The Nevada journal., 1855-05-18
For the Nevada Journal.
OMEGA, May 15, 1855.

OMEGA, May 10, 1888.
Mr.. EDITORIALS in your recent visit at
Stockton you were prevented by "circum-
stances' from visiting the Lunatic Asylum
there, permit me, more favored than your
self, to supply the hiatus in your descrip-
ton of the seductive attractions of the
Getty of sloughs.''
On the afternoon of Friday, after the
departure of the San Francisco delega-
ticn Of Good Fellows'' I visited the
Asylum in company with a gentleman
from Marysville, and one from Petaluma,
Although it was after the hour set apart
for visitors, the urbane manager Of the
Asylum, Dr. Reed, received US with great
cordiality, and after very pleasant hour
in his Office, surrounded with the para
phanalia of professional and scientific
pursuits, VIC were shown through the in
stitution. Through all its departments
scrupulous neatness, order, and good man
agcmeut were evidenced in manner that
challenged our admiration, and reflected
upon the manager an imperishable credit
The unfortunate patients seemed gcner-
ally contented, and in the degree that
their situations permitted, pleased The
"Suavtter an modo" plan Of treatment is
IN this establishment applied in its most
pleasing form and as the report to the Leg
islature exhibits, with marked success
This plan of treatment is in strong and
pleasant contrast with that which pre-
vailed only a few years since; when the
fits of mania of these pitiable wrecks of
humanity were sought to be controlled by
whip or chain, or confinement in darkcned
cells, or other forms of torture that would
have driven the strongest intellect to
madness.
Most of the cases now in tie Asylum
are of insanity; there are but three or
four of violent mania. The peculiar
"character" of the institution, is a Mr..
k, he is extremely afable to visitors
and at first sight would scarcely be sus-
pected of possessing shattered intellect.
The peculiar development of his insanity
is the belief that he holds valid title to
all the territory south of the Russian pos
sessions as far as, and including the Sand
wich Islands, and west of the Mississippi
river, and that Page, Bacon & Co.; Roth
schild & Bros, and other capitalists are
in conspiracy to keep him confined while
they speculate in his real estate be con-
sequently notifies all who visit him that
they purchase under title from any but
himself at their own risk He says that
the Hotel where he is stopping was built
with his money and against his wishes,
and now it is matter of grievance that
DR.. Reed persists, contrary to his instruc
tions, in keeping so noisy set of boarders.
Poor man and yet people accounted
sane often bemoan troubles no more real
than his.
One other case challenged particular
iy our sympathy-a beautiful, bright look
ing boy, some ten or twelve years of age;
he has been some time under treatment
but we did not learn that it promised sue
cess. The malady was induced in this
case by excessive fright, on the passage to
this State, a sailor picked him up and
held him moment over the ships side,
threatening to plunge him into the water;
and the jest of moment crushed cut an
intellect tlst might have gladencd the
world
After thorough look through the var
ious departments of the establishment we
took our departure, realizing more deeply
than ever before the infrmitics of our
common humanity, and convinced that
whea the benevolent corner in the hearts
Of our Legislators shall so open as to
place at Doctor Reeds disposal the re-
quisite appliances and surroundings, the
Asylum at Stockton will rank among the
irst, if not as the model Asylum of the
United States, and that whatever disclos-
ufes Of fraud and corruption may be made
from other quarters, this institution, while
under its present administration, will bear
.r r,neuliipd renutation
Yours truly, P
RoBLERr.-On Saturday night, as we
were in a state room of the Queen City
bound for Sacramento, we were awakened
! hY 8 increment and alteration in the