The Madison Daily Leader

Dr. W. B. Fletcher, the alienist of Indianapolis, Ind., addressed a public letter to the Michigan legislators in which he expressed himself as heartily in sympathy with the proposition now before the lawmakers of that state in which it is contended that the hopelessly insane should be put to death by the state. "I am aware," said the letter, "that this idea will meet with much opposition, but I am convinced that this is the best thing that can happen to the incurable. They drag out their days in misery and suffering, enjoying nothing and understanding nothing. I am not speaking now from a Christian standpoint of view, but from the standpoint of civilization, and the welfare of the state."