The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1868-11-26

uCoAuHons Correspondence OF the Cincihnat
| Commercially
1t has been the custom for some
years past to have social dancing par
ties at the Central Lunatic Asylum fol
the benefit of the patients; invitation,
were issued to numbers of our citizen.
to participate, and so bring the sans
into contact with the insane. O,
course only the most tractable of thu
inmates were allowed to be present a.
these parties. The amusement hal
was one of the handsomest in the
State, being painted and decorated il
gilt and bright colors, and all the sur
roundings were calculated to attracr
the wandering thoughts of the pool
shattered minds of the PATIENTS
There is no doubt that these parties
have been productive of much good
and it-was seldom that anything oc
CURED to mar the enjoyment of thu
evening.
Last night QSth), at half-past nine
O'Clock, the dancing room was filled
with patients and invited guests, and
all was going pleasantly, when the
terrible cry of fire was raised by one
of the attendants, and passing from
one part of the building to another, il
soon reached the amusement ROOM
At first it was supposed to be but 6
small affair; the alarm was sounded
and measures were taken to extin.
guish the flames, great care being used
to keep all knowledge of the fire from
the patients. The flames spread rap
idly, and before the engines reached
the place, several of the sleeping
rooms were in flames. Then the
work Of desolation and scene of hor-
ror began. AS soon as possible the
patients were taken from the burning
rooms to the amusement hall, where
attendants were ready to supply such
as needed them with various articles
Of clothing.
It was with difficulty that many OF
the most violent patients were res
cued. The general panic made them
perfectly frantic. They danced, sang
and howled like fiends, waving their
hands and laughing as the flames ap-
preached them. All efforts of the at
tendants were unavailing. They
seemed to have forgotten the faces of
those around them, and refused to
leave their rooms; and at last it was
found necessary to call upon the citi-
zens to take them by force to other
parts of the building.
at eleven o'clock the amusement
hall presented strange appearance
Such as had participated in the dance
were arrayed in all the finery that on
ly the insane person knows how to
contrive. One woman partly naked,
executed fancy dance on the top of
the piano, and it was with difficulty
that clothes were put on her.
Others paraded the hall with sheets
folded in the shape of shawls, and
seemed perfectly quiet and happy
Others were quarrelsome, and needed
constant watching. Others wept in
silence, not seeming to care whether
they lived or died. One elderly lady
insisted on comforting all the ladies
and kissing all the gentleman present.
Several stood near the door, and made
constant efforts to escape.
IN THE UPPER HALL OF THE EXTENSIVE
EASTERN WING,
! sad sight presented itself. Here laid
the bodies of the six unfortunate wo-
men, who were suffocated before they
could be rescued, their pale faces
by the fire and smoke, look
ng horrible in the uncertain light of |
he burning rooms. Most of the faces
IT the dead wore a look of determin-
'tion, and did not show signs of great |
uffering, although the face of one of |
he younger women was distorted,
Ter mouth being twisted and her up-
'er lip somewhat burned.
THE NAMES OF THE DEAD
re Caroline Conner, Lizzie Herrold,
nd Mrs. Bradford, of Athens county;
drs. Parker, Of Licking county Mrs.
'ridget Brophy, of Columbus, Ohio.
THE BODIES OF THE DEAD lIi.l
7ere saved, and will be properly
ared for until the relatives arrive.
ONE OF THE sADDEsT SIGHTS
'as to see the son of one of these un-
'rtunate women sitting by the side of
le body of his dead mother, weeping
Utterly, and holding her cold hand in
is, calling upon her to speak to him
My one word. T.
AT MIDNIGHT e.'2
was found that the fire was gaining !.
round, and all hopes of saving any !
ortion of the building were now
ven up. Then a second scene of
rror began: The most violent pa
ents were taken from the amusement 2
III to the detached hospital, some =
stance northeast of the main build
g. 1t was fonnd necessary to call !.
the police to take charge of them. !,
heir outcry was most pitifnl to hear. :
were procured as soon as
'ssible, and most of the females were d
ken to the Deaf and Dumb Asylum. q
Up to this time the male patients y,
d been comparatively quiet, but as :,
devouring element approached -
em, they became frantic, and many u
lied through their strong barred ~ y
ndows to the crowd not to abandon " !.
en-; but with almost superhuman - -
orts all were saved and taken to the =, %
'af and Dumb Asylum, where beds - "
ire Immediately provided for them ~ u
the eastern dormitory. =.
THE SCENE AT ONE O'Clock - -
"a npo of Ha..r -, ~