New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-01-12

| ignorance, and determination not to be at.
isfed Is not easily dealt with or removed; but
| frankness, publicity, and patience are what w
| have right to expect. When case of alleged
maltreatment gets into the newspapers, it will
not do for the physician OF the establishment
| in which it is said to have occurred to treat
the matter either with loud or silent contempt.
lie may be angry, but the sooner he recovers
his equanimity and calmly sets forth the real
facts, the better for himself for his asylum, for
its inmates, and for the public.
Another case which may be here mentioned
shows the danger of premature discharge Of
the insane from custody. John e. Daudt,
lunatic, who believes himself to be the Savior.
was committed to the New-Jersey Asylum in
Trenton, in January, 1876. lie was as mad 40
possible, and with difficulty compelled to take
sufficient food. His daughter applied for his
release, and as his worst Authorizations appeared
TO be modified, the request was granted The
asylum authorities are now informed that he
has mysteriOusy disappeared. 1t is thought
that he may have committed suicide, under
the belief that "the Father" commanded it.
What comparison can there be between the
present anxiety and suspense Of this poor
mans daughter and the slight doubt which she
might feel of his personal comfort in the
asylum
We observe that certain philaDthropic gen.
tlemen in Brooklyn, whose names are guar
antee of the excellence and disinterestedness Of
their intentions, are concerning measures for
the establishment of an insane asylum in that
CITY upon an improved system. OF one or two
only of the particulars of the new plan are We
informed DR.. StOrrs, in an address to the
projectors on Monday evening, intimated that
the number of patients to be received would
be somewhat less than is common, and ex-
pressed the opinion that the asylums arc
usually too full-SOO, for instance, at Flatbush,
with only two physicians. DIR. Campbell sug-
gested that the proposed institution should be
called "The Hospital for Nervous Diseases"
"Then," he said, "writs would not be neces-
"sary for incipient cases." IL does not appear
to have occurred to DR.. Campbell that "wits"
are. or should be, q safeguard against abuses.
We should have great doubts of the desirablity
Of plan which permitted private persons TO
obtain for those in their care admission to
what, however it is called, will really be
lunatic asylum, to be treated for Nervous
Diseases" We are not, Of course, speaking
of those who voluntarily submit TO such GUS
tody and care; but how many nervously dis
eased would be in a situation to determine for
themselves the best course to be pursued
The plan proposed places the feebles and
cratic minded at the mercy of those who may
or may not be judiciOus or disiDterested. Some
process is necessary to prevent litigation; nor
can any asylum be long successfully carried on
which is constantly assailed by the writs of
habeas corpus. After the retreat has been set
afoot and reduced to good working order, it is
likely that the same troubles may be encOun-
tered by its managers which have annoyed and
embarrassed older institutions, and those who
are responsible for its good conduct may have
occasion to entreat the kindly and judicial con-
sideration of the community. For there
never was lunatic shut up yet who did not
fancy that he was unjustiiably treated, or who
failed to find somebody outside to agree with
him, unless, indeed, he CHANGED to be uninter-
mittently and furiOusly mad.