Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1877-07-21
INSANE .iSTLI W.

4 visitor TO thi, institution makes the fol-
lowing appeal in it, behalf through the New
Orleans Democrat, which we hope wili meet
with hearty response from all who feel able
and wiling to- contribute something 10 the
relief Of heir ml9rnatc fellow beings, ii II Is
never so little. 1t is shame To our State
that those who should receive the first and
most tender care of our government have
been 50 grossly neglected. The Insane Asy-
lum of Alabama Is one Of the most beautiful
and attractive spots in the State, and Is KEPT
in the mos, perfect order, while the patients
are supplied with everything tina, is calculated
to contribute to their health, comfort and pleas
ure or tend TO restore them, and It should I've
thus with al! similar institutions. We speak of
the Alabama asylum, because we have visited
il and know with what care il is kept, and
know what lovely place i, has been made
by both nature and art Can we not provide
lust such retreat for the insane of Louisiana;
| But here is the appeal, TO which we direct
the attention OF our readers:
JACKSON, La, June 2S, 1877.
| Editor Dcmordt-As a visiting guest Of
the Insane Asy um, and personally interested
in its welfare, have had ample opportunity
for ascertaining the immediate and absolute
need of its largest class OF patients, known as
beneticiares-as their expenses are supposed
to be entirely borne 10y the State.
This class numbers n; present SO on, o. a
total Of 1913 inmates. The legislative appro-
priation for their support and maintenance,
including salaries of officers, wages OF atien"
dants and all employees, amounts to only
$4,000, payable in State warrants, some OF
which have been sold Cor seventy cents,
while eighty-five is probably the highes
figure to be realized on future issues.
Now this appropriation, thus reduced, /:
barely sufficient TO purchase the necessary
supply of provisions; indeed would not bu
for the excellent and economical farm ant
> garden arrangements of the devoted supcrIn
tendent. No part of it can be properly di
verted to the purchase of even the necessary
: clothing OF these lS3 State patients; an(
hence tins
APPEAL,
/ (which earnestly make) that the charitable
e and christian people oc New Orleans AM
5 throughout the whole State shall contrbnt
II articles Of clorhing-even second-hand-o
/. materials that can be made up for the use @
t. the benefciaries.
II And earnestly invoke the aid of the pres
of the State, members of the police Jurics am
G ministers OF the gospel, to assist in securn
c the desired cont:ibutiuns Boxes and pack
e ages should be addressed to "Dr. J. Wells
II Jones, Jackson, La, care of w. S. Slaughte
d x Bro, Port Hickey" ID. L.
e p. SIN further explanation, ] will quo;
k an extract from the report of the supernter
d dent to the board of administrators for til
h month of June:
l. at is my duty to call your attention to tn
destitute condition of the inmates. For tn
period of nearly two years the asylum has nj
}. possessed the means Of supplying them ei,he
with clothing for their bodies or beds, and bl
e for the charitable donations of last winter
to state of perfect nudity would now exis
sr They need both upper and under garments
r. beds ard bed clothing"