Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-05-03
Scenes and Incidents Attending the
Removal of Insane Patients.

Removal of Insane Patients.
From the st. Louis Democrat, 24th.l
After years of incesssnt labor, and the
expenditure of nearly million dollars
in money, the magnificent and gorgeous
structure, known as the st. Louis county
Insane Asylum, was completed week
or two ago, and pronounced ready for
occupancy. 1t was the earnest and pray
ertul desire of the county Judges--seven
in number-that the artesian well at the
asylum would gush with something bet
ter than brine before the advent of the
patients. The furnishing of the building
was delayed fer several months in the
hope that the insane we'll would turn up
something, but when it had been sunk to
the depth of 3,700 feet, making it the
deepest hole in the world, except Sims
and no moisture came up to tell of the
hidden fountains away down in the
center of gravity-the judges con-
cluded to have the house occupied, and
continue the boring of the well as pas
time.
Having everything but the well in
readiness, the Judges sent Marshal Nc
Fall up to Fulton to bring down all the
Insane patients remaining there that had
been sent from st. Louis county. The
Marshal took twenty men with him, and
arrived safely at the county seat of Gala
way county. His arrival created quite
commotion in Bedlam. Reports we're
circulated that he was Cuban filibuster,
come to carry the distinguished persons
of the asylum into captivity. A sight of
L ofo aha,
added to the fears of the poor creatures,
but his voice was as mild as doves,
and be soon convinced them that he was
their friend, and had come to convey
them to their homes in st. Louis.
The Marshal chartered twenty-six
wagons, and seated his passengers in
them. There were one hundred and
twenty-nine of the insane-eighty-six of
them females Two patients belonging
to this county we're too sick to be re-
moved. DR.. Edghes, the Superintend-
ent Of the State Insane Asylum, volun-
teered to accompany the patients, and
be was of great service in controlling
them on the road. Galloway was for.
merly noted for bushwhackers and bad
roads. The former have disappeared,
but the latter remain in all their glery.
On the way to the Missouri river two of
the wagons broke down, and were left
sticking in the mud as warning TO
travellers.
On coming in sight of the Missouri
river, the insane women went into hyste'
RIGS. They did not like the looks of the
muddy stream, and imagined that they
we're brought there to be drowned. Their
fears we're quieted, and the arrival of
Judges Long, Allen and Comrades had
soothing effect upon their nerves. On
the fsrryboat, however, they again be-
came alarmed and exhibited great terror
One woman was in the oct of jumping
overheard, when Judge Long seized her
and held her back. The woman fastened
her teeth upon the Judges arm, but the
muscle being hard, she could not tear a
piece out, aud so released her hold and
ouieted down, The women all took 8
fancy to Judge Allen, whose rosy com
plexion and glossy hair excited their ad-
miratiou. Judge Long was also favor
ite, and several of the women patted his
cheeks and exhibited q desire to bite
him.
AT ST. Aubert's the patients were trans
ferrsd to the cars. The novelty OF the
situation pleased the men, but the women
did nc, enjoy II, the clatter Of the wheels
drowned their voices. The train was
special one, and moved on smoothly. At
Hermann the train stopped, and Marshal
McFall took his patients and assistants
to Charley Whites to get dinner. Mr..
White furnished them with the best the