The Express.
London, England, 1847-10-28 00:00:00

PROPOSED ASYLUM FOR IDIOTS.

A public meeting in favour of this object was held
yesterday, at the London Tavern, Bishopegate-street. Shortly
I after two o'clock the chair was taken by the Right Hon. the
Lord Mayor.
The CHAIIIKAN, in opening the proceedings, said he was
very happy W see so many friends before him on that occa-
sion, as it proved that they took an interest in an object
whick had the closest possible connexion with the cause of
I humanity. In that great city there were charities of almost
every kind to relieve the miseries of their fellow-creatures;
but there was one still wanted, which he trusted that meet-
ing would supply, by the formation of an institution on
behalf of the unfortunate elms of persons whose cause he
had undertaken to advocate. (Cheers.) He could have
wished, indeed, that some one better acquainted with the ,
subject had occupied the chair ; but, having been invited by
some philanthropists around him to do so himself, as chief
magistrate of the City, he had most cheerfully complied with
the request. (Cheers.) Other occupations had, he regretted to
say, prevented him (rem preparing to enter fully into this sub-
ject, but the little attention which he had been able to give to
it had led to the conviction that a great blessing would be se.
cured by carrying out the object of the meeting. (Hear, bear.)
There were lunatic asylums which took in both the totally
insane, and those who were only partially afflicted with that
malady, but none were provided for poor idiots. All who
had been accustomed to travel into the various towns and
cities of this kingdom must have observed, about the market-
places, and other places of public resort, sonic poor man or
boy, woman or girl, who was the laughing-stock of those
who were unthinking as to the unfortunate condition of that
class of persons ; and if by the establishment of the proposed
institution such parties could be relieved, and made, par-
tially at least, thinking and useful being*, a very great benefit
would be conferred both upon them and upon society.
Mr. C. GILPIN then read an address on behalf or the pro-
visioual committee, setting forth the necessity for an institu-
tion for the benefit of idiots, and appealing to the public for
support.
Mr. 1). W. Winn said that before he proceeded to read
the first resolution, he had to make one or two announce-

