Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1868-12-01
BURNING OF THE OHIO LUNATIC
t ASYLUM.
Exciting and Thrilling Scenes.

The Columbus (Ohio) Statesman gives full
particulars Of the burning of the Lunatic Asy
lum in that city few nights ago. We copy
the following: 6a6
ACTION OF THE DEMENTED FEMALE INMATES.
The major portion of the inmates had not re-
tired when the fire broke out, but In the ward
where the fire originated were some of the most
mischievous, and some sick ones. All efforts
to induce those to leave their rooms were una
valllng, and the few citizens who had reached
the place, and the attendants, were obliged, at
the risk OF their own lives, to rush in and drag
them from the horrible fate that awaited them.
The roar of the flames, and rolling clouds of
smoke, now black as night and again lit with
lurld glare; theories, screams, shouts, laughter
and dancing of the demented women, whose
madness seemed increased by the wild and ex-
citing scenes around them made up picture
terrible to look upon.
BY andby came word that some were diving
In their rooms, suffocated in the smoke, and
others raving and struggling to free themselves
from their confinement. Then some of our he
roic citizens rushed into the flames, and dragged
forth the dead and the dying. Some were dead
when reached others died shortly after com
ing to the fresh air. One poor creature,
beautiful girl of about Is, whose arms were
confined because of her mischievous propensi-
ties, on being brought out called piteously for
her mother, and died with the prayer on her
lips that she might be allowed to lay her head
upon her mothers breast lit pains me so.''
she said. There were six of the female pa
tlents who died of suffOcation and inhalation of
the flames. ga8
THE SPECTRE INMATE
Was the theme of universal conversation among
the masses within the area in rear of the main
entrance during the progress of the fire, but a
careful search of humane men soon transform
ed the reported spirit into poor frightened
lady, who, escaping death from the crumbing
walls had evaded her watchers and with won
derful agility had climbed to the roof of the
conservatory in the rear, where, in white night
dress she nimbly walked the ledge singing the
while, In apparent ignorance of the terrible do
ings of the fire king around her. She was re-
moved in safety.
REMOVAL OF THE FEMALE PATIENTS
The females, inhabiting the east wing and
the eastern portion of the south 'front.' were
cared for by being conveyed to the Deaf and
Dumb Asylum in omnibuses and close carriages
of every description that could be got together.
Some of them, forced from the burning build.
ing, were wildly violent, but under the firm care
and kind treatment of the attendants who for
months had kept watch and ward over them,
the patients were removed without much diff
ficulty. One old lady, we noticed, seated in
carriage, was wild with excitment. She seemed
determined to get out, and struggled hard for
that purpose. She was anxious to get to her
room, now, alas, sheet of burning fame At
this moment we noticed a young lady of some
twenty years, who rushed up to the carriage,
and, as she clasped her arms around the old
lady S neck, in an endearing tone said "Aunty,
| have come to take care of you - In an in
stant the lunatic lady was subdued, and, as she
buried her face on the bosom of her friend, for
such undoubtedly she was, she murmured,
es, yes my child, and was led to different
carriage, where familiar faces greeted her with
the confding faith of child with its mother
We know neither Of the parties, but it required
no stretch of imagination to conceive that the
young lady was the kind attendant of the elder
ly lunatic and by kindness had taught her to
place her trust in one who had never deceived
her. The little episode spoke volumes for the
of that attendant. The female
patients were all taken to the new asylum for
the deaf and dumb.
THE MALE PATIENTS REMOVED --f
The removal of the male patients was a work
Of more difficulty. Every description of vehicle
that could be pressed into the service was put
in requistion. About fifty of the number
patients ofthe widest insanity with homicidal
tendency-were removed to the hospital of the
institution, where they were cared for as well,
if not better, than could reasonably have been
expected under the distressing circumstances.
Over $50, male and female were cared for at
the deaf and dumb asylum, which was prompt
ly thrown open for their reception.