The Isolation of a Refractory Patient

Mrs. Dempsey, who has been an inmate of the county hospital for the last two and a half years, has been placed in solitary confinement in a separate building known as the dead house, as her violent temper and obscene language render her unfit to associate with the other patients. The woman, who is 41 years old, is troubled with an affection of the eye and is at all times irritable and often violent. A few days ago, she became unusually mean and assaulted the matron, Mrs. Dearborn. The facts were laid before the county commissioners, who, after consultation with the prosecuting attorney, ordered her placed in an isolated room. As the hospital is overcrowded, it was suggested that a small outbuilding, originally erected for a dead house and storeroom, be used for her occupancy. The house was comfortably furnished, and it was found that no cruelty had been practiced upon the woman. The fact that the house was called the dead house is what gave the story of her confinement a sensational phase, which was taken advantage of by those who are always looking for a scandal.