Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1844-09-26
Asylum for the la sane.

'lt is TO be regretted, that the fate OF
this noble institution, proposed 10 be es-
Iiablshed in Rhode Island, should depend
on the eXcrtons made at this moment
so near the consummatlon of one of the
Isevefest and most absorbing political
struggles Mems minds ale now turned
ano fastened to one object. IL is diff
cul to make them think of any other
And we fear the claims OF this great OBJ
lect are not, and will not at present, be
full, presented or fairly weighed.
Ano yet, it would seem TO require but
little thought, If men would give that
little. Ii would seem enough to know,
that there are at least 800 insane persons
IN this State, most Of them paupers, in
some almS-house or jail totally unfit for
them, and others, even those most favored
either confined in some dwelling house
to the annoyance Of al! its occupants and
neig hbors, or allowed to 90 abroad for
yet greater annoyance and danger -
and al without any possibility of recovery
in such circumstances. That some OF
these could be wholly restored with proper
treatment, is certain. That many could
be partially restored, is more than proba-
bic while abundant facts show that all
may be made comfortable, harmless, and
seemingly happy. Bat this can be done
only in an asylum erected for the purpose
Such an asy um il offered US. Two in.
dIviduals have generously laid the foun-
daiop, many others have contributed, +,
and there is wanted only six thousand
dollars, to secure the one hundred thou
sand dollars alrrady pledged, and give
as an institution that will be an honor to
the State, an untold blessing to the most
unfortunate Of all sufferers, and a refuge
and Joy TO mul,itudes who may yet need
II for themselves or their friends.
How easy would it be to make the
case much stronger and darker than this.
| { any one will look carefully at the facts
which have been brought TO light in
other States and in our own, as to the
condition of the insane, he cannot have
heart if he laIl 10 do something, to do
all he can, for this object. IL any one
will visit our excellent Dexter Asy lum,
he Will see reason enough even there
unavoidable, it is said, and il so, only the
stronger reason-ior desiring aud pro-
curing a separate and proper place for
thi, piiiable class. And whoever reads
the reports and various accounts coming
to uS now from every quarter, showing at
once the dreadful exposure and suffering
of the unprotected insane, and the com
| tort, enjoyment and frequent restoration
Of those who have been gathered into
4 these Christian asylums, will Gud little
/ peace in the review of life, if, through
I any scliisbness or neglect ul his own, IA
project SO full Of blessing and SO near is
/ Accomplishment, has been suffered to fail
Is 1t known, that the proportion of insane
Is greater IN this country than IN any part
of the world In Holland, it is but as
n to 1900. Even in France, it is only
to 1000. While in New England, il
IL said TO be to every 500 We can
not look here at the causes. The fac
is enough. Add the single fact, that o
nm patients received into the Hospita
at Worcester, since it was opened il
/ 1893, there have been 1929 discharged
of whom 1872 have entirely recovered
and large proportion nf The Iemalndel
/ been restored To some degree OF sound
ness and comfort and IN all that time
with all the discipline, "not blow ha'
been struck, not chain has been used
not harsh word spoken"
4. What then have we TO 90, that al
these blessings may be ours, and not al
rejected when freely offered To give
Immediately, each of ns according TO hi,
means, and in less than one week TIA,
whole is secured. Delay it, refuse it
aud in one week the whole may be los
forever. After that, who will be able l'
speak of the Institutions or charities %
Rhode Island H.