Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1839-01-03
From the A5ingdon Statesman.
LUNATIC ASYLUMS.


We noticed few months since, that
an application would be made TO the
next Virginia Legislature. for an sppro.
priation to the Lunatic Asylum atS,aun
ton. for the purpose of so enlarging and
improving that Institution. as to afford
the necessary facilities for accommodate
ting many of the unfortunate victims oil
Lunacy, for whom. under present cir.
cumstances, admission cannot be obtain>
ed there. 1t is known that there are
many of this unfortunate class of beings
now confined in the dungeons Of the
common jails of this State situation,
which. Instead offending to remove their
malady or alleviate their misfortune and
sutferings. is well calculated to render
hopeless and incurable the former, and
greatly to enhance the latter. Should
the appropriation above referred to, be
asked Of the Legislature. we hope no
member OF that body will find it in his
heart to oppose it. To shut up these
unfortunate beings in some loathsome
dungeon-in solitude. filth. and dark
ness-has about it something so revolt
ing to every humane and generous feel,
ing OF che human heart, that even the
hardened turnkey himself familiar as
he is with scenes of suffering and
wretchedness. must turn from the con.
temptation OF it, with heart touched
by feelings of pity and sympathy
Will the Legislature Of Virginia for a
moment hesitate to grant such an approx
priation as may be requested for fitting
up and eniarging her Lunatic Hos pitfalls
to that extent, which will enable them
to take from the dungeons of her jaiIs, all
those who are confined therein as luna
ties The appropriation to be asked
for, is accompanied by an appeal in be-
half OF suffering humanity which none
can resist
Two of the class of persons of whom
we are speaking, have. during the last
twelve months. tenaDt-d the dungeons
OF the jaiis in this place. Their deli.
rious rawlings and maniac screams, heard
so often at the midnight hour. fell mourn-
FULLY upon the ear OF the listener. and
told narrowing tale of misfortune and
wretchedness as well as of the GOODNESS
and inhumanity Of that world which
thus condemned the child OF misfortune
and madness, to liDeer out miserable
existence, smid the solitude, darkness
and filth OF a common Jail dungeon. Are
these things right, humane, or m-rcifuI?
One OF the individuals, to whom we ais
Jude, after having been confined here
for many months. was at length admitted
, into one Of the State Hospitals. The
other continued a furious maniac until
some two or three weeks since, when
death came TO her relief, and took her
from amidst scene OF wretchedness and
loathsomenass. at the bare contemplation
of which the heart would sicken and
turn away in disgust. The two referred
TO, were white women each one, when
she entered her dungeon, was but slight
ly deranged. Had the proper steps
been taken, each perhaps might have
been restored to reason. But all the
circumstances Of their imprisonment on
~ tended TO aggravate their malady, and
now one is confirmed aud homeless
maniac for life, and the spirit Of The 9th.
er has passed into eternity. Will no,
the Legislature take the necessary steps
10 prevent recurrence Of scenes like
this Many such, doubtless, occur ev-
cry year within the limits of this com
monweaIth, but they who are thus made
to feel "man's inbumanity to man." are
generally poor and without a
friend to tell their tale of suffering, or to
seek ak alienation of their wretch edDess.