menu. A letter had been received from that friend of hu-
manity, Sir Charles Forbes, with • donation of 1001., &own•
panied with his " best wishes for the success of so laudable an
institution." Lori Dudley Stuart had sent a letter, in which
he regretted his absence, and sent a donation of five guineas,
together with &promise of future aid ; and another gentle.
man, Sir Peter Laurie, who, as president of Bethlehem Hos-
pital, had daily opportunities of ascertaining the necessity for
such an institution as they were about to found, said he
would not only support the institution by his purse, but
would be most happy to serve on the committee. (Cheers.)
Sir Peter stated, that in his capacity of president of Bethlehem,
frequent applications were made to him fur the aduti-sion of
idiots, but that he was compelled to reply, reluctantly, thst
according to the rules of the hospital they were quite Mad-
rnisaible. He might further observe that the Lord Mayor,
not contented with giving his presence in the midst of other
numerous and pressing avocations, had put down his name
for twenty guineas. (Cheers.) One of the sheriffs of Lon-
don was present, and the other would have been so had he
not been detained by his official duties at the Old Bailey.
Now, for his own part, he (Mr. Wire) must say that he felt
both gratified and honoured in being permitted to take part
in the proceedings of that meeting. The resolution which.
he had to propose would, he felt sure, be unanimously
affirmed. It was as follows
That in the judgment of this meeting it is limner desirable that an
asylum be provided fur the care and education of the idiot, and that
it he forthwith berm.
For a long series of years, while Christian benevolence had
been so comprehensive as to embrace almost every species of
ill to which human nature was subject, the care and train-
ing of the idiot had been altogether forgotten, or at least neg-
lected. This was attributable partly to the tact of its having
been considered almot impossible to recover such persons.
They lived, however, in an advancing age, when every
science, and none more than medical science, was making
rapid progress ; and it had at length been discovered, though
before doubted by all, that it was quite possible to traiu up
the idiot, to relight, aa it were, the dark intellect, and to
give to those who had been so long condemned to fatuity
and neglect, a new being, marked by rnoralhabita and mental
cultivation. This had, in fact, been done, not only by pri-
vate individuals in this country, but on a much larger scale
on the Continent—in France, in Germany, and in other
European states. The medical men of continental countries
11 were so convinced of the possibility of restoring the idiot to
• state of moral consciousness and responsibility, that upon
their recommendation, the respective governments had taken
uo the matter, and asylums had been formed where rape-
riMenta had ended in complete success. (Hear, hear.) He
hoped that this country would now begin to feel the neces-
sity for an institution of that description. An asylum for
the insane was found in every county, and almost in every
town; in the kingdom ; the country was, in fact, studded with
institutions, both private and public, where insanity was
and by whose means the patient was often restored to his home,
to his family, to his friends, and to usefulness. But all these
institutions had hitherto rejected every ease of idiocy; and
the consequence was, that a great number of poor helpless
beings had become, what the Lord Mayor had described
them to be, the laughing clock of the towns and villages of
the kingdom, and had been exhibited in the last stage of
I degradation into which poor humanity could fall. But if
there wore a possibility—and there was, in fact, something
more, there was even a certainty—that these poor en atures
could, under physical and moral training, have their intel-
lect awakened, and their moral capacities developed, he felt
convinced that it would be the universal feeling of the
country that such an institution as that now proposed
ought to be established, and its universal determination
that it should be prooperous (Cheers.) If they
argued from analogy they must at once arrive at
the conclusion that the condition of the idiot might
be improved. Medical men would tell them that,
in almost every case, insanity arose from some physical dis-
organisation, and that, if the cause were removed, the effect
Would, of course, cease. He (Mr. Wire) believed that every
