Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-11-30
From the Charlcstown Free Press.
STATE INSTITUTIONS AT STAUNrON.


hand, we are reminded Of subject which should
claim early attention, and efficient action. A late
hasty visit Of Of tho Editors of this paper to
the Lunaiic Asylum, and the Asyums for the
Deaf and Dumb, and Blind, has renewed an in.
terest always deeply felt for their success, and
one which we are sure would DO felt by every cit
zen OF the State upon personal examination,
We wish we knew how TO ransfuse into every
bosom the thrilling pleasure experienced by our.
selves upon examining these noble State charities.
we wish we could enable every citizen to see as
we have seen, and to feel we felt, on the occa.
sion. Sure we are that prompt, liberal and
cheerful appropriation would follow, and every
'ning be realized that an expansive benevolence
could suggest, or suffering humanity require.
On looking into the Insane Hospital, we were
surprised most agreeably at the order, neatness,
and excellent arrangement of the institution, as
well tho outside us the nteror-but especially
with the paterna and gentlemanly supervision OF
The superintendent, DIR. +. Il. STRIRLtNo Wa
believe we have already expressed our conviction
oil his peculiar fitness for this humane but irksome
service from an observation of general results,
but this conviction has been greatly strengthened
by personal inspection. His benevolence beams
In his countenance, and is acknowledged i'm every
movement OF the unfortunate objects of his care:
and II was with some difficulty we could believe
That the quiet, orderly and genleel persons we
saw IN several OF the apartments, were indeed lu.
la'ics. 1t was only indeed when some eccentri-
CITY manifested itself that we could realize tho
iact' The amusements and employ ments were
such as might well engage the minds and hands
OF the most rational in the community, and noth-
ing about the building or premises wore the s,s.f<
pearance of restraint. 3
The regular report of the Physician who is al.
so the superintendent, will furnish numerous factk
OF great interest TO the public, and therefore we
shall not attempt description. But we cannot re-
irain from expressing our wonder that my legs-
iator, possessed OF the common feelings of HUI
manity, could hesitate moment to vote for am
pie appropriations for the enlargement of the
building and support of the INDECENT portion
oil the inmates. AS matter of mere econ
omy, 10 time should be lost in providing for
the removal OF every lunatic from the county
Jails to regular institution; and aLeeling of or.
binary benevolence should induce attention to
the subject. For no man knows, when he votes
for AN appropriation, but he may be making pro-
vision In advance for one Of his own household,
or for some near and dear friend Indeed The In.
slituiion furnished more than one example Of this
sort, In the of former members Of the leps-
laiure.
We there saw subjects from some of the most
distinguished families Of Virginia, as well as
some OF the humblest-all much better provided
Tor than they could possibly have been a, home,
and all giving daily evidences Of the utility and
noble charity of the institution.
Our attention was also drawn to the Library for
the use Of the Lunatics. Yes, reader, a Library
and every book in 1t, except perhaps dicton-
ard more light demanded. Is not fine oppoIiu-
NIFTY here offered for the exercise of 5enevolence
III which almost every man in the State can take
part Who is it that has not some odd vol
uine, or dozens of them, which might be spared
to the inmates of the Asylum, to cheer them on
In their efforts at mental recreaonl Is there not
here chance TO ''miniser 10 the mind diseased 90
"Io pluck out the rooted sorrow Z" We hone
the simple suggestion of the matter will induce
hundreds to box up books that are lying musty on
their shelves. and transmit them at once to the
care oil the institution. Capt. Claiborne of Rich
mend, began the experiment some months since,
OF gathering up pamphlets and periodicals where
ever found, and sending them to Staunton and he
now reaps an ample reward from the gratitude,
ana probably the prayers, of the objects of his
oenehcence. Many of the newspaper publishers
have also become regular contributors to the lite
rary stock of the lunatics, and in short time we
hope, the demand will be met to the fullest extent
we also took hasty view Of the Asylums for
the Deaf and Dumb, and the Blind, and were
panied to find that the accommodations Tor these
unfortunate beings were by no means commensu-
rate with their wants or in accordance with the
demands of humanity. The State having under
taken the noble duty Of providing for This class of
It's citzens, should not let its character suffer in
The effort; yet we feel half ashamed to let the
distant reader know that the pupils are but indIf-
erentiy accommodated and that bill! to appropri-
ATE SINAI. sum annually for three years to COM
plete buildings already commenced, was defeated
III ihe Rouse oil Delegates at the last session, in
despite OF the eloquent peadngs and remonstran-
ces OF the delegates from Augusta-and the walls
are now suffering from exposure to the weather.
Al the Deaf and Dumb apartments, we witness
sed the varied, rapid, and to us incomprehensible
means by which mind could communicate with
hind, and The readiness with which instruction
was impaired. Among the specimens of handi-
craft work, which the pupils produced in the in.
tervals devoted to manual labor, saw very
neat portable secretary, which would have done
credit TO a regular workman.
The Blind (malesI when not employed in their
mental exercises, devote their attention 10 making
brushes OF various kinds, and these were execu-
ied In a manner 10 stand competition with the
oest we have seen from any regular mandatory.
The females were employed in netting, knitting,
and basket " ork-and their specimens, too, would
bear comparison with the best. In Music, Arith-
metc and Geography, their skill exceeded that of
thousands blessed with sight. 1t is impossible TO
convey TO the reader an idea of the extraordinary
powers thus displayed. One Of the little girls,
who when first sent there, scarcely gave token of
ordinary intelligence excelled in all these studies,
ana she was even learning French with facility.
Her skill in Mental Arithmetic, in multiply
ing millions by millions, has probably only
been exceeded by Zerah Coburn, the youth
VINO many years ago astonshed the hole coun-
try with his wonderful capacity in this respect
III The Institution had only succeeded i'm making
this single development of genius, il would be
well WORTH the expenditure already made upon it,
Ii is matter of surprise that the members of
The Legislature, especially all within reasonable
distance of Staunton, do not make it their especial
business to visit the Luna.ic Asylum, as well as
the other Institutions located there. 1t is their
duty as guardians of their constituents, interests