Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1855-06-16
From the Hartford Times, June 2.
THE GAIETIKS OF THE INSANE.

The last grand chop" of the season, by the in
mates of the Insane Retreat in this city, was given
last evening, June |. These social parties are us
ually confined to the Retreat family, and are not
intended for the pleasure of the public. This
being the last one of the winter series, however,
his Excellency Governor Minor and lady, and sew
eral others, were invited to be present.
One hundred and eighty-four of the inmates
were assembled in the hall. They were Of all
eyes and conditions in life, from the gray hairs of
sixty and seventy winters to the blooming youth Of
fourteen summers. An hour previous several Of
them were raving maniacs, tearing their clothes. or
attempting to do so, and requiring the closes; at
tention. Now brought into the hall, under the in.
luence of music, and impressed with the idea that
they were among a social party, bearing a part OF
the responsibility Of its general good conduct, Their
department was unexceptional. OF course all OF
them did not join in the dance, but full sets were
formed of those who were so disposed, and they
INDUCED in cotillions and contra dances.
Following each figure, the party were favored by
singing and music on the piano. Several of the
patients have excellent voices, and one of them
especially, an old lady of Spanish descent, thor
Cughly educated in Paris, moved the keys with q
delicacy of touch that equalled the most popular
performers.
Finally, refreshments were served and then the
Elephant Jupiter" was marched through. the hall
to the great amusement of the spectators. 1t wa,
an admirable persOnatiOn, and a practical eve could
not readily distinguish it from n real live monste!
of trunk and tushes. Jupiter bowed to the Cover
nor and his lady, raised his trunk gracefully If
salutation to the audience, and "spoke to 'em'' il
that hoarse voice, rarely heard save in the Jungle.
of the East.
AT ten O'Clock a grand march to music con
cluded the festivities of the evening, and the larr,
family retired in order to their respective apart
ments.
DIR. Butler informs us that they have had twC
7 gttpI Yn 10 AHrnrV, .rnal- IL.
the results have been most gratifying. The night
following these parties are the most quiet through
out the institution of any in tho week. Tn,
gloomy are inspirited, and the frantic are inter
ested, quieted and made 'ractable. The attentio,
OF all the patients is drawn away from the Sc
channel Of thought, or unhealthful imagining
which unbalanced them, and q better tone is Give,
to both mind and body.
DR.. Butler is also introducing many pictures. on
cravings and paintings into the halls and parlors
These interest and attract the attention of the M
tients, and are found to be of much value. nh,
past has been one of the most successful wears O
the institutional gratifying per centage of tn
whole number of The patients having been en-
tirely cured, and a large number very much i'm
proved.
t The institution is not a gloomy dungeon, wber
harsh treatment predominates, as many su1pose
but great pains are taken to make it agreeable nm,
pleasant to the inmates. Several of them VIII,
have been there for many years, consider it thei
home, and would be quite unhappy at the idea O
ever removing. The location Of the institution i
an exceedingly pleasant one, the BUILDINGS bein,
surrounded by shade and fruit trees, and pleasan
talks; Or. Buffers family is well cared for, an,
furnished with all the comforts and attentions cal
culated to make them contented and happy.
0 DIR. Butler is ably assisted by DR.. Porter. d,
Blakeslee. Mr.. and Mrs. Holiday, Mrs. Coolidge
&C., &c.