The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1868-08-05

winch Inc 61uS0IeQeQ p0llanLQEOpy Vi
the present day is giving shape and ac-
tivity, few are deserving of more gene
raj countenance and support than
asylums for the reception and curative
treatment of drunkards, and their res
toration to society. It is, indeed, time
sons in nearly every community
should have designated and readily
accessible places of retreat and quiet,
In which they may be protected from
the temptations that beset them in the
evil example, il not direct Indictment
to intemperance OF, their ordinary as
sociates. On what conditions should
the inebriates be received into suita-
bly, fitted up aud we'll governed asy-
lum, is a question to which different
answers have been given. BY some it
is argued that the voluntary acquies-
cence of the patient in his stay and
treatment in the asylum is indispensa-
bic. Others think that although, as a
general thing, the consent of the inc
briate TO enter the asylum should be
obtained. yet there are cases in which
by excuses, and his brain poisoned by
alcoholic drinks, that he is scarcely a
tree agent, and has no longer the judg-
ment to guide himselfin his conduct.
as regards occupations and amuse-
ments, the inclinationsa and tastes of the
inmate ought of course, to be consulted.
But If permanent benefit is to be OBJ.
tanned, it can only be by residence for
period long enough to insure the en-
tire abolition of the depraved appetites
and habits associated with and result
ing from drunkenness, and the estab-
fishing, in their place, of habits of So
briefly and the restoration of health and
strength, and full consciousness, on
the part of the inmate, othts enjoyment
of the natural and ordinary sources of
pleasure, and of his ability once more
to take his share in the discharge OF his
domestic and social duties. Time is re-
quired to secure these results, and its
duration ought not to depend on the
caprice of the inmate.
The State of New York now boasts
of two assylums for inebriates on a
somewhat extensive scale, viz: Bing-
hampton and on Wards Island in the
East River, The first, which has been
closed for the purpose of making the
extensive repairs rendered necessary
by destructive fire, was re-opened on
the first of May, 1857, and since that
date eighty patients have been received,
and forty discharged. DIR. Day, the
Superintendent and Physician, said at
late meeting of the trustees that the
most gratifying success had attended
his labors, and that the asylum affords
ample facilities for the physical, mem
tai and moral recuperatiOn of the in
mates. In the Binghampton institu
ton there are accommodations for one
hunured and fifty patients.
The Asylum, situated on the south
erly end of Wards Island, is an impos-
ing structure of brick, built on the pa
vilion plan, which affords an adequate
supply of light and pure air to the in
mates. The centre building is four
stories, high, surmounted by Man
sard Cor gunboat) roof. 1t is 1T6 feet
long and 65 feet wide. Each of the
wings Is IS feet long and Al feet wide,
both terminating in pavilion with
front of 80 feet and depth of 121 feet.
are two dining-roOms, 80 feet wide by
81 feet ling. A wide corridor extends
from the entrance TO tie dining rooms,
which are in the rear and spacious
Railways lead through the wings and
pavilions. On this floor are the recep-
tion-room, offices and library, and in
each wing twenty-five apartments ele-
gantly fitted up for patients. In the
rear are wash-rooms, closets and baths.
On the second floor is large chapel in
the centre building, 60 feet by so feet,
and in the wings are twenty-five rooms
for patients. On the upper floors are
large dormitories fitted up with
ell the modern conyeniences. Gas
is manufactured on the premises, and
in the rear is n reservoir OF the capacity
of 900, 600 gallons, with steam engine
OF 300 horsepower TO supply the Asy-
lum with hot and cold water. Thetotal
cost of the buildings and the internal
fittings was 1915, 600. The Asylum can
at present accommodate 400 patients,
and by the erection of additional wings
accommodations for 200 more can be
provided. The patients are divided
into two classes; those who can pay
the actual cost of their sustenance, and
those who may be selected as proper
subjects OF treatment out OF the persons
who have been committed to prison or
the workhouse for drunkenness. AT
present there are fifty committed pa
ttents and two pay patients under treat
ment.
Philadelphia has an Inebriate Asy-
lum, incorporated as the Citizens
Association, which Is under the imme-
diate supervision aud direction of DR..
Joseph Parrish, and situated n few
miles from the city in a desirable loca-
ton.