The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-02-18
CRUELTY TO LUNATICS.
A TRAvELLER's VISIT TO A NORTH CAROLYN.
JAns-A HORRIBLE CONFINEMENT

A TRAVELLERS VISIT TO A NORTH CAROLINA
JAns-A HORRIBLE CONFINEMENT.
To EDITOR OF TIE HERALD
have heard that an article appeared some time ago
in one OF the New York papers, headed "Mans Inhu-
manity to Man" On this subject propose TO
WRITE for the purpose laying before the public few
facts that should awaken sympathy in the hearts the
most hardened and callous of men, In the Jail of
smithvc, N O., are two crazy men who have been
in the closest confinement for the past years suffer-
ing daily for the want Of pure air and proper nourish
ment These men, am told arc kept in the Jail for
lack of better place of confinement There have
been repeated acquisitions made by the County
Commissioners TO DR.. Grisson, in charge of
the State asylum, with view to. having
the unfotunates removed comfortable quarters
but the asylum is crowded that there is not room
for any additional cases Having to visit Smith
vile very short time ago my curiosity led me to the
Jail at about the hour that the prisoners get their break
fast but / a little late, and did not see of what
their breakfast consisted it's quantity. / met the
Jaer al the door with bucket He told me to go in
and up the second floor would see the two men /;
that he in the meantime would get them some water
walked in and mounted the stair that led to
small room. When had gone few steps the nauseat-
ing smell that encountered would have driven me
IL was really possible for human being to
live in such poisoned atmosphere, So
|
the ascent and found myself in room with small
holes about the size of mans head barred across
both ways with rods of iron, which served for
dows and on either side Of this small room, opposite
each other, were two still smaller cages and in each
cage was man. Yes, one Of Gods creatures, and
a wild beast, / should have believed If had not
been told that the floor you will find the
two men," My heart sickened at the sight In the
cage nearest where stood by the dim light q
dark FORM all fours crawling have often seen
a restless panther, from side TO side. stepp little
nearer aud discovered The features of man
whose long tangled hair hung IN lunches about his
face and shoulders. addressed few remarks to him,
and his replies proved his insanity beyond doubt
moved over to the otner cage expecting to meet with
similar scene but was surprised 10 lind a man.
and worn and melancholy squattinR where the light
came IN most before small bundle that judged to be
his bed, picking the vermin from his ragged clothes
asked him several questions, but he made reply
them at first then moved my position where could
watch his face and said, Little for that his name
m you have one particle of sense left answer my ques
lions, because am anxious do something for you
He Immediately turned his head and my gaze,
never before have seen such pleading expression
his wore He stretched out his long lean
in my direction until his boBy fingers rested on
the lattice work OF his cage while he sammered has
ty, "Wel sr-wel, sir, / will your questions
and will be glad IT you can help me-" He told me that
he was very cold, and in truth IL was bitter day
asked HIM If he got enough to eat? He replied that
sometimes he got enough, but not always. he
very calm, and asked me TO explain the cause of what
he called his punishment Now TO me this man did
not seem crazy his answers TO my many questions
were perfectly RATIONAL and he does not require such
close confinement beg that the Wilmington papers
make note Of this TO show the people OF Brunswick
county what suffering Is going on in their midst, and
how, by very littR attention, much Of II will be pre-
vented. This interference may seem presumption in
ono who Is comparative stranger IN those parts but
the real distress that / found in these made
deep impression upon me, and feel that II bchoOvcs
US all as Christian people TO do an in our power 10 re-
heve our suffering fellow men, and truly hope that
this matter will receive immediate attention.
A TRAVELLER