Referring to the betterment of conditions, I said, “And this improvement can never be brought about without some central organization by means of which the best ideas in the world may be crystallized and passed along to those in charge of this army of afflicted ones.  The methods to be used to bring about these results must be placed on the same high level as the idea itself.  No yellow journalism or other sensational means should be resorted to.  Let the thing be worked up secretly and confidentially by a small number of men who know their business.  Then when the very best plan has been formulated for the accomplishment of the desired results, and men of money have been found to support the movement until it can take care of itself, announce to the world in a dignified and effective manner the organization and aims of the society, the name of which shall be—­, decided later....  To start the movement will not require a whole lot of money.  It will be started modestly and as financial resources of the society increase, the field will be broadened.” ...  “The abuses and correction of same is a mere detail in the general scheme.” ...  “It is too early to try to interest anyone in this scheme of preventing breakdowns, as there are other things of more importance to be brought about first—­but it will surely come in time.”

“‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin,’” I continued, “had a very decided effect on the question of slavery of the negro race.  Why cannot a book be written which will free the helpless slaves of all creeds and colors confined to-day in the asylums and sanitariums throughout the world?  That is, free them from unnecessary abuses to which they are now subjected.  Such a book, I believe, can be written and I trust that I may be permitted to live till I am wise enough to write it.  Such a book might change the attitude of the public towards those who are unfortunate enough to have the stigma of mental incompetency put upon them.  Of course, an insane man is an insane man and while insane should be placed in an institution for treatment, but when that man comes out he should be as free from all taint as the man is who recovers from a contagious disease and again takes his place in society.”  In conclusion, I said, “From a scientific point of view there is a great field for research....  Cannot some of the causes be discovered and perhaps done away with, thereby saving the lives of many—­and millions in money?  It may come about that some day something will be found which will prevent a complete and incurable mental breakdown....”

Thus did I, as revealed by these rather crude, unrevised quotations, somewhat prophetically, if extravagantly, box the compass that later guided the ship of my hopes (not one of my phantom ships) into a safe channel, and later into a safe harbor.