The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1851-11-01
LEGIsLATIyE REPORT.

The following Is the report ofthe Conmis-
sioner Of the Insane, made by him 10 the Au-
ditor Of accounts, aud by thc iattrr officer, ros
ported to the Legislature on the 9th tat ie''
To TnE IIoN. y. y. wooDhhiDdE, AupI-
ron az ACCOUNTS $3.50 ai71Dns
The undersigned, Commissioner Of tho In
sane. respectfully reports that he has httcn-
ded 90 the duties Of his appointment. by re-
peaicd visits 60 the Asylum. maxi ing such y.x-
aminAiions and enquiries NJ the law diracta.l
NV visits were made without previous no.
ticc given 10 the Superintendent, and once
my visit was made in his absence, he being
out of town on business connected with tho
Institution. Visits were thus made. not from
any belief ON nay part, that any change OF
treatment. or different Hanncr ~ snpPlying
the wants &c the inmates, would be the result
Of notice rivcn;hut rather TO satisfy the wish
"a of aagne residing saaE ~ .,,sl etis.---. Mt y
distance from tho Asylum; IL having been
more than minated. thAt there .Was unneces-
sary severity exercised towards the insane,
that their reasonable wants and requests were
neglected. that they wore poorly fed, and
badly lodged. ulr
From the most critical examination repeat
cdly made, in all the several departments cn-
hracing the cookery, baking, cellar and lar
der; the wash-room, the various halls and
dining-rooms and their lodging apartments,
there was order and ncaincar, There vas n
place forcvGfy body, and all were kept in
their several places.
AZ the hour Of mcals,hc tables were album
dainty supplied with good and Wholesome
food, and of sufficient variety from time 10
time, 10 satisfy all reasonable demands.
Nurses, and attendants, manifest a wish,
nv Kindness and courtesy by forbcarancc and
good nature, TO make all happy around them.
The Superintendent, DIR, Rockwell, when
ever he enters the hall, or the apartments
Of these unfortunate beings, rs ever hailed as
their delivering nnnrl. tlfrY ask hrnra of him.
beyond the power Of mortals to bcstow. Ex-
ccpt the Superintendent, none can fully APP
prcciate the arduous duties involved in tho
charge OF the Asylum for the Insane. IL pA
Hcrrulean task, requiring all the aid, which
skill and science can bestow, combined with
patience untiring, and hope neyer-oeasing.
Careful reference to European and Amer
lean statistics, show conclusively, that many,
IL not most eases Of incurable insanity, arc
those made so by the III judging Of friends,
causing delay OF proper treatment. They
neglect to place them early, immediately, in n
proper Asylum. Friends and relatives Of tho
insane should Know, and fully appreciate the
fact, that however much wealth thew may pos
sess. however large and connections their
dwellings,that home, and kindred, and friends
the most endcaWng, promise no. success
they are not the ft appliances for removal OF
insanity.
During the current year, l have visited
several Asylums for the Iusano in other
States, with n view TO examine their arrange
ments and method oftreatment, and without
disparagement to others, l think il must be
said of the Vermont Asylum, il Is well man
aged, and must have n favorable comparison
with Others