davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

eccentric people Of various grades in society
whom 1t is convenient to treat as insane, be-
sides not inconsiderable class OF persons
who attract attention and are sent into asy-
lums during temporary paroxysms OF de-
lirium resulting from physical disease, such
as the pucrperal state, and the arrangement
induced by excessive drinking. The pro-
portion OF patients belonging TO one or
other Of these classes has signally expanded
with the augmented opportunities OF gra-
tuitous reception In public establishments
Tho vast increase which OF late years has
taken place In the accommodation offered
by these institutions seems TO have tempted
the relatives OF harmless lunatics and suf-
fercrs from transient delirium TO shift the
burden OF care and maintenance on tho COM
munity at large. A careful analysis Of ad
missions shows the number OF patients
necdlessly abandoned to the mercics OF pub
lie officials TO be portentously large, and
goes far TO account for the apparent excess
in the augment Of insanity over the in
crease OF the population.
From these data the deduction is drawn
that organized charities, when carried out
on n great scale are no more fitted TO cope
being in each instance liable to encourage
what they were meant TO cure. Nor can it
be open to much doubt, whatever may be
said for the curative effects OF scquestration
in acute mania, that lunatic asylums are
delcterious to those who exhibit only mild
forms Of mental arrangement. Such patients
cannot fail to feel acutoly tho rupture OF
family and social ties, and the horror OF
forced companionship with confirmed luna
tics. As has often been pointed out, the as
ISOLATION Of n derangcd person day after
day with others similarly or more gricv-
ously affected and with scarcely any con-
tact with people of sound minds seems to
contradict the first principle of true psychic
logical medicine.
Dr. MORTIMER GRANvILLE Is led by his
study of this topic TO question very seriously
the propriety of the States undertaking the
function Of the alcnist. except in the case Of
insane paupcrs or criminals lie believes
that the interests of the community would
be better served after ALL by private asy-
lums, conducted on commercial principles,
subject, of course, TO rigorous supervision
calculated TO prevent abuses. And we OBJ
serve that the same ground has been taken
in papers lately read before several Of
the most distinguished medical societies
OF the United States. The query has been
pressed whether the commonwealth should
engage in the therapeutics ofinsanity, rather
than in the treatment OF any other disease.
The subject demands earnest attention. not
merely on account OF the millions Of dollars
spent in the erection Of asylums for the in
sane, but because there is reason TO believe
that many Of the unfortunate individuals
consigned to them would be better treated at
home than by incarceration in these huge
structures.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20
A Word TO our Democratic Contempo-
Taries.

Freedom OF discussion does not noces-
Barlly mean acrimonious denunclatlon. We
think there should be a full and fair canvass
Of the intrinsic and comparative fitness and
strength OF the several candidates for tho
Democratic nomination for President. But
is 1t not just as well to carry on the debate
In courteous terms as any other way
Denuncation and vituperation will hardly
add to the weight of the arguments TO DO
Rdduced for or against any candidate.
Reason and not passion should govern
the selection: so reason and not passion
should be appealed TO in canvassing the per-
sonal and political qualifications OF the can
didatcs.
When the nomination shall he ultimately
made, 1t will be very desirable that the en-
tire Democracy may fall into line in tho
enthusiastic support Of tho ticket. And it
will be wise to look out beforehand and rer
der rs little dirt eating necessary to be done
Rs possible.
A stitch in time saves nine, and word to
the wise Is sufficient.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20
Let Him Have His Public Receptions.

And now it is proposed in the New York
Legislature TO give Gen. GRANT public
reception on his return to this country.
Let Gen. GRANT have this reception. Let
him have one and many such. They will
act both ways. Some superficial persons
will be carried to his support by them. But
the great mass Of tho hard-handed yeo-
manry-the thinking and self-respecting
farmers and mechanics of the country who
constitute the great majority OF voters
dctest man-worship, and viii be more likely
TO vote against GRANT than they would be
If these receptions were not rendered TO him.
The movers in such proceedings will be
observed, generally, TO be among the blatant
politicians, the place seekers who hope TO
derive some personal advantage from an
carly manifestation in support OF Gen.
GRANT Such movements are by no means
the strongest evidence Of the tendency of
public sentiment. To pass resolutions and
to make speeches in favor of Gen. GRANT are
things much more easily done than to gain
for hirn an honest majority Of tho electoral
votes.
In regard to the public receptions to he
given to Gen. GRANT it may DO prudent in
those concerned in them TO boar IN mind the
recent wholesome decision Of Chief Justice
DURFEE OF Rhode Island, that it is exclu-
syely for those who dance to pay the
fiddler,
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

