Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-11-28

should be removed from every person
and object associated with his decisions,
or shall awaken associations connected
with them. New objects and new scenes
should be placed before them, that, if pos
sible, new train of ideas may be excit-
ed, and new current given TO their re-
Elections. BY this means, exercise will
be given to those faculties which had be-
fore lain dormant, and rest TO those which
had been unduly excited, and in this man.
ner the balance of The mind will be re-
stored.
Experience has proved the fact, that
the insane will brook restraint from stran-
gers much better than from their intimate
friends. And when, they behold stran-
gers sympathising in their misforunes,
attentive TO their wants, and administering
10 their comfort, they begin to replace con-
ldence IN their fellow men, and endeavor
TO secure their respect by exercising
proper self-control over their feelings.
Now 1t must appear evident that this
cannot be accomplished except in institu-
tIons that are constructed for, and adapted
to, the purpose; and devoted to the OBJ
]ect and provided with the necessary facil-
tiles. Here the Insane are placed under
the care o. those who are qualified by
their experience and skill to 6 minister to
minds deceased" The physician. by be-
ing brought in daily contact with the pa
ITEMS, has the most favorable opportunity
for ascertaining the effect of his remedies
upon each individual.
The moral treatment, as here practised,
is based upon the great principles of the
Christian religion, which breathes benev-
olence and humanity 10 all mankind No
preference is given to any political, civil
or religious distinctions, in imparting its
benefits; but they are extended to all
classes of the community. The benefits
of skillful medical and moral treatment,
are enjoyed by the poor and unfortunate,
as well as those who have been more
prosperous. lis claims, therefore, to the
patronage of the Stale, are at once great
and important 80 -
The antlcipations ofthe benefits, result
ing from constant exercise in the open air,
while .aborlng on the farm, have been
more than realized. As moral remedy,
In the curative treatment of the insane, it
Is second TO none other One of the pa
ltients, respectable farmer, who had been
insane abou. three years, fancyiug among
other things, that he was a great person.
, age and consequently above labor, resided
six months at the Asylum without any
perceplible benefit. During this time he
was SO much opposed 10 labor that it was
not enforced. Perceiving that there was
no prospect of improvement, in the course
which had been pursued, sufficient motives
were presented 10 induce him 10 labor
; and in three months he was entirely re-
stored. Ii is now ten months since he lef
< the institution, and we are happy to learr
that he continues well. Another man
who had been insane several years, wa
e brought here in chains A proposal wa
Immediate y made to him, that if he woul
e do no injury and would labor on the farm
his chains should be removed. He i'm
q medlately complied, and the next day b
e was taken into the field and labored wei
q Other cas's might be mentioned, wher
c he benefits resulting from labor WEI
l. equally apparent
e The Trustees are confident In the b
e lIef, that the time will arrive when II
g Asylum will become, in some measure,
Is self-supporting institution, and then ii
al expense of sustaining the patients at Il
E. same will be much reduced But empIo-
g men; In the open air. as a means of cul
N in well regulated Asylum. is indisper
n sable. And it has been well observe
ID that 1.-THE time will come, when 10 allow
Sc man to indulge his reveries in idlenes
until ne has sunk into state Of confirm
m, ed insanity, will be considered as it d
ne serves TO be, gross neglect of duty"
IN During the visits of the Trustees, tn
is have never witnessed any neglect towar
Ter the patients, much less any instance
nat abuse or harsh treatment. On the CO
tie. trary, they have witnessed an attention
OF their wants and safety, and devotednt
pa 10 their comfort and restoration, which
las worthy Of all commentator. In order
lie, ascertain, from actual observation, the
Ire ternal management of the Asylum, a
lse the true condition of the patients, I
tu- Trustees have made unexpected Wis
and have been much gralified to find
lde neglect or abuse. Whenever the patiel
ne, have been excited and violent, they ha
op- been treated with kindness and attentiC
m This must be source Of much satisf
md ton to those who have friends among
for afflicted inmates.
the Neatness and good order in the est
the ment, which contribute in no small
M gree to the health and comfort of It's
ca mates, has been manifest in every part
: of This should be noticed, in justice TO
and Matron, who zealously devotes her VIII
mi time and attention to the welfare of the
stitution