Hide Article Text (OCR)
There are 129 persons at large in Mas sachusetts, any one of whom might, at any minute, feel called upon to equal the crime of John A. Steele. There are 129 persons at large in Mas sachusetts, each of whom has, at some period of life, been insane. There are 129 persons at large, mingling with the crowds of our cities, going about in our towns, each of whom has been, for a greater or less period of time, a patient at the State Insane Hospil in Danvers. There are 129 persons at large in Mas sachusetts, each one of whom is not yet thoroughly cured of his mental troubles, each one of whom may at any minute be sent back to the institution at Dan vers. The above facts were the result of an investigation yesterday of conditions at the Danvers Insane Hospital by a re porter for the Boston Post, Gives Liberty on “Trial Visits” In the course of conversation with the Post reporter, Superintendent Charles W. Page, M. D., admitted frankly that it was his custom to allow patients to leave the hospital on “‘trial visits,” when, in his judgment, they would receive benefit; and that it was on such a “trial visit’’ that John A. Steele shot to death Edward Cohen and dangerously wounded Dennis D. Driscoll. “Our method here is the optimistic one,’’ declared Dr. Page.* ‘‘We look on the bright side of every case that comes under our jurisdiction, and try to make the patient do so also. To this end we allow those patients who are not violent or troublesome to leave the hospital on what we call ‘trial visits,’ remaining away as long as they do well. “At present we have 129 patients out on trial visits,’’ continued the superin tendent. “Last October the number was even greater, 152. And ever since I have put this method into operation, but one man has gone wrong—John A. Steele.”’ “Aren't these men and women really insane?’ asked the reporter. “They are not violently insane,’ Dr. Page replied. “Sometimes they may be irritable or peevish, and now and then may attack a relative in a mild sort of way; but as soon as such traits show, they are sent back. Victims of Hallucinations “they are mostly victims of hallucin ations, as Steele was, and are harmless. It does them good to get away from the necessary restraints of the institution and live with their relatives. “John A. Steele was the only exception. I do not anticipate any trouble from the other 129. At the earnest behest of Governor Guild the State Board of Insanity has tened to Danvers yesterday and made an investigation, for the Governor was particularly anxious to know how it hap pened that a man as dangerous as Steele was allowed at large. Henry P. Field of Northampton, one of the members of the board, told the Post reporter that the matter was be ing investigated by them, not only in the natural course of their duties but also because Governor Guild was anxious to learn all about it. Asked about the 129 patients being at large, Mr. Field declared that he knew nothing of that, the reporter must see the superintendent for all figures. “Did you know of that?” asked the reporter. ‘Really, I cannot talk about it; I cannot say anything.” “Does it seem for the best good of the community to allow so many persons who might prove dangerous, at large?’’ Conducting Investigation “—I'm very sorry, but we are investigat ing the whole matter and I cannot say anything,’’ said Mr. Field. ‘Really, you will have to excuse me.” Superintendent Page told the reporter for the Post all that he could remember about Steele while at the hospital. “Steele was not violent nor dangerous while here,’’ said Dr. Page. ‘‘He had been in Westboro a number of times and I knew his case very well. He was sent here July 27 from Westboro with papers. Run Place in Optimistic Way ‘we now have 129 patients out on ‘trial visits.’ This is done under the law, which is so framed as to give the patients a certain amount of freedom. They like to make the ‘trial visits’ and their friends often feel that they can do better for the patients by giving them a change. Some patients of an in tensely nervous disposition become irri tated by the strict supervision and seem to get better once they are outside the walls of the institution.
Newspaper Details
Boston Sunday Post
Boston, Massachusetts, US
Sun, Dec 08, 1907
Page 22
Full Page
Clipped by
Jennifer T.
USA 13 Sep 2026
Other Publications Near Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Daily Globe
Boston Post
Boston Sunday Globe
Boston Sunday Post
Boston Globe