was never intended TO supersede the au-
thorlty Of the States, even in the matter OF
choosing the Federal Legislators. Those
who are familiar with tho debates in tho
Convention that framed that instrument, as
well as in the state Assemblies which dis
cusscd its acceptance, know well enough
the modest object and simple meaning OF
the clause. IL was inserted for no other
purpose than TO guard the Federal leglsla-
turo against extinction by tho nero refusal
or neglect OF the States to elect members.
On that ground alone the provision was de-
Tended, and was finally allowed to stand.
There was not n Fcdcralist then living, no
matter how devoted to contralizing theories,
who would have vcntured to assert any
wider significance for the provision quoted.
Certainly, had such a claim been made. the
clause In question would have been swiftly
stricken out. Otherwise more than one OF
the American Commonwealth, reluctant
enough ms 1t was 10 trammel their indepen-
dencc, would have stornly rejected the Fed
eral Constitution.
MCCRARY, member OF tho Fraudulent
Cabinet Of n Fraudulent President, is
singular person TO set himself up as an au-
thority on the electoral system.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20
Is Insanity Increasingi

Some remarkable statistics have lately
been published in London, which on their
face would indicate a sinister spread OF in
sanity among the British population. II
may be- however, that the increased returns
are partly explcable by growing tendency
TO shut up in asylums even the victims Of
harmless mania; and an active discussion
has sprung up among medical societies both
in England and the United States as TO tho
propriety OF such confinement for this class
OF patients. Whether mental disease really
tends 10 become more frequent in highly
civilized communities, and whether in many
cases ii is rather confirmed than checked by
asylum treatment, are certainly most inter-
estlng questions.
The new data may he compressed into n
few words. 1t appears that in round num-
bers rather under 27 900 persons were classed
as insane in 1915, whereas thirty years later
the total SO described was not far short Of
Gl,G00. These figures seem TO represent n
gain OF 1877 per cent. against an increment Of
less than 43 per cent. in the English popula-
ton daring the same period. BY series Of
somewhat elaborate but trustworthy cal
culations, DR.. MORTIMER GRANVILLE has
demonstrated that this apparent develop
ment of mental malades is explained to n
large extent by the accumulation in asylums
Of intractable patients, and that the mean
annual increase Of new cases which might
plnusibly lee attributed to the spread OF in
sanity is only about one and half per
cent. Even this rate Of augment Is omnous
enough; and it Is not surprising that efforts
are making to reYute the inference Of grad
ual decline in the mental soundness Of the
English people.
An investigation Of the public asylums in
and around London has revealed n tendency
TO crowd these institutions with q multi
tude OF imbecllo or slightly deranged per-
sons Of advanced age, who seem TO have
been sent there " die. With these are found
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

Of beer or ale, they would unquestlonably
enjoy better health and make moro money
II Is the casual drinking in the morning and
between meals, and the midnight dobauches,
that do tho mischief. There arc thousands
of fairly reputable men in New York who
arc never really sober.
II the gentlemen who are advocating mod
crate drinking can succeed in making IL I'M
fashionable to stand treat and swig spirits
at bars in the daytime, and can persuade
men to abiure cocktails altogether, they
will do good work.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

those who admired his talent. and soon conn
PEELED him to retire 10 his country house, where
his principal visitors wero wealthy Russians,
Englishmen. and Americans. who wanted to
buy canvas with Couture's name on it. Tho
best picture which ever came from his easel Is
probably his famous Falconer." though his
earlier sensational and sensual works may DO
more relished by tho multitude. His decora-
lions OF the chapel Of the Virgin at Saint Eus-
tacho may after ALL live longer than any other
OF his works. N, LIT
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

