Question

i proceed, gentlemen, briefly to call your attention to the present state of insane persons confined within this commonwealth, in cages, closets, cellars, stalls, pens! chained, naked, beaten with rods, and lashed into obedience... -dorothea dix memorial to the massachusetts legislature 1843 this quote is from dorothea dixs testimony before the massachusetts legislature. what was the purpose of her testimony? argue for more severe treatment of the mentally ill in institutions explain that no reforms were needed in those institutions call attention to the inhumane or poor treatment of the mentally ill

Explanation:

Dorothea Dix's description of the mentally ill being in cages, chained, etc., shows she is highlighting poor treatment.

Answer:

call attention to the inhumane or poor treatment of the mentally ill