Daily Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1854-1855, 1855-08-08
From the Bostaa Transcript, July ssth
HAsic In 4 Mad House.

Yesterday afternoon, the accomplished
magician aud yentriloquist, SIgnor bh.2,
made his annual visit to the inmates o. 'ne
Lunatic Hospital in South Boston. ms
varied personal pleasaniries ana curious
ssional performances scattered sun
sh, ne almost broadcast, for the time psihg'
THROUGH the different phases OF mental dark.
ness. and il 10 hoped ZONE rays OF healthinl
nqht may be retained and enjoyed by the
unfortunate subjects until "a brighter day
shall dawn" for them.
The immediate effects produced by the
exhibition upon the different classes OF in
mates were an interesting medley OF GEN.
tras,s and oddities. The males generally Ait
Messed the performances Ut fret with much
seda,eness Of manner, which gradually relax
cd itself in good humor. While the females
were almos, unanimously delighted through
out, A middle aged woman was So pleased,
tn It she laughed heartily. and finally told
the Sgnor that she chad rather hear MIN
'expouni' than her minister
A pretty young Irish girl wished she
could be put in the magic box and spirisea
away to another sphere. One elderly Wo-
man publicly expressed her private OPINION
that the Signor was "the very d. In
visiting the wards OF the institution woman
hailed the portly iguredreporter OF the foss
az Gen. Washington, compliment when
mrs. Partinkton" should duly appreciate
and ,ons,rue towards increasing lke's ven-
Grafton and respect. A ship carpenter was
intently engaged in making Joint for
his clipper" and negro informed the COM
pany tina, he was born in the year OF the
hood.
An old lady who fancied herself queen,
was dressed in some simliiude 70 regal cos
tune, and proudly spoke OF her ooundiess
possessions and wealth; but though con-
stantly ordering her servants and carr age,
they never came. A young lacy played
some airs On piano with considerable sktii.
Little Jimmy the only boy in the estao-
iishment, sung some songs very Well. all
while picking at his breast, ITO let the mu-
sic out" as he said.
4 middle aged man named Blair. former
Nv a printer. and who now otiieiates in inn
sgination as the editor Of the lightning Tel
erraph and Blair's Gazette, furnished from
his little office, which is quite curiosity
shop, the following graphic reports OF the
entertainment. characteristicaiiy requiring
due credit from all who used IT,
aSirnor Bli,z visited the residence OF Or.
C. A. Walker, and ofiiciated in the chapel
to full congregation, who was very much
pleased with his limitations and ventriloqnial
powers. He was assisted by (besides his
usual a>sistants) Mr.. Pierce and William
F. Underhill We suppose there was never
so large an amount Of laughter IN Or.
Walkers house before. Snccess to the
laughing philosopher. Ii the Signor wishes
to make use OF this notice, il is at hrs ser
vice. A number OF gentlemen and ladies'
| were present from the city, besides
Doctors usual househ Id, which Is ,oierabtS
large" -
The visiting party numbering about 81,
including the Board OF Visitors Of the IN
stitution, members of the city government
and Of the press, &C., examined the various
departments OF the Hospital. and found
everything in the best possible condition.
There are now $50 patients, more than
half Of whom are females. The inmates
are generally paupers, and there are but re"
cases gilmore than ordinary interest A nne
intellectual looking man, Of some 60 years,
was pointed out as hope.essly insane. lie
had received collegiate education, bat for
years his mind has been melancholy wreck.
The furiousiy insane, numbering only hse'
all women; and out OF the Whole number
probably not more than a doze can be per.
manently cured Two females are SO far
restored that they will very shortly leave
II was pleasant TO notice the cordial and
kindly greetings that passed between DR..
Walker and the un fortunates under his
charge.