individual was born into the world with moral faculties capa-
ble of some development ; that none were consigned to total
darkness. (Hear, beer.) Let them remove the physieal
cause of derangement, and the mind would shine forth, so
that those who had before been the burden of their friends
would become to them • source of comfort ; and, in like
manner, reasoning from analogy, he thought it possible in
some degree to recover the idiot, and to bring him into • com-
parative state of mental and moral development. Even
assuming that they could not light up the mind, or
develop the moral faculties, still, he would ask, were
these helpless and miserable creatures to be allowed
to have their animal faculties developed in the highest
degree, and to be left as the sport of the unthink-
ing and unfeeling, because there was no asylum in which
they could be placed? (Hear, hear.) In point of fact,
however, humanity and christianity were supported b
experience in demanding the trial of an experiment which
could not fail to realise the fondest hopes of the meeting.
The objects to be provided for were very numerous, espe-
cially among the poorer classes. Owing to the fact men-
tioned in connexion with Bethlehem, viz., that the president
was daily compelled to reject such cases, he believed that in
London slam there was a sufficient number of idiots to require
the founding of an asylum. When they remembered, too, that
each passe erally belonged to the poor, who could scarcely
lei, yes, and who could much less do what was
■to develop the physical and moral capacities of
till:muss were thus dependent on them ; and when they
reflected that such persons were left to go on from one stage
to another until idiocy was rendered incurable, the animal
passions were fearfully called forth, and idiocy often ended
in raving insanity, they could not but feel that there were
ample grounds for appealing to the benevolence of the
public, not only to found the institution, but to give it per-
manent support. (Cheers.) The committee had been asked
to defer carrying out the object until a more convenient
time. They had deferred until they bad made friends
amongst the medical profession, the clergy of different de-
nominations, and the humane of all classes, who
had promised amistanoe and support ; and, though *pass-
ing cloud had come over the prosperity of the country,
he believed that it would soon be driven away, and the
country rise superior to her temporary calamity. (Cheers.) It
became them to show that the gratitude for God's bounty
which they had lately expressed was not mere lip-service.
(Hear, hear.) Let it be manifested by their seeking out the
poor neglected idiot, and training him up to a life of coin.
wady. usefulness and comfort is • creature •who
had a soul to be saved and duties to . (Cheery.)
Dr. Lints, is ramering the , said he had little
, to add to what the meets hod *lady heard as to the no.
meaty for an institution for idiots. In the course of his
practice es a medical mass, he had met with many such ob-
jects as had been described, and deeply had he deplored
the fact that there was no asylum into which they
could be admitted. He ought to mention, for the
information of the meeting, that the benefit conferred upon
the idiot by this institution would be conveyed, not princi-
pally by means of medical assistance, but through the aid of
the moral trainer or educator. (Hear, hear.) The idiot
was a being in whom there was disease, either congenital or
acquired, for which reason he was incapable of appreciating,
like other, the external world. Experience had shown,
however, that mend training would suffice for the partial
reclamation of the idiot; that although incapable of attain-
ing Yip* istasetnel condition, he could yet be drawn
nom bison' hnesele--Inaght, as it were, to feel a moral con-
sciousness, mad ba mods in some degree a useful member of
society. tro,
_May that although the idiot could not
possibly be sresi a height ornament of society, be could
at all events be geode a harmless and vestal ens, he (Dr.
Little) felt much solilhetion in seconding the resolution.
Dr. Snows, is simpeirg the neolatiem advertsd espe-
cially to the progress- tibial's/ beta mak hi the improve-
ment oldie idiot in ilwilmeland. Re warmly commended
the oh** of the mesemp
The ressiatton was Men pat and carried unanimously.
The Pas. Dr. Annum RNED then read the mks by
which the inaltstion is to be regulated.
The Rev. W. W. Cmussucirs premed the Mowing re-
solutkot: . .

