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I am here in acceptance of the invitation of the trustees of the hospital with reference to an investigation of its condition. This Committee has been able to see the outside condition in all its neatness, and so far as such a place can be in an inviting condition, in its inviting condition. I come to ask the the privilege of leading by witnesses, so far as is in my power, this committee into the inside of that hospital, that they may know what may be learned, through witnesses, of the management of the patients of that institution. I am not dealing with [men?]. So far as the officers of the institutions are concerned there is no reason for supposing that they are any thing but the honorable gentlemen and honest men that we believe them to be. For myself, sir, I am under very great obligation to those men. First of all, to Dr. Harlow, and then to Mr. Laskin. And whatever may come to them or me from this investigation I shall carry to my dying day the memory of that kindness to me, under circumstances most trying. We are here, sir, in behalf men and women who cannot speak for themselves. And not only for the men and women within that hospital, but for the fifteen hundred