The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-03-18
ENTERTAINING LUNATICS.
Ora matic Performance for the In
mates OF the Lunatic Asylum on Black
WELLS Island.

mates Of the Lunatfc Asylum on Black
Wells Island.
With the view Of stimulating their weakened in
telects and to relieve the monotony OF their
dreary existence the Warden and Resident Ply
sician of the Lunatic Asylum on BlacKwels
Island, at regular intervals, provide pleasing en-
tertainments for some OF the more quiet Of the I'M
fortunates under their care. Yesterday was Sc
lected as the occasion of one Of these happy
events, which, with the assistance OF the members
Of the Charity Amateur Dramatic Association,
passed OF successfully, cheering for an hour or so
those who are compassionately known
as poor lunatics" Pavilion was arranged
for the requirements of the performance. stage
was constructed, and although little narrow, it
did very well under the circumstances. Thick
muslin divided the stage, as required and the
American nag did the double duty OF drop curtain
and establishment for that portion OF the room.
Artificial flowers decorated the ceiling and win
dows, and suspended just inside the main entrance
was the word welcome" tasteiully trimmed with
flowers and rosettes. A few minutes before three
O'Clock those selected from the 100 inmates to
the number oil $50 Iemaes walked from the asylum
through the drenching rain with serious mien,
and, without confusion, were seated waiting for
many knew not what The few guests from the
city, occupied reserved seats, and, While the
final preparations were being hurrledly made,
opportunity was given the visitors to scan the
audience,
ton, nor any other, has not had many opportuni-
ties 10 appear before is the reflection that passes
through the mind. Some were sewing, and sewing
with will, as If on every stitch depended life;
some picking ribbons that hung about their
necks and fastened to different portions OF their
Dress Others umbed with their hair and now and
then whispered confdentlaliy to their next neigh
Dor; many were stern, and with folded arms sat
erect as II they knew that this entertainment was
expressly for their benent and no levlty
would be tolerated; on the faces Of others
were ldiotic expressions, and more than
heads as If in prayer. Some were very young and
some very old; around the necks OF more than
one were rlnglets hanging in rich profuSlon, but
those with gray hairs outnumbered i've to one
their youthful companions. Now and then were
one OF whom showed great motherly affection
Tor companion nearly her own age, persisting
ingiy around her neck and drawing her
head down upon her shoulder as II she was
shielding the gray hairs from some impend
tress, and those you turned from with pain
at heart as they produced disagreeable impress.
that made you think That fate had indeed dealt
harshly with It's owner. She was not more than
nineteen, and, looking upon her, you were re-
fair, broad forehead, the delicate outline OF the
lower face, the tender lips and the color OF the
better fate than living death IN lunatc
asylum. The one fatal aaa point n was ner
ana you shrunk back from their impressive
look. Her voice was sweet and cheerful, for just
as Tue curtain was rullg up anu dIuoSt cNeIyoouy
was staring with wonder at the scene, she leaned
over to the Warden and asked, Ills this funeral,
Mr.. Allaire 20
The farce Of 'TThe Rough Diamondr opened the
entertainment and frequent bursts OF laughter
assured the officials Of the asylum and the visitors
that Margery and her natural ways, and the
toughest Of Cousin Joe's was appreciated. AS the
farce proceeded the more intelligent crowded the
aisle, and when at last Margery kissed, in right
royal fashion, her surprised husband, they clapped
their hands with dehght-that Is, some OF them
attested their appreciation OF the play in this man.
ner but she who stitching coarse towel stlll
stitched away, wholly unconscious Ok the surround
ings.
''Ihe Quiet Family followed and the trials and
tribulations OF Barnaby Bibbs and Mrs. Benjamin
Bi5ps made musical laughter bubble TO their throats
and sent the spark OF sanity for moment again 10
their eyes. Not a boisterous expression was USED
by any OF the audience, and when dismissed they
quietly walked out OF the building and through
tue rain back 10 their cherries home. The old
nurse she VINO looks ike one, still chung 10 ner
charge, and the sweet-faced girl trlpped gayy by
the side OF @ denented, brawny shouldered leiow,
making fun OF his green ribbons and the immense
rosette which ne wore upon his LETT breast.