Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1879-04-03
Mans Inhun,nnity 10 Man.

Everybody will remember the eager
ness with which the Democrats, so soon
as they got into power in Ohio, rushed
for the control of the benevolent inStitu-
tions of the State. From the Insane
Asylums to the Reform School the cry
was "grab 'em. seize 'em, get en-" There
was supposed to be money in the busi-
ness, and the Democratic hosts, like
famished wolves, rushed for the spOils.
Old experienced officers, men of skill,
learning, and Christian character, wide
ly known for their benevOlence and hu-
manity, were at once turned out of
doors and Democratic politicians and
hungry Office hunters took their places.
No more care was observed in regard to
the claims of the patients and sufferers
in these institutions than if they had
been Arabs in the desert or soldiers at
the front fighting the rebellion. So long
as they could be made source of profit
they were useful, but otherwise of no
earthly moment.
From the time the Democrats took
possession of these institutions the air
has been filled with tales of mismanage-
ment, scandal, and cruelty. From the
Penitentiary to the Soldiers Home or
The Reform Farm, there has only been
one story of incompetency, folly, and
brutality. The people are indignant at
their shameful conduct, and the Demo-
cratic party has suffered lasting dis
grace al the hands of its own agents.
The recent report of Judge Estill and his
colleagues, strong Democrats. as to the
condition of the Longview Insane Asy-
lum at Cincinnati has aroused a feeling
Of indignation and apprehension on the
part of the public that is likely to break
forth in a storm of condemnation. If
the people of Ohio, without respect to
party, have any special pride about their
State, it is on account of its noble insti-
tutions of charity and benevolence.
They were founded by the early settlers
in spirit Of God-fearing humanity
free from all political thought of party
association. They have been tenderly
cared for by the people and all appropri-
ations for their advancement and useful
ness have been cheerfully paid as a debt
due the unfortunate and the distressed.
The report on the Longview Asylum
to the Legislature is well calculated to
make the blood boil with genuine indig-
nation. If true, the officers, whether
Democratic or Republican, should be
driven out of power and their names
made infamous. The loss of reason is
regarded as one of the most dreadful ca
lamities that can affiict our fellow NOR
tails. Guiltless of any wrong against so
ciety, victims of disease and misfortune,
the strong arm OF the law takes them
from the bosom of society for its neces-
sary protection, and shuts them within
the walls of prison. For them there is
no more human companionship. wife,
child, husband, or home. In majority
of cases when the walls of the prison
house once close upon the sufferer it be-
comes living tomb, and the sweet joys
of life are to be known and realized no
more. If ever human wreck deserved
sympathy, charity, kindness, or protee-
tiOn from injury, if ever the omnipotent
arm of the law was needed to throw
around a human being its sheltering care,
here Of all others does it make its most
appealing claim. And it seems almost
impossible that it should appeal in vain.
To injure, harass, persecute, or tyrannize
over an insane man or woman is the bus
mess of fiend 1t is pitiless, inhuman,
and hellish.
According to the report of Judge Es-
till the Lonview Asylum is the abode of