Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1840-11-18

i alnusements and exercises of the institu-
tion They employ themselves in draw
ing, painting, chess. backgammon. dom
noes, battledoor, graces, &c. Those
who have been accustomed to playing on
the piano, take great pleasure in practic-
ing on the same, at the asylum Several
OF the female patients have beguied many
a weary hour by this delightful employ
ment.
In our medical and moral treatment, we
have pursued the same mild and firm
course, which has resulted in the festora-
ton TO health and reasoned so many of
orr inmates. In our medical treatment,
one great object Is TO restore every diseas
ed part ofthe human system to its natural,
healthy functions. Among ether means
of moral management. it is the contest
endeavor ofthose who have the care of.
the patients, 10 inspire them with self-re-
speet, to call into exercise as much self
control as possible, and 10 grant them all
the liberty consistent with their own safety
and that of others Our moral treatment
is adopted to each individual case, and, as
far as may be, 10 the former habits, edusa-
ton, and taste of the patient Our grand
principle of classification, consists III plac-
ing those together, who will be Of mutual
benefit to each other, or at least, shall be
OF no disseIVice.
The institution is now nearly full, and
were it not for the circumstances that pa
tients are constantly discharged, as well
as admitted, many would soon be rejected
for want Of room. When we consider the
affection that is caused by this disease,
and that we are all liable 10 be in the same
situation, to need the aid which an estab-
lishment provided for this purpose can af-
ford, are we not called upon as men, to en-
deavor to relieve the suffering of our fell
low beings; and as christians, in Imitation
of our Divine Master while on earth. to
endeavor to provide the means for binding
up the broken hearted, and restoring the
lunatic to the right use of his reason 81
In the mournful catalogue of human suf
terings, there is not one, that so touching
ly calls upon our kinkly feelings for aid,
OF urges its claims with such sad pre-
eminence of woe. to enforce It's appeals
l. would be good economy, as well as
generous philanthropy, 70 build the other
wing of the asylum. While il, would in
crease the labors and responsibilities of
the superintendent, it would also furnish
a greater income, without corresponding
increase oil expenses, as il would not re-
quire an increase of officers, nor a pro-
portlonal increase of attendants and nurses. /
Our religious exercises have been con-
tinued as heretofore. The influence of
Christian principles in calming and soolh-
ing the excited, in encouraging the des- 4
ponding. is very bene fetal, and aids the
other means used for their restoration. -
The principles OF that religion, which
breathes good will to men, cannot but be-
consoling to the mind of those who are in
capable Of taking care of themselves, and
who require of those that have the care. of
themthe application ofthat maxim, what
soever We would that men should do to
you, do we even so 10 them
On the Sabbath, religious books are
furnished the patients, which are read by
many with great satisfaction. Al amuse-
ments are laid aside on that day, aud no
labor is performed except what is inds-
pensably necessary. By thus observing
the Sabbath as rational persons, an inaa-|
ence is exerled over our patients which
greatly tends TO their recovery. We have.
allowed all 10 read the Bible, and in nosin-
stance, has the use of it been so injurious
as the withholding it would have been;
and to many. it has been the source ofthe.
greatest comfort.
La, closing this report, should do IN
justice to my own feelings, did not bear.
ample testimony to the cheerful co-opera-
ton of those who are associated with me
in these arduous and responsible duties
We would again commend this institu-
ton to the same protecting Providence.
which has thus far sustained it, humbly
trusting that the means here .used.in be-
half of many that are ready to perish
will result IN their restoration and useful
ness. VIM. Fl. ROCKWELL.
4 Brattleboro', Oct. lst, 1910. Il