Statistics furnished to the Massachusetts
Board of Charities by the oycrseers of the poor
throughout the State indicate a decrease in the
number OF persons desiring aid. and in tho
amount OF money which cities and towns find 1t
necessary to expend in relieving the destitute.
The decrease. however is not in all parts OF the
State. In the prominent manufacturing cities
OF Fall River and Lawrence az likewise In
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

To THE EDITOR OF THE sUN-Sir: This out
cry against Mr. Field is all rubbish In honoring so
gallant man and loyal soldier as John Andre. he
honors himself Mr. Field has spent time enough in Eng
laud 90 know that the English Government Is the best
ana ireest on earth. and that that evil hour for
the people of this country in which they took W arms
against their sovereign pretty mess they have made
~ their boAsted tndepcniencel All sensible rva.
tive Americans of Nj Fields class see ami feel this
thoush they rarely have the courage IN itou this
side OF the Atlantic. Ru1K BRitANS1A
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20
An Engiishman Converted TO buddhism In
Il

The Mai Nich Shinbun is responsible for tho
accompanying paragraph;
IAN kngllshman. Mr. James. an employee Of the Navy
Department. has Tor long time been bcicNcrin the re-
heon Of Che Ntc Rem sect and he inquired ot the
priest Arn Nichshtsu the principles OF TINS faith. ana
lUcud ms having lost son. the funeral was held in
me temple OF MYokUku il tu SIlnaeawa, with the rites
and imposing ceremonies Of the Nltru Rem This ~
tie FIRST funeral of foreigner according 10 the rights of
the Buddhist faith that has taken place In this country
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20
vandnl. In wc..mln.ter Abbey.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SuN-Sr: In West
minister Abbey there is monument TO Major Andre and
on one face Of the base there IL haSreef repre- - ating
the Bnushcgs execution Among the figures repre sotcd
a. LOOKING upon the scene l. that OF Washington whose
al has been number OF times chlpped on hy Indignant
Brions II has been renewed several times IN pla -ter
but tile custodian has found IL diicult 10 ketp the he al
where II belongs In view Of this Is Nj Fields monu.
ment IN this country likely 70 escape harmf H.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir: reccn,y
saw an appeal to the citizens the United States Tor the
relief Of the negroes. who swarmins into Kansas
Now wish 10 suggest plan for tho relief of these moor
MrteheS Don't ask We de incto secretary of War for
ftri ~ the Mayor IT ksnsas city has done appea
10 the former managers of tie once Frrclnaus
Savings Bank, Win robbed them OF their patry savings
JUSTICE
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

To those possessed OF telescopes capable
OF bearing mggnifying power OF 80 dame
ters and upward. the sun is now an object Of
much interest Following the minimum spot
period, which eliminated last year. spots arc
beginning to appear on his disk with increas-
ing frequency. A very curious double cluster
OF spots was visible in the early part OF last
week. and until tho sun WAS obscured by the
clouds Of the last three or four days. strong
spyglass would show their existence. Observa-
tons on sun spots are tho more interesting
because 1t is pretty generally admitted by as
tronomers that their periods OF maximum and
minimum frequsn seem 10 have some sort OF
connection with our atmospheric conditions.
Amateur observers may add much 10 our
knowledge OF this curious subject by systematic
observations even with small telescopes. One
OF the simplest and pleasantest ways OF viewing
the sun with a mounted telescope land every
telescope used for such n purpose. no matter
how small should DO mounted in some wayl is
to darken tho room in which the observation is
made as much as possible. and then allow the
image OF the sun to be thrown from tho eye
piece upon a piece Of white paper. Every spot
will be visible as readily as by direct vision. and
with little ingenuity. and q pair OF diyiders.
It's dimensions can DO calculated with sufficient
accuracy for ordinary purposes. moro pic
turesquo effect may be produced by using a
diagonal piece. the essential part Of which Is
a totally rejecting prism. with which the image
may be thrown upon tho ceiling OF the room
where 1t will appear enormously magnined
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

The bound volume OF tho Manufacturer and
Builder ior 1874 the tenth issued to date is AZ fun AS its
predecessors have been OF Information and practical sug
gesuon We especially commend this publication to me.
chanies Of sudious and inventive turn who are ambi,
uous 70 raise themselves from the rankA
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