Tim OM Mesmer reed be elope as the mmdeelien M the mealy.
Ns said that whew they lealsod at ether emmthee, not dis-
tininishmi like *dr 1111111 by Christian Idtat and love, and
saw that tame tase Mist sem Mania almost as a marred per-
ms, simply beano ha was an idiot, they mast se-
Knowledge that a an between those countries
and Eneiced told manly ID the disadvantage ei the latter;
and it beams timna all to bestir themselves in ceder le me-
dusa ea Mastitis iesesseessent. It WY ose oath, greatest
pro* ei the Abbe elmeneter of the Gospel, Med the
el ths not neyormied 7 is•—treee impable
418=art it the lesined esseely inatehr Thelent. par.
sass having Ins tan Writ Mall= et iatellest teem empable
as receirisn it when their Wee were salt hiewed by the
gram at God. (Haar, hear.) The tsar. gesehosa then
staled the ewe el en idiot girl, whose salad le bad bend in
mit a dale of raiders adennemamt, that, at the tetweet of
her eastbes, be Awed bee ts take the easraimmt. That
her Wising spanned usen her sacral cbstaster, was he
VlL,stigmata by Ike het that its was store
rabid, abeam*, and attentive le her esethse,

than her broixer and sisters who surrounded her. Ha con„
eluded by expressing the pleasure which he felt at permis...
that the reproach of not baying an institution devoted to th;
care of idiots was about to be removed.
Mr, WILK Es, in supporting the resolution, said that ho,
ing been chosen by the magistrates of this county to
chairman of the Hanwell Lunatic Asylum, where 950 pa-
tients were receiving the greatest attention, he could not
help feeling some solicitude on the subject before the meet.
ink; and he was in possession of some informatics'
which would, he thought, tend to confirm the pm.
motes of the new institution in their generous pummel,.
It was due, however, to this country, that he should state
that, although it had not made all the efforts which it might
to have made for the cure, or for the amelioration of theom.
ditthn of idiots, yet that the idiot populatiou w not
iq
that state of utter abandonment which was implied in the
observation, of some preceding speakers. If Bethlehem
Hospital, owing to its peculiar r, gulations, rejected all who
were not actually lunatic or insane, such was not the cam,
he believed, with any of the other lunatic asylums white
existed in different parts of the country. On the contrary
of those who were admitted into such asylums a very largo,
proportion consisted of persons who were afflicted
mental imbecility, and there was no inconsiderable proper.
tion of idiots, arrangements being made by the commis.
sioners of lunacy fur the special accommodation of thee
persons. At the same time, he was exceedingly
desirous that such an institution so that now proposed !Mould
beertabliehed—(hear, hear)—for it was necessary for their
welfare that idiots should be kept distinct from lunatic", He
could not help saythg, that be did not attach much import.
' ance to what had been remarked on the physical treatment
of idiots ; but it was to be hoped that the moral trathia,
of such persons would produce a good plitsicil effect wit;
regard to their bodies, Dr. Begley, of the Lancaster Luna*
Asylum, had stated that the moral improvement which hie
been effected in the lunatics of that asylum had tended, a
many cases, to hasten and consummate their mue.
That this institution was necessary could not la
doubted by any one. It appeared from the last m.
port of the asylum to which he had just referred, tkm
the majority of deranged persons in the county of Laeautee
consisted of those who had been mentally defective from their
birth. Of 688 persons who were not in any asylum, but
were resident in the several hundreds, 583 were born men-
tally defective. This showed the necessity for very general
attention to the subject under consideration. Dr. Conolly
in describing a visit which he had paid to the berm inl
France,
_stated that the idiots confined there kept time and
tune • also, that they were taught to write, and that their
copybooks would do credit to any writing school fur young
persons. How painful, then, toe thought that there were
thousands in this country whose mothers could not lock upon
them at present without a feeling of hopeless melancholy.
Everything would depend en the moral treatment adopted_
attracting the attention of the patient by the mat simple
operations, training him in good habit*. and adapting every.
thing to his peculiar position and requirements. The caws
of the deaf and the dumb were once considered equally hope•
less, yet what excellent results had flowed from the efforts
made on their behalf. Let limner efforts now be made by
enlightened philosophy and Christian benevolence on behlif
of idiots, and he believed that, as individuals and as a
nation, they would have cause to rejoice.
The resolution having been carried,
Mr. G. T110.1.0N, M.P., moved the LA of prtsidentsud
vice-presidents. Ile said he could not pretend to any me-
dical knowledge of the subject before the meeting; but he
must observe, that he had been in countries where theliorm
was received a, the foundation of religion, and there, as well
as amongst the disciples of Confucius and the followers of
Zoroaster, he had seen the tenderest care taken of idiot',
It would, indeed, then, be a lasting reproach to our own
religion if we any longer remained indifferent as to the con-
dition of that unfortunate class. (Hear, hear.)
The Rev. Dr. CARLYLE, in seconding the resolution, ob-
served that at Chrichton, in the neighbourhood of Dam.
fries, there was a lunatic asylum in which a periodical wee
printed and published, and in which he had seen some es.
cellent pieces of poetry. The work of the compositor, and
the press-work, were both done by inmates of the asylum;
the articles were written by inmates ; and the editor him-
self was an inmate. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) He felt happy
in being able to take part in the formation of this institutun.
The resolution was thee agreed to.
Mr. 3. Sconett proposed the list of directors, who were
to have power to fill up such offices as they might deem
needful. In allusion to the provision already made for idiots,
as stated by Mr. Wilkes, he observed that he thought that
gentleman laboured under an error. He believed the troth
to be, that all the provision made did not exbiad beyond the
reception of adult idiots, who were admitted iuto.myluen
under the provisions of the pone law. (Hear, hear.) With
regard to the resolution, he wished to make one uteenstioe.
He seconded it on the express understanding that all the
proceedings of the institution would be conducted on liberal
principles, and that nothing of a sectarian character would
ever be associated with them, (Hear, hear.>
Mr. SPENCER HALL seconded the resolution, which wag
then put and carried.
Mr. Sheriff Center moved the following
That aubwriptiona be made forthwith in furtherance of the Meets.
Sion, and that this meeting pledges itself to oiunrutod its important
claims to the attention and support of Its varloue 00110filnel and

The resolution was seconded and agreed to.
Mr. C. REED moved, and the Rev. Dr. REED seconded, a
vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor, for his services in ON
chair.

The LORD MAYOR briefly acknowledged the motion, and
the proceedings thus terminated. Before the company
dispencd, the subscriptions amounted to nearly 3001.