Volume Eleven - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - some more aspects - Random Rants, Notes and Articles No. 1 . . .

The following are random examples of cases as published within the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Royal Commission on on the Care & Control of the Feeble-Minded - Volume II - [1096] [499] : -

F.S. Aged 25. From Cardiff. In Salvation Army Home five months. Very loose bringing-up ; mother a terrible drunkard ; father a ne’er-do-well. Eldest sister has an illegitimate child. F. was ruined by married man, and has a baby girl six months old who is physically and mentally deficient. F. improved in home; is very fond of her child. We put her into service, and though a trial, manages to keep her situations fairly well. Needs constant supervision.

A.A. Aged 19. From Cardiff. In Salvation Army Home eight months. A poor delicate creature with very immoral tendencies. Mother died in lunatic asylum two years ago. After mother’s death, A. went wrong; her baby was born dead. A. is also subject to fits, and on this account we were obliged to return her to her step-mother who is kind and can look after the girl. We have since heard that she is dying of consumption in hospital.

E.L. Aged 29. From Penarth. In Salvation Army Home three months. Respectably brought up in country home. Went wrong at 26, and had a baby which died at birth. Is an excellent servant, but sadly deficient in intellect; had a second child (boy) who is fairly bright, and kept by aunt. We placed her in service with a mistress who takes care of her; she is never allowed out alone, and can cam her living while looked after in this way.

M.W. Aged 27. From Penarth. In Salvation Army Home five months. Very respectably connected; kept one situation eight years; afterwards changed her places constantly. Was led astray by mistress‘ son. Baby (a boy) very delicate, and looked more like a monkey than a child; very mentally deficient. M. improved in home, and we were able to place her in service with suitable mistress. She is not immoral, but quite unable to protect herself. H‘s mother and sister are both somewhat simple.