The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-02-10

crutch. i started to approach him. having
known him in other days
You'd better not" said the Superintendent,
catching my intention and my arm at the same
instant.
why mott"
You'd bctter not. that's ALL" said Gen. But
ler significantly; and Just then Morton looked
up from his crulch. and scowlod across the
courtyard at John sherman. with an expression
in his face which convinced me that the Super
tendcnt was right
The inmates had hoistcd FLAG in honor az
the day. and were making speeches. Ircgrct that
am not able TO report their remarks. which
were full Of patriotic sentiment. Twas particu-
larry impressed with the eloquent words OF old
Subsidy Pomeroy. who wcpt MS he pointed to the
flag and moved the following resolutions. which
were seconded by Schuyler Colfax and passed
unanimously:
R,Srci That the inmates Of this Retreat point with
thoir unwavering support in tho iuue the Govern.
h,ss,ei that ne purity Of institutions must be
R,aet That committee Of three he appointed 10 lay
the.e re,olqu9ns before Gen Bgier and t. ash at INC
OF this anniversary OF our national independence.
In the cheering which followed the reading Of
these resolutions, one old man-nearly IA old as
tho ccntenarian whom | had seen inside
swung his cap feebly. and shouted in trcmu-
lous voice: Plum dun Plum dun II any
snipc attempts TO haul down that flag. shoot him
on the wingl"
Gen. Butler gnve me meaning look. and
tapped his forehead without making any re-
mark. As we passed out OF the court yard into
the dormitory building. we came across soli-
tary Inmate sitting upon bench. lie held n
book in his hand. and was repeating over and
over these words:
"A verb must agrcc with its nominaive in
number and person. A verb must agree with
ts -"
When tho studious Inmate saw us. he looked
up eagerly. and said: "Will you hear mo now
in verbs. Gcnernl2'
Come. Logan" replied the Superintendent
put up your book and 20 out with the others.
It's u holiday. I'll hear you tomorrow"
"He has an idea" said Butler. as the dusky
student moved reluctantly away. that the only
cause Of his political failure was his weakness
in English grammar. and that. II he can once
master syntax. he will got back into the Senate.
| consider II u rcal kindness TO encourage him
in this belief. Bless YOU | am per feetly safe in
doing So"
THE inmates ere quito happy here" the SUI
pcrintcndcnt went On, as we entered the SPIT
cious dormitory. They trent each other afiably
as Il general thing. and if II political discus
sion becomes at all heated. onco in n
while happens. that small garden hose
yondcr ia equal to tho emergency. OF
course we are obliged to keep n careful watch
on kleptomAnne inmates like Colfax. Patterson.
Bclknap. and others. They are apt to appro-
pirate little articles belonging TO the institution
or to each other. secor Robson WIS caught a
day or two ago ransacking Hamilton Fish's
trunk. and although the ex-Secretary stouty
denied any evil intention. n cake OF Spanish
kaipnt,fpf, IN Eish ,vag f,uuI in
his pocket. Robeson is now locked up down
stairs and Parson Newman. our chaplain. ex-
horts him twice day"
What do you do with turbulent suhiects ~
I'VE are troubled with very few Down there.
at the end Of that corridor. where you sec the
grated door, is an iron barred apartment where
the unmanagcabe and violent are confined. l
don't think you want 10 visit it,"
As the General spoke. n pcal OF demonlnc
laughter rang through the corridor. and II
grnning visnge appeared at the gate. while the
owner saluted US with a yolley Of horribly pro-
fame and ribald abuse. WHO was thatf" l
asked, as We hnstened away.
The only occupants Of tho apartment for the
unmanageabe and violent at present said
Gen. Butler. "are Bob Ingcrsor formerly of
Peoria. and Zach Chandler OF Michigan"
Before go. General" l said. ." | should like
to 500"
Il know whom you mcan." interrupted the
Superintendent. and l am sorry that our
rules will not allow me TO oblige you. Mr..
Hayes is private patient. whose friends pay
his board. and he has a room 10 himself No
body visits him but myself and Carl Schurg.
who Is detailed 10 attend him. You see his
mental capital gave out. and he had 70 be put in
the hands of a re 'eivor But although a disap-
pointed and brokcn-down man. his heart con-
tinucs 20 bleed for the poor African"
thought that Gen. Butler winkcd Just then.
hut 1t is always hard TO speak with postiycncss
in regard to his ocular demonstrations.
We had reached the door Of the asylum. I
cordially thanked tho Superintendent for his
courtesy TO myself and my friend and also took
Occasion 10 commend the excellence of his ad-
minstratiCn.
II you write m account of your visit" he
said. as We shook hands. send several copies
of The SUN The poor fellows will be delighted
10 see their names in print once more"