Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-05-27

Of recovery in the ratio Of 80 per cent, and |
supposing the average life to be so years, the |
saving to the state in 90 years would be no
less than $l47.600. The late census shows
that there are 400 white insane persons in the
state of Virginia, not one-half Of whom can
be accommodated at present in our Asylums.
1t were economy to enlarge these Institutions
so as to accommodate every such unfortunate
in the state. 1t were humanity to do what is
TO TO be done QUICKLY. Delay in this matter
is destruction. While prompt treatment may
restore the invalid in few months to himself,
his family and his duties as citizen, pro-
crastinaton removes the only ray which hope
holds out for the ''diSeased mind"
The enquiry naturally suggests itself, what
are the influences which have been brought
into action, to produce the above remarkable
and satisfactory results in the treatment Of
the Insane. 1t has been comparatively but
short time since bars and bolts, and the most
cruel treatment were the only expedients re-
sorted to, TO restore reason to these unfortunate
persons. Sohorrid were the practices common
in the most celebrated establishments, both i'm
Europe and this country, that the very
thought Of such a regimen was enough to
make sane person mailman. The efli-
Gent cause in this revolution, has been the
| substitution Of a system OF MORAL treatment
| In conneAion with proper medical aid, for this
cruel and inhuman practice Of confinement
and torture. Tho introduction of this mild
treatment by the celebrated philanthropist
Pencil in the French Asylums, and the happy
effects resulting therefrom, must be familiar
| to all. The bursting asunder Of the chains
which had bound these unhappy creatures in
| their dungeon of horror and despair, and
whose clanking added but darker shade to
their Voc, was the talisman which dispell-
ed every gloom and restored to reason her
proper and rightful sway. Bars and bolts
and chains are no longer used. Where the
patient requires confinement rooms are pre-
pared having every comfort desirable, and to
remove every impression Of restraint, the
sashes of the windows are made of cast iron
and painted white, an artifce which deludes
thepatient, while it has all the security nc
cessary. The moral agents which are used
are various. In the first place every thing is
removed from the Asylum which could add
horror to the diseased mind. Pleasure
grounds are prepared for them for exercise,
and lots set aside, in which they are invited
to labor, either in the cultivation of shrubbery
| and vegetables, or in the more substantial
/ products of the farm. Musical instruments
are provided; pianos for the ladies'; flutes
and violins for the gentlemen; games of all
kinds are permitted, such as chess, draughts,
cards, &C.; well selected library is furnish
ed fine carriage and horses are kept for
their use; and in word, every luxury or
pleasure, which the taste or desire of the
most fastidious might relish or covet. To
all these happy influences is added that of
religious instruction. Every sabbath the pa
tients are assembled, sermon read TO them,
and appropriate exercises performed. / was
present at one of these interesting meetings.
DIR. Strbling officiated as their chaplain, and
l never witnessed more orderly or deyout
assembly. Several hymns were sung with
great propriety, and the utmost solemnity
prevailed throughout the services. Great
| care is taken in the selection of subjects 10
be read. Sermons descriptive of the joys
and happiness OF Heaven preferrcd. DIR.
Stribling informed me that under the course
OF moral treatment described, he has repeated
ly had cases brought to the Asylum, bound
hand and foot, with chains, whose violence
endangered the lives of any who would APP
proach them, who in one short month would
be walking about at perfect liberty, as harm
less as children, and taking pleasure in the
amusements and labors in which they are
permitted to engage.
How important must the above results be
to those who have friends deprived of reason!
1t is with view of bringing the subject
more generally to the notice of such, that 1
have attempted to interest them, as we'll as
the public at large, in these most valuable
institutions. l know the prejudice which
has long existed, and with but too much JUS
tice against these asylums. ] am happy to
belive that the grounds for this prejudice no
longer exist. The horror of the clubhouse is
entirely removed, and these Institutions are
now asyiums and Aospitak, for the maintenance
and cure Of Tie Insane.
1t must be perceived, however, that all the
above happy influences will be productive of
little or no good, if the physician be unsuited
to the duty. If he be harsh or cruel in his
treatment, what avails the best arranged asy-
| lum in oterrespects 1t will be seen from
what has been said that to the humanity,
zeal and skill of DR.. Stribling, great credit is
due for the present exalted condition of the
Western Asylum of Virginia. With true
christian benevoence he pours into the dis
| turbed spirits ofhis patients the balm of COM
fort. lie Is their friend as well as physician,
and on the sabbath administers to them in ho-
ly things. Would it not be desirable for the
State to direct the attention of promising
young physicians to the management and
cure of the insane and for this purpose,
would it no! DE well for such an institution
as the one in Staunton to be kept supplied
with two or three assistant physicians, with
moderate salaries, to any of whom might be
committed the superintendent ofthe Asylum
in the event Of any casualty.
Noprovision was made in Virginia for in
strlcting the Deaf and Dumb and Blind, until
| 1888, when a bill passed the Legislature APP
propriating $4,000 for erecting suitable bull
dings with an annuity of 900 for the sup
port of the Institutions. Although the Build
ings have but lately been commenced, the
Board Of Visitors have put the Ins titutons in
to operation, having provided houses in
Staunten in which the pupils are instructed
and boarded. The Rev. Joseph ID. Tyler SUI
perintends the Department THE Deaf mutes,