Ananimated personal controversy between
Messrs BLACKBURN. FRYE. ana MCKINLEY en-
livoned yesterdays proceedings in the House
the subject in dispute being Mr.. BLAcKBURN's
utterances in his speech upon the Army bill
Messrs. PRICE and STEELE also delivered
speeches upon tho political amendments at
tached 10 the Legislative A pnronriation bin.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

Gloucester. Lynn. and Worcester. a larger num-
Der Of persons received public aid last year than
in the previous year.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

The German Zeit,tnO OF Portland, Oregon,
in an enthusiastic article on the condition OF
that State. pronounccs il the most promising in
the Union, and ahead Of California, Texas. or
any other in solid and certain resources.
Laborcrs and artisans flnl steady employment
in the sawmils and fisheries. about the ship
ping and in building operations. Farmers find
the soil the most fertile in tho country, and,
while in California manufactures and trade
are ut n stand still and business failures occur
daily in its northern neighbor commerce. all
tho industries. agriculture. and stock rails
ing are said to be thriving in tho most
satisfactory manner. This difference tho lei
tItn0 explains by saying that in California capl-
talists become monopolists. or infame the COM
munity with vast stock gambling operations;
the moneyed men OF Oregon are satisfied to
follow just. legitimate and prudent methods of
business. which are sure to turn out we'll in tho
end and to contribute to the substantial prog
ross OF their State. To this desirable condition
OF things the Zeituno thinks the German
population OF Oregon have contributed
very largely. German tradesmen. artisans.
and farmers form an important factor In the in
dustrial force OF the State, and German capital
prudent. conservative. and trustworthy-is
largely engaged In the construction and opera
ton OF its steamboats,. railroads. and factories.
With constantly increasing tide Of German
immigration. the ZeHuno predicts that in time
this element will be the most important in tho
State. and will build up commonwealth there
blessed in tho highest degree with prosperity
and contcntment.
Whether the Zeit,nO be entirely correct or not
In the tribute IL pays to the Oregonan Germans.
the contrast between the 1ourishing condition
Of that State and the general stacnation ofaf1ars
in California is certainly remarkable
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

john I. DAVENPORT has the impudence TO
declare that PETER COLEMAN Is not citizen.
Yet this is the same PETER COLEMAN whose case
was made a test one before Judge BLATcHFoRD.
The Judge decided that he had boen natural
lied in precisely tho same way that had pre-
vailed for fifteen years in the Superior Court,
and promptly set him at liberty.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20

The announcement that tho Chinese Six
Companies Of San Francisco are getting appli-
cations from Mississippi and Louisiana. as also
from other Southern States. for Chinese labor
ers. is interesting. The Six Companies notify
all concerned that they can do nothing in the
promises, rs the importing Of laborers Is wholly
out Of their line OF business. But tho poorer
class Of Chinese immigrants in California are
not so we'll treated and happy that the promise
Of higher wages and better treatment in Louisi-
ana and Mississippi would be a matter OF indf-
ference TO them; and II. upon trial they found
the promise kept. tho news would not be long
In reaching China.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-11-21

sconsed in the big rocking.chair, sits
Mrs. Joslin. placidly at work on . tidy.
"Oh! you have got back, haven't
you. Jacob? I am DO glad You can't
think how lonely I have been. Won't
You come in and sit DOWN."
Jacob opened his capacious mouth
three times before he could find utter.
ance to the thoughts burning in his
manly breast. and then he blurted out -
Maria Matilda, what does this
nean?"
"What do You refer to ?" she asked
innocently. "Oh, the new things?
Why, I thought I would fix up things
q little while you was gone, for pleas
ant surprise to you On your return.
Don't the room look pretty9 You
know, dear, we are one, so I took oar
three hundred dollars that was in the
cupboard. Aren't You tired with your
long ride?"
Man could bear no more, and we are
sorry to say Jacob broke forth into a
perfect avalanche of words, and for
half an hour alternately scolded, threat
ened, and expostulated, while his wife
worked and rocked, hummed strain of
familiar tune, or yawned with seem
ing weariness.
At length she arose and said quietly,
but with meaning, as she laid aside her
work
Jacob Joslin, stop! Every word
you utter only lowers you in my est.
nation. In me you will not find an
humble slave, yielding with the most
implicit obedience to your tyranny
Whatever in future We need, we shall
have; and while you need no overseer
over your work, please to remember
that I will tolerate none over mine.
And now, if you are ready. we will
have tea"
Jacob followed her to the kitchen
with meekness very new and strange
to his usual character; but he, for
once, had found his equal, one that
would not acknowledge him as her
"lord "a stubborn vine that would
cling to the majestic (?) oak.
The neighbors talked it over among
themselves, and declared that it was
lust good enough for him." and if
report be true, we have the unspeak-
able comfort of knowing that poor ia.
cob's nose is held down to the matri-
monial grindstone with pleasing fidelity.
-Smith's Bazaar.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-11-21
What Makes the Difference :?

