The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1868-11-25
til it had rendered all human efforts to sub

til it had rendered all human efforts to sub
due it Intellectual.
Six females are known to have been suff-
ocated by the overwhelming smoke that
preceded the fire which rolled through and
devoured the cells and chambers. The he
roic efforts of several citizens and officers of
the institution rescued their bodies from the
flames, as well as the lives of many who
would haye suffered the same fate but for
the voluntary eXertions of citizens who
rske1 their own lives to save the lives of
others, The wretched victims of this dis
aster were laid out upon the snOw-cOvered
sward of the Asylum grounds; and their
ghOstly, but placid features, seen by the lu-
rid glare of the burning building, rendered
doubly dismal by the falling sleet without
presented spectacle at once so shocking
and so piteous that those who looked upon
it can never Danish it from their minds.
Despite the herculean efforts of the firemen,
and all the eager aid of citizens, the original
manipulating and both the large wings were
almost entirely destroyed during that bOis-
ferrous and mournful night, and the naked
and blackened walls of the Asylum, in the
grey dawn of the morning stood desolate,
the only remnants of the largest and greatest
benevolent institution within the boundaries
of Ohio. The furniture and appurtenances
of the establishment were saved in a dam
aged condition, and the inmates, with the
exception of those suffOcated, and one or
two who are supposed to have gone down
in the flames, were transferred to other pub
lie Institutions, and were subsequently taken
charge of by the authorities from which
the came. The loss to the State is variously
estimated at from two hundred thousand to
three hundred thousand dollars, exclusive of
the lasses sustained by the inmates and at
nf fhp raI
by insurance.
A description of the scenes that accompa-
MED the destruction of the Asylum would be
too horrible to be related, if it could be
properly done. The raging of the maniacs
in their cells, as they discovered the irresis-
bic approach of the flames; their howls and
frantic cries, imprecations, and demonstra
dons of deep distress; the shouting of the
hremen in the daring discharge of their duty;
the ceaseless buzz of the engines, mingled
with the crash of falling floors and pillars;
the horrible announcement of the eXhaus-
ton of the water, and the feeling of dismay
that it produced in every one of the vast au-
dienee of mute and helpless spectators
combined to make one of the most horrible
and distressing scenes that it has ever been
our fortune, or the fate of any man, to wit
ness. The loss to the people of the State is
severe in pccuniary as well as q philan-
thropic sense, and should be Immediately re-
paired by prompt legislation, and every pre-
caution adopted to prevent so terrific yisi-
tation in the future.
The Legislature of Ohio Ieassembles to-
day, in an adjourned session, which may
continue right along or be re-adjouIned
again in few days. 1t now looks as tho
the loss of the Asylum will require some
immediate Legislation, and perhaps prevent
the adoption of a re-adjOurnment till the
new year, which has been suggested in some
quarters. The members generally have ar
rived, and looking fresh and sound, - from
their rural homes. A few days will develope
the policy of the majority. Until this is
known, speculations are proftless and
prophecies hazardous.
John Ellsler, the enterprising Cleveland
manager, is DOING "Humpty Dumpty" in
this city, to the edidcation of crowned
houses. The piece is one of immense pop
ularity, infinite jest, full of fun, SANS point
or plot, but abounding in all the absurdities
and indecencies of the spectacular and ''na-
ked drama"--hen the rush and sensation.
When such productions are the rage, and
the legitimate drama is jOstled from the
boards, there need be little wonder that mo-
rality is at a discount. socially and politi-
cally, and that q charlatan and successful
butcher is selected over q statesman and a
Christian-to play the part of President.
Yours, occasionally,
hIKEwE.