898 Insane Asylum Horrors Denver, Nov. 15. A member of the investigation committee who had in charge the inspection of the Pueblo insane asylum, is reported to have given out some facts relative to the scandal which has attached to that institution. The subject of the child born to one of the inmates of the asylum has been gone into, and testimony covering this matter was given before the committee. It appears from the disclosures that the child was born July 27, 1897, and lived three weeks. The mother was an insane woman, who had been in the asylum six years. The father was an insane convict, who had been sent to Canon City, and was afterwards transferred to the asylum. This man became a trusty and was given some work to do in the woman's ward at a time when no attendants were present. The woman later confessed to the attendants but Dr. Thombs had the matter hushed up. The affair was not reported to the state board. The child was buried by Dr. Thombs himself in the night. The statement has also been made that the asylum contains a dark cell, which was without ventilation except long holes near the ceiling. The doors were double and the floors of cement. There was no furniture in these cells except some rugs. The raving maniacs were confined in them, and there was nothing to prevent these unfortunates from doing bodily injury to themselves, and it is claimed they received little attention. A member of the state board said today that as soon as the investigation is completed he would insist that Dr. Thombs be removed, and that some more competent man be substituted. One of the members in speaking of the asylum said: I am thoroughly convinced that great outrages have been perpetrated at Pueblo, that will arouse intense indignation, and that Dr. Thombs is in the main (person) responsible. A violent lunatic was sent to the asylum some time ago by Judge Steele of this city. Later he was arrested in Denver for disturbing the peace, and an examination of the county court records showed that the man was legally still in the asylum. The man claimed that Dr. Thombs had released him on parole. In reply to a telegram Dr. Thombs stated that he had no room for him. The man was brought before the court again, and re-committed and placed in the county hospital.
Cripple Creek Morning Times 12-8-1898 Criminal Neglect Charged Committee Investigating Insane Asylum Substantiates Many Charges New Laws Are Required Recommends That a New Superintendent be Placed at the Helm of Asylum The Patients Overlooked Attendants Not Physicians Permitted to Administer Medicine and Neglect the Sick Denver, Dec 7. The committee appointed by Governor Adams to investigate the affairs of the state insane asylum at Pueblo made its report tonight. The findings of the committee are quite sensational, substantiating nearly all of the charges that have recently been made against the management of the institution in the newspapers. The committee reports that there has been gross neglect on the part of the superintendent and employees, and that there is no system of record by which an intelligent idea of the financial and physical condition of the institution can be gained. The superintendent is accused of having permitted employees who are not physicians, to administer medicines to the patients at their discretion, and to leave patients without attention for many hours at a time, and apply restraints at will, without making any reports to him. Several instances of alleged abuses are given. The findings are followed by recommendations for the future conduct of the institution, including a change in the superintendency and management. A new lunacy law, more in consonance with the age, is recommended. The committee also expresses the opinion that more money should be appropriated by the legislature for the use of the asylum. The present site of the institution is pronounced excellent.
San Juan Prospector 12-10-1898 Insane Asylum Scandal Investigation Shows Need of Reform Committee of State Board of Charities and Corrections Declares the Management to Be Negligent in Attention to Patients A Change Advised. Denver, Dec. 8. The committee recently appointed by the State Board of Charities and Corrections has made its report to the board, which has transmitted the report to Governor Adams with its approval of the recommendations made. The report of the committee in full is as follows: Denver, Colo., Dec. 7, 1898. To the State Board of Charities and Correction: - We, your committee appointed at the special meeting of the State Board of Charities and Correction September 29, 1898, at the request of Dr. P. R. Thombs, superintendent, and Dr. J. T. Eskridge of the Board of Commissioners, to examine into the condition and management of the Colorado State Insane Asylum, beg leave to report: The secretary of the board, Mr. C. L. Stonaker, was instructed to proceed without delay to examine the books and accounts of the institution, more particularly to inquire into the method of keeping accounts and records. On the 9th and 10th of November, 1898, a formal hearing was had at the State Insane Asylum, there being present Chancellor McDowell, chairman; Mrs. S. S. Platt, T. H. Devine and the secretary, constituting the committee; Rev. T. H. Malone of the board, and Dr. J. T. Eskridge and C. C. Unfug of the Board of Commissioners of the Insane Asylum, who had been invited to sit with the committee during the hearing. Although Mr. Devine of the committee urged that Dr. Thombs be permitted to be present during the examination of witnesses, your committee decided to hold the meetings behind closed doors, the commissioners only being present with the committee. Witnesses were sworn and their testimony was stenographically reported and is made a part of this report. Two meetings have been held subsequently at the state capitol for the examination of witnesses whose testimony is included in the report. After a full, fair and impartial discharge of our duties in the premises we beg to report to you the results thereof: First We find that in the management of the Colorado Insane Asylum there are no records and books in vogue which give or can give