CHAS. W, PILGRIM, M. D. 47 



work counted so much in the amelioration of the condi- 

 tion of the insane poor in nearly every State in the Union, 

 is filled with graphic descriptions of the horrors of county 

 care. She visited many. county houses and nearly every 

 jail in the State, and found that in almost every one the 

 pauper insane were herded like animals, their malady 

 being utterly ignored. When too feeble to take their 

 chances with the other paupers or to be able to attend 

 to their own wants, " they became objects of disgust and 

 were thrust, like anything else offensive, into dark 

 and out of the way places." In nearly every county 

 house Miss Dix found the insane neglected, uncared for 

 and abused. Some were confined naked, in dark, foul- 

 smelling cellars ; others were in chains ; and frequently 

 helpless women were exposed to nameless vice. In fact 

 her whole report is one long tale of misery and suffering 

 with only a bright spot here and there in the cheerless 

 desert of neglect. 



I am sure it will be gratifying to my audience to know 

 that one of those bright spots was found in Poughkeep- 

 sie. When I read the report, for the purpose of verify- 

 ing my statements, the monotony of the description of the 

 unsatisfactory condition of almost every almshouse sad- 

 dened and wearied me, but to my relief, under the head- 

 ing of " Dutchess County House," I read the following : 

 "The Dutchess County House at Poughkeepsie is a 

 model of neatness, order and good discipline. The 

 household arrangements are excellent ; the kitchens and 

 cellars complete in every part. I have seen nothing in 

 the State so good as these. Every apartment in the 

 almshouse was exceptionally clean, well furnished and 

 neatly arranged. Such of the insane as were highly 

 excited were in clean, decent rooms. Great credit is due 

 to those who have the immediate charge of this house 

 for so thorough supervision and energetic administra- 

 tion of its affairs." 



