St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1876-03-31
Cruelty to Lunatics.

A TRAVELLERS VISIT TO A NORTH CARO-
| have heard that an article appeared
some time ago in one of the New York
papers headed MANS Inhumanity to
Man." On this same subject | propose
to write, for the purpose of laying be-
fore the public il few facts that should
awaken sympathy in the hearts of the
most hardened and callous of men. In
the Jail of Smithville, y. c.. are two
crazy men who have been in the closest
confinement for the past two years, suf-
terimg daily for the want of pure air
and proper nouriShment. These men |
am told, are kept in the Jail for lack
of ii better place of confinement. There
have been repeated acquisitions made
10y the County Commissioners to DIR.
Grisson, III the charge of the State asy
lum, with view to having the untor
tul atcs removed to more comfortable
quarters, but the asylum is so crowded
that there Is not room for any addition
al cases. Having occasion to visit
SmlthNllle Il very short time ago, my
curiosity led me to the Jail ut about the
hour that the prisoners get their break
fast; but | was IL little late, and did noI
see of what their breakfast consisted or
It's quantity. | met the jjailor at the
door with IL bucket. He told me to 20
in, and up on the second floor | would
see the two men that he in the mean-
time would get them some water. |
walked liz and mounted the narrow
stair that led to IL small room. When
had gone IL few steps the nauseatng
smell that ! encountered would have
driven me back had not become dou-
bly, curious to see if it WAS really posi-
ble for human being to live in such il
poisoned atmosphere. SO, placing my
handkerchief to my nose, finished the
ascent. and found myself III IA room
with two small holes, about the size of
mans head, barred across both ways
with rods of iron, which served for win
dows, and on either side of this small
room, opposite each other, were two
smaller cages, and liz each cage was
man. Yes, one of Gods creatures, and
not Il wild beast. aS should have he
lieNcd if | had not been told "that OH
the second floor YOU will find the two
men" My heart sickcned at the sight.
In the cage nearest where stood saw
hN the dim light IL dark form. on all
t"ur>, crawling, as | have often seen Il
restless panther. from side to side. |
stepped ii little nearer and discovered
the emaciated features of il MAJ.
whose long tangled hair hung in bunch
cs about his face and shoulders. | add
dressed Il few remarks to him. and his
replies proved his insanity beyond Il
doubt. | moved over to the other cage
expecting To meet with similar scene.
but was surprised to find il man. wan
and worn and melancholy. squattino
where the light came in most before ii
small bundle that judged to lie his
bed. picking the vermin from his rag
gcd clothes. asked him several uues-
tion>. hut he made no reply to them at
first. then moved my position where
| could watch his face and said, Lit
tie. for that Is his name. .'if you have
one particle OF sense left, answer my
questions, because | am anxious to do
something for YOU" He Immediately
turned his head and met my gaze. and
never before have | seen such plead
ing expression us his countenance wore.
He stretched out his long lean arm in
my direction until his bony fingers rest
ed on the lattice work of his cage. while
he stammcred hastily. well. >ir-well.
slr. VIII answer NOur questions and
will he glad if you can help me. He
told me that he WAS very cold. and i'll
truth II WAS Il bitter day. | asked him
if he got enough to eat , He replied
that sometimes he got enough. hut not
always. He wa> 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 We're perfectly IA
tlonal. and he does not REQUIRE such
close confinement. beg that the Will
mlngton papers make II note of this to
show the people of Brunswick county
what suffering is going on in their
midst. and how. 10y Il very little atten-
ti"n. much of it will be prevented.
MS interference may seem presumption
III one who is a comparative stranger in
those parts, but the real distress that |
found in these men made Il deem i'm
preston upon me. and | feel that il he
hoovc> us all aS Christian people to do
all IN "ur power to relieve our suffer
ing fellow men. and | truly hope that
this matter will receive immediate at
tcntlon.