any adequate idea of the general financial, physical or material condition of the institution. For this reason it was beyond the power of your committee to conduct intelligently an examination into the financial and business affairs of the institution. Second We further find that, up to the date of our inquiry, there has never been any system relating to the issuance of supplies on requisition to the several departments of the institution and no check whatever kept upon the supplies issued or delivered. Third We further find that there has been gross and habitual neglect on the part of many of the officers, attendants and employees of the institution with respect to their duties, and it appears from the testimony that this neglect has covered a long period of years and could have been known to the superintendent of the asylum, which under the law relating to his duties he had full power to correct. Fourth We further find that the superintendent has given very inadequate, irregular and unsystematic supervision to the affairs of the institution. This finding is supported by the evidence received on the investigation, which shows: A. That a wholly insufficient amount of time is spent by the superintendent at the institution. B. That the superintendent has been grossly neglectful in the matter of visitation of wards of the institution. C. That he has not required or received proper reports concerning and knowledge of the patients in the institution and that no records of the condition of the patients, physical or otherwise, have been required or kept. D. It appears that patients of the institution die, are prepared for burial and are taken away without the superintendent seeing them and pronouncing after examination that they are dead; that he issues certificates of death upon the report of employees, who are not physicians, without a personal examination. E. It appears that the superintendent has permitted attendants, in many instances, to determine: First Whether a patient requires medicine, and second, to administer that medicine on their own judgment, without advice from the superintendent, and that the attendants are permitted to keep in their possession certain drugs to be used and administered at their discretion, none of these attendants being physicians. F. That the determination of the necessity for restraints upon the patients is left entirely to the judgment and discretion of attendants and no report thereof is required to be made by such attendants to the superintendent, either as to the occasion of the restraint or the character or the duration thereof. Where the Blame Is Placed. G. That the supervision of the superintendent over the officers, employees and attendants, has been utterly unsystematic, inadequate and neglectful, and that this absence of systematic supervision has resulted in gross neglect of duty on the part of many of the employees and attendants, to the serious detriment of the institution. H. That the superintendent has not conducted any adequate, thorough and sufficient examination to determine the condition of patients admitted to the asylum. Fifth That the asylum, as conducted under present management, has been a place of detention, rather than a hospital for the treatment of the insane. While we recognize the limitations caused by lack of funds, nevertheless we find that under proper management a very much better condition of the institution could have been secured, even with the funds at disposal. The management of the institution is derelict in the following particulars: A. There is no regular or sufficient medical examination or knowledge of the patients. B. No amusements of any sort are furnished for the patients. C. That the patients do not receive proper exercise nor as much as could be given by the help employed at present. D. That there has been no requirement as to daily ward reports as to condition of patients and the superintendent has had no knowledge in regard thereto except such as he occasionally acquired by talking to attendants or by occasional visitations on his part. No Attendants at Times. E. The testimony shows that from three to five hours out of each twenty-four the patients in this asylum are regularly left unattended, and that frequently during the day time the wards are left unattended for from one to three hours at a time. In illustration of this, on the date of the last official visit of this board, September 24, 1898, in inspecting the wards, members came upon the lifeless body of a male patient lying on a pallet in one of the wards, where he had died unattended. Sixth We find that there are unoccupied rooms at the woman's building sufficient in size and suitable to accommodate from forty to fifty patients if supplied with proper bedding and equipment, notwithstanding the fact that the superintendent has persistently reported to this board and to the Board of Commissioners of the Insane Asylum that there was no additional room that could be used for housing patients. In this connection it may be stated that these rooms, according to the estimate of the superintendent recently obtained, could have been fitted up and additional patients maintained until the next appropriation is available, at a cost of not to exceed $5,000. Child Born to a Patient. Seventh We find that in the month of July, 1897, a child was born to one of the patients as a result of negligence on the part of an attendant in permitting a patient from the male department to associate with the patient first above named, in the absence of others, the male patient having been employed in and about the woman's building for a number of weeks in making needed repairs, under orders coming from the superintendent, and that this unfortunate affair could have happened only through gross negligence of the attendant in charge. Eighth We further find that the superintendent has been grossly careless in permitting officers, attendants and employees to absent themselves from the institution on vacation for as much as six weeks at a time, and that during such absence of two of the attendants of the woman's building at different times, their duties were looked after and