The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-07-30
Magic In n Mad RIouse.

From the Boston Transcript, July Is
Yesterca y afternoon. the accomplished magician
and ventsiloquist, 6ignor Blfz, made his annual
visit to the inmates of the Luuatic Hospital in
South Boston. His varied personal peasantries and
curious professional performances scattered sunshine
almost broadcast, for the time being, through the
different phases Of mental darkness and IL is hoped
some rays Of the heatthtui light may be retained
and enjoyed by the unfortunate subjects until o
brighter day shall dawn " for them.
tion upon the different oasses Of luDatics were al
interesting medley Of contracts and oddities. The
males generally witnessed the performances a. first
with much sedateneas Of manner, which gradually
were almost unanimously delighted throughout. A
middle aged woman was 30 pleased that she laughed
most heartily, and finally told the Signor that she
"had rather hear him expound than her min
A pretty young Irish girl wished she could be put
in the magic bsx and spirited away to snotoer
ephere. Ohe elderly woman publ !ly expressed her
private opinion that the 6isnor was "the aery
woman hsiled the porty .uied reporter Of the Po5f
as Gen. Washington, compliment woicb Mrs
Partirston" should duly appreciate aud conatrue
towards increasing Iks's veneratios and respect.
"joins" for !" bis clipper AID q negro Informed
the company that he was born in the year Of The
food.
An old lady who fsncied herself queen, was
dressed In some timilitude to regal costume, and
proudly spoke Of her boundless possessions and
wealth; but though constantly U6deriug her ser
wants and carriage, they never came. A young
lady played come airs on piano with considerable
skill. "Iittle Jimmy" the only boy in the essab
picking st his breast TO let the music out" as ne
rai5.
A middle eyed man named Blair, formerly print-
er, and who now oficiates IN imagination - the
editor of the lightning Telegraph asd Biairs
Gastfie fun ished from his little Office, which is
quite curiosity shop, the following graphic report
Of the entertainment, characteristic sly requiring
due credit from all who used it,
sisDor Blita Waited the residence o. Or c. A. walker
and ocAtsd in the chapel, TO fun congregation, who
was very much pleased with his limitations and ysntro
quail powers He assisted by (bssides his usual
assistant) Mr.. Pierce and William y, Upderhili We
suppose there never large amount Of laughter
uborophsr II the sienor wishes 20 make use OF this
notice II Is at his service. number Of gentlemen and
ladies present from tbs city besides the Doctors
TIE visiting party, numbering about 30, includ
ing the Board Of Visitors Of the instltution, mem
tes Of the city government, and Of the press, &c,
examine the various departments of the Hos Dit 81,
sr found In the best possible condition.
There are noz $50 patients, more than half Of
whom aFe femaIes. The inmates are geoerally pau
pers and there are but few cases Of more than or
dipsiy interest. A fine, Intellectual looking man,
CT some 60 years, was poioted out - bopses.ly
in sare He Lad received Q collegiate education,
Int FOR some years his mind has been melanc holy
wreck. The furiously insane, numbering only fvs,
sre sll women; and ont of the whole number pro.
baby not more than dozen can be permanently
cuied. Two females are so far restored that they
will yerv shortly leave. IL wss pleasant 10 potise
the cordial and l<ndly greetings that passed De.
ween DR.. Walker and the unfortunstes under his
P,evious TO their departure tho guests were
treated TO sumptuous collation., pre3ared by DIR.
walkers household. Ex Alderman O Ito me pra-
sdea with his usual grcce, and the cccasion passed
CT With great SUBTRACTION to all present.