Mr.  Smyser.  But  assuming  the  law  to  be  as  perhaps  Doctor  White
out  there  has  construed  it,  and  as  the  Departments  generally  have
construed  it,  then  your  suggestions  would  hardly  obtain,  except  as  a
reason  for  a  change  in  the  statute?

Mr.  Thomas.  That  is  it  exactly.  A  test  case,  as  I  said,  might  be
brought.
Mr.  Hay.  Mr.  Thomas,  are  you  familiar  with  these  things  ?  [Hand-
ing a  paper  to  witness.]  Look  at  that,  please,  and  see  whether  that  is
the  form  that  they  use  out  there  ?

Mr.  Thomas.  Yes.     Shall  I  read  that?

Mr.  Hay.  Yes  •  please  read  it.
Mr.  Thomas.  It  is  as  follows:

National  Home  fob  Disabled  Volunteer  Soldiers,

NorOiwestem  Branch,  Sept,  19, 1908.
Superintendent  Government  Hospital  for  the  Insane,

Wa^ington,D,C,
Sir:  Under  the  authority  conferred  upon  me  by  the  act  of  Congress  approved  August  7,
1882,  I  have  to  request  tbiat  *  *  *  George  Mickalish,  late  seaman  U.  S.  Navy,  pen-
sioner at  $8.00  per  month  *  *  *  17  insane  men,  members  of  the  Northwestern  Branch,
N .  H.  D.  v.  S.,  may  be  admitted  to  the  Government  Hospital  for  the  Insane,  at  Washington,
D.C.
Kespectfully,  youra,

M.  T.  MoMahon,
PresideiU  Board  qf  Managers  Naiionai  Home  for  D.  F.  8.
A  true  copy.
H.  J.  Stack,

AMManJtPhyticim,


1206  GOVERKMBKT  HOSPITAL  FOR  THE   IKSANE.
That  is  the  form  upon  which  these  people  are  committed.
Mr.  Hay.  Upon  which  they  are  received  at  the  Goveraineiit
Hospital?

Mr.  Thomas.  Yes,  from  my  personal  knowledge.
