Wisconsin’s Rising Tides of Madness: State and County Homes Swamped with New Inmates

The year 1927 has brought a crushing wave of insanity to the state and county institutions of Wisconsin. According to records compiled by the state board of control, the number of dependents who must be supported at these institutions has increased at an alarming rate of nearly two a day. By August 1, the state institutions had taken in 6190 inmates, a staggering 305 more than the previous year, while county institutions housed 9147, an increase of 378. The tide of madness has swept across the state, with 30 more insane patients taken in by the state, and 217 by county institutions.

The feebleminded class has also seen a disturbing increase, with 61 more added to the state’s tally, while the number of state penal institutions grew by 149. However, the state’s tubercular institutions remained unchanged, but the counties were forced to take on 161 more patients, a burden that weighs heavily on their resources.

As the state grapples with this mounting crisis, the numbers of people on probation and parole continue to rise. There are now 362 individuals on probation, and 2325 on parole, a sobering reminder of the long-term consequences of Wisconsin’s social ills.

Madison, the state capital, has borne the brunt of this crisis, with institutions struggling to cope with the influx of new inmates. The state board of control has been working tirelessly to address the issue, but it remains to be seen whether they can stem the tide of madness that threatens to engulf the state.

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