The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-07-24
WEST VIRGINIA LETTER.
Special Correspondent Philadelphia sun
day Republic. .----
WrsrnN LEWIS 10 w Va

OEAR hhfUbLlIs
lines from the heart OF West Virginia,
where l have been sojourning or the
past few weeks, might be acceptable TO
few of YOUR resders I'm fact l might say
msoy) as we scarcely ever read letter
from this State, l thought l would give
a few items that are worthy OF mention
among them, and the leading one, Is the
great hospitality OF its citizens, which
must say is unbounded. in this place par
ticulsrly. Each and every house Is
open 10 receive. E-ch and every hand
is extended to q he hearty welcome,
and all seem vie With each other as TO
who shall you under the greatest
obligsii rs. - to the State and country
at lsrs.. consider West Virginia one
of the most beautiful and productive
States in the Union. LIS coal fields are
without end, Its forests OF cnestnuts asd
large timber are boundless, and It's
mountain ranges unparalleled, and Tor
its beauty of scenery aUd internal re-
sources for home consumption are with
out parallel in any cline. The noun
tains thst surround you in very clouds,
are clothed in folIage o. every hue and
tint. Upon some you, fin the grand and
stately forest, while upon others the
beautiful clover carpets the slope and
peak, which are dotted over by cattle OF
various kinds grazing, while here ana
there upon some besutliui Knoll or
mound YOU will observe the neat little
.arm house with its customary quota oil
half dozen little ones enjoying the cool
ing shade or dsbbling in the brooks.
The land throughout the major portion
OF this State is very good and very pro-
ductive; vegetables of all kinds are IN
abundance as we'll as every desert ption
OF. fruit, and l must say this is truly
Gland of milk and money" OF the two
latter ingredients oceans OF 1t can be
found.
The people throughout the farming
districts. as general thing, have but
little use tor money, seeming to live
within themselves and carry on an ex-
change of fruit, vegetables, wool and
tsbacco for clothes, yarn, groceries, etc.
They seem happy and contented. To re-
tire from the busy city to this quiet, har-
monious and delightful mountain coun-
try for few weeks seem to add new lie,
animation and strength TO ones over
taxed abilities while ~ home.
was much surprised 10 find this little
town Weston, whose population mum,
Der 1000 inhabitants, and located some
twenty-three miles from any railroad,
one of the most thriving, energetic busl-
ness places IN the State, and its iGhabI-
tsnts Intelligent, highly educated and
better informed than IN any place l have
visited with even Double their numbers
in population. They receive the princi-
pal New York, Pnilsdeipnis and Balti-
more papers daily, and the news is as
eagerly Sought for as by our bankers,
brokers and merchants OF the large cities
whose fortune depend upon the tide OF
battle and like events The energy dis
played by these people is worthy OF credit
snd emulation, and when once placed IN
direct intercourse with the outside world,
which they are now doing be construct
ing railroad and telegraph lines, (Which
are about completely, will stand second to
none in the country.
The State Insane Asylum Is located
here upon beautiful selected cite aL the
outskirts OF the town, fronting upon the
west fork of the Monongohelia river. The
grounds surrounding this institution are
spacious and artistically !Ald out IN walks,
drives and tower-gsrdenS, While several
fountains shoot forth their jets OF clear
cold water from the mountain springs, TO
cool the surrounding atmosphere or
quench the THIRST OF may OF the IT. mates
whose condition allow The use OF the
ground unattended. This institution Is
one of the largest, most msgnitiCeN. and
best appointed in the United States, and
ia under the management of Dr.. u. b.
Camden, whose skill rs q physi-!In, an
tirlng energy, kindness and faithful a..
tention, with the assistance OF DR.. a. ii.
Hunts, have won from the executive Off
Gers, Legislature and the whole State vt
lavge the highest encOmiuns OF praise.
The building Is constructed e. tiroly
from beautiful hard sandstone. quarried
upon the bank of the river. The build
ing, although not entirely competed,
presents a grand and imposing appear
ance, and when the two last wings,
which are now under construction, are
finished, the structure will be twelve
hundred and sixty.three feet In length.
The main or centre portion is surrounded
By q tower and clock, ami upon each
site are three wings. divided of or sp-
portioned TO the different stages or con-
dltlons of the patients. The whole
buildings is heated by steam, and sup.
piled with gas from the works imme-
pately within their own grounds. The
culinary and laundry departments are
separate from the main building, and
supplied with all the latest modern i'm.
provemepts. The engine house, laundry,
etc, although remote from the building
in case Of fire. are connected directly 10y
ana underground passage or tunnel
trough which, upon small car Is con
eyed the dshcs. food clothes, etc, to
their respective dumb walters connect
ing the different wards and apartments,
upon which everything 10 and from the
building is to supply the needs OF The in
mates, which number at the present
some four hundred and fifty patients to
crafty the within and iancies of whom
every conceivable amusement has been
provided such as billiards, bagstelle
tables, checker-hoards, chess, playing
cards, books, etc, N '%ct nothing left out
that vii afford pas: time 70 divert the
mind and also afford amUsements. AL
low me to say, in conclusion, q word in
regard to the manner in which it Is kept.
1t is, IN fact, g marvel o. cleanliness and
ueatness, and thoroughly ventilated from
top TO bottom; and visi: to an iUstitu.
tion, of this kind Is vast source of graft
hcation and pleasure, Us one Is not AS
sailed upon entering IL doors by that
nsuseating sterca that is 50 common in
institutions of this nature, and West
Virginia can be truly proud, and boast
OF one of fhe finest hospitals for the in
sane that every graced any land. Togeth-
-r with this extensive establishment and
several small manufactures, this little
town can also boast OF one of the finest
and largest wooden mills in the State,
owned by |. ii. Clifton X Son, enterpris-
ing and thorough-going II every res pect.