The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1874-06-11
A VIRGINIA CENTENNIAL.

TWAS under the charge of DR. James Calf,
and there were two patients DR.. Gait
and son and grandson were at the head
of the institution sixty-fve years. All
the stone steps, CRATES. and iron work
were brought from England. ~r,.
The centennial celebration of the asy
Ium occurred NeAember 10th, 1878, and
excited unusual attention, attracting men
of distinction from abroad. Governor
Walker presided on this interesting occa-
SION. He congratulated Virginia in HAYS
ing an insane asylum, frst, not only in
order of time. but first in the mode of
treatment He commended the foresight
of the fathers in thus early making pro-
vision for the loss of reason and for it's
restoration. Rev. DR.. Wilmur, of Will
liamsburg, delivered the address. He
wildly portrayed the different manner of
dealing with the insane now from that of
3 century ago They were then regard
ed as criminals rather than as diseased
sufferers. In every asylum they were
subjected to chains, darkness, and i'm
prisonment, without reference to cure.
In 1892, William luke, of the Society
of Friends, formed an asylum on new
principles. Irons were at once removed
from patients who yielded to argument
of tender treatment ha a
We have greatly advanced upon our
fathers, though there is still room
for improvement, no doubt. Our asylums
are comparatively pleasant. Light, airy
apartment, heated in tho best modern
way, without danger from fire, a good
table, with regular hours for sleep and
recreation. with every inducement to
labor, pictures, music, and lively books
with large beautiful grounds, shaded and
Astounding in flowers under high culture,
distinguish asylums of tie present day,
while a quiet, firm restraint aids in
every effort for self-government, and a
place is appointed for communion with
God. At least these things are aimed at
by honorable and conscientious physi-
clans, m s n
DR.. Charles Fl. Nichols, superintendent
of the government hospital for the in
sane at Washington, also president Of the
association of superintendent of Ameri-
can institution for the insane, made the
startling declaration that at least one in
five hundred is or becomes insane. A
person should no more be reproached. he
aid, for brain disease than for any
other.
DR.. Stribling, one of the most skilled
In his profession, congratulated the Will
liamsburg asylum on having for superin-
tendent DIR. B. r Brewer
As The centennial was closing, DIR. Brewer
felt compelled to admit that while this in
.stitution was the Oldest, it was by no means
the best He regretted to state that lis needs
are far beyond Its funds.
There is now at Williamsburg an imposing
pile of buildings rising from an area of many
acres with evergreens and floral beauties in
exquisite order The gay piumage OF pea
cocks and music of mocking. birds greet the
patients as they range over the grounds and
gather flowers at will. Liberty is the law
in its widest possibilities. Many of the
nearly three hundred patients are made uses
full in business. All the fruit and vegetables
are cultivated on the place with their help
In the laundry, which is on the new eteam
only two servants, about five thousand
pieces are washed every Monday and Tues
day, and the patients are theoretically en-
ployed in the ironing Que of the inmates,
a lady eighty-four years Of age, uses skill
full needle, sGd since last autumn has, alone.
completed sixty suits for men. One of the
Officers is cultivated lady, who daily In.
structs In the higher branches OF needle
wo.k. Persons Of refinement, who have snf.
fered from the war, are in many instaces EN-,
2loyed in the different wards, which are open
TO strangers at all hours, without exception ).
The matron, who has been eight years In
her position, unitcs executive qualities. once
supposed to be denied to the sex, with tact
and kindness that render her o favorlte with
every class. e6 A .esHMHuma .ealiFaU ss
The devotion and executive abilities OF Dr.
Brewer are equally marked in every part Of
the premises and it is the general opinion
of visitors that money was never expended
more economically or with more comfort.
The impoverishment Of Virginia 10 great.
and few Of the patients pay anything. Last
year, for this extensive establish ment, pa