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Insane Negroes in the United States

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2018

Extract

The annual report of the Superintendent of Longview Asylum, in the State of Ohio, contains a striking illustration of the deep-rooted repulsion which is felt to a black skin in the United States. A very heavy item in the year's expenditure has been caused by the purchase and fitting up of a house for the coloured insane, who had hitherto, as appears, been confined in the common jail. The superintendent expresses his gratification at the provision of accommodation more in accordance with the dictates of justice and humanity. “Two of the greatest misfortunes that humanity is liable to-insanity and a coloured skin-did not seem to me good and sufficient reason for classing the person so afflicted with malefactors, and it is therefore a matter of sincere rejoicing that a change in the disposition of these persons has been made, and especially that Hamilton County has taken the lead in this matter.” After the passage of a law enforcing suitable provision for the coloured insane, application was made for their reception into the building occupied by the whites. This was thought out of the question by the authorities of the asylum, the strong prejudice against the negro felt by most white people being particularly strong among the inmates of the asylum, It became necessary, therefore, in order to carry out the intention of the legislature, to purchase a separate building, and to fit it up specially for the coloured insane. This was done; and the medical superintendent can now point with pride to the circumstance that all the insane negroes belonging to the county are freely received and kindly treated.

Type
Part I.—Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1868 

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