attended to in a measure by the laundress of the institution, who was not a trained nurse nor in any sense qualified to discharge the duties of attendant. No Precautions Against Fire. Ninth We further find that during the months of July and August, 1898, the night watch or attendant of the woman's building was given a six weeks' leave of absence, during which time no one was employed or secured to attend to her duties, with the result that from 7 o'clock in the evening to about 7 in the following morning, during all the time before mentioned, the three wards in the woman's building were left entirely unattended, the only precaution taken by the management against fire to the building was that the night watch of the male building was instructed to keep an occasional eye on the woman's building; aside from this, no precaution whatever was made or taken to prevent or guard against the destruction of inmates of the woman's building, either by fire or otherwise. Recommendations. First It is our judgment, based upon the evidence taken in the investigation, that a change in the superintendency and management of the asylum is necessary. Second It is our judgment that there should be put into operation at once a competent and thorough system of records, reports and bookkeeping which shall cover the entire business of the asylum, including the commissioners' meetings, and that there should also be adopted a thorough system of requisitions for supplies and checks upon supplies received and distributed. Third It is our judgment that the asylum should be provided as soon as possible with a new set of rules and regulations for the government of the institution and those in its employ. Fourth It is our judgment that the management should be required to take advantage of the favorable climate of Pueblo and the ample grounds of the asylum to give the patients regular and frequent outdoor exercise. Fifth It is our judgment that the number of attendants should be considerably increased and all attendants and others employed held to a faithful performance of their duties. New Lunacy Law Advised. Sixth It is our judgment that the state needs a new lunacy law which shall put the asylum on a more modern basis, shall define the duties of the commissioners and superintendent more clearly and specifically, requiring that the superintendent shall devote his entire time to the interests and affairs of the asylum, provide for at least two resident physicians, one of whom shall be a woman, and put in operation civil service principles in the employment of all attendants and other employees. Seventh It is our judgment that the asylum needs more money than it has had, both for the providing of very much needed improvements and facilities and for more adequate maintenance and support. Eighth It is our judgment that means should be devised to provide funds to furnish immediately all suitable vacant rooms for the reception of patients. Ninth It is our judgment that the location of the asylum is entirely satisfactory and that an additional asylum is neither desirable nor wise. Accompany these findings and recommendations are herewith submitted letters relating to the inquiry, including a letter dated November 15, 1898, from Dr. Thombs to Governor Adams, protesting at his exclusion from the sessions when witnesses were examined; the letter dated November 18, 1898, to his excellency the governor, being the opinion of the attorney general on the matter, and a copy of the letter of November 23, 1898, to Dr. Thombs, being the answer to his protest signed by William F. McDowell, chairman. Respectfully submitted, William F. McDowell, Chairman; Sarah S. Platt, T. H. Devine, C. L. Stonaker, Committee.
Golden Colorado Transcript 12-28-1898 Appoints Dr. Work To Have Charge of Insane Asylum Governor Adams Picks a Pueblo Man for Dr. Thombs Successor Is Well Qualified Denver, Dec. 23. Dr. Hubert Work of Pueblo has been appointed as the successor of Dr. Thombs as superintendent of the State Insane Asylum in that city. Governor Adams proffered the position to Dr. Work yesterday morning, and receiving a request from Dr. Work that he be permitted time in which to consider the proposition, acquiesced. Late in the afternoon the governor received word that Dr. Work would accept. His commission will be issued today and upon its receipt, Dr. Work will assume charge of the asylum. I appointed Dr. Work, said the governor, because I think he is the best man I know for the position. He is a Republican, I hear, but his politics make no difference to me, his fitness for the position is the essential thing. Dr. Work has made a study of insanity for years, and is an experienced physician. He has resided in Pueblo for some years. It was practically necessary for me to make the appointment that I did, for it was apparent that no Denver man wanted the position, as I received no applications from any one in this city. Several years ago Dr. Work established at Pueblo a private sanitarium for the treatment of insane persons and the cure of those whose minds had become unbalanced. Dr. Work had a contract with the state for taking care of all the patients which were turned away from the state's insane asylum, when it became overcrowded.
Pagosa Springs News 12-30-1898 Dr. Thombs has been removed from the position of superintendent of the state insane asylum and Dr. Hubert Work of Pueblo placed in charge, pending the investigation of the charges against the former by the legislature. What the outcome will be remains to be seen.
Telluride Daily Journal 1-20-1899 Insane Asylum Investigation - Pueblo, Jan. 20. - The investigation of the state asylum began this morning. Attorney General Campbell read a bitter indictment against Dr. Thombs. Attorney Taylor replied, applauding Thombs, saying he took charge of the asylum when it was a shanty on the plains; it is now a magnificent institute. The first witness was Commissioner Eskridge, of Denver, whose testimony showed that the commissioners had been lax in giving vouchers, and persons, if dishonest, could thereby secure money for goods never delivered. The investigation promises interesting developments.
