The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1874-09-17

LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE
The ceremony of laying the Corner
Stone of the State Hospital for the In
sane at Warren, came of last Thursday,
persuant to previous announcement.
The WarrenMaH says;
Gov. Hartranft and the Commission,
consisting of DR.. Curwcn, DR.. Corson
and Gen. Beaver, were present. DR..
Curwen, the Secretary, came two days
before, aud DR.. Corson, the Presid ent,
missing train, arrived late in the day.
They were all guests of Mr.. Sunderland
the Superintendent of construction, who
lives in the fine old Falconer house on
the farm near the new structure.
The day was fair but very hot and
dusty. The crowd in attendance ex-
ceeded all expectation, being variously
estimated from 5000 to 10000.
The Meadville band made fine music
for the occasion, and the Youngsville
band came with the delegation from
that place.
Soon after II order was restored in
the uneasy crowd by Marshal Parmlee
aud his assistants when Judge Brown,
Chairman of the Committee on Recep-
ton, introduced General Beaver to pre-
side in the absence of DR.. Corson, the
President Of the Commission. After an
appropriate prayer by Rev. w. A. Ran
kin, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church
in Warren, he made few brief and ap
propriate remarks inausurating the Ger
emonies of the day.
Then Gov. john F. Hartranft was
introduced and spoke briefly but appro-
priately, as follows:
GOVERNOR HARTRANFT's ADDRESS.
FELLOW CITIzENs:-We are here
to-day to lay the corner stone of new
hospital tor the insane. When this
structure has been completed it will
make the fourth edifice Of the kind
within the Commonwealth, the fourth
great monument OF her benefcence and
charity. Is there more fitting chan
mel through which the current of her
bounty and benevoleuce could flow;
No scientific or social problem has been
more perplexiug than the treatment and
care of the insane, and modern civiliza-
tion has given no more striking and no.
BILE manifestation than the earnestness
with which the world addresses itself to
the solution of this problem.
Pennsylvania, alive to her duty in
this regard, with unstinted hand has
given the means to erect these large and
commodious hospitals. No part of the
policy of the State has reflected more
honor upon her citizens than the munifi-
cent provision she has made for her in
sane, and it is satisfaction to know
that this bene6cence so creditable to her
mind and heart, has not been misap-
piled, and that much and permanent
good has been accomplished by this
charitable work.
We owe it to ourselves and to society
to see that no backward step is taken in
this humane purpose, and that whatever
skill and science can afford for the allie
walton and cure of insanity shall be pro-
cured. Bereft Of reason, unable to sup
port themselves, incapable of enjoyment,
and often inclined to frenzy aud vio-
tence, the helplessness of the insane ap-
peals to our sympathies, and public
safety demands they should not be left
unguarded.
Our presence here is an earnest of
our intention to prosecute still further
this great and good work, and l assure
you esteem it privilege to take Fart
in these proceedings, and to share with
you in the hope that the building that
will here rear its magnificent proportions
may be productive of great benefit to
the unfortunate class for whom it is
designed and that within its walls those
entrusted with the care of its inmates
will acquire such skill and information
in the treatment of the insane as may
be of service to humanity everywhere.
The Governor then stepped down on
the platform around the stone, applied
the level and Declared the stone level
and plumb. 1t is large square stone
on the Northeast or right hand corner
of the front entrance to the structure
The master-mason, under the direction
of the Architect, applied the mortar
with new silver trowel when the box
was placed in the cavity and the upper
part of the stone, laying on rollers, was
showed into place. The Governor ap-
piled the mallet to the four corners, and
the job was done.
Hon. Gleni W. Scoield, delivered an
able address on the occasion, which for
want of sDace we are forced to omit.