Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-06-07
From the Hartford Times.
The Gaieties Of the Insane.

The last grand " hop Of the season, by the in
mates Of the Insane Retreat in this city, was given
last evening, June ~ These social parties are
usually confined 10 the Retreat family, and are not
intended for the pleasure Of the public This being
the last one Of the winter SERIES however his Er-
cellency, Governor Minor, and lady, and several
others, were invited TO be present
One hundred and eigbty-four Of the inmates
we're assembled In the hall. They we're Of all ages
and conditions in life, from the gray hairs Of sixty
and seventy winters to the blooming youth of four
teen summers. Al hour previous, several Of them
we're raving maniacs, tearing their clothes, or at
tempting TO do So and requiring the closest atten-
ton. Now brought into the hall under the infu-
ence Of music, and impressed with the idea that
they are among a social party, bearing part OF
the responsibility Of its general good conduct their
department was unexceptionable. OF course all
Of them did not join 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,
thoroughly educated In Paris, moved the keys
with delicacy Of touch that equaled the most
popular performers.
Finally, refreshments were served, and then the
Elephant Jupiter" was marched through the hall,
tRtee'sohos
an admirable personifcstion, and practical eye
could not really distinguish il from real i've
monster Of trunk and tushes. Jupiter bowed 10
the Governor and his lady, raised his trunk grace
fully in salutation 10 the audience, and spoke 10
emn in that hoarse voice. rarely heard save in the
junglcs Of the East.
At ten o'clock grand march TO music concluded
the festivities Of the evening, and the large family
retired In order to their respective apartments.
n. nj. .xfs. hat hou have hadt mD
such parties every week during the winter and the
results have been NEST gratifying. The nights
following these parties the most quiet through
out the institution Of any In the week The gloomy
are inspiried and the frantic interested, quiet
ed and made tractable. The attention Of all the
patients Is drawn away from the set channel Of
thought, or unbealthful imaginings which unbal
anced them, aud a better tone is given to both
body and mind.
DR.. Butler Is also introducing many pictures, en-
cravings and paintings in the halls and parlors
These interest and attract the attention Of the pa
tients, and are found TO be of much value. The
past has been one Of the most successful years o.
the institution gratifying fper centage of the
whole number Of patients having been entirely
cured, and large number very much improved.
The institution Is not gloomy dungeon, wber,
harsh treatment predominstes, as many suppose
but great pains taken TO make it agreeable and
pleasant to the inmates. Several Of them who
have been there for many years consider II thci'
home, and would be quite unhappy at the idea 0
ever removing The location Of the institution h
an exceedingly pleasant one, the buildings being
surrounded by shade and fruit trees, and pleasant
walks. DR.. Bstler's family Is well cared for, and
furnished with all the comforts and attentions cal
culated to make them contented and happy.
Dr. Butler is ably assisted by Dr. Porter, Dr.
Blakeslee, Mr.. and Mrs Holiday, Mrs. Coolidge,
&c.