New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-04-09
OUR MAD-HOUSE,

In this advanced age OF CIVILIZATION the
care Of the insane is popularity supposed
to be one of the most delicate charges
that can fall to the lot of mortal. ITO
heal again the wounded mind it is con-
ceded requires the exercise of the most
acute sympathies and keenest Judgment,
in addition to cheerful surroundings and
occupations which will tend to thorough
ly wean the afflicted from their especial
manias. Excepting the sympathy, which
in this case can be but pity, the unfor-
tunate demented, whose unhappy lot it is
to be under tie charge of the city govern
ment, experience a treatment the direst
opposite of what humanity accords them
as right. The division of that dreariest
Of dungeons, yclept the Parish Prison,
which is set apart as an insane asylum, is
such disgrace to New Orleans that her
people do not deserve success in the race
Of life so long as they permit its continu-
ance.
We record no new fact in making this
statement we are (sadly enough) aware.
Nor do we cast any especial blame upon
the present over prior municipal govern
ments who have permitted this horror to
exist unremedied. All are alike to blame
for the past; but for the future, on the
present officials alone must rest the odium
of failure to provide the relief so impera-
lively demanded
1t is needless to again describe the dull
Darkness of the prison house, where
timid idiots cover and tremble at the
wild violence Of frantic madmen. Another
feature of the existing system now par
ticularly demands attention. At the re-
quest Of one of our district judges, and
accompanied by several prominent gentle
men, an editor of the REPUBLICAN on
Sunday visited the Asylum to investigate
a charge which had been brought to his
notice, to wit: The incarceration of an
individual, claimed to be sane. without
due process Of law. The party in ques-
ment Of recorder, on single affidavit OF
an interested party, and without investiga-
ton Of commission i'll lunacy, sufficient
medical examination, or ever having been
brought to the bar of court. The soul
narrowing narratives OF the ou:rages per-
pe.rated in the private madhouses of
= Il,
pointed the pens Of the ablest novelists
and statesmen Of the time, show no grosser
of power than is charged
against our committing magistrates IN this
and other cases on the books Of our asy-
lums for the insane. An affidavit a cur
sorry examination, and any poor untortU-
nate who stands in the way of an inherit
ance Or any selfish scheme may be sum-
marily disposed of, provided no watcLful
pose between him and this living grave.
La the case particularly called to our notice,
the keeper said the victim had, during his
confinement Of more than year, never
displayed the least evidence Of insanity be-
yond love for algebra, geometry, etc.-a
OF the exact sciences consti-
.uting, it seems, a sufficient proof Of mad
ness. Judge Dib5le; on this statement,
md the insufficient commitment, deter
mined that habeas corpus should at once
ssue, and it is to be hoped thorough III
restigation will be entered into If so, the
'eports Of the proceedings in this court may
urnisl instructive and entertaining read
ng for the next few days.
Nor must the examination Of a single |
case suffice All who are now illegally |
leid should be released, or confined only |
lfter their inability to care for themselves |
properly is legally established. There is
40 plea or excuse that will Justify the ex-
srcise Of such unlimited and irresponsible
sower over the personal freedom of the |
;itizen as it appears the city officials have
oeen in the habit Of assuming. We again
'ay, let the investigation be thorough, and |
include every feature OF the system: but
lbove ali, let the Mayor and Administra-
ors provide suitable refuge for the poor
vretches now in this charnei-house with
,ut further delay.