Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-01-28

INMATES OF INSANE ASYLUMS OUT
SIDE THE PALE OF JUSTICE.


SIDE THE PALE OF JUSTICE.
Mr.. EDITOR: Will you please do me
the favor to publish the following extract
from my book, entitled, Modern Perse-
cution; or, Insane Asylums Unveiled"
since it demonstrates the justice and necss-
sity of establishing this post-office commun
ication, as defined in my bill, which is now
pending before Maine Legislature. This
bill not only gives to this Board Of Inspec-
tors this means of ferreting out Asylum
evils, but also the power to remedy them
in case the present established agencies
fail to do So
Mrs. Z. p. W. PACKARD
Augusta, Jan. 9th, 1874.
While suffering my three years false
Imprisonment for religious beliefin Jack
sonville Insane Asylum, Illinois, met Mr.
Wells of Chicago, whom found to be one
OF. the many asylum victims of cupidity and
malice, whose rising fame and popularity,
as editor and proprietor of a very popular
commercial paper in that city, stood in
the way of his less fortunate competitors
AT one of our dancing parties, | had
the satisfaction of meeting him, whom |
found upon acquaintance, to be man OF
pleasing address, offine talents, and pos
sessing great share of learning and in
telligence. While others were engaged
in dancing, we would oftentimes be con-
versing ON subjects Of common intarcsts
respecting the management Of the asylum.
There seemed to be a perfect coinci-
dence in our views in relation to this sub
ject, and we secretly agreed upon plan
of exposing it when we got out.
But he became victim of homesickness
to the highest degree, which caused his
DEATH
This long pent up Indignation would
sometimes vent itself in vehement Ian
guage. For example. one night at our
dance, inquired il he had heard from
his friends. He repliedin most vehement
and impressive manner:
Friends have no friends will
never have a friend again /. They have
been the curse Of my life Curse on all
the friends l ever had :"
"Mr. Wells, l can respond to this senti
ment, as can almost all others who have
been put here by their friends. 1t is in
deed now true, that "a mans foes are
doubt it, think if they were once put in
compelled to believe it, Miss Hall,
very smart young lady who had been here
for few weeks said:
'1f my friends can put me into such a
place as this, they cannot care anything
for me am knocked about as if l were
nothing but a dog am Miss Smiths mere
slave or brute. 1t is enough to drive ones
senses and intellect all away from US to be
treated as we are. Those who have estab-
lished such Institutions must be criminals
What can they mean, to let that saucy,
mean girl drive us about so ? And there il
no escape, no appeal from her impu
dence -
"And, Mr.. Wells, have you not ascer-
tanned that this is one Of the most promi-
nent features of the treatment we are sent
here to receiver They must make us feel
that we are utterly deserted, with no sort
of appeal, TO inspire in us reverence for
the despotic will which rules supreme
here"
"Despotic will There never lived
greater despot, than now lives in that
man." pointing to DR.. Mcfarland, who
was now approaching us. But we must
separate-the Doctor must not see US to-
gether."
Saying this, he arose and walked to an
other part of the hall. After the Doctor
left the hall, We resumed our conversation.
"Mr. Wells, have you suffered from Dr.
McFarland's tyranny, personally ?H
.Indeed have; l could now show the
deep ridges upon my limbs here, - placing
his hand upon his lower limbs, just above
his knees, ''marks Of the rope with which
| have been bound to the bed-rack in the
lowest ward.'
What! you bound with ropes! wha,
did they bind you for ?"
because insisted upon having my lit
tie poodle dog in my room for my amuse-
ment, and his safety. / had just paid three
dollars for it, intending to carry it as a
present to my little son at Chicago. But
being denied this solace, contrived to
evade the command to take it from me:
and finding it in the coal-bin, when l wa
out one day, managed to get it back, I'M
noticed, to my room.
.But alas ! this happiness soon terminal
ed; for orders soon came from headquar-
ers. that Mr.. Wells be put into the loves,
ward, and confined to the bed-rack, as
his penalty for this act of dsobedience.
| made every appeal possible to DR.. Nc
Farland to induce him to mitigate my SEN
tence but all in vain. | said, doctor,
you are father, can you not sympathise
with me in my desire to receive welcom
from my darling boy, and in return be-
stow upon him gilt which know will
delight him ? He made 10 reply what
ever, but turned away as ii he heard not
word said y
THAT is just as he treated me, although
physical abuse j have not suffered; yet,
what is worse, feel his iron grip upon
my every inalienable right-all, all are at
his bidding. subject wholly to his will
alone. Mr.. Wells, this is State Institu-
tion; can you tell me how such a despotism
could have taken root in Illinois soil ?''
Mrs. Packard, the people of Illinois
know nothing about this institution, except
through the Doctors one-sided reports.
He himself, has run the institution into
despotism, and now it is hard to convince
blinded public oft, as he has made them
feel that he is almost infallible. He is OF
| c,I ha hos cta tl.a