Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1871-07-27
LETTER FROM NASHVILLE.
NASHVILLE July 22. II
INSANE ASYITM

By request from friends at Jonesboro
this Doted Institution some six miles out
for the reception of those with the mind
diseased, was visited to-day. Approach
ing in view on the Murfersboro pike, one
may see belonging to the State a beauti-
full agricultural section, very slightly roll
ing, and in a high state Of cultivation,
e embracing some 600 acres or more, = hun
dred of which forms a woodland down in
front, meandered with numerous graveled
ways, studded with exotics; interpreted
with 6~sh-popds, grotestue grottoes and
clumps of bright flowers at regular inter
yals and all enclosed in substantial and
tasteful manner.
Then beyond, towering high above the
dark foliage of the trees and shrubbery
appears a castellated structure of mann
moth proportions, with gothic turrets
standing out boldly above the visible hor-
rison in the distance; and nearing this
the sound of plaintive uailing and singing
mixed with b~oisterous and bursts is waited
to the ear that, notwithstanding all the
surrounding display of taste and beauty
produces a thrill of horror; msniacs in
their lucid and raving intervals gathered
together from all parts of Tennessee.
THE MANAGES.
We found Drs. Callander and East at
the Threshold to be affable and courteous
young gentlemen who supervise the estab-
lishmeut, and readily informed u among
many other interesting matters that over
500 patients were now inmates. Many
sccessions having been recently made con-
sequent of wars troubles. a large proper
ton of whom were from L. Tenn.
Being conducted through the elaborate
building. conservatory and pleasure
grounds by an intelligent guide, we were
enabled to see for ourselves some fifty in
mates. These were leisurely lounging
generally on settees in the spacious csrri-
doris of the respective wards. which were
adorned with many paintings, and provid-
ed with conveniencies for sitting; while
opposite we're their sleeping apartments
looking clean and neat but simple.
Raving maniacs are excluded from the
general visitor, and the rules prevented
us from conversing even with those We
saw, who mostly seemed depressed in
spirits and shy. One however named
Mccullough from Z. Tenn, perhaps past
forty years, tall, commanding intellectual
countenance, and robust physique, he
paced the airy court rapidly and seemed
struggling with a giant opponent on some
perplexing problem ; now jesticulating
deprecatory then scorning with a scowl,
ever muttering inaudibly.
There are four compartment for the re-
ception of white and colored males, and
white and colored females; and to more
completely carry out this plan two new
wings are being finished attached to op-
posite fronts of the main building.
COOL AND WARM.
A steam engine is attached with a pro-
digious fan, whence pipes lead to every
apartment : and in winter hot air isforced
through keeping the entire premises to a
comfortable temperature while in sum-
mer cold stream of air accomplish the
same purpose most effectually.
CONSERVATORY.
Including the garden is perhaps the
most elaborate and tasteful to be found
in the South embracing a great variety
of most rare foliaged plants and tropical
fruits; as oranges, lemons, coffee, bananas.
pine apples ETC., all managed most skill
fully to fasinate the connoiseur of beauty,
while the farming is under another very
skillful head, producing apparently sufh-
cient supplies for home consumption.
SINGULAR CONTRAST
1t is strikingly singular in the past
management of this Institution belonging
to the State, whose inmates are helpless,
unproductive, and requiring many attend
ants to control the refractory, that while
the State penitentiary with convicts sent
thither for abject toll, has forced the
State to make large annual appropriations
for its maintenance, this Asylum has
hitherto been nearly selfsustaining. ex-
cept in making permanent improvements.
May this be attributed to the minor
supervision Of domestic economy or a
more fortunate selection Of honest and up
right managers? LAREBIL.