The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-11-18
A TRIAL.-THE JUDGE, JURY AND
PARTY, LUNATICS.

The following we take from a report of one
OF the scenes which took place in the Ohio Lu-
natc Asylum, in 1870:
Mr.. W, is a gentleman who has been
more or less insane for number of years, and
was source Of much anxiety to his neighbors
and friends. AS early as 1923 he made an I'M
successful trip, with produce, down the river,
where he suffered much from an attack of fever.
which greatly impaired the strength of his men
/ tai powers. Since that time, he has in MANY
respects, acted imprudently and unwisely. His
| friends think he has never been the same man.
in habits and business capacity, since this un-
fortunate adventure. AT the time Of his admis
sion, he was completely deranged upon the sub
jects of politics and religion believing in regard
to the one. that ne was endued with power from
heaven TO raise the dead, perform miracles, heal
the sick, and converse with departed friends
and dlsemboded spirits and Of the other that
the destinies Of the general government rested
upon his shoulders. He has accordingly, been
severely engaged in defeating the fancied de-
signs OF several distinguished politicians, espe-
cially General Jackson and Henry Clay, consi-
dering them dangerous to the welfare of the
nation in general, and certain plans Of his own
in particular. Other decisions exist, of super
stitious character He was greatly dissatisfied
with those who were instrumental in procuring
his commitment to the asylum, insisting from
day to day, with great energy and zeal, that he
had no opportunity to defend himself before the
| jury of inquest, and that the whole proceeding
was conducted improperly and unfairly. Wea-
RED, at length, with his everlasting din upon
this subject, we one day asked him how he
would like TO refer his case to select jury. He
was delighted with the idea, and quickly repli-
ed, that il was the very thing he had so long de-
sired. We told him il was the easiest matter
in the world, and Immediately requested him to
pick one man, and we another and so alternate
ly, until each was satisfied at the same time
asking permission, on our part, TO be represent
ed by counsel, which was cheerfully agreed TO,
and we all prepared for the trial without delay,
having, on the part of the institution, engaged
the services OF loquaclous gentleman in the
same class who was willing and every way
qualified TO do US justice Thejury were per-
feet Solomons.
! They were duly seated, and the case opened
with speech of unusual length and variety,
from our complaining opponent, which was sue
ceeded by an equally able one in reply, from our
attorney. The jury, at last, were permitted to
retire, and after extraordinary deliberations, re-
turned their verdict in writing declaring as their
united opinion, 81 that he ought to stay where he
was for three months longer" What arguments
led to this unexpected conclusion, we never
could exactly ascertain /; but it was a woful dis
appointment TO the unlucky plaintiff, who So
emny declared it "the most botched piece of
business that ever happened since the creation
OF the world" and "the fooshest jury that
ever got stuck together"
Under the constant use Of medicine, this man
has considerably improved and Of late, has
shown some disposition TO become useful A
recovery is even yet possible, though we think
It exceedingly doubtful, and have the strongest
reasons to fear that his arrangement must be
permanently established Cincinnati Gazette