It is said that American children are
spoiled by over-indulgence, and are
consequently ill.behaved and bad man
nered but Japanese children, who are
treated with extraordinary Difference,
and made WASH deal of, are reputed to
be of the quietest and pleasantest.
Travellers in Japan say that nothing is
denied there to q child his or her
question receives ready answer from
the most silent, and his request is
granted by the most churlish. All per-
sons, in every grade of life, show little
folks uniform courtesy aud gentleness,
and why these do not take advantage of
this over.regard and tenderness, as they
do in the United States, is beyond ex-
PLANTATION, unless we admit there is a
marked difference in race. The Japan
ese mother, however, is far from being
so happy as her American sister. She
is so wholly subordinated to the child
as to be injured and degraded. The
father often beats her because the child
has fallen down or met with any acct
dent. She has only two functions in
his eyes-to bear children and enslave
herself for them after their birth. The
effect Of such superintendent care and
devotion is bad, too, upon the child,
who grows up without self.understand-
ing or self-reliance. Certainly, this is
not true of our offspring, and it is en-.
rious to observe what remarkable diff
ference is developed in the East and
West BY we'll nigh the same treatment.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-11-21
Detroit Currency.

Stanley doesn't feel at home outside
of Africs.
Feed your heus on sunAower seeds
and the meat will taste like prairie
chicken. This is not intended for old
hens.
The doctors will be busy for the next
two months attending to people who
have returned from their health getting
trips.
The boy who gets the most peanuts
for o cent is the one who is the best
satisfied that the fundamental princi
pies of this government are all right.
If you have wronged a man don't
hesitate to go to him and ask his for
giveness. II any one wrongs you, lick
him If you can and then wait for him
to ask your forgiveness.
Come to think of it, George Francis
Train is not only still alive, but has
again embarked in the newspaper bust
ness. He is, however, under control
and perfectly harmless.
A mud-turtle can neither fly, sing,
gallop, laugh, cry or go blackberrying.
and yet II they are let alone they get
along just as we'll as the young man who
tries to be funny at lawn party.
Man proposes but a mob disposes.
A tramp who threatened to burn the
town Of Cherry Valley. Idaho, was new
er more "off =" in his life. In twenty
minutes he was plumb up and down
from limb.
When great big watermelons sell in
New York for ten cents each the res.
taurants charge fifteen cents for a
slice comprising one-tenth of the melon.
Bankers and druggists don't pocket all
the profits.
Cyrus w. Fields habit of carrying
one hand under his coat-tails will get
him into trouble some day. Some man
will think Cyrus is after pistol, and
when man thinks that he works to get
the first " drop"
A man who has the cheek to put up
"bitters containing ninety parts cheap
whisky and the remainder dog-button,
and then advertise the stuff IS 50 friend
of temperance" would think nothing
of stealing red-hot lime kiln.
A Wisconsin Norwegian who cannot
speak English or read or write in his
own language has been elected JUS
tice of the peace. He knows his fail
ings, but will copy after the usual fash
ion Of deciding for the plaintiff.
Our government has some pity on
other governments. Instead of trying
to swamp England by claim of half q
million, America only asks for $103,
600, and will knock off ten or twelve
shillings from that if there is any growl-
ing.
Fifty years ago woman could carry
a travelling outfit in little brown paper
parcel, but now four trunks will hardly
hold the dress. Why is this ?-( New
York Express. What's baggage car
on train for? Do you think the wo.
men want to put railroads to all that
trouble for nothing?