Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-03-10

INSANITf.-lt ~ WIN BiCoe P'S"Su'S s''"t w
lay before our readers in another column, an
extract from the last annual Report of the SUI
perintendant Of the Massachusetts Lunatic
Hospital, showing some of the results oil the
course pursued in that institution. II is well
worthy the perusal of every one.
There is an unfortunate degree of ignorance
in the community in reference to the treatment
Of the insane, and most unaccountable want
Of interest manifested by the newspapers which
prevents them from imparting that information
which they might be the channels Of commune
eating to the public, in the subject As instan-
esof the prevailing ignorance, we will mention,
that the friends Of one Of the patients who is
now enjoying the benefits Of the Insane Asylum
in this place, had actually determined on send
ing him to the jail in this county for safe keep
ing, when some person learning the fact, made
known to them the advantages Of the institu-
ton and induced them to send him here, where
he will doubtless soon recover. In another
town also in fhis county, from which one of the
patients now in the Asylum came, it was sup
posed that the most ridiculous measures were
resorted to in these institutions for the restora-
ton of reason, and it was with some hesitation
that his friends ventured to send him here.
AS evidence also Of the want Of interest man
Tested by editors, we need only adduce the fact,
that scarce paper in this State copied the pros
pectus of the Vermont Asylum for the Insane,
although particularly requested to do so, and
with knowledge of the fact too that it was in
part State institution, and in no sense pri-
vate money making scheme. II is estimated
that there is more than one insane person to
every 1000 inhabitants in the United States,
which would give upwards of three hundred 10
this State. The experience Of all good insttu-
tions also shows that nearly nine tenths of these
may be restored to reason, if seasonably put un-
der curative treatment. How then can news
paper editors do more good than in dissemina-
ting light on the subject J How much more
useful would an article now and then on the
subject prove, than half the political matter
which is SO eagerly seized upon and published.
Small Bills VS. Specie.-The leaders of the
humbug party in New York some time since
caused a law to be passed that no person should
offer or receive bank bills of small dcnomina-
ton, under certain penalty. 1t has been
found however that they were so convenient,
and so much better than specie, that people
would pass and receive them, the law to the
contrary Notwithstanding. Some members of
the Legislature stated at the present session
that in their counties bordering other states,
they were as plenty as ever, and it was impos-
sible TO carry the law into effect. To correct
49, Il 4 r. Al
on the party humbug, proposition has been
made in the Legislature and law will doubt
less be passed, to make the offering or receiving
bank bill less than 5or $40 amisdemeanor, and
subject to heavy fine and imprisonment =
Yes, the good people OF the state of New York,
may not exercise their own Judgment and
consult their own inclination whether to use
bank bills or not, without becoming liable to
be incarcersted in states prison with murder
crs and thieves Will the independent yeo-
many Of that state stand it? Yes, they are
completely under the control Of the party lea
ders- VIII the Green Mountain Boys ever
submit to such laws' We trow not
Internal Improvement. THE great and en-
terprisng state of Pennsylvania is taking vast
strides in the march of internal Improvement
She has already incurred debt of nearly $780,
GEO, 900, and one branch of her Legislature
says the N York Journal of Commerce, has
lately passed bill appropriating about $780,
900 more for the same object
The correspondent Of the Boston Gazette
says that Mr. Hart, the sufferer from the New
York mob is violent Jackson man, something
~ miser. and probably the most wealthy dca,
lrr in flour in the city. ,s'