Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-05-13


the number reported for the year 1895, but
have exceeded the average annual per cent
age as exhibited in Table XIV. Amongst
those who have thus left US for another, and
wemay hope happier state Of existence, there
were but few whose mental mslsdy had not
foF years successfully bafled all the efforts Of
which we were capable, IN order TO its reno
val. Their cases, so fariom presenting any
cheering ray ofhope. were deemed utterly in
curable; and hence their surviving friends
should indulge the pleasing, though nelan-
choly reflection, that their suffering bodies are
now at rest, exempt forever from the power Of
disease. About one fourth their number were
so extremely Frustrated by the combined in
huence Of their physical and mental mslady
when brough, to US, that they were considered
as almost in ".7rtic,tlo morris :" and several Of
them survived only a few days after entering
the asylum.
Our system Of management has been con-
Quoted upon the same principles which have
for years past constituted lis BASIS, and with
which both the court Of directors and the com
muniy at large are doubtless familiar. Kind
nssshas been the great morals agent upon which
we have mainly relied for controlling and
guiding those entrusted 10 our care. We have
endeavoured 10 impress all with the convection
that we were their friends that the chief aim
OF all our efforts was to do them good and by
thus securing their confidence, we have rarely
found them ayerSe 10 complying with what
ever regulations NAV have been prescribed for
their government. But in some cases, we
have found il necessary 10 unite with kind
ness due degree Of frmness. The patient
has been taught that whilst our only motive
was to benefit him, we, at the same lime,
should be alive 10 our responsibilities, and that
being satisfied the means which we might
from time to time recommend would most
likely prove to be useful in his case, we should
be constrained by sense Of duty TO enforce
their application, should he refuse submission
10 them. We have occasionally too, had the
care of those whose mental or moral faculties,
or both, were so much disordered as to preclude
their being influenced properly by moral sua-
sion Such, have been incapable of control
ing themselves and OF course, averse to be-
ing governed by others We have not SO far
adopted the novel doctrine Of ''non restraint
as TO leave these unfortunate individuals 10 the
sway of their own morbid appetites, or unbr
died passions. Nor have we resorted 10 the
plan Of those who advocate this doctrine to its
full extent, and profess 10 disuse all restraint Of
physical character and thus permitted the
obslinacy Of our patients to be confirmed, or
their phrenzy increased by handing them over
TO the tender mercies of stout attendants, whose
"arm Of flesh" must have been expected to en-
force obedience, or restore mental composure
On the contrary, whilst we have enjoined up
on all the Improperly and danger Of resoriing
10 restraint unnecessarily, and have required
that moral measures should, in all cases, be
first resorted TO and duly preserved in; we
have, these failing, not hesiiated when in our
opinion the good OF the patient or even the
safety of others required il, to authorize such
means of controlling him as have long been in
use here for the purpose; and with the efiica-
cy Of which as well as their character, we
have seen no reason 10 be dissatisfied.
The amusements, exercises and employ
ments so fully described IN former reports. have
been continued with such variations and add
tons as experience and ingenuity have from
time TO time suggested.
Nothing conduces so much 10 the comfort
and contentment, or aids so materially 10 eff
tecung the cure of the insane, of both sexes, as
regular systematic employment! in useful man
ual iabour.
Amongst the moral agencies upon which
we have continued TO rely for the benefit of
our household, no one item has been more
highly priced by all concerned, than the regu-
lar performance Of Divine Worship. Nor has
familiarity with these sacred services In the
least degree detracted from their interests, or
diminished our estimate of the happy effects
resulting theretrom. On each successive Sab
bath afternoon the officers, attendants and
more than one hsndred Of the patients have
constituted devout and interesting assem-.
blage whilst the truths Of the Gospel have
been expounded to them, and its saving doc
irlnes enforced. In the absence OF any cher
synan, 4 sermon has been read and PRAYER Of
lered by the physician and superintendent,
and praises have been sung by the united
voices of many in the congregation. We
have here TO return our respectful thanks for
sermons delivered in the course Of the year, 10
the Rev DR.. Francis M'Farland and the Rev.
Messrs. Robert Nelson. Samuel Staurt, VIII
liam Fl. kinke, L. Il. Castleman and Benia-
min NJ. Smith. To the two latter gentlemen,
are we under peculiar obligations, for their
kindness IN having each preached 10 Us regu-
larry one Sunday in the month during the
greater portion Of the year Their teachings
have been timely and judicious, and we can
but hope that under the blessings Of Con, their
efforts have been sanciltied TO the good of
most ilnot all for whom they were made.
THE VOLUNTEERS IN MExlco.--F'rom all