Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1867-07-17
General iHiscellanp.
For the Journal
NATIONAL ASYLUMS-TIIE MILWAUKEE,
HOME.


MILWAUKEE, WIS,
July D. 1867 (
Enron WATcnMAN Few nations have dis
PLAYED more glorious history than our young
Republic and the deeds Of her soldiers aud the be-
rosm Of her citizens furnish material for as grand
an epic as the llliad aud illustrate great bravery
and devotion to country as we're ever mm0rtalized
in the temples or on the marble columns Of the
ancents The people have attested their appre-
citation Of the soldiers services since the return Of
our armies, by selecting from among them worthy
men TO I'll public Offices Of trust and honor and
from Maine to Wisconsin we find them as leaders
of their parties. But our nation has the most
sgnally repudiated the charge that " Republics
are ungrateful in the establishment Of National
Asylums for the poor and manned soldiers of our
Union. Truly grace hath Der victories no less re-
nowned than war, and as we see these monuments
to bravery and good service, rising and inviting
the disabled veteran TO come and enjoy the luNu-
ries which they afford, we must acknowledge the
wisdom which originated the plan and the patriot
ism Of Congress in voting supplies and appropri-
ations for this purpose. These retreats or homes
should be made attractive as possible, to teach
the young how our nation takes care Of her wound
ed children fresh patriotism will then be in
spired and danger will be less avoided if it is
known that in case OF disaster the government fur
nil hes sustenance shelter and a permanent
home
One Of the three National Asylums established
by law has been located just the outskrt of our
city The location is peculiarly fitting and attract
i've and the committee were unanimous in its Sc
lection Nature has done so much to make the
spot attractive that the art Of man will not be sum
moned TO add much thereto
The estate which the Government has purchased
embraces 40 acres. OF this little over 60 acres
comprise a grove, 80 acres hard wood lands which
will supply the Asylum with wood. 100 acres in a
fine meadow and the balance well adapted for cul-
tivation. This combination is just what is requi-
red for the Asylum, aud it would be difficult to
find one in which they are more connected and ac-
cessbe.
On the grounds it is said there will be three
miles of drives broad and lined with trees. The
groves are laid out pleasantly and drives can be
readily constructed in them at a small expense.
The Milwaukee and St Paul Railroad rurs
through the farm and station will be there estab-
lished and trains will to suit visitors and the
Home.
The agricultural lands Of the Asylum are de-
signed to raise all the vegetables, including pota-
toes, for the inmates, and there are several small
orchards on the grounds which will yield portion
Of the fruit needed. Springs Of water send forth
cool beverages and the number Of these are so
great, that small stream is found sufficient to
provide drink for the stock Of the farm.
The plans for the buildings are nearly complet-
ed and it is intended that the main portion shall
include front Of 500 feet 90 feet high with wings
running to the rear some 70 feet. In the center
will be a large Court Surrounding the building
will be a tower GO feet high which will bring the
observer 100 feet above the highest point Of land
on til, grounds Accommodations will be prepared
for about 1900 soldiers, and additional room fur
nished as required. There some old buildings
on the grounds which are now temporarily occupied
and some seventy of our countrys heroes find a
home there
Thus briefly have given sketch Of the pro-
posed National Asylum located in Milwaukee and
of the grounds attached Before | close let me
remind the Vermont soldiers, who are now suffer
ing from wounds or disability incurred during the
war, that they can select whichever of the three
Asyums they prefer as their home and that the
situation of the one have described is most at
tractive and in measure resembles the scenery
of Vermont, and that there many children of
the Green Mountain State il this city who would
be pleased to 10 anything to minister to their
wants and comforts. G. N. C..