Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1875-02-20

Of forty-two to nineteen the second read
ing, and was made the special order for
next Thursday.
LEGISLATIVE VISIT TO THE INSANE.
From our Special Correspondent
NASHVILLE, February 1S.-This af-
ternoOn was devoted by about half the
members Of the legislature to a visit to
the insane asylum, located some six
miles from Nashville, on the Murfrees.
borO pike. Three large 'busses and half
a dozen hacks were required for the
transportation of the party from the
city to the asylum, which was reached
about half.pSst two. Ia addition to the
members of the legislature, the party
embraced several prominent citizens of
Nashville, and members of the press.
We were received at the entrance of the
asylum by DR.. Collender, the popular
and efficient superintendent Of the Insti.
u-iOD, under whose management it has
been very successful.
THE MALE WARDS.
Upon entering the institution we were
allowed few moments for the removal
Of overcoats and wraps, and then, un-
der the guidance of DR.. John A. Beau
champ, were shown through all the
male wards and afforded an opportunity
to make thorough examination Of the
arrangements provided for the care of
the inmates-unfOrtunate in their terri
bic af1iiction, but fortunate in being un-
der such excellent care and surrounded
by 30 many pleasant things calculated
to minister to mind diseased" with,
in many instances, so salutary effect
that the patient is returned to home and
friends fully restored to health. Among
the inmates in this portion Of the build
ing, the Memphis delegation were spe-
cially interested in learning the condi-
ton of one who has occupied an envia-
bic position at the Memphis bar, while
his genial, social qualities and gentle
manly manners have caused his
company to be sought and val
ued highly by all who have
been brought in contact with
him. We found him in excellent spir-
its, hearty and genial rs of old, and de-
lighted with this opportunity of seeing
the faces and grasping the hands of those
he had known in happier days. Several
members Of the party found Old-time
acquaintance among the patients. One
gentleman from East Tennessee was
oyerhauled by one of the keepers, as the
former was clambering up stairs with
the arm of an individual who certainly
did not go out with us firmly locked
within his own. "Hold on, my friend,u
said the keeper; 1--WE don't allow the pa
tients TO pass from one ward to another,
and that man will have to come back"
The member from East Tennessee
stopped and explained: "He's an old
neighbor o. mine, and / thought I'd like
to be with him as much as / could while |
was here" and with that he reluctant !
ly released his "old neighbor," and the !
latter slowly returned to the apartment |
which is to him prison, and from which |
he was, with the cunning peculiar to his |
class, endeavoring to escape, aided by |
the child-like simplicity and confidence !
of his friend of other days.
THE FEMALE WARDS.
The male wards having been all visit !
ed and critically examined, we were con- |
Quoted to the south wing of the building, !
occupied by the female patients, where |
we were taken in charge by DR.. Addison |
East, a brother of Judge East, one of the |
from Davidson county; |
and here a similar inspection was made, |
every room, nook and Granny being Wis., |
tied, and all giving evidence of the most |
careful attention, the floors being pol /
ished like marble by constant securing, |
while not a speck of dirt was visible |
about the door or window-casIng, the |
tables or bedsteads. The patients occu- |
pied seats ranged along on either side of /
the spacious halls, comfortably and /
neatly clad, with here and there one /
with her hands and arms confined with |
in straight-jacket. The faces Of some |
OF these unfOrtunates were quite intelli- /
gent, but in others the fact that reason |
had been dethroned was stamped, alas |
too plainly. While the party were 1
visiting some of the rooms situated at |
the extreme end Of the hall on the |
first floor, took occasion to make in- |
quiries OF handsome, neatly-dressed |
young lady standing near the open door /
through which the visitors had passed |
into the hall, as to the effect of music |
upon the patients, one of whom was /
playing on piano at that moment, in |
an adjoining room. She replied that the |
effect Of music was usually of a sooth- /
ing, restraining character, ard then q /
pleasant conversation followed. Sud- |
denly she inquired, sis Mr.. H, Of |
East Tennessee, in your party?" / re- |
piled that / was unable to say, but that /
I had not seen him. 81 do hope that he 1
is" she exclaimed, "and that he'll take |
me home, for I do want to get out of 1
here so badly" Then was made aware
of the fact that this intelligent-looking
lady was not al attendant, as l had /
supposed, but was there under treatment, |
and the discovery was painful one. !