Telluride Daily Journal 1-21-1899 Insane Asylum Investigation - Today's Proceedings Marked by Considerable Wrangling - Bookkeeping is Faulty - Pueblo, Jan. 21. - The investigation of the state insane asylum is lively today. There was considerable wrangling between the committee, the attorney general and the defense. Ernest Weinhousen was sharply examined. The fact was drawn out that he had never taken stock of the drugs, and had never given a receipt for them, and that he had failed to take a physical measurement of new patients or any means of identification. Attorney Taylor offered evidence for the defense in the shape of statistics from other states which showed that the Pueblo asylum ran at a less cost and is credited with more cures than almost any state in the Union. It stands third on the list. On the other hand, evidence showed that the books are kept inadequately, failing to show what became of bodies, whether burned, buried or dissected. The attorney general contended that the bookkeeping was shamefully faulty and open to frauds.
Fort Collins Weekly Courier 2-23-1899 Senator Felton came to the defense of Dr. Thombs, superintendent of the insane asylum, in a speech which occupied one whole day.
Telluride Daily Journal 7-18-1899 Delayed in Transmission - Owing to trouble on the single telegraph wire that connects Telluride with Denver, a good share of yesterday's telegraph report did not arrive until the Journal had gone to press. The following is condensed from the more important telegrams in the delayed report: Dr. Thombs, superintendent of the state insane asylum, tendered his resignation yesterday to take effect September 1st.
Telluride Daily Journal 7-19-1899 Hereafter when people go insane in this state before they have acquired a legal residence, they will be sent back to the state or country from whence they came. It is estimated that a strict enforcement of this law will greatly relieve the congested condition of the state asylum.
Telluride Daily Journal 7-20-1899 Dr. Thombs, who has resigned as superintendent of the state insane asylum, has held that office for twenty consecutive years.
Telluride Journal 7-22-1899 Hereafter when people go insane in this state before they have acquired a legal residence, they will be sent back to the state or country from whence they came. It is estimated that a strict enforcement of this law will greatly relieve the congested condition of the state asylum.
Cripple Creek Morning Times 8-9-1899 Dr. A. P. Busey of St. Joseph, Mo., has been appointed superintendent of the Colorado state insane asylum.
New Castle Nonpareil 8-17-1899 Dr. Thombs Resigns - Pueblo, Colo., July 19. - Dr. P. R. Thombs, after twenty years' service as superintendent of the Colorado State Insane Asylum, has handed in his resignation to take effect September 1st. The new board of managers met at the institution at 10 o'clock to-day and accepted the resignation. The board was permanently organized to-day, Dr. W. Y. Grant as chairman, I. D. Chamberlain, secretary. Dr. Thombs' resignation was accepted by the board without comment. Joseph H. Loor, who, for several months has been acting as temporary steward of the asylum, was appointed by the board to retain the position for a period of six years. It is not probable that Dr. Thombs will be succeeded by a Colorado man, now that Dr. Hubert Work has declined to accept the office. Applications for the place have been received from Drs. Schenck of Delaware, Lyman of Wisconsin and Darnell of Illinois. The matter of selecting the new superintendent will be taken up later. Dr. Thombs refused to make any statement regarding his resignation or his future plans, except that he deemed it best in view of the present situation to resign. He does not think, however, that he has received fair treatment.
Fort Collins Weekly Courier 8-17-1899 Dr. A.P. Busey of St. Joseph , Missouri has been appointed superintendent of the Colorado insane asylum at Pueblo, to succeed Dr. Thombs. Dr. Busey has been connected with Missouri's state insane asylum for twenty years and is a expert on mental illness.
Summit County Journal 9-23-1899 In his report to the penitentiary commissioners Warden Hoyt gives us the following figures: December 30, 1898, there were in the penitentiary 590 prisoners. During the six months ending June 30, 1899, 118 were committed to the prison, 108 were discharged on expiration of service, and 1 was pardoned. Four were transferred to the insane asylum at Pueblo
Pagosa Springs News 11-17-1899 The monthly reports of Dr. A. P. Busey, the new insane asylum superintendent, show that 55 patients have been admitted since August 1st, compared with 34 for the same three months last year. This time last year there were 34 employees, but under Dr. Busey's management 10 have been added to this number. There are 490 inmates, 310 men and 179 women. During October 9 deaths and 1 escape occurred.
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