Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-07-18

OIL the grounds OF the asylum whlle ma
ny, not capable CT enjoying this liberty,
are often seen in the carriages of the asy-
lum, enjoying, in winter and summer,
their rides.
That music, reading, dancing, and other
ailusements, with services Of n religious
character, are permitted there, is matter
so notorious TO visitors, and ought TO have
been TO the committee, that we are surpris-
ed at their insinuation that such things are
not there allowed.
That the insane are punished in the asy-
lum, with the knowledge or consent of the
superintendent, by cold water spout or te-
pid bath, no respectable citizen here be-
lieves, even if sworn TO by forty insane
witnesses, and endorsed by legislative
committee. There is no evidence of such
usage, except from Stockton aud similar
lunatics.
The alluson to the appointment of DIR.
Rockwell, senior, as examiner, is we'll
enough but the allegation that this ''open-
cd the door for fraud and chicanery upon
the part of some of the officers of the in
siitution," is an insult, wholly unwarrant-
ed by any evidence, and will fall harmless
at the feet of those at whom il is aimed.
Doctors Rockwell, father and son, Draper.
(who was there years ago., and others, their
assistants, are men of such character and
standing, wherever known, as not to be
particu larly honored by being called the
equals of any of their fellow citizens.
But DIR. Rockwelrs appointment iUos an
injudicious exercise of judicial authority,
because liable to abuse. Yet, such author
ity was less likely TO be misused by Dir.
II. than by many men who might have
held the power. His pure life and high
Christian characteristic kindness of heart
and unblemished life were the best assur-
.ance the Court could have that the power
granted would he carefully and faithfully
used. Hence, no doubt, the appointment.
And it is sufficient answer to the base in
situation, that there is no pretencc or proof
that the Doctor ever abused this power.
OF course, the committee are satisfied"
that "sane persons have been admitted to
the asylum. This may have occurred dur
ing the past thirty years, perhaps-but was
it on the occasion Of MoiJ visit? Or, do
they refer 10 the sane Stock ton and his era
zy associates, who have furnished the ma
teria for their report?
The committee really think there is much
TO commend in this asylum, after all And
they find the food not only plenty, but the
quality good, and that it is properly cook
ed and served. This is indeed charming!
Who would have thought that such men,
not wholly unknown TO the people of this
State, as Daniel Kellogg, Asa Reyes, N. Il.
Williston, Frederick Holbrook, Doctors
Rockwell, father and son, Drs. Draper,
| Tenney, and others equally respectable if
not as well known, should have furnished
good food in plenty for insane persons
And yet this matter Of course and well
known fact was giavely disputed by the
prosecutor ofthis investigating committee I!
1t is quite natural for some people TO meas
ure their neiehbors by themselves, but not
always fair or honest. But why the COM
mittee should vouch for the food is not Ca
silly discovered, especially as the insane
evidence is rather to the contrary. How
! ever, there is nothing like tickling the pal
| ates-of some folks.
Particular mention is made of new build
Jugs anu OtDcI uuu llo SOlc
| credi therefor awarded TO DIR. Draper. Far
| be it from us to detract in the least from
| his high character, private and public, nor
| from any praise justly his due. DR.. ID.
was, years ago, an assistant under DIR.
Rock well, and may have suggested some
| of the present improvements. But we
| know that these matters were decided up
on before DR.. d. assumed his present posi-
! ton, and believe that some credit therefor
| is due DR.. Rockwell, Jr.
The committee would have failed To per-
form the main object Of their creation, had
they neglected t." recommend the erection
of a State Asylum. Let us have it Ivy all
m cans but for the sake of the prosperity
of this town, don't locate ii in this region
And, if we may be allowed a suggestion,
we would recommend as proper superin-
tendent for the new asylum. that learned
and polite gentleman who found sane
| man in a crazy client! All such discover
ers should be rewarded.
Upon thu whole, the trustees and officers
of the V ermont asylum should be thank
ful or the result of this investigation. II
would indeed have been close work fol
their necks if the charges made and the ev-
idence of scores OF insane persons. had
been before some folks in the shape OF an
indictment! And they, 10 doubt, will be
truly thankful, if the State shall remove its
$50 patients, and commit them TO the care
of its own chosen officers. This done, the
Vermont Asylum can receive those from
abroad who pay for their keeping and care
and main tain its present high position as
one of the best conducted asylums in tht
country,