Litchfield enquirer., 1859-03-24
THE STATE INEBRIATE ASYLUM

IHE OIAIE lNEDhlA ATE AS4 LU M
 The passage of the Inebriate Asylum bill by the State Senate on Monday last, is deser- wing of more than the brief passing notice giv- en to it in the official report of the legislative proceedings. The peculiarly novel and benev- olent character of the institution tc be benefit cd by the passage of this bil demands some attention at our hands.
 In the year 1885, number of gentleman of this city, impressed with the importance of do- ing something for the inebriate-an unfortu- nate for whom there is no refuge, no hospital, no retreat but the station-house or the pen- tentiary-conceived the idea of establishing an asylum especially for those who were unable to resist the temptation of the wine cup. Mr. Benjamin F. Butler, whose recent death in France has been so widely deplored, was prom ment, and was elected President of the Board of Trustees. He has left a handsome legacy to the Institution.
 The novelty of the plan at once aroused public attention, and while many of our re- aectivc men, phianthropists, jurists, clergy men and other public men, gave it their m. qualified approval, there were not few who deemed the measure ill-advised. But the eff fort was successful. A board of trustees was at length formed, and measures taken at once to put into immediate execution the benevo- lent scheme. This board, composed of gentle men in different parts of the state, decided to establish the proposed asylum at Binghamton, a domain of about 250 acres having been gen. erously given them for the purpose by the cit izens of that town. The site is highly advan- tageous, both because of its natural advanta- ges and because it is in the centre of the state, near leading railway, and yet free from the influences of large city, so peculiarly injTr- ons to an institution of this character The hospital grounds command fine view of the Susquehanna and Chenango valleys, and, as every one who has travelled on the Erie rail- road will remember, the scenery in the vicin- ity eau scarcely be surpassed for quiet beauty
 The preliminary arrangements having been made, on the 24th day of last September took place the laying of the cornerstone of the first 1nebriate Asylum in the world. The stone was laid according to the Frcemason cer emonies by Mir. John G. Lewis, Grand Mas ter, whose accompanying remarks were fol- lowed by addresses by Mr. Benjamin F. But Bellows, Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson and Hon. LuwdIu LteTetG. All OriSllial poelu was ul- SO delivered by Alfred B. Street.
 There may be some of our readers who are not yet convinced of the expediency of the es- tablsbment of such an institution, and of the good results to be expected. These should bear in mind. that many cases of insanity are the result of inebrety, and that if the unfor- tunate victim of this habit could find a retreat where his appetite for drink would be control led in its earlier stages, he might be able to return to life of usefulness and activity, in- stead of becoming the inmste of an insane asylum. Many cases, known to those who have taken special interest in the matter, for cibiy illustrate the want of an institution where the morbid inclination can be medically dealt with, kept under, and finally cured. One case ending in death happened last year. A gentleman, an estimable private citizen and a leading journalist, was a few years since at- tackled with disease for which his physician recommended stimulants- quantity to be regulated by the severity of the attack. The result of the prescription was, that the man became diseased by alcohol, lost self-control and died of deliysEm tremens. Three months before his death he told friend that he had lost selfcontrol and should die; But, ? said he, if the Inehriate Asylum wss in exis tence, would go to it as patient and livt again" Another case might be mentioned o