The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1872-09-19
The LunatIc Asylum.

The following letter from DR.. Ensor, the
Superintendent OF the State Luuatic Asylum,
gives the result OF his visit to Charleston In
search of the means Of carrying on the in
stitution. individuals we're found ready and
willing to subscribe what sums they could
afford, but the banks did not feel warranted,
it seems, in lending money upon the sole
security OF warrants drawn upon an empty
Stats Treasury. Private subscriptions Dr.
Epsor declines to receive, but a way must
be found OF providing for the four hundred
helpless lunatics who, for months, have de-
pended for their subsistence and shelter
upon the benevolent aid OF the bankers and
merchants OF Columbia. The approprla-
ton made at the last session OF the Legls-
lature would cover all the wants OF the Asy-
lum. Thanks TO official extravaganza, the
taxes are exhausted and the Treasurer's
chronic cry is nc funds."i The money ap-
propriated to the Asylum aotU be paid in the
course Of the winter, and they who a
advances run no serious risk OF ultimate
loss. DR.. Ensor has contrived, through The
kindness OF a large-hearted Columbia mer-
chant, to obtain supplies Of provisions Tor
the ASYLUM as far as October 1. After that
time, the ~lunatics will he without bread to
eat, unless Charleston can help them. Co
lumbia has nobly done her part, and can 90
no more. One way-nf obtaining the means
required suggests itself. Two thousand or
three thousand dollars 10 money will carry
on the Asylum from October L to NoVem-
Der l. This money could doubtless be had
upon the security OF o Treasury warrant Tor
double the amount, with endorsed individual
notes as collateral security. Those who are
willing 10 subscribe o sum OF money can
surely endorse for o like sum. The manner
OF action, however, is immaterial. What we
desire to impress upon the Charleston pub
lie is that, unless two or three thousand dol
lars can be procured by the first day OF next
month, the inmates OF the Lunatic Asylum
must starve, or be turned out into the
streets:
CHARLESTON, 8. c., September II, 1872.
TO THE EDITOR OF TIE NEWS.
called on you this morning for the purpose
OF thanking you ior the kindly interest you
have taken In the cause Of the State Lunatic
Asylum, now under my care, In bringing ls
~-~
Charleston. 1 have been In Charleston two
days trying to ralsa money for tho Asylum.
I have met with O great deal of sympathy,
and several gentlemen have made an earnest
and sincere effort in our behalf, but, as yet,
have failed to obtain any money-the' difficult
ty being the want of confidence In State secur'
tiles, the only kind 1 can command as collate-
raj, The Banks have the money and are
ready TO lend 1t, but don't like the securi-
ties.
The sympathies of the people of Charleston
are 80 thoroughly awakened that have
reason to believe that I could raise ten thous-
and dollars by subscription In a lew days herei
that plan having been suggested, and a num-
Der OF subscriptions offered. But while lap
preclate the kindly motive that prompts this
offer on the part OF the citizens OF Charleston,
I could not accept any funds raised in this
way. The institution has assets amply sufi-
Client to pay all lis debts, and will apply them
to that end as soon as they are available. Be-
sides 1t would be an imposition on the people
to ask them 10 support the Asylum by private
contributions, when they have paid their
taxes for that purpose. Again thanking those
gentlemen who 80 kindly off,red 10 aid me,
Iremaln,
Very truly, yours,
J.F. ENsoR.