Untitled

392 CHINA MISSION YEAR BOOK.Amoy, Foochow, Shanghai, Chinkiang and Tientsin.Two cases were received last year also from Weihaiwei,sent down by the government of that little colony. Wecontend that every province should have its own institution of this kind. We are glad to know that Dr. Mullowney,of the Methodist Mission in Peking, is planningto open a work for insane as soon as funds allow. Anyhelp that can be given him will, we are sure, be gratefully received by him. Meantime this remains the onlyhospital* for insane in the Empire until a scheme, atpresent put before the local government by certain ofthe gentry, matures.Last year all the five buildings were full, and twomatsheds had to be erected to take in- the overflow, forwhich very harmless patients were selected. The officialswere informed that we must refuse to receive patients,excepting as some should go away, thus leaving room.We felt we must, ifpossible, take in the family cases,since care of the insane in the homes is difficult andoften dangerous, usually unwise and sometimes cruel.The officials cases on the other hand could, if necessary,be detained temporarily in the prisons. Our U. S. Consulapplied to the Viceroy for help toward erecting a newbuilding. As a result the hospital received a grant of$1,000 from the provincial treasury. The Police Department also made a grant of $4,200 for the same purpose.Buildings for insane people should be fire proof andstrong. And we find we still lack several thousanddollars before we can begin to build. Meantime therooms are crowded and many patients are sleepingin matsheds, on the verandah and in the bath rooms.And new ones are pressing for admittance.Since the opening in 1898 there have been admitted1,480 patients. At present there are 250 and more.Last year 239 entered, 196 were discharged. Of thelatter, 97 went away well, being 40^ per cent, ofpital.* Dr. Wilkinson, of Soochow, has a small ward for the insane